NPS
PROJECT SUMMARY
Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Cooperative Agreement Modification
FUNDING AGENCY: National Park Service
MODIFICATION NO.: [CESU info only]
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO.:
04-0002
H1200-
FUNDING AMOUNT: $105,000 Phase III
INVESTIGATORS’ Contact Information: 1) David J. Cooper, Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship, Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO 80523, 970-491-5430. 2) Ellen Wohl, Geological Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, 970-491-5298
PROJECT TITLE: Developing concepts for stream channel and floodplain restoration at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona:
An adaptive management approach
EFFECTIVE DATES: July 17, 2006 -December 30, 2007
PROJECT ABSTRACT: The goal of this three-year project is to identify the most suitable approach for restoring degraded stream channels,
floodplain characteristics and riparian vegetation in Canyon de Chelly National Monument (CACH). The project has three specific objectives: (1)
analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of exotic woody plant invasion and associated changes in channel/floodplain geomorphology in the
monument’s two main canyon systems (de Chelly and del Muerto); (2) implement pilot exotic plant removal projects on 5 separate stream reaches in
the two canyon systems, which includes two different methods of plant removal in each reach; and (3) assess the effects of each method on
channel/floodplain morphology and riparian vegetation, relative to untreated controls. Tamarisk and Russian olive would be removed from at least
50 acres of canyon bottom as part of the study. While methods for killing tamarisk are generally well known, there is no information on the effects of
different tamarisk control methods on stream channels, floodplain morphology and riparian restoration. The proposed study will allow park
managers and project partners to determine the effects of two methods of removing large and/or dense areas of the invasive tamarisk and Russian
olive on: (1) overall canyon hydrologic regimes; (2) channel/floodplain geomorphic processes (channel incision or aggradation, bank erosion,
floodplain development); and (3) restoration potential for degraded stream channels and native riparian plant communities. The results of this
project will allow park staff to develop a scientifically-based adaptive management approach to tamarisk and Russian olive removal, cultural
resource preservation, and overall riparian restoration within the canyon bottoms of Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Rates of vertical change
of alluvial terrace sediment will be estimated from radiocarbon dating sediment layers within remnant alluvial terraces. The upper two terraces in
Canyon de Chelly will be targeted for this portion of the project. Soil will be removed from the vertical face of a terrace to create a column of
exposed subsurface sediments. The stratigraphy of the column will be characterized and charcoal samples will be taken in the stratigraphic layer
closest to the top and bottom of the terrace in order to best estimate the age of the entire terrace. The current rate of incision (or aggradation) can be
determined through a combination of direct and indirect measurements. MS research associated with this project and conducted by Dan Cadol will
evaluate channel change and exotic vegetation establishment using an aerial photograph record that extends over the past 70 years. Results from this
analysis will be useful in estimating a volumetric quantity of sediment leaving the system over the time period of analysis to indirectly determine a
rate of vertical change. Estimates of current sedimentation rates repeat elevation surveys of channel cross sections to calculate volume of sediment
leaving the system. The current and long term rates can then be compared. Testing of this hypothesis will be limited by the resolution of the
geochronology for dating terrace sediments and determining background rates of incision and aggradation.
Agency Representative:
Ron Hiebert, NPS
Research Coordinator
CPCESU
Northern Arizona University
P.O. Box 5765
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5765
Tel: (928) 523-0877
Fax: (928) 523-8223
Ron.Hiebert@nau.edu
Agency Administration
Representative
Lynell Wright
Budget Analyst
Intermountain Region – Budget &
Finance
P.O. Box 25287
12795 W. Alameda Parkway
Denver, CO 80225-0287
Tel: (303) 969-2654
Fax: (303) 969-2794
Lynell_Wright@nps.gov
Investigators:
David J. Cooper, Department of
Forest, Rangeland and
Watershed Stewardship,
Colorado State University, Fort
Collins, CO 80523, 970-4915430.
Partner Admin. Contact:
Carmen Morales, Sponsored
Programs, Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, CO
80523, 970-491-6684
Ellen Wohl, Geological
Sciences, Colorado State
University, Fort Collins, CO
80523, 970-491-5298
List of Key Words: [Insert key words – list available under “Project Planning” at http://cpcesu.nau.edu]
Exotics, Invasives, Floodplain, Riparian
Key Official from National Park - Include contact information @ Specific Park or NPS Office:
1) Elaine Leslie, Asst. Superintendent, Canyon de Chelly National Monument 928) 674-500 x225,
2) Joel Wagner, Water Resources Division, NPS/WASO 303-969-2955
Annual Report Received:
Final Report Received:
Publications on File:
This Modification is subject to all the provisions included in the Cooperative Agreement, dated 6/18/04.
Attach any supporting material as necessary.