How can we begin to make a difference?

It can be discouraging to look at a vast landscape or even a few acres and see the pervasive effects of long-term degradation.  It is easy to be overwhelmed by the thought of landscape scale restoration. 

Dryland Solutions Inc. takes a unique approach to this intimidating problem.  The site assessment process is designed to discover the sources of degradation and define what exactly is at stake.  This information, in concert with input from landowners, is used to prioritize and direct the unfolding of restoration projects. 

The goal is to recognize and act upon the small opportunities that have enormous consequence.  Often, this means restoring and protecting the healthiest and most productive parts of the landscape first.  These sites provide the critical refuge of habitat, seed sources and genetic diversity that will play an essential role in the healing process.  This opportunity based  approach enables landowners to make significant incremental gains by  restoring manageable footholds that can be expanded over time. 

We use stream morphology as the basis for determining the location and function of in-stream structures.  This ensures that dynamic stability is achieved through the proper function of natural processes.  This cross-vane was constructed to establish a riffle/ pool sequence and protect an upstream  road crossing.  Burro Cienega, NM.

An important part of restoration is being able to recognize opportunities to make the least change for the greatest possible effect.  Often, it only takes a few rocks to increase alluvial storage.

These simple structures take advantage of natural bedrock nick points to capture sediments and retain moisture.  The bedrock foundation eliminates the risk of scour.  Arroyo Zopilote, NM.

When natural nick points are not available, artificial ones can be created to build floodplain and establish stable stream morphology.  This filter dam is keyed deeply into the streambed for stability.

7 months later and following several significant floods, this machine built filter dam is storing moisture, recruiting plants and well on its way to assimilating into the streambed.  Cedro Creek, NM.

Methods and materials must meet the demands of the site and scale of the watershed.  These hand built post vanes protect the eroded bank by gently redirecting the flow.  Comanche Creek, NM.

At a larger scale the same technique requires larger materials and the aid of a back hoe for installation.  Once trimmed, this post vane will protect the constructed bankfull terrace.  Rio Galisteo, NM.

This gully was caused by improper road drainage and stabilized with materials available on-site.  The project was designed by Craig Sponholtz and built by a Youth Conservation Corps Crew.

Several structures were used to stabilize the site, including filter dams, a rock run-down and a large headcut layback.  Together they provide stability and moisture storage.  Rio Puerco Watershed, NM.

Restoration provides many opportunities for innovation.  Each site is unique and may require novel uses of materials or completely new techniques.  The basics apply regardless of the methods used.  Nature always leads the way.

This headcut control structure was built with "jute bags."  Geo-jute textile bags filled with woodchips, soil, seeds and root cuttings.  This structure is intended to be completely absorbed by the landscape and covered with plants.  Rio Galisteo Watershed, NM.