Sacramento Mountains Watershed Study
This study evaluates the hydrologic effects of tree thinning in a densely forested, high-elevation watershed (>8000 ft) in the Sacramento Mountains. The collaborative project between the Bureau of Geology, NM Tech, NM State University, and NM Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute (Highlands University) has funded three graduate students. In 2011, 400 acres of the watershed were thinned. Results will estimate potential ground-water recharge before and after thinning. Results, anticipated in 2014, will help water and land managers to apply vegetation management methods to maximize groundwater and surface water resources.
Funded by the New Mexico State Legislature through Otero SWCD, NMISC, USFS, NRCS and NM State Forestry.
For more information, please contact:
Talon Newton
Hydrogeologist
New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources
New Mexico Tech
801 Leroy Place
Socorro, NM 87801
talon@nmbg.nmt.edu
AMP-Relevant Publications
Preliminary report, June 2012:
Available for free download.
Sacramento Mountains
Watershed Study:
Can we increase our water resources
by thinning trees in the mountains?
2012, B. Talon Newton, Casey Gierke, Hector Garduno,
Nathan Canaris, and Trevor Kludt
New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources
New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology
801 Leroy Place
Socorro, NM 87801-4796
information: (575) 835-5420
fax: (575) 835-6333
http://geoinfo.nmt.edu
The New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources is a research and service division of:
