Lincoln National Forest

On Friday, September 18, 2020, I visited Larry Cordova, US Forest Service wildlife biologist in Ruidosa. Larry gave me a tour of four regions in Lincoln National Forest near Ruidosa that are under active stream restoration projects. Three of the projects are focused on stream and vegetation repair in the aftermath of the 44000 acre Little Bear fire in 2012. The fourth project, in the Big Bear region, is establishing a test laboratory over about a 10 acre area along Big Bear creek to study how to re-establish young growth of Aspen and Willow and to slow stream flow to expand wetland areas.

The first area visited was the Philadelphia wetland.  In a parking lot near the turn off for the area, we met Brian Truit of the US Forest Service.  Brian is very active in planning and grant writing for several large projects in Lincoln National Forest. He is  doing some nice work and is very engaging. He expressed interest in working with TU and other organizations to strengthen the rationale of proposed grants and soliciting volunteer help with the projects.  We will want to offer our assistance in his efforts.

 The Philadelphia area was a beautiful hiking area before the fire, with the small Philadelphia creek meandering through mountain meadows forested with Ponderosa and fir.  Of particular distinction was a grove a mature Arizona walnut trees, surrounding a small spring fed pond. The trees were killed by the fire and the spring pond contaminated with ash. All that remains are the large skeleton trunks of these magnificent trees. The whole region has been under repair for several years with the replanting of thousands  of native trees such as fir and pine protected by small cannisters and vegetation including wild flowers and small sprigs such as Walnut and Sumac.  All are protected by wire cages from the vigorous grazing of the large local elk population. While there we hand watered about twenty of the plantings using water from the restored pond.

 The second area was the restoration project on Anand Creek.  About $60,000 has been spent on fencing a 6 acre area and purchasing  plantings for around the stream. Over half of the budget was spent on the 7 foot high fencing to prevent encroachment by the elk.  Most of the plantings are hand watered on a weekly basis by  local volunteer organizations.  Larry is very active in getting local organizations involved in helping with the forest and stream restoration work.

 The South Fork (of the Bonito) riparian enhancement includes placing large stone mini-dams to control stream flow and expand wetland area. It is interesting that much of the property surrounding the South Fork and the main branch of the Bonito creek is owned by the city of Alamogordo. There are several fee based camp grounds but there is no supervision by the city so people just camp where they wish. Larry and I walked to an area within the city property that lead to the Blue Hole, a beautiful spring fed pond nestled in the trees.  We sat on the bank and had our lunch. What a special setting in relative obscurity.  Fortunately, the US Forest Service is arranging to purchase this property (about 80 acres) within the next two years.

 Our final destination was Big Bear creek. This is a pristine setting with groves of old Aspen and Willow. There is no new growth because of Elk feeding. As a result these clusters of Aspen and Willow are dying out. A new project will fence in about 10 acres around Big Bear creek and new natural growth twigs will repopulate the area. There are also some 8 different locations along the creek scheduled for installation of  beaver dam analogs.  Material has been ordered and is expected soon. This work will commence the third week in October and is an ideal project for volunteer workers. The US Forest Service is fortunate to have active, responsible, and personable people like Larry and Brian to shepherd our natural resources.