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River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (RERI)

River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (RERI). New Mexico Environment Department Surface Water Quality Bureau Karen Menetrey. RERI Funding. Governor Richardson’s 2007 “Year of Water” Goals and objectives developed by stakeholders in January 2007

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River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (RERI)

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  1. River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (RERI) New Mexico Environment Department Surface Water Quality Bureau Karen Menetrey

  2. RERI Funding • Governor Richardson’s 2007 “Year of Water” • Goals and objectives developed by stakeholders in January 2007 • $2.5 million appropriated in 2007 (Governor’s capital outlay funds) • $2.8 million appropriated in 2008 (severance tax bonds)

  3. RERI Goal • To fund projects that restore instream ecosystem function and watershed health. • Primarily physical projects • Planning, design, permitting, education, outreach, monitoring costs funded if integral to a physical project.

  4. RERI Administrative Process • RFP issued spring 2007 and 2008 • 25-30 proposals received • Multi-agency Evaluation Committee: NMED, NMG&F, NMEMNRD (Forestry Division), NMDA, ISC, USACE, NMSU • Finalists selected by Governor’s Office • 12 projects in 2007 • 15 projects in 2008

  5. RERI Objectives/Project Selection Criteria • Physical project addressing instream ecosystem function and watershed health • Clear objectives and measurable outcomes • Maximizes biological diversity • Community support/partnerships • Pre-and post-project monitoring • Long term stewardship • Education and outreach plan • Leverages other funding/Links to an existing project

  6. Typical Elements of an RERI Project • Removing/changing manmade structures • Constructing erosion control and instream structures • Removing non-native vegetation • Planting native riparian vegetation • Fencing out livestock & large wildlife from new plantings • Providing other water sources

  7. Gila River- The Nature Conservancy Installing a piezometer to measure ground water level Planting willows in the floodplain

  8. Rio Puerco- Wild Earth Guardians Stream Team Volunteers plant willows, cottonwoods, other riparian species on a point bar John Horning, Wild Earth Guardians, directs volunteers

  9. Galisteo Creek- Earth Works Institute One rock dams for erosion control Earthmoving to reinstate a meander

  10. Lower Pecos River at Bitter Lake NWR Paul Tashjian, USFWS biologist directs baseline flow measurements and nets fish with Venture Scouts and 4-H club members

  11. RERI Challenges • Capital outlay limits funding uses • Funding not directly to NMED • Funding may not be recurring • Difficult to show and attribute results in a short period

  12. Restoration Results Take Time Newly planted cottonwood poles on the Rio Puerco compared to an older cottonwood tree

  13. RERI Successes • Tremendous interest and response • Interagency cooperation (evaluation process) • Integrative projects • Education and Outreach (adults and youth) • Promotes creative partnerships • Some 2007 projects nearly completed

  14. Timeframe for Completion and Updating of RERI • Four year contracts • Current RERI cycle completed by 2012 • Ongoing discussions with stakeholders about RERI’s future

  15. For RERI information:www.nmenv.state.nm.us/SWQB/RERIKaren Menetrey (505) 827-0194

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