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Editor: Beau McClure, 6510 W. Lucia Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85083 -- Phone: 623-587-7883- bcmcclure@cox.net
Monitoring Volunteers Enjoy Work, October Sun & Breezes-- October 9, 2007
A warm October sun and cooling breezes provided excellent conditions for monitoring some of Arizona BLM’s most beautiful uplands. The well-managed livestock operation in Las Cienegas National Conservation Area was the site of a week-long monitoring effort by BLM staff, The Nature Conservancy volunteers and Public Lands Foundation volunteers. John Mezes and Beau McClure volunteered their time on behalf of the Public Lands Foundation for three days, October 3-5, 2007. During those three days, seven 1,000-point linear transects were studied to determine perennial grass species, annual grass, herb, shrub and litter cover and bear-ground, gravel, rock and litter basal frequency. This information will be used to determine vegetation trends and future livestock stocking levels in the National Conservation Area. It was a gratifying and enjoyable experience and both John and Beau returned home with a feeling that they had contributed to a worthwhile effort that would help ensure the future health of the watershed. Karen Simms, BLM Tucson Field Office, organized the monitoring effort with help from an Intern, Annika Jones. John Anderson, a BLM Botanist; Jony Cockman, a BLM Ecologist; and Gita Bodner of The Nature Conservancy also provided support. Six to twelve volunteers (including some of the above) each day assisted with the grassland monitoring. Thanks to Karen Simms and BLM, travel expenses for John and Beau were reimbursed. Las Cienegas National Conservation Area is located in a valley between the Santa Rita, Whetstone and Huachuca Mountains about 40 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona and just north of the small town of Sonoita, Arizona. The grassland watershed protects and supports a perennial segment of Cienega Creek and a riparian forest.Monitoring in Las Cienegas National Conservation Area is done every year so that complete coverage is accomplished every three years. BLM can only accomplish this with the help of volunteers. PLF members are encouraged to volunteer to help with this important effort. No monitoring experience is necessary. It takes only a few days out of your year and it means so much to BLM and to the valuable public lands it manages. And it is fun! Please contact Beau McClure at bcmcclure@cox.net if you are interested in helping next September or October.
Las Ciengas National Conservation Area
John Mezes & Jony Cockman winding up tape after completing monitoring plot
Lunch under the shade of a Mesquite tree- John Mezes, Karen Simms, Annika Jones, Virginia Bealer & Gita Bodner
John Mezes at a monitoring point
Las Cienegas National Conservation Area