San Carlos River and Bylas Reach

FIGURE: A map showing the primary study site, including the San Carlos River and Bylas Reach of the Gila River from Petrakis et al. (2023[LN1] ).

The primary objective of this study was to measure direct relationships between vegetation conditions and climate drivers to help develop a framework to inform predictive management for these riparian forests, with supplemental funding from the Southwest CASC (Mapping Riparian Vegetation Response to Climate). 

Products depict how vegetation extent, canopy cover, and composition in the Upper Gila River Watershed riparian zones have changed over time and provide information on the current conditions of the vegetation in response to climatic factors and river discharge. Using aerial and satellite imagery over an 84-year time frame, USGS scientists are working with resource managers from the San Carlos Apache Tribe to identify restoration and vegetation management actions that would provide value to stakeholders and local residents throughout the region 

 [LN1]Frontiers | Riparian vegetation response amid variable climate conditions across the Upper Gila River watershed: informing Tribal restoration priorities