Introduction and General Description

The San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado is a critical area for wetland restoration and migratory water birds. The valley is in an ancient lake bed approximately 100 miles long and 50 miles wide. Numerous large wetland complexes occur throughout the valley, supporting large concentrations of resident and migratory water birds. The Rio Grande River flows through the valley, and numerous small streams from surrounding mountains feed an immense aquifer. Agriculture, greasewood flats (Sarcobates spp.), wetlands, and riparian communities dominate the landscape. The Alamosa/Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge complex is the key wetland component within the valley. The Nature Conservancy, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and Ducks Unlimited also have large wetland protection efforts ongoing with the valley and the Partners program interfaces and supports those efforts.

The Colorado Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program began in the San Luis Valley in 1989. The Program was first designed to help alleviate avian cholera problems at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.  By creating waterfowl wintering sites away from the refuge, the refuge was able to manage for reduced waterfowl concentrations and significantly reduce cholera mortalities. Since then, wetland restoration for nesting and migrating water birds has been the primary focus, and over 10,000 wetland acres have been restored. An additional 8,000 acres of upland habitat have been managed through agreements.

Threats and Conservation Strategies

Development of resources including water, real estate, and agriculture are the primary threats to fish and wildlife resources in the San Luis Valley.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, in conjunction with our partners (Colorado Division of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, and private landowners), has embarked on an ambitious conservation effort in the San Luis Valley. Fee title purchase, easements, and restoration of public and private lands are the principle strategies. The Partners Program provides the private lands habitat restoration component of this approach. Contour terraces with water control, fencing and grazing management, and revegetation of native plant communities are the primary techniques Partners projects have used. The costs to restore wet meadow habitat range from $50-$200/acre.

Projects

Shallow Water Wetlands Shorebird Projects

.	Project site before
	Premium avocet nesting cover created by flooding the low spots with 2 inches of water while leaving the higher spots unflooded.

Partners

Partners for Fish and Wildlife efforts in the San Luis Valley are possible because of dedicated landowners, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Great Outdoors Colorado, Ducks Unlimited, North American Wetland Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and local water management and irrigation districts.

Accomplishments

Since inception of the Partners Program in the valley in 1989, 10,088 wetland acres, 8,999 acres of upland habitat, and 15 miles or riparian habitat have been restored and managed through 188 agreements.

Bison grazing project.

An example of a good marsh project--limited pen water, good interspersion of emergents, and excellent habitat for broods and aquatic insects.

Future Needs

In the San Luis Valley, restoration of additional shallow water wetlands for nesting and foraging is expected to remain a major focus. About 30,000 acres of wetlands could be restored in this Focus Area.

Riparian restoration projects need to increase in number and magnitude. In addition to assisting recovery of the Southwestern willow flycatcher, many other wildlife species will benefit. Over 150 miles of riparian habitat could be restored.

For more information, contact:

Corey Kanuckel
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
9383 El Rancho Lane
Alamosa, CO 81101
(719) 589-4021 X 1010
corey_kanuckel@fws.gov