Rock Erosion Control Structures to Improve Perennial and Ephemeral Riparian Habitat
Channel: Conservation and Adaptation Resources Toolbox
Date: 23/05/2022

Presented by Laura Norman, U.S. Geological Survey, and Tess Wagner, Borderlands Restoration Network (BRN)

May 19, 2022

Tess Wagner discusses BRN's work that combines hands-on learning with watershed restoration in the ecologically and culturally rich tri-national borderlands of Arizona, Sonora, and the Tohono O'odham Nation. BRN installs in-channel rock and wood erosion control structures coupled with revegetation efforts using wild-collected seed. This work enhances wildlife habitat, reduces erosion, restores flows of water across the landscape, and strengthens the relationship between communities and the landscapes they call home who are engaged through paid employment, internships, workshops, and volunteer events.

Laura Norman discusses the USGS Aridlands Water Harvesting Study that analyzes the impacts of rock detention structures in arid and semi-arid watersheds. Efficacy is documented through research at multiple sites, as a nature-based solution that can restore dry riparian channels. Results are compared with other natural infrastructure studies in the western U.S., including beaver dams and their analogs. This presentation summarizes how natural infrastructure in dryland streams can support adaptation to, and protection from, climate-related disturbances and stressors, such as drought, water shortages, flooding, heatwaves, dust storms, wildfire, biodiversity losses, and food insecurity.

00:02:50 Laura's presentation
00:23:22 Tess' presentation
00:54:06 Discussion

Visit CCAST for Case Studies on erosion control: https://usbr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/FilterGallery/index.html?appid=761be1aed0bf4f5e9a65f2e62761dcdf&tags=erosion