Provide funding for the restoration of riparian and mesic habitat in the SAN luis valley, in a critical portion of gunnison sage grouse habitat along highway 285

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program (CFDA 15.631), awarded a $185,486 Cooperative Agreement to Ducks Unlimited Inc. to restore riparian and mesic habitat in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. Through this 5-year agreement, which began on March 15, 2024, Ducks Unlimited will work with local partners to enhance at least 5 acres of critical Gunnison sage-grouse habitat by installing Zeedyk structures and removing invasive species. This effort is expected to have a positive impact on several priority sage-species and help improve water management capabilities in the area. The project aims to contribute to the overall goal of restoring 800 acres of wet meadow and riparian habitat over the multi-year initiative.

Ducks unlimited INC. Will work cooperatively with partners in the SAN luis valley (i.e.: wetland dynamics, LLC, colorado state land board, and private landowners) to improve riparian habitat via the installation of zeedyk structures and other water control infrastructure, and through the removal of invasive species. This agreement will enhance a minimum of five acres during phase I, to be completed by december 2024, and contribute to the overall goal of 800 restored wet meadow and riparian acres during a multi-year process. This work is expected to have a positive impact on three priority sage species: 1) gunnison sage grouse, 2) sage thrasher, and 3) brewer S sparrow. IT is also expected to help improve land managers ability to manage water in an area threatened by loss of perennial wetland habitat and water rights. Completion of this phase I work will be crucial for the long-term conservation of wildlife in the SAN luis valley and for setting the stage for a multi-jurisdictional, long-term restoration project to benefit sagebrush-obligate species.