PROJECT ABSTRACT
Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
(Cooperative Agreement # H1200-004-0002)
Park: Mesa Verde National Park
Project Title: Investigate the Embedded Cobble Concern in the Mancos River, Mesa
Verde National Park, Colorado
Funding Amount: $15,000 in budget, $14,975 cost estimate
CPCESU Partner Institution: Northern Arizona University
Principal Investigator (name, title, address, telephone, FAX, email):
Taylor Joyal
Visiting Instructor
Environmental Sciences
Office PS 116
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone 928-523-0361
Taylor.Joyal@NAU.EDU
Co-Investigator (name, title, address, telephone, FAX, email):
N/A
NPS Key Official (name, title, address, telephone, FAX, email):
George L. San Miguel
Natural Resource Manager
Mesa Verde National Park
PO Box 8
Mesa Verde CO 81330
970-529-5069
FAX-529-5071
George_San_Miguel@NPS.gov
Start Date: July 9, 2007
End Date: January 15, 2008
Abstract:
We have known that low flows and sedimentation have been a problem on the Mancos River
since the wildfire of 2000. However during a study commissioned by the local Mancos
Conservation District, it was Dr. Peter Stacey of the University of New Mexico who was first to
identify the possibly more long-term concern over this particular problem with persistent river
cobble embeddedness. Mesa Verde National Park seeks expert analysis of the Mancos River
embeddedness/cementation phenomenon before recommending any remedial actions, especially
intrusive ones that would require considerable environmental compliance, planning, and funding
sources before anything can take place.
Objectives
The investigator shall examine the condition in the Mancos River, confirm that ash is or is not the
main issue versus simply erosion of clay from the exposed slopes, conclude whether the stream is
truly cemented above and beyond the persistent embeddedness already confirmed, compare the
Mancos River condition to other documented occurrences, study the river’s hydrographical
history to reveal its natural flow regime, and propose what flood magnitudes and stream power
levels are available to rework the channel bed. Additionally, the investigator shall map the extent
of the condition inside the park using GPS. The investigator shall determine the need, nature, and
consequences of any possible remedial actions comparing the Mancos River with similar
examples of this condition elsewhere in the West. We need to know whether the slopes above the
river are still a confounding sedimentation source that must stabilize before natural recovery or
active remediation can take place. Mesa Verde National Park is looking for expert analysis with a
conclusion by the fall of 2007.
Deliverables:
Investigators will provide a progress report or draft final report no later than September 30, 2007
detailing the results of field investigation. Because this is a brief one-year project, a formal
Annual Accomplishment Report is not needed. The Final Completion Report is the only formal
report required. The progress report will be delivered to the attention of George L. San Miguel at:
Mesa Verde National Park Service, PO Box 8, Mesa Verde, CO 81330.
The final completion report will be delivered to the park under the requirements of the
cooperative agreement as deliverables listed below by January 15, 2008. Mesa Verde NP staff
will review draft reports. Any comments by NPS staff will be incorporated into the final reports.
The investigators also will complete the on-line Investigator's Annual Report as a condition of the
park’s required research permitting process.
1. The park and CPCESU would each receive at least two hard copies and the digital files (CDROM) of versions of the final report. The final report will be delivered to: George L. San
Miguel, Mesa Verde National Park Service, PO Box 8, Mesa Verde, CO 81330, and
NPS/CPCESU, Northern Arizona University, Box 5765, Attn. Regional Coordinator,
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5765.
2. ARCGIS shape file (point locations) showing all project records.
3. Photographs, graphs, and other products of this investigation.
List of Key Words:
watershed, clay, erosion, hydrogeology, sedimentology, post-fire effects, soil interactions