Riparian Restoration
Riparian areas are the stretches of land that transition between rivers, streams, drainage ways, and upland areas.
Healthy riparian areas support wildlife habitat, filter pollutants out of the water, and stabilize stream banks. They also moderate river temperatures and buffer flooding from nearby community infrastructure.
Partnering with public and private landowners throughout the watershed, the SJWG improved many miles of riparian habitat on the Animas, San Juan, and La Plata Rivers.
One example is the effort to remove woody invasive species and revegetate nearly four acres of riparian habitat along the Animas River of Flora Vista in 2021. With the help of partners and volunteers, this area successfully restored native plants and will be monitored for success for years to come.
To learn more information about riparian areas and how to manage them, visit the RiversEdge West Resource Center.