Volume 22, No. 3 December 2009
GENETIC DIVERSITY OF COTTONWOOD (POPULUS SP.) BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER ESTABLISHMENT OF TAMARIX by Alicyn R. Gitlin, Brian L. Cardall, Steven M. Shuster, Gerard J. Allan, and Thomas G. Whitham, Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University
Note: At the Arizona Riparian logic regime is kept constant with perennial flow (Stromberg Council Spring 2009 Meeting, (Busch 1995, Bailey et al. 2001, 1998, Cooper et al. 2003, it was made known that the Titus et al. 2002, Kennedy and Kennedy and Hobbie 2004, newsletter occasionally Hobbie 2004, Yard et al. 2004, Whiteman 2005, Birken and highlights the works of Beauchamp et al. 2005, Nagler Cooper 2006). graduate students. Brian et al. 2005, Birken and Cooper There is evidence that Cardall and Alicyn Gitlin are 2006, Blinn and Ruiter 2006, Tamarix alters floodplain con- the first since that meeting to Ladenburger et al. 2006, Ulery ditions in ways that impact commit to this endeavor. We and Rosel 2006, Zhaoyong et native riparian trees. Tamarix hope to do justice to Brian's al. 2006, Going and Dudley inhibits cottonwood (Populus intent and his work. Below we 2007, Brand et al. 2008, Durst spp.) germination by altering present a small subset of the et al. 2008, Moline and Poff soil chemistry through an inter- research Brian and Alicyn 2008, Pollen-Bankhead et al. action with the introduced leaf- discussed; he was working on 2009, Siemion 2008, Tepedino hopper Opsius stactogalus, one so many projects that they et al. 2008). Altering water of the most common arthropods won't all fit here! availability and flood regimes on Tamarix (Wiesenborn 2005, may suppress Tamarix and Siemion 2008). In certain clima- INTRODUCTION encourage native dominant tree tic conditions, Tamarix Tamarix as a Codominant growth (Stromberg 2001, Rood increases surface salinity, which Riparian Tree et al. 2005, Glenn et al. 2008). can also decrease cottonwood he introduced shrub However, Tamarix and native germination (Shafroth et al. Tamarix (common names trees both germinate during 1995, Rowland et al. 2004, Ttamarisk, saltcedar; a spring flood pulses, and Ladenburger et al. 2006, Ulery complex of Tamarix species managed flows often lead to and Rosel 2006, Siemion 2008). and their hybrids (Gaskin and Tamarix resurgence and Once established, Tamarix Schaal 2002) often becomes co-dominance (Stromberg persists during dry periods that dominant in bottomland ter- 1998, Stevens et al. 2001, Sher races, where it has been docu- et al. 2002, Tallent-Halsell and Cont. pg. 3...... Tamarix mented to increase fire fre- Walker 2002, Cooper et al. quency, aggrade floodplains, 2003, Bhattacharjee et al. alter soil chemistry, increase 2006, Mortenson et al. shading, decrease mycorrhizal 2008). Also, managing flow Inside This Issue is only possible in locations availability, change aquatic leaf President’s Message ...... 2 litter dynamics, and to support with upstream flow control Species Profile...... 11 communities dominated by structures, while Tamarix Noteworthy Publications...... 13 generalists and lacking native dominance does occur on Calendar...... 16 specialists, even when hydro- uncontrolled rivers, even The Arizona Riparian Council 2 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
appy holidays. This time numerous wetland birds such as I hope you have a happy, of year there is so much the yellow-headed blackbird, safe and joyous holiday season Hto plan and do; presents least bittern, along with the and I look forward to seeing to buy, greeting cards to send, usual suspects of sandpipers, you at the annual meeting in festivities to attend, and so stilts, and ducks. More details March. Happy New Year! much more. The ARC Board of the meeting will be has been busy too. We have developed and posted to the Kris begun planning for our next ARC listserve. Stay tuned and Kris Randall, President annual meeting. We came up mark your calendars for March with the idea of focusing on 18 - 20, 2010! That's only three restoration of riparian and months away. marshland habitats in Yuma, as I would like to bring every- well as southwestern Arizona, one's attention to the document Mexico, and California. As you are currently reading – the you will recall ARC had an ARC newsletter. Quality, annual meeting in Yuma in informative, timely articles have 1998 where the meeting been the norm for the newsletter focused on the Multi Species and I would like to extend my Conservation Plan for the appreciation to Cindy Zisner Lower Colorado River. Our who has worked to make the 2010 meeting will be March newsletter an outstanding 18-20 and details on the publication. Serving as the location are still being worked editor for many years, Cindy on. I encourage everyone to has been able to get people to save that date and plan on submit articles that discuss attending the meeting. Our riparian areas or issues pertinent plenary session will feature to Arizona which our members speakers who are doing or have appreciate reading not only for done restoration projects and valuable content but also for they will discuss some of the enjoyment. Cindy wants to start issues they faced in imple- stepping down from this job. menting their projects. They ARC is looking for one or more will share some of their people who would like to valuable lessons learned. volunteer and take on this very As part of the meeting we important job. will have an all-day workshop As the editor, you would on marshland habitats, their have the opportunity to identify function and wildlife that use what issues are currently impor- these valuable areas. There will tant to the riparian areas in be a section on marshland bird Arizona as well as the South- identification. We are working west and then work with the with Courtney Conway and his people who are dealing with group to develop this workshop those issues and help them tell which should be very interest- their story. If you want to be at ing and informative. On Satur- the forefront of riparian issues, day, there will be a field trip this is your opportunity. Please where we will go to two or contact me or Cindy and we can three marshland habitats in the tell you more. The ARC needs Yuma area. We will look at you. Arizona's riparian areas restoration projects and see need you too. The Arizona Riparian Council 3 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
Tamarix...... from pg. 1 Cottonwoods are a ecology, demographics, chem- Foundation Species istry, and nutrient cycling. kill codominant native woody Several studies have identi- Although mature cotton- species and on sites outside the fied cottonwoods as contribut- wood forests are essential for active floodplain (Cleverly et ing disproportionately to species several species, especially tim- al. 1997, Gitlin et al. 2006). In richness and driving a diverse ber specialists (Farley et al. upper terraces, where vegeta- array of ecosystem processes 1994, Ellis 1995, Rumble and tion might otherwise succeed to (e.g., Carothers et al. 1974, Gobeille 2004), even a few dryland or upland vegetation Hunter et al. 1987, Farley et al. cottonwoods (or other native that uses less water (Scott et al. 1994, Ellis 1995, Bailey et al. trees) present in a Tamarix- 2009), Tamarix can persist 2001, Schweitzer et al. 2004, dominated plant assemblage can indefinitely and increase cover, Wimp et al. 2004, Smith et al. greatly increase its habitat value despite its inability to propagate 2006, Wimp et al. 2007, Bangert (van Riper III et al. 2008). without flooding (Cleverly et et al. 2008, Brand et al. 2008, Cottonwoods create structural al. 1997, Stromberg 1998, Durst et al. 2008, Hinojosa- diversity (Scott et al. 2003, Birken and Cooper 2006, Huerta et al. 2008, Sabo et al. Bangert et al. 2008, van Riper Sexton et al. 2006). Along river 2008, Whitham et al. 2008). III et al. 2008), provide links margins, Tamarix colonizes This has been observed in the between groundwater and ter- bare ground after any flood wild and experimentally. In restrial food webs (Sabo et al. pulse and expands during dry experimental restoration sites 2008), create a stable and clima- periods (Stevens et al. 2001, along the lower Colorado River tically resilient terrestrial food Cooper et al. 2003, Birken and created to enhance South- web base (Smith et al. 2006, Cooper 2006). western Willow Flycatcher Wimp et al. 2007, Durst et al. It is unclear whether (Empidonax traillii extimus) 2008), control nutrient cycling Tamarix impacts water availa- habitat, higher cottonwood (Schweitzer et al. 2004), and bility for other riparian trees, or densities not only supported influence growth and survival if it merely occupies drier loca- richer and more diverse arthro- of surrounding native plants (S. tions. Although removing pod communities, they also Ferrier, in prep.). Tamarix has not been linked to increased the growth of Good- The expenses and difficul- a decrease in depth to ground- ding's willow, the number of ties associated with removing water, it does lessen diurnal coyote willow (S. exigua Nutt.) Tamarix from some areas has fluctuations in groundwater ramets, and caused the arthro- led to the suggestion that native depth, which might benefit pod community of adjacent tree species be planted into adjacent trees (Dahm et al. plants to differ from sites with some Tamarix-dominated areas 2003, Martinet et al. 2005). The less cottonwood (S. Ferrier, in without removing the Tamarix removal of Tamarix surround- prep.). We do not mean to imply (Nagler et al. 2008, van Riper ing Goodding willow (Salix that cottonwoods are the only III et al. 2008, Dewine and gooddingii Ball) caused dominant tree with dispropor- Cooper 2007). Box elder (Acer decreased water stress and tionate effects on ecosystems. negundo L.) shows promise as increased growth of willows For example, many migrant bird a natural suppressant of (Busch and Smith 1995), but species rely exclusively on Tamarix (Dewine and Cooper the duration of this effect is honey mesquite phenology 2007). Other native trees might unknown. Increased ground- (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) to need to be planted in fire water salinity near the Colorado cue stopover locations along the breaks to inhibit fire and River has been attributed to lower Colorado River (McGrath drought mortality if stands are Tamarix water consumption et al. 2009). We focus on intended to reach mature (Nagler et al. 2008), which cottonwood-Tamarix interac- closed-canopy status (Cleverly could exacerbate cottonwood tions because of the large et al. 1997, Nagler et al. 2005, drought stress (Rowland et al. amount of information accumu- Gitlin et al. 2006). Due to their 2004, Pataki et al. 2005). lated through various research habitat value, and because cot- groups groups, including eco- tonwoods are easy to propagate hydrology, genetics, community and grow rapidly, they are The Arizona Riparian Council 4 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3 commonly planted during nearby locations that have an unpublished results, which at riparian habitat restoration appropriate climate regime or this time are only preliminary, projects. The proposition of are projected to develop an and describe our plans for planting cottonwoods into appropriate climate in the near future studies. Please contact Tamarix-dominated stands future (Hoegh-Guldberg et al. A. Gitlin or my coauthors if raises questions about the 2008). Assisted migration has you would like to learn more. tolerances of native trees to been proposed primarily as a altered floodplain conditions. method to maintain viable popu- RESULTS/DISCUSSION lations of rare, charismatic, and Natural Levels of Cottonwood The Importance of economically important species. Genetic Diversity Genetic Diversity Less attention has been paid to Cottonwood genetic diver- Human activities are reduc- moving common dominant sity varies more across rivers ing the genetic diversity of species that provide essential than within them. Genetic anal- many forest species through habitat to a suite of species, but ysis of 15 microsatellite loci logging practices and develop- are not themselves rare or from cottonwood trees in four ment, which also reduces avail- threatened. This type of assisted rivers (Indian Creek, UT; Little able habitat (Andersen et al. migration can aid in the conser- Colorado River, AZ; Dry 2007, Schaberg et al. 2008). vation of trees that are adapted Beaver Creek, AZ; Hassayampa Yet, tree populations with to extreme conditions, while River, AZ) identified a high higher levels of genetic diver- increasing resilience to environ- level of genetic differentiation sity have demonstrated greater mental changes and habitat between rivers and between the resilience to environmental value in restoration sites. northern, Great Basin Desert pressures such as climatic Hydrologic change might Rivers and southern, Sonoran extremes and herbivory, includ- constrict the habitat of riparian Desert Rivers (Cardall, in ing Tamarix and cottonwood species in a manner similar to prep.). This supports the find- (Sexton et al. 2002, Gaskin and climate change. ings of Friedman et al. (2008), Schaal 2002, Wimp et al. 2004, who found a latitudinal grad- Bangert et al. 2008 Friedman et Project Goals ient in genetic relatedness of al. 2008). Also, several studies In light of the above- cottonwood and a correspond- of experimental and natural mentioned issues, we have ing gradient in temperature populations across spatial designed research projects to adaptation. The Cottonwood scales have linked the genetic address the following questions: Ecology Group at Northern diversity of dominant plants 1) What are the natural levels of Arizona University is currently with increased levels of genetic diversity of cottonwood engaged in a number of proj- associated biodiversity (Wimp stands in the wild? Since cotton- ects to refine our understanding et al. 2004, Bangert et al. 2008, woods are already being planted of cottonwood genetic diversity Whitham et al. 2008), and during restoration projects, is at the river, watershed, and although we know of some there a potential or a need for regional scales, and to correlate works in progress that have not assisted migration at the intra- diversity with environmental found such a link, we know of specific scale, within the geo- factors to determine whether none that have found an inverse graphic range already occupied we can increase the survival, correlation. As genetic diversity by this species, to improve the habitat values, and climatic becomes more depauperate in habitat value and sustainability resilience of riparian restora- forest trees, there is less poten- of planted populations?; 2) Has tion projects. Several studies tial for species to adapt in the genetic diversity of cotton- have found that experimental response to natural selection. woods decreased in recent his- and wild cottonwood forests As a result, dependent com- tory? Is there evidence that with high genetic diversity munities are likely to become natural selection has recently support greater biodiversity less diverse. acted on cottonwoods, concur- across spatial scales (Wimp et Assisted migration is the act rent with the altered conditions al. 2004, Bangert et al. 2008, of proactively moving species, that accompany, and are some- Whitham et al. 2008). Experi- from areas where habitat is times caused by, Tamarix mental cottonwood plantings altered by climate change, to dominance? Here, we present from different source popula- The Arizona Riparian Council 5 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3 tions have demonstrated differ- Evidence for Changes in not have the statistical power to ing levels of survival when Genetic Diversity Simultaneous determine significance yet. placed in a homogenous envir- with Tamarix Occupation Surveys during the drought onment, though the source of While some reports predict years of 2003 and 2004 reveal- the best surviving trees differed catastrophic loss of mature ed that increased cottonwood when the experiment was closed-canopy cottonwood mortality in first- to third-order repeated a year later – indica- forests (Haase 1972, Howe and drainages across the Colorado ting a genetic × environmental Knopf 1991, Busch and Smith Plateau and in four parallel interaction (S. Ferrier et al., in 1995, Andersen et al. 2007), Arizona watersheds correlated prep.). others build a case for cotton- with Tamarix density in the To address the hypothesis woods experiencing a peak pop- immediately surrounding area that cottonwood genetics will ulation size previously unseen (Colorado Plateau, P<0.0001; vary along gradients of stress (Knopf 1986, Webb and Leake Arizona watersheds, P=0.0014) and environmental diversity, 2006), or decadal-scale fluctua- (Gitlin et al. 2006), while Geographic Information tions of riparian forest coverage temperature, precipitation, flow Systems (GIS) are being used independent of anthropogenic status, distance to water, and to model environmental simi- influence (Friedman and Lee presence of upstream dams did larity and vulnerability to 2002). One way to determine if not correlate. As mortality in climate change in central cottonwoods had a higher pop- some sites exceeded 50%, we Arizona (Gitlin, in prep.). ulation size in the past than at were led to question whether Factors such as climate, slope, present is to test for recent there were genetic differences and flow variability are incorp- genetic bottlenecks (Tajima between surviving and perish- orated into the models. Cotton- 1989). A genetic bottleneck ing trees. wood genetics are being occurs when a population is The survey of cottonwood sampled between environment- reduced significantly in size genetic diversity at Indian ally differentiated areas and relative to its original size for at Creek, Little Colorado River, along drought vulnerability least one generation. Bottle- Dry Beaver Creek, and the gradients to determine whether necks can be identified through Hassayampa River was wild populations are structured genetic analyses because the structured to address the ques- in a way that reflects their geo- proportion of loci that are heter- tion of whether Tamarix could graphic location. For example, ozygous, i.e., the number of loci be an agent of selection on trees in drier locations might that show different combina- cottonwood. Along each river, experience chronic stress and tions of alleles, is higher than areas of high and low Tamarix exhibit unique adaptations; expected based upon the total density were chosen. Twenty trees along rivers with specific number of possible alleles. As cottonwoods were sampled flood or temperature regimes population size decreases, so too from each site, and the distance might time seed release or the does the number of possible to the five closest Tamarix onset of dormancy to coincide allelic combinations. Prelimi- shrubs was measured (Fig. 1). with local conditions (e.g., nary tests for genetic Although the data are still be Friedman et al. 2008). Studies bottlenecks on six rivers analyzed, preliminary results in experimental common spanning northern Arizona to suggest there is no significant gardens address questions that northern Utah identify four genetic differentiation between will impact restoration success, rivers with significant (P<0.05) areas of high and low tamarisk such as: do flowering and differences from predicted cover within rivers. However, a reproductive phenology overlap levels of heterozygosity different story emerges when sufficiently to create sustain- (BOTTLENECK 1.2.02; individual trees across rivers able populations, while varying
(along an Eigen vector corre- sponding to the first axis, with <50% of variance explained) (Cardall, in prep.). This indi- cates that the genetic makeup of cottonwoods most closely associated with Tamarix is somehow different from trees in moderate-to-low density stands. There is evidence that some of the microsatellite loci surveyed have experienced positive or negative selection, but further experimentation is needed before it can be determined whether that selection can be attributed to Tamarix; we can- not reject other alternative hypotheses such as drought, groundwater depth, herbivory, etc. Figure 1. Brian Cardall measuring Tamarix density on the Little Colorado River. There is also preliminary Photo by Anna Schmidt-Cardall. evidence for certain cotton- woods being genetically better are several ways that scientists the efficiency of management adapted to the conditions that attempt to reconstruct the past, actions with regard to river accompany, and are sometimes including repeat photography restoration in the Southwest. caused by, Tamarix dominance. (Hastings and Turner 1965, Thank you Brian Cardall A seed germination experiment Webb and Leake 2006, Ander- for inspiration, motivation, and revealed higher levels of germ- sen et al. 2007), dendrochronol- for just plain showing up. ination of first-generation (F1) ogy and sediment reconstruction Thank you Anna Schmidt- P. fremontii ×P. angustifolia (Friedman and Lee 2002, Birken Cardall for encouraging the hybrids over P. fremontii seeds and Cooper 2006), correlating completion of this article. This in treatments consistenting of site attributes with vegetation material is based upon work Flagstaff municipal tap water cover (Stromberg 1998, Lite et supported by Science Founda- and tap water with a 0.25 M al. 2005), and genetic surveys tion Arizona under Grant No. NaCl concentration (Cardall, in (Gaskin and Schaal 2002, GRF 0001-07. prep.). This indicates that some Friedman et al. 2008). All of cottonwood genes might enable these are problematic to some LITERATURE CITED germination in saline locations, extent, and yet all influence the Andersen, D. C., D. J. Cooper, and could indicate a mechanism decisions we make with regard and K. Northcott. 2007. behind genetic differentiation to river management. As we Dams, floodplain land use, between cottonwoods growing move into a future of climatic and riparian forest conserva- in sites of unequal salinity uncertainty and water scarcity, tion in the semiarid upper along the Rio Grande (Rowland where many of the landscapes Colorado River Basin, USA. et al. 2004). most vital as habitat and agri- Environmental Management 40:453-475. culture have been developed, Bailey, J. K., J. A. Schweitzer, SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS and even during extreme eco- and T. G. Whitham. 2001. It is difficult to place a nomic and energy insecurity, we Salt cedar negatively affects value judgment on what need to find ways to conserve biodiversity of aquatic macro- conditions are optimum for and preserve the ecosystems invertebrates. Wetlands both ecological communities with which we coexist. The 21:442-447. and the human inhabitants sur- scientific studies presented Bangert, R. K., E. V. Lonsdorf, G. M. Wimp, S. M. Shuster, D. rounding riparian areas. There above are an attempt to improve The Arizona Riparian Council 7 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
Fischer, J. A. Schweitzer, G. J. organization of southwestern variation in cold hardiness in Allan, J. K. Bailey, and T. G. riparian birds. American introduced Tamarix and Whitham. 2008. Genetic Zoologist 14:97-108. native Populus. Evolutionary structure of a foundation Cleverly, J. R., S. T. Smith, A. Applications 1:598-607. species: Scaling community Sala, and D. A. Devitt. 1997. Gaskin, J. F., and B. A. Schaal. phenotypes from the individ- Invasive capacity of Tamarix 2002. Hybrid Tamarix wide- ual to the region. Heredity ramosissima in a Mojave spread in US invasion and 100:121-131. Desert floodplain: The role of undetected in native Asian Beauchamp, V. B., J. C. Stromberg, drought. Oecologia 111:12-18. range. Proceeding of the and J. C. Stutz. 2005. Cooper, D.J., D. C. Anderson, and National Academy of Sciences Interactions between Tamarix R. A. Chimner. 2003. Multiple 99:11256-11259. ramosissima (saltcedar), pathways for woody plant Gitlin, A. R., C. M. Sthultz, M. A. Populus fremontii (cotton- establishment on floodplains at Bowker, S. Stumpf, K. L. wood), and mycorrhizal fungi: local to regional scales. Jour- Paxton, K. Kennedy, A. Effects on seedling growth and nal of Ecology 91:182-196. Muñoz, J. K. Bailey, and T. plant species coexistence. Plant Dahm, C. N., M. A. Baker, D. I. G. Whitham. 2006. Mortality and Soil 275:221-31. Moore, and J. R. Thibault. gradients within and among Bhatacharjee, J., J. P. Taylor Jr., 2003. Coupled biogeochemical dominant plant populations as and L. M. Smith. 2006. Con- and hydrological responses of barometers of ecosystem trolled flooding and staged streams and rivers to drought. change during extreme drawdown for restoration of Freshwater Biology 48:1219- drought. Conservation native cottonwoods in the 1231. Biology 20:1477-1486. Middle Rio Grande Valley, Dewine, J. M., and D. J. Cooper. Glenn, E. P., K. Hucklebridge, O. New Mexico, USA. Wetlands 2007. Canopy shade and the Hinojosa-Huerta, P. L. 26:691-702. successional replacement of Nagler, and J. Pitt. 2008. Birken, A. S., and D. J. Cooper. tamarisk by native box elder. Reconciling environmental 2006. Processes of Tamarix Journal of Applied Ecology and flood control goals on an invasion and floodplain devel- 45:505-514. arid-zone river: Case study of opment along the Lower Durst, S. L., T. C. Theimer, E. J. the Limitrophe region of the Green River, Utah. Ecological Paxton, and M. K. Sogge. lower Colorado River in the Applications 16:1103-1120. 2008. Temporal variation in United States and Mexico. Blinn, D. W., and D. E. Ruiter. the arthropod community of Environmental Management 2006. Tolerance values of desert riparian habitats with 41:322-335. stream caddisflies (Trichop- varying amounts of saltcedar Going, B. M., and T. L. Dudley. tera) in the Lower Colorado (Tamarix ramosissima). Jour- 2008. Invasive riparian plant River Basin, USA. The nal of Arid Environments litter alters aquatic insect Southwestern Naturalist 72:1644-1653. growth. Biological Invasions 51:326-337. Ellis, L. M. 1995. Bird use of 10:1041-1051. Brand, L. A., G. C. White and B. saltcedar and cottonwood Haase, E. F. 1972. Survey of R. Noon. 2008. Factors influ- vegetation in the Middle Rio floodplain vegetation along encing species richness and Grande Valley of New Mexico, the Lower Gila River in community composition of U.S.A. Journal of Arid southwestern Arizona. Jour- breeding birds in a desert Environments 30:339-349. nal of the Arizona Academy of riparian corridor. The Condor Farley, G. H., L. M. Ellis, J. H. Science 7:75-81. 110:199-210. Stuart, and N. J. Scott Jr. 1994. Hastings, J. O., and R. M. Turner. Busch, D. E. 1995. Effects of fire Avian species richness in 1965. The Changing Mile: An on southwestern riparian plant different-aged stands of ripar- Ecological Study of Vegeta- community structure. The ian forest along the Middle Rio tion Change with Time in the Southwestern Naturalist Grande, New Mexico. Conser- Lower Mile of an Arid and 40:259-267. vation Biology 8:1098-1108. Semiarid Region. University Busch, D. E., and S. D. Smith. Friedman, J. M., and V. J. Lee. of Arizona Press, Tucson. 314 1995. Mechanisms associated 2002. Extreme floods, channel pp. with decline of woody species change, and riparian forests Hinojosa-Huerta, O., H. in riparian ecosystems of the along ephemeral streams. Iturribarría-Rojas, E. Zamora- southwestern U.S. Ecological Ecological Monographs Hernández, and A. Calvo- Monographs 65:347-370. 72:409-425. Fonseca. 2008. Densities, Carothers, S. W., R. R. Johnson, Friedman, J. M., J. E. Roelle, J. F. species richness and habitat and S. W. Aitchison. 1974. Gaskin, A. E. Pepper, and J. R. relationships of the avian Population structure and social Manhart. 2008. Latitudinal community in the Colorado The Arizona Riparian Council 8 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
River, Mexico. Studies in Flower power: Tree flowering plain forests. Frontiers in Avian Biology 37:74-82. phenology as a settlement cue Ecology and the Environment Hoegh-Guldberg, O., L. Hughes, for migrating birds. Journal of 3:193-201. S. McIntyre, D. B. Linden- Animal Ecology 78:22-30. Rowland, D. L., A. A. Sher, and mayer, C. Parmesan, H. P. Moline, A. B., and N. L. Poff. D. L. Marshall. 2004. Inter- Possingham, and C. D. 2008. Growth of an inverte- and intra-population variation Thomas. 2008. Assisted col- brate shredder on native in seedling performance of onization and rapid climate (Populus) and non-native Rio Grande cottonwood under change. Science 321:345-346. (Tamarix, Elaeagnus) leaf low and high salinity. Canad- Howe, W. H., and F. L. Knopf. litter. Freshwater Biology ian Journal of Forest 1991. On the imminent decline 53:1012-1020. Research 34:1458-1466. of Rio Grande cottonwoods in Mortenson, S. G., P. J. Weisberg, Rumble, M. A., and J.E. Gobeille. central New Mexico. The and L. E. Stevens. 2008. The 2004. Avian use of succes- Southwestern Naturalist effects of river regulation, geo- sional cottonwood (Populus 36:218-24. morphology, and climate on deltoides) woodlands along Hunter, W. C., B. W. Anderson, Tamarix establishment in the the Middle Missouri River. and R. D. Ohmart. 1987. Grand Canyon National Park. The American Midland Avian community structure 93rd Ecological Society of Naturalist 152:165-77. changes in a mature floodplain America Annual Meeting Sabo, J. L., K. E. McCluney, Y. forest after extensive flooding. Abstract PS 22-58. Marusenko, A. K. Kellery, The Journal of Wildlife Man- Nagler, P. A., E. P. Glenn, K. and C. U. Soykan. 2008. agement 51:495-502. Didan, J. Osterberg, F. Jordan, Greenfall links groundwater Kennedy, T. A., and S. E. Hobbie. and J. Cunningham. 2008. to aboveground food webs in 2004. Saltcedar (Tamarix Wide-area estimates of stand desert river floodplains. ramosissima) invasion alters structure and water use of Ecological Monographs organic matter dynamics in a Tamarix spp. on the Lower 78:615-31. desert stream. Freshwater Colorado River: Implications Schaberg, P. G., D. H. DeHayes, Biology 49:65-76. for restoration and water man- G. J. Hawley, and S. E. Knopf, F. L. 1986. Changing land- agement projects. Restoration Nijensohn. 2008. Anthropo- scapes and the cosmopolitism Ecology 16:136-45. genic alterations of genetic of the eastern Colorado Nagler, P. A., P. Honojosa-Huerta, diversity within tree popula- avifauna. Wildlife Society E. P. Glenn, J. Garcia- tions: Implications for forest Bulletin 14:132-142. Hernandez, R. Romo, C. ecosystem resilience. Forest Ladenburger, C. G., A. L. Hild, D. Curtis, A. E. Huete, and S. G. Ecology and Management J. Kazmer, and L. C. Munn. Nelson. 2005. Regeneration of 256:855-62. 2006. Soil salinity patterns in native trees in the presence of Schweitzer, J. A., J. K. Bailey, B. Tamarix invasions in the invasive saltcedar in the Colo- J. Rehill, G. D. Martinsen, S. Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, rado River Delta, Mexico. C. Hart, R. L. Lindroth, P. USA. Journal of Arid Conservation Biology Keim, and T. G. Whitham. Environments 65:111-128. 19:1842-1852. 2004. Genetically based trait Lite, S. J., K. J. Bagstad, and J. C. Pataki, D. E., S. E. Bush, D. K. in a dominant tree affects Stromberg. 2005. Riparian Solomon, and J. R. Ehleringer. ecosystem processes. Ecology plant species richness along 2005. Ecohydrology in a Colo- Letters 7:127-34. lateral and longitudinal grad- rado River riparian forest: Scott, M. L., S. K. Skagen, and M. ients of water stress and flood Implications for the decline of F. Merigliano. 2003. Relating disturbance, San Pedro River, Populus fremontii. Ecological geomorphic change and Arizona, USA. Journal of Arid Applications 15:1009-1018. grazing to avian communities Environments 63:785-813. Pollen-Bankhead, N.P., A. Simon, in riparian forests. Conserva- Martinet, M. C., J. R. Thibault, J. K. Jaeger, and E. Wohl. 2009. tion Biology 17:284-296. R. Cleverly, and C. N. Dahm. Destabilization of streambanks Scott, M. L., P. L. Nagler, E. P. 2005. Non-native vegetation by removal of invasive species Glenn, C. ValdesCasillas, J. removal and shallow alluvial in Canyon de Chelly National A. Erker, E. W. Reynolds, P. ground water along the Rio Monument, Arizona. Geo- B. Shafroth, E. Gomez- Grande, New Mexico. EOS morphology 103:363-374. Limon, and C. L. Jones. 2009. Transactions AGU, 86(52), Rood, S. B., G. M. Samuelson, J. Assessing the extent and Fall Meeting Supple., Abstract H. Braatne, C. R. Gourley, F. diversity of riparian B23A-1041. M. R. Hughes, and J. M. ecosystems in Sonora, McGrath, L. J., C. Van Ripper III, Mahoney. 2005. Managing Mexico. Biodiversity and and J. J. Fontaine. 2009. river flows to restore flood- Conservation 18:247-269. The Arizona Riparian Council 9 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
Sexton, J. P., J. K. McKay, and A. River, Arizona. Journal of Arid USA. Journal of Arid Sala. 2002. Plasticity and Environments 40:133-155. Environments 64:364-368. genetic diversity may allow Stromberg, J. C. 2001. Restoration Whitham, T. G., S. P. DiFazio, J. saltcedar to invade cold of riparian vegetation in the A. Schweitzer, S. M. Shuster, climates in North America. southwestern United States: G. J. Allan, J. K. Bailey, and Ecological Applications Importance of flow regimes S. A. Woolbright. 2008. 12:1652-1660. and fluvial dynamism. Journal Extending genomics to natural Sexton, J. P., A. Sala, and K. of Arid Environments 49:17- communities and ecosystems. Murray. 2006. Occurrence, 34. Science 320:492-495. persistence, and expansion of Tallent-Halsell, N. G., and L. R. Wiesenborn, W. D. 2005. Bio- saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) pop- Walker. 2002. Responses of mass of arthropod trophic ulations in the Great Plains of Salix Gooddingii and Tamarix levels on Tamarix Montana. Western North ramosissima to flooding. ramosissima (Tamaricaceae) American Naturalist 66:1-11. Wetlands 22:776-785. branches. Environmental Shafroth, P.B., J. M. Friedman, Tajima, F. 1989. The effect of Entomology 34:656-663. and L. S. Ischinger. 1995. change in population size on Wimp, G. M., W. P. Young, S. A. Effects of salinity on establish- DNA polymorphism. Genetics Woolbright, G. D. Martinsen, ment of Populus fremontii and 123:597-601. P. Keim, and T. G. Whitham. Tamarix ramosissima Tepedino, V. J., B. A. Bradley, and 2004. Conserving plant (saltcedar) in southwestern T. L. Griswold. 2008. Might genetic diversity for United States. Great Basin flowers of invasive plants dependent animal com- Naturalist 55:58-65. increase native bee carrying munities. Ecology Letters Sher, A. A., D. L. Marshall, and J. capacity? Intimations from 7:776-780. P. Taylor. 2002. Establishment Capitol Reef National Park, Wimp, G. M., S. Wooley, K. patterns of native Populus and Utah. Natural Areas Journal Bagert, W. P. Young, G. D. Salix in the presence of inva- 28:44-150. Martinsen, P. Keim, B. Rehill, sive nonnnative Tamarix. Eco- Titus, J. H., P. J. Titus, R. S. R. L. Lindroth, and T. G. logical Applications 12:760- Nowak, and S. D. Smith. 2002. Whitham. 2007. Plant 772. Arbuscular mycorrhizae of genetics predicts intra-annual Siemion, G. M. 2008. Riparian Mojave Desert plants. Western variation in phytochemistry Plant Establishment Limited North American Naturalist and arthropod community by Tamarisk-Insect Herbivore 62:327-334. structure. Molecular Ecology Interactions. MS Thesis, Ulery, A., and C. Rosel. 2006. 16:5057-5069. Northern Arizona University, Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) leaf Yard, H. K., C. Van Riper III, B. Flagstaff. 39pp. litter impacts on surface soil T. Brown, and M. J. Kearsley. Smith, D. M., J. F. Kelly, and D. chemistry: Electrical conduc- 2004. Diets of insectivorous M. Finch. 2006. Cicada tivity and sodium adsorption birds along the Colorado emergence in southwestern ratio. ASA-CSSA-SSSA 2006 River in Grand Canyon, riparian forest: Influences of International Meetings Arizona. The Condor wildfire and vegetation Abstract 304-7. 106:106-115. composition. Ecological van Riper III, C., K. L. Paxton, C. Zhaoyong, S., Z. Liyun, F. Gu, C. Applications 16:1608-1618. O’Brien, P. B. Shafroth, and L. Peter, T. Changyan, and L. Stevens, L. E., T. J. Ayers, J. B. J. McGrath. 2008. Rethinking Xiaolin. 2006. Diversity of Bennett, K. Christensen, M. J. avian response to Tamarix on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi C. Kearsley, V. J. Meretsky, the lower Colorado River: A associated with desert A. M. Phillips. R. A. Parnell, threshold hypothesis. Restora- ephemerals growing under J. Spence, M. K. Sogge, A. E. tion Ecology 16:155-167. and beyond the canopies of Springer, and D. L. Wegner. Webb, R. H., and S. A. Leake. Tamarisk shrubs. Chinese 2001. Planned flooding and 2006. Ground-water surface- Science Bulletin 51(Supple. Colorado River riparian trade- water interactions and long- 1):132-139. offs downstream from Glen term change in riverine riparian Canyon Dam, Arizona. Eco- vegetation in the southwestern logical Applications 11:701- United States. Journal of 710. Hydrology 320:302-323. Stromberg, J. 1998. Dynamics of Whiteman, K. E. 2005. Distribu- Fremont cottonwood (Populus tion of salt cedar (Tamarix spp. fremontii) and saltcedar L) alont an unregulated river in (Tamarix chinensis) popula- southwestern New Mexico, tions along the San Pedro The Arizona Riparian Council 10 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
BRIAN LAYTON CARDALL
rian Layton Cardall, 32, left mortality on June 9, 2009. At the time of his death, he was in the midst of doctoral studies in biology, with emphasis on ecological genetics, at Northern Arizona BUniversity in Flagstaff, Arizona. He earned BA and Masters degrees from Utah State University, where he met and fell in love with his wife, Anna Marie Schmidt. Brian climbed mountains, painted landscapes, and performed original music with his guitar. His primary focus, though, was his daughter Ava who he loved taking with him as he did his scientific field work. He looked forward to the arrival of a new baby daughter in September. (Bella Aspen was born Sept. 16th, and Mom, baby, and big sis Ava are doing very well.) His wife Anna remembers Brian this way: "Brian loved his work. He was deeply intrigued by the natural world and was passionately driven everyday to learn more about it. He had the highest integrity to his work that I have ever witnessed in anyone. He knew his contributions to his field were important and unique. He was most passionate about being a father to his precious toddler, Ava Skye. He opened her inquisitive eyes and mind to the world he loved. He is deeply missed. May we all strive to live such an intentional and passionate life." The Arizona Riparian Council 11 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
SPECIES PROFILE
SEEP MONKEY FLOWER (MIMULUS GUTTATUS) by Carol Birks, Arizona Department of Water Resources
pringtime is wonderful in throat of the lower lip petal. the desert. The weather is The species name, guttatus Swarm, breezes blow and means spotted or speckled. The the landscape comes alive with plant can be either an annual color, especially along the with fibrous roots or a perennial washes, streams and rivers, with stout stolons. These thanks to the wide variety of prostrating stems creep along flowers that riparian areas. the soil surface and spread the Seep monkey flower plant, just like strawberry (Mimulus guttatus) is also runners. called spotted or yellow The brightly colored monkey flower and is a com- flowers suggest the plant is mon plant along Arizona's pollinated by insects and not waterways. This member of the the wind. Monkey flower does, Figwort or Scrophulariaceae indeed, rely on bees and self family is easy to spot in the pollination is prevented by the spring and summer due to its 3- movement of the flower's ft height, yellow, two-lipped stigmas. When a bee enters the Mimulus guttatus (USDA-NRCS flowers and bright green leaves. flower in search of nectar it first PLANTS Database nd). The flowers may have red or brushes against the two lobed maroon spots on the wide, hairy stigma. It immediately folds shut and is pressed against the the stems and leaves was used inside of the flower. The bee in steam baths for back or chest next contacts the anthers, takes soreness. Monkey flower tea nectar and withdraws from the was taken for stomachaches and flower. No pollen from within a poultice was made from the the flower touches the closed leaves and stems to help heal stigma as the bee leaves the wounds and burns. The leaves blossom. The bee then carries were also eaten raw or cooked the pollen to the open stigma of even though they are slightly another blossom. bitter. Other animals also utilize The name Mimulus comes this plant. The flowers attract from a Latin word “mime,” a hummingbirds and muskrats, a reference to the funny clown common inhabitant of riparian face made by the fat flower areas, will eat the plant shape. The common name, throughout the summer. monkey flower, is another Grazers and browsers, cattle reference to the funny shape of and deer, do eat the monkey the flower. Funny or not, seep flower plant though it is not a or yellow monkey flower is a favorite food. beautiful native plant with some Western Native American historical significance. Its tribes and early settlers had riparian habitat here in the Mimulus guttatus (photo courtesy of several uses for this plant. A Southwest is fragile and should Mark W. Skinner). decoction made from boiling be protected so we can continue The Arizona Riparian Council 12 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3 to enjoy this common flower Gifford, E. W. 1936. North- USDA-NRCS. 2009. The and all the other forms of life eastern and Western Yava- PLANTS Database. found in these unique areas. pai. University of Cali- National Plant Data Center, fornia: Publications in Baton Rouge, LA, accessed REFERENCES American Archaeology and 4/29/09 at Bowers, J. E. 1993. 100 Road- Ethnology 34:247-345.
FRIENDS OF THE RIO DE FLAG RECENTLY FORMED IN FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA
he Friends of the Rio channelized sections in many • Public information (Friends) is a coalition of residential neighborhoods to services/outreach Tindividuals and organiza- completely underground • Wildlife observation tions that support the preserva- sections in various parts of the • Riparian habitat protection tion and restoration of the city. Sections of the Rio have and preservation natural beauty and beneficial been rerouted from its original • Riparian restoration functions of the Rio De Flag course as early as 1892. planning and and its tributaries. The Rio De The Friends’ mission is to implementation Flag stream channel is a natural promote the Rio De Flag's wonder that traverses the length natural stream system as a Special projects that the Friends of Flagstaff and through the unique and valuable natural support: Picture Canyon, surrounding community. It resource, an asset, and amenity Bonito to Rte 66 Daylight enters the city on the north from to the city of Flagstaff and the Committee, Logan's Crossing, the Fort Valley area with its surrounding community. The and Leroux Springs Historic watershed originating off the goal for the Friends will be to Site. south and west facing slopes of educate, protect, restore, For more information contact: the San Francisco Peaks on the cleanup and improve the Rio Friends of the Rio de Flag at Coconino National Forest De Flag and its tributaries to [email protected] or Service. The Rio flows through maximize their beauty, educa- friendsoftheriodeflag.org Willow Bend area, the I-40 tional, recreational, and natural wetlands, Foxglen Park and the resource values, including the Continental area before leaving riparian habitats they provide. the city through Picture Interests and activities that Canyon. It then flows through individuals or organizations can the southwest corner of Doney become involved with or Park into the Logan's Crossing support through the Friends of area in Coconino Co. before the Rio: joining the Little Colorado • Public education about River. The Rio flows through rivers, streams, watersheds, Flagstaff in a variety of condi- riparian areas tions ranging from totally open • Clean-up and maintenance natural channel sections to • Recreational activities The Arizona Riparian Council 13 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
NOTEWORTHY PUBLICATIONS by Elizabeth Ridgely, Gila River Indian Community
Bentrup, G., and T. Keller- private lands, these plantings patches and to restore structural man. 2004. Where should must often accomplish several connectivity in the gaps buffers go? Modeling objectives to encourage between these remnant riparian riparian habitat connec- landowner acceptance and areas. Reestablishing riparian tivity in northeast Kansas. adoption. vegetation in these gaps Journal of Soil and Water A geographic information provides critical habitat, Conservation 59(5):209- system (GIS)-based assessment restores linkages between 215. method was established for patches, and promotes dispersal quickly identifying where and gene flow between wildlife iparian buffers are being buffers can be placed to restore populations. These are the created on agricultural connectivity of riparian areas crucial factors for maintaining Rlands to address signifi- for the benefit of terrestrial long-term species survival. cant water-quality problems. wildlife. This study presented a The premise for this Society and landowners are potential GIS-based method for connectivity is that riparian demanding many other environ- analyzing riparian connectivity remnants must be close enough mental and social services (e.g., for wildlife management at to other riparian patches to wildlife habitat and income spatial scales 2,500 km2 (2,193 facilitate the exchange of diversification) from this mi2). An area in northeastern individuals. This strategy has practice. Resource planners Kansas was selected to evaluate been used in upland corridors therefore need to design these this tool. but has not been applied in systems in the right places to In Iowa, researchers found riparian areas. Based upon this provide multiple services. that riparian forests support an approach, the goal of this study Nationwide, traditional average of 506 breeding pairs of was to develop a GIS-based agriculture is probably the lar- birds per 40 ha (99 ac) method using readily available gest contributor to the decline compared to 339 pairs in upland data for locating where riparian of riparian areas. Because some forests. In addition to providing buffers could be implemented of the most fertile soils are habitat functions, riparian to benefit terrestrial wildlife often located in riparian areas, corridors facilitate species that primarily use riparian areas there is often a perceived eco- dispersal and movement, which for habitat and movement nomic benefit for converting are critical for maintaining corridors. The specific these areas to cropland and viable populations in highly objectives of the study were to: consequently many riparian disturbed landscapes. (1) identify riparian remnants; areas have been degraded or Productivity and survival of (2) determine where buffers eliminated in agricultural terrestrial mildlife species has could be implemented to regions. Riparian areas are been shown to be low in narrow reestablish connectivity critical landscape features for riparian corridors due to edge between remnants; and (3) managing water quality and effects like predation and identify road barriers to other related agricultural land parasitism. However, the overall riparian connectivity. The GIS issues such as habitat frag- benefits to wildlife populations dataset was provided by the mentation and stream bank appear to outweigh the greater USGS National Land Cover stabilization. These areas are negative impacts of an Dataset. It includes census, being targeted for restoration eradicated riparian area. topography, agriculture, soil using riparian buffers; plantings Research suggests that one of characteristics and wetland designed and managed to the most effective approaches data. achieve specific environmental for riparian restoration in Prior to agricultural objectives. When riparian regards to terrestrial wildlife is development, riparian buffers are promoted for use on to protect the remaining habitat vegetation in the ecoregion was The Arizona Riparian Council 14 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3 a mosaic of vegetation types, ular angle had less of an impact coarse-filter approach appears including woodland, wetlands, than those that were parallel. to be appropriate for large area and savannah communities. The Species with limited dis- planning including single or resulting riparian landscape persal capabilities were used as multi-county inventories and pattern consists of riparian indicators for riparian connec- can be used singly or in remnants separated by areas tivity. Existing habitat and combination with other GIS that are cropped to the edge or dispersal data were reviewed for resource assessments to guide near-edge of the stream several wildlife species that may riparian buffer design and channel. The study utilized a serve as indicators for riparian implementation for both generic minimum patch size of connectivity. The species were environmental protection and 0.1 ha (0.25 ac) and a dispersal chosen because (1) they are agricultural production goals. distance threshold of 0.16 km. primarily found in the riparian (525 ft). Each of these was communities in the ecoregion, buffered by ½ the dispersal (2) generally do not use threshold distance. Where the cropland habitats, (3) have dispersal distances touched or relatively low dispersal capabil- overlapped, the gap was close ities, and (4) are documented to enough for successful move- use riparian corridors for ment between the riparian rem- dispersal. nants. Where areas exceeded To improve connectivity, the connectivity threshold were results indicated that 22% of the designated critical gaps that perennial stream length in the could benefit from being study area would need riparian reconnected. It is a conservative buffers. First-order streams minimum based on species showed the greatest distance reviewed. This approach apart (gaps) perhaps because provides for many species of they are vulnerable to removal, similar or greater dispersal may be intermittent, may flood capabilities. This is a coarse- less frequently, and are less filter technique. The stream incised. In addition, imple- network is a 1:100,000-scale menting buffers in short critical vector dataset from the US gaps may be more efficient if Census Bureau's Topologically they occur on one piece of Integrated Geographic property and are away from Encoding Referencing (TIGER) roads. This approach has been Database. used to select areas for riparian Fixed width buffer dis- buffers to filter agricultural tances were used. For example, pollutants from surface water higher-order streams had wider and shallow groundwater flow. distances since they typically However, this type of method- have a wider floodplain and ology has limitations in terms of more spatial extent of riparian overestimation, and needs to be vegetation. Barriers to move- field-checked. First-order ment of energy and species stream (those that are nearest such as roads were analyzed in the headwater and with no terms of how close they were to tributaries, second-order streams riparian areas, because proxi- are formed by two first-order mity can lead to increased streams and so forth) analysis mortality unless safe passage is will require higher quality land provided under or over the cover data possibly from digital road. Roads that bisected the orthophotos. The weighting of riparian habitat at a perpendic- the importance of land use needs to be incorporated. This The Arizona Riparian Council 15 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
The Arizona Riparian Council (ARC) was formed in 1986 as a result of the increasing concern over the alarming rate of loss of Arizona’s riparian areas. It is estimated that The Arizona Riparian Council <10% of Arizona’s original riparian acreage remains in its natural form. These habitats are considered Arizona’s most rare natural Officers communities. Kris Randall, President (602) 242-0210 X250 The purpose of the Council is to provide for [email protected] the exchange of information on the status, Diana Stuart, Vice President (602) 506-4766 protection, and management of riparian systems (602) 525.3151 (Cell) in Arizona. The term “riparian” is intended to [email protected] include vegetation, habitats, or ecosystems that are associated with bodies of water (streams or Cindy Zisner, Secretary . . . (480) 965-2490 lakes) or are dependent on the existence of [email protected] perennial or ephemeral surface or subsurface Diane Laush, Treasurer . . . (623) 773-6255 water drainage. Any person or organization [email protected] interested in the management, protection, or scientific study of riparian systems, or some At-Large Board Members related phase of riparian conservation is eligible Alicyn Gitlin . [email protected] for membership. Annual dues (January- December) are $20. Additional contributions are Collis Lovely ...... (928) 310-6665 gratefully accepted. [email protected] This newsletter is published three times a Ron Tiller ...... [email protected] year to communicate current events, issues, problems, and progress involving riparian systems, to inform members about Council Committee Chairs business, and to provide a forum for you to express your views or news about riparian Activities ...... Vacant topics. The next issue will be mailed in April, the deadline for submittal of articles is March Conservation 15, 2010. Please call or write with suggestions, Tim Flood...... [email protected] publications for review, announcements, articles, Bill Werner ...... (602) 771-8412 and/or illustrations. [email protected] Education Cindy D. Zisner Arizona Riparian Council Cindy Zisner ...... (480) 965-2490 Global Institute of Sustainability Arizona State University Policy PO Box 875402 Kris Randall...... (602) 242-0210 X250 Tempe AZ 85287-5402 [email protected] (480) 965-2490; FAX (480) 965-8087 Tom Hildebrandt ...... [email protected] [email protected]
web site: http://azriparian.org The Arizona Riparian Council 16 2009 Vol. 22 No. 3
BT5 1005 Arizona Riparian Council Global Institute of Sustainability Arizona State University PO Box 875402 Tempe, AZ 85287-5402
CALENDAR
Arizona Riparian Council Board Meetings. The Board of Directors holds monthly meetings the third Wednesday of each month and all members are encouraged to participate. Please contact Cindy Zisner at (480) 965-2490 or [email protected] for time and location.
Arizona Riparian Council Spring Meeting, Wetlands on the Edge: Challenges of Wetland and Riparian Restoration, March 18-20, 2010, Yuma, AZ. Check http://azriparian.org for updates or contact [email protected] for more information.