Partnership for Monitoring Rangeland and Riparian Health in Red Rock Canyon Watershed, Santa Cruz County, Arizona

Project Overview

FW05-005
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2005: $19,976.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Western
State: Arizona
Principal Investigator:
Richard Collins
Email
Collins C6 Ranch

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Animals: bovine

Practices

  • Animal Production: range improvement, grazing - rotational, watering systems
  • Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, focus group
  • Sustainable Communities: partnerships, sustainability measures

    Proposal summary:

    Four ranchers grazing livestock in southern Arizona’s Red Rock Canyon watershed have joined forces with scientists to improve the rangeland and riparian health. The ranchers have formed the “Canelo Hills Coalition” and have converted, or are in the process of converting, to deferred rotational grazing plans. To carry out their plans, which include developing stock water and fencing to rotate livestock and rest pastures during certain periods, the coalition is harnessing a Western SARE Farmer/Rancher grant to support rangeland and riparian plant monitoring activities. Scientists from the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service will lend their monitoring expertise to help document any changes that occur. In addition, the coalition plans to develop a user-friendly teaching plan to spread information about plant growth and regeneration to various groups, including local schools and 4-H groups.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.