Avian monitoring along the Middle Rio Grande

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The USACE Albuquerque District (District) works with non-federal sponsors, including the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD), to conduct management and maintenance activities related to water conveyance, flood control, erosion control and fire risk reduction along the Middle Rio Grande in Central New Mexico. The District aims to balance ecosystem function and aquatic and riparian wildlife habitat with water management. The District is a signatory to the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program (MRGESCP), a diverse partnership of federal, state, tribal and local signatory agencies and organizations. The MRGESCP mission is a collaborative and science-based approach to protect and improve the status of endangered species along the middle portion of the Rio Grande watershed of New Mexico, while simultaneously protecting existing and future regional water uses. The Middle Rio Grande and adjacent bosque/riparian habitat provide valuable habitat for a rich assemblage of wildlife including the following threatened and endangered species: ·      Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ·      Yellow-Billed Cuckoo ·      Rio Grande Silvery Minnow ·      New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse ·      Pecos Sunflower Water management and maintenance activities affect riparian habitat and the species that depend on it. In addition, drought, wildfires, invasive species, changing climate and hydrologic conditions, and proximity to urbanized areas impact the riparian ecosystem. There is a need to survey for and monitor sensitive species and their habitat and to conduct scientific studies to inform design and implementation of District management, maintenance, and restoration activities. Monitoring the abundance and diversity of songbird populations can also provide valuable information about riparian habitat quality for sensitive species, especially when threatened and endangered species may be infrequently detected. Since December 2003, the District has conducted avian monitoring at sites of interest to avoid impacts to target species, to evaluate habitat utilization following management and restoration efforts, and to contribute information to population monitoring and research efforts.

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