Lower Alamosa River Restoration Project

The Lower Alamosa Riparian Restoration Project (LARRP) showcases the power of partnership and collaboration to support land stewardship and restoration in the San Luis Valley. Years of drought have caused many of the trees along the Alamosa River to die, including on the Valdez property near Capulin. Armando Valdez recalled the riparian forest of his youth with fondness, and was eager to restore it. To protect river function, provide wildlife habitat, and restore forest on the Valdez property, RiGHT worked with the Valdez family to develop the Lower Alamosa River Restoration Project.

RiGHT received funding from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to purchase trees, native seed mix, rent heavy equipment, and hire a work crew. In May of 2021 the SLV Great Outdoors Action Team, RiGHT staff, the Valdez family, and local volunteers got to work installing fences, planting trees, seeding disturbed areas, and stabilizing eroded stream banks. We installed 1.5 miles of riparian fencing, planted 200 trees, stabilized streambanks, and installed a solar well and stock tank to reduce livestock pressure in sensitive riparian areas, improve stream health, and restore riverine forest and wildlife habitat. The finished product is pasture areas that are more manageable for agricultural production and a river corridor that is restored for future generations to enjoy. 

This project demonstrates how collaboration between local landowners and San Luis Valley partner organizations can be a win for conservation and our communities. It is also an exciting step forward for RiGHT as we expand our work to include larger restoration projects. As willows and cottonwoods take root, we look forward to watching this work grow.