Riparian Area Restoration

Many riparian areas in the Southwest have become overgrown with both native and invasive species reducing the amount of water that is able to reach valley bottoms impacting more sensitive species such as cottonwoods and box elders. Overgrown forests of ponderosa, mixed conifer, pinion pine, and juniper absorb water in the soil as it is draining downslope only to evaporate via the leaves preventing water from reaching the valley bottom.
Siberian elm and Russian olive trees take over disturbed environments, particularly along drainages, and will outcompete native vegetation. Río Responsible Forestry has aided with the restoration of drainages by treating overgrown slopes, invasive species and preventing soil erosion to bring more water to the landscape.