Upper Feather River Watershed

To date there are few studies which quantify the hydrologic response of meadow restoration due to vegetation or conifer removal. Quantifying the response of meadow restoration assists forest; range; and agricultural land managers determine the effect of their investment in meadow restoration. This study is using a before after control intervention (BACI) study design to study the hydrologic change conifer removal from a historic meadow (Marian Meadow). We hypothesize that the conifer removal will create soil hydric characteristics which will promote a wet meadow system. We have instrumented two sites 1) a restored meadow and 2) our historic meadow with soil moisture sensors; shallow groundwater wells; and a surface water level recorder. We have been measuring soil moisture; groundwater levels; and soil hydric characteristics for two years prior to meadow restoration and currently have funding for study one year following meadow restoration. This application is requesting funding to increase the length of study by two years. A longer duration will provide greater certainty in before and after and control and treatment site comparisons of the hydrologic response of the conifer removal. The longer duration ensures that if we get 1 bad winter post restoration our study design will not be lost; we will have additional years to ensure completion and appropriate comparisons.

Cal Poly - SLO

Christopher Surfleet

csurflee@calpoly.edu

UF-1

$90,000

$145,000

No

Scientific evidence of benefits of removing encroached conifers and thinning upland forests toward maintaining meadow ecosystems and hydrologic functions.

Ecosystem restoration, Forest management, Groundwater remediation/aquifer remediation, Land use planning and management, Surface storage - regional/local, Watershed management

Build communication and collaboration among water resources stakeholders, Coordinate management of recharge areas and protect groundwater, Effectively address climate change adaptation and/or mitigation in water resources management, Enhance public awareness and understanding of water management issues and needs, Protect, restore, and enhance the quality of surface and groundwater resources, Reduce potential for catastrophic wildland fires in the region, Restore natural hydrologic functions

Assessment

Assist the region in adapting to effects of climate change, Disadvantaged Communities, Generation or reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. green technology)

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