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;_:', . :,:' :,:::: ,,~:',:: '._' . -: ,.,' ~~ M_.,p:~ijeil, ra~I.D.a:on the ?:~ _ Q[(;Ultle' parl{, Eoloratlo Location: Project Site is located approximately 3/4 of a mile down stream from where Mesa County DS Road Crosses the Little Dolores River. (SE 1/4, See22, TI2S, R103W, Ute P. M.) Land Owner: Jay and Dori Van Loan P.O. Box 70 Glade Park, Colorado 87523 Phone (970) 241-2837 Objective: Improvement of the riparian condition through improved grazing management Directions: From Grand Junction travel west on Highway 340 to Monument Road, turn south to the top of the Colorado National Monument. Turn left on DS Road and travel approximately 13 miles to where DS Road crosses the Little Dolores River. The project site is located approximately 3/4 mile down stream from this point. All tours must have prior approval by the land owner and all gates must be kept closed. Goal: The project is designed to allow for better management of cattle grazing on riparian and upland pastures to improve riparian condition on the property. TelTestrial and aquatic habitat improvements along with development of a stable stream channel are of primary concern. These objects must be met while continuing to provide forage for the cattle operation. Method: In 1993 the one large pasture was fenced into three separate pastures. A combination of solar electric and wire fence was used to create one riparian and two upland pastures. A shallow well was dug on the first terrace above the riparian area and equipped with a solar pump to provide water to tanks in the upland pastures, this procedure allowed for the exclusion of cattle during the critical period at the end of the growing season. Results: As a result of changing the timing and duration of grazing at the ranch beginning in 1993, conditions in the riparian areas have steadily improved. Vegetative monitoring of the sites in 1998 demonstrated an increase in the density and diversity of wetland species within the riparian area. Before these grazing practices were implemented, willows were nonexistent in the riparian area. By 1998 willows had established along the riparian corridor and were regenerating. New growth (willow whips) were interspersed among the more mature willow shrubs and they appear to be regenerating. As a result of an 52 Driving Guide . Colorado Watershed - - ---- II . II II II II II II II II II II II II II II