BLM-(Arizona), CCS BLM AZ CPCESU Pakoon Springs Rehabilitation Project-Riparian Monitoring (AZ Strip)

The purpose of modification 000002 is to extend the period of performance (POP). The is extended from 20 July to 1 August 2015 Description of Program and/or Project a. Background: Pakoon Springs Ranch was a working ranch for nearly a century, with cattle ranching, alfalfa production, and ostrich farming. The landscape was severely altered by development. The approximately 10 springs were dug and developed into ponds to store water for domestic use and to irrigate agricultural fields. The springs, riparian areas, and agricultural fields were overrun by non-native, invasive plant and animal species. In 2004, the ranch was acquired by BLM. The current BLM direction for management of riparian areas is to "Maintain, restore, or improve riparian areas to achieve a healthy and productive ecological condition for maximum long-term benefits." To that end, over the last 11 years restoration work has been performed by the BLM and public and private partners. The structures, vehicles, refuse, and scrap metal was removed from the property by the BLM in March 2005. SHPO clearance was obtained by the BLM for the site in 2006. Arizona Water Protection Fund grants #06-137WP (2006-2009) involved a 10 acre pilot project restoration are centered on the spring's complex. Arizona Water Protection Fund grant # 0400 expanded the project to a 50-60 acre area. b. Objectives: 1) The purpose of this project is to monitor the effectiveness of the project to date in restoring healthy ecosystem functions. Active landscape and vegetation manipulation over the last 11 years has been driven by the attempt to restore ecosystem functions associated with a natural Mojave Desert spring complex. To determine how well the project has done this, monitoring of key aspects (vegetation, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, avifauna, herpetofauna, small mammals, water quality and flow) and comparison with previous conditions and desired future conditions for the spring will help guide the final stages of the larger project. This monitoring will also be used by other agencies to assess whether Pakoon Springs is ready for reintroducing candidate special status species such as Grand Wash Spring Snail and Relict Leopard Frog. Since this monitoring will begin within a year of the last major earthmoving event, it is a baseline to use to test all future species composition and water quality questions. 2) Provide field/laboratory learning experiences for youth interested in disciplines associated with ecosystem rehabilitation and riparian areas (hydrology, botany, entomology, etc.) Aquatic systems in the desert southwest are primarily controlled by permittees and state and federal agencies. Access for youth/student research and learning opportunities can be extremely limited due to a variety of factors including concerns over potential damage to fragile systems or species. Pakoon Springs represents a system in flux, with no known fragile species (at this time). As such, the combination of federal control of the water right and a system already damaged, but healing, provides an opportunity for youth to learn necessary techniques in the field that they might otherwise not have a chance to encounter until their professional lives. There is a minimal risk as far as fears for a youth learner that they might "break something" and an excellent opportunity to experience spring ecosystems that might otherwise be off-limits. In addition, Pakoon Springs has a variety of habitats, from spring mounds, to seeps, to channels to what could be called a perennial stream. This variety provides in one location the opportunity for learning different techniques for data collection and study design in all the disciplines the monitoring will cover. Complementary lab techniques that will be part of the monitoring can be taught to youth. Again, because of the status of Pakoon Springs, larger samples than would normally be considered can be taken so many youth/students can practice techniques in the lab.