Wetlands

The Ute Mountain Ute Reservation offers a wide diversity of landscapes, habitats, cultural resources, and rich biological composition. Any one of these components are fragile and vulnerable to the many threats present in the environment at this time. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe clearly understands the need to protect and conserve for future generations, the legacy of fish, wildlife, and the habitats these Tribal lands support.

 

Many wetlands and streams compose the surrounding areas around Mancos and Cortez, Co. These areas are heavily impacted by human activities including pestcides, agriculture, noxious weeds, residential, gravel and oil and gas development. In an arid environment, the wetlands and riparian areas present on the Reservation are an important and rare resource. In addition, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park and the Mancos River serve as a very large area primarily used for open space and ecotourism.

 

The Tribe owns and manages seven ranches located off the main reservation area in Colorado and Utah. These ranches include numerous high quality springs, seeps, and creeks. One of the ranches provides high quality trout habitat. While the intended use is ranching, the Tribe has a goal to protect and maintain and enhance the quality of the ground and surface water in these areas. Several projects throughout the Reservation have also been undertaken to improve wetland health and work toward a net gain goal. These have included Salt Cedar removal, stream bank enhancement, erosion control projects, and spring enhancement.

 

The primary threat water quality and to the health of riparian and wetland areas on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation is an intense Salt Cedar (Tamarix ramossisma) infestation. The total Reservation infestation estimate is, conservatively, 800 acres, virtually every riparian corridor and drainage has become completely engulfed. This infestation is devastating these riparian and wetland areas and dramatically affecting water quantity and water quality as well. Trees can consume 200-300 gallons of water per day. It is tolerant of highly saline habitats and it concentrates salt in its leaves. As leaf litter accumulates under the plant, the surface soil can become highly saline, impeding future colonization by many native plant species.

 

Plants associated with riparian and wetland areas also have a variety of uses in Native American culture. Some of these uses include; ceremonial, food, shelter, clothing, medicine, tools, basketry, dye, and fuel. By protecting and preserving these resources we hope to help preserve the culture of the Ute People.