Oasis in the Desert: A Showcase of Collaborative Restoration along Wild and Scenic Fossil Creek, Arizona Elaine Nichols

¹Friends of the Verde River, Cottonwood, AZ, USA; ElaineN@verderiver.org
²Friends of the Verde River, Cottonwood, AZ, USA; TracyS@verderiver.org
³Friends of the Verde River, Cottonwood, AZ, USA; NancyS@verderiver.org

 

The Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition (VWRC) is a multi-stakeholder group made up of federal, tribal, and state agencies, private landowners, corporations, and non-profit organizations working together on a watershed-scale initiative to manage invasive plants and restore habitat. Since the inception of VWRC in 2009, Friends of the Verde River and VWRC partners have conducted habitat restoration projects on over 40 miles of streamside habitat on both public and private lands. This presentation will showcase watershed restoration work completed by a multi-stakeholder group along Wild and Scenic Fossil Creek in Arizona. Fossil Creek is a heavily used recreation area with lush riparian habitat. Field crews focus on treating four primary woody invasive species: saltcedar (Tamarix spp.), giant reed (Arundo donax), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). Additional projects include vegetation monitoring, erosion control measures, human waste management, and trail improvement. This presentation will discuss the challenges that arise when implementing watershed improvement projects in remote, high-use areas, and adjacent wilderness.