Post-Fire Restoration
Restoring the lands and waterways that have been ravaged by wildfires in New Mexico
Post-Fire Restoration Projects
Watershed Project Implementation for Upper Gallinas River and Porvenir Creek -Phase IV
The aim of this project was to reduce the threat of potential water quality impairments on the Upper Gallinas River and Porvenir Creek and to prevent debris flows affecting downstream communities as a consequence of the Spring 2022, Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon Fire. We constructed site appropriate drainage structures in ephemeral/intermittent channels in partnership with the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance and local landowners. Structures were made with local materials (rocks or logs), and secured in place using high-tensile organic rope to prevent mobilization during high flows. Structure types included secured large woody debris structures, log mats, one-rock-dams, run-downs, and Zuni Bowls.Contour felling was conducted on the uplands to reduce erosional risks in high-severity areas where 100% of the canopy was burned. Several high flows occurred after the implementation began, and the in-channel structures functioned as designed, catching significant amounts of debris and sediment.

Philmont Boyscout Ranch
Ute Park Watershed

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Read About Our Other Restoration Projects
Candelaria Nature Preserve
Turning Historic Farmland into Habitat for the Future Rio Grande Return is working with Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District and the City of...
Casa San Ysidro Heritage Field
The 2.38 acre Casa San Ysidro Heritage Field is dedicated to preserving agricultural heritage of the area and expanding educational programming and community involvement.
Wildland Seed Harvest
Access to locally-adapted, climate-ready seeds is very limited throughout New Mexico, so Rio Grande Return started a collaborative Wildland Seed Harvesting Program.