San Juan Watershed Woody-Invasives Initiative

On 2 May, 2006, the San Juan Watershed Woody-Invasives Initiative (SJWWII) was formed to address growing tamarisk (Tamarix sp.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) invasions at a regional level.  SJWWII is a unique partnership that covers the entire San Juan Watershed, including four states (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah) and four tribal units (Jicarilla Apache Nation, Navajo Nation, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe [including White Mesa Ute]).  One of the primary purposes of SJWWII is to facilitate coordination among partners across these boundaries. 

The purpose of the Implementation Plan is to provide a framework for coordinating and planning specific projects that will assist the Department of Interior address the efficacy of riparian restoration and control of tamarisk and Russian olive.  The Implementation Plan also provides guidelines for restoration and control methods, research, education, and community service and outreach. 

The Implementation Plan provides detailed information on

• Why the San Juan Watershed will be one of the most important and valuable Demonstration Sites
• Research and capacity of the partnership
• Educational plans
• Tree replacement program
• Transferability of the model
• Importance of documenting the history and success of projects
• Importance of assessing the physical integrity of project areas
• Working within the law
• Expected outputs and outcomes
• How the demonstration site will address regional and federal priorities
• Demonstration projects, including

  Landownership and management responsibilities
  Goals
  Objectives
  Partners
  Measuring baseline conditions and physical integrity
  Methods of control
  Methods of restoration
  Methods of monitoring
  Research questions
  Plans to measure progress