Refuge Happenings
Refuge Issues
Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds are
the largest long term biological threat to Monte Vista and Alamosa National
Wildlife Refuges. Tall whitetop (Lepidium
latifolium) is the most problematic of several species. It thrives in saline,
moist soils but has demonstrated incredible adaptability by infesting a
wide variety of wetlands and upland sites, frequently out competing native
vegetation
favored by wildlife. Control measures in the San Luis Valley are limited
to marginally effective herbicides, water management, use of livestock
and other combinations of management treatments. This plant appears to
flourish
in wetlands that receive rest from regular removal of vegetation. Consequently
the practice of extended rest that is beneficial to ground nesting birds
in the short term can be a source of friction between refuge management,
neighboring landowners and county weed boards.
Drought and Water Management
The San Luis Valley has recently experienced the driest period in recorded
history, impacting all facets of refuge management.
2002 and 2003 provided the lowest duck production since establishment of
Monte Vista NWR in 1952. Refuge water management during this drought has
emphasized minimal use of groundwater while maintaining some nesting and
migration habitat.
Colorado Wetlands Program
This
program was established by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in 1996.
At the state level this partnership is represented
by Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, Great Outdoors
Colorado, Ducks Unlimited and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service=s Partners
for Fish
and Wildlife Program. This program established 11 wetland focus areas across
the state. The San Luis Valley Wetlands Focus Area has been very successful
bringing in over $5 million in grants from sources such as the North American
Wetlands Conservation Act, Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, Colorado
State Duck Stamp Program, Ducks Unlimited and American Farmland Trust.
Projects
funded have included extensive wetland restoration, and habitat protection.
The two national wildlife refuges and Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
in the San Luis Valley have benefited by receiving over $2 million through
this program.
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus has been identified on Alamosa National
Wildlife Refuge. We are working with the Alamosa Mosquito Control District
to plan mosquito control measures to lessen threats to human health and safety,
consistent with Fish and Wildlife Service policy.
