Improve natural water storage and retention through healthy watersheds, riparian and wetland areas, and groundwater-dependent ecosystems

Approach

Tactics

Conduct vegetation management (e.g., mechanical treatments, prescribed fire, and wildland fire use) to develop appropriate vegetation density and composition for optimal water balance and healthy watersheds (e.g. aspen/conifer and water yield).
Conduct stream and meadow restoration.
Promote and increase beaver populations where appropriate.
Manage special use authorizations for water storage (dams on high elevation mountain lakes) and other water diversions.
Protect and manage water developments at groundwater-dependent ecosystems (springs, wetlands, fens, etc.).

Sensitivity

• Climate change will likely result in decreasing monsoonal moisture in the summer/ increased drought cycles/ wetland and riparian reduction or loss/ and increased fire activity.

Strategy

Sustain fundamental physical and ecological functions; Maintain and enhance hydrologic processes