PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #37: River and Riparian Restoration II.
Presiding: J. Berg
Tuesday, August 6. 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Mohave Meeting Room, TCC.

Four years of avian monitoring throughout restored areas on the lower Colorado River.

Shaffer, Teresa^*,1, ¹ Colorado River Indian Tribes, Parker, AZ

ABSTRACT- Project areas within the lower Colorado River floodplain were planted in 1996, 1997, and 1998 with the goal of producing native riparian habitat that would support endangered species, specifically the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extemis). Exotic species were removed, primarily Tamarix spp., prior to planting mesquites, cottonwood, willows, and saltbush. To assist in determining success of restoration, avian surveys were conducted within revegetated project areas in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 and on an untouched, saltcedar dominated site. A fifth site was added in 1999, adjacent to wetlands where water control structures were installed in 2000. Groundwater available to vegetation increased at this site. Surveys for endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher were conducted annually, culminating in migrant sightings in June 2001 within three of the sites.

KEY WORDS: lower Colorado River, Empidonax traillii, restoration