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... ~ d;, ~ ... '~.;:,.1', ''''IlIN''J....t :4:;,c' i"'~ f2,' . '. I ( _~~'''''ll{''f.~~':-/~;>W:''~~"'~"%-'c~I'4.' 1: -< i" I " ! " - ,L:'l....I.... . ~,~",'~A :L _ ~ . ~~~ "" . I I ~ ~ Location: Situated northwest of Meeker, Colorado. This 46,000-acre watershed runs from the Moffat/Rio Blanco County line to the White River just west of Meeker. Land Owners: James H. Walma Buffalo Horn Ranch (970) 878-5450 Restoration Objectives: Watershed management through proper grazing use and riparian improvements. Description: Historically, the Strawberry Creek watershed was used to trans- port large herds of cattle north. Over time, the area became the focus of numerous homesteads. Overuse led to serious degradation of the valley and riparian corri- dors of the Strawberry Creek watershed. The rich valley deteriorated and gullies 10 to 30 feet deep formed. These gullies caused the water table to lower, which resulted in replacement of the lush grasses by cheatgrass and other less desirable species. The ranchers began to implement conservation measures in the degraded areas. In 1989, the Soil Conservation Service initiated a program to target restora- tion of the riparian corridors. The program was expanded to treat the total water- shed resource by assisting landowners in improving riparian areas, and vegetation management. Directions: All tours must have prior approval from landowners. Call for directions. Goals: The project goal is to achieve proper management of the land uses within the watershed while restoring and improving the riparian resource and stabilizing stream erosion. Methods: Over the past four years, approximately 20,000 willow cuttings and some cottonwood poles have been planted throughout the watershed. During this period a demonstration area has also been installed at two sites to control stream erosion problems. Low cost debris and sediment retention structures (con- structed of woven wire, cable, steel posts, hay, and native materials) have been used to stabilize channel head cuts and aid in filling eroding stream areas. Additional treatments implemented in the watershed include: cross fencing, development of alternative water sources for wildlife and livestock, application of grazing systems, and brush management. The majority of cropland tields have been planted back to permanent vegetative cover. 48 Driving Guide . Colorado Watershed -- II II II II II II II II II II - II II II II II