Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.
Laura M Norman, Ph.D.
Dr. Laura M. Norman is a Supervisory Research Physical Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, where she has worked since 1998. Her research combines remotely-sensed imagery and other geospatial data in complex hydrological, hydraulic, and LULC models to predict the source, fate, and transport of non-point source pollutants, consider potential growth scenarios, and document impacts of change.
Aridland Water Harvesting Study
Aridland Water Harvesting Study
Rock detention structures have been used globally for thousands of years to improve the ecohydrology in dryland regions. This project documents their impacts in the US-Mexico border related to ecological restoration and climate resilience, with findings that provide nature-based solutions to mitigate flooding, drought, and erosion.
Tribal Land Vegetation Watershed Modeling
Tribal Land Vegetation Watershed Modeling
The San Carlos Apache Tribe is interested to determine cultural and natural values at risk of degradation resulting from changes in climate and land use. Remote sensing analysis of vegetation over time helps describe the relationship to change and how land management can help restore the landscape to pre-reservation conditions.
Recent Recorded Webinars and News:
Recent Recorded Webinars and News:
- Guest Lecture with DOI National BAER Team Leaders (2/28/24)
- NIDS overview lecture at the Univ. Arizona (1/31/24)
- Dr. Laura Norman Receives the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of …
- Laura Norman Receives the Geological Society of America's 2024 Farouk El-Baz Aw…
- The Science That Transformed a Dry Streambed into an Oasis
- Human-Built Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams (NIDS)
- Visit Laura’s ORCID page for hyperlinked/detailed list of Publication “Works”
Laura couples methods and models across scientific disciplines to allow for a synthesis of results that simulate and communicate risk, impacts of land-use and climate change, and proposed interventions. She has conducted international research for decades, with focus on transboundary watersheds of the US-Mexico border and Tribal lands, where environmental and socioeconomic stressors disproportionately affect human health, well-being, and quality of life. Most recently her research is being used to help establish best management practices in arid lands; characterize trade-offs between ecological, economic, and social values for land use decision support; and the establishment of a binational monitoring and tracking strategy for mitigation of flood risk. She has published over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles on a wide-range of topics including cross-border policy, regional planning, climate resilience, environmental justice, restoration design, ecosystem services, hydrologic modeling, and watershed management.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:
- Aridland Water Harvesting Study, 2013 - present.
- Tribal Land Vegetation and Watershed Modeling, 2018 - present.
- Santa Cruz Watershed Ecosystem Portfolio Model (SCWEPM), 2010 - 2013.
- Western Region- Border Environmental Health Initiative (BEHI), 2008 - 2012.
- Predicting Environmental Consequences of Urban Development on the US-Mexico Border, 2004 – 2010.
- Geospatial Analysis of the Lower Colorado River, 2004 - 2007
STUDENT MENTOR:
- Affiliated/Joint Faculty, Watershed Management and Ecohydrology Programs, School of Natural Resources & the Environment, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, The University of Arizona (1998-Present).
- Lab Instructor & Teaching Assistant, GIS for Natural Resources (RNR 417/517). University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (08/00-12/04).
- NASA Space Grant Mentor (2010-2011).
- USGS Mendenhall Fellow (Post-Doc) mentor (FY12-13).
- NSF Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP) adviser (FY16 - present).
- Paul D. Coverdell Fellow (M.S.) mentor (FY19 - present).
- Fulbright Garcia-Robles (Ph.D.) mentor (FY22-23)
- Graduate Advisor to students (M.S. and Ph.D.).
Science and Products
Tribal Land Vegetation and Watershed Modeling
San Carlos Apache Reservation covers 1.8 million acres in east-central Arizona, and has diverse ecosystems and vegetation types that support a natural resource-based economy.
Filter Total Items: 13
Mapping Riparian Vegetation Response to Climate Change on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Upper Gila River Watershed to Inform Restoration Priorities: 1935 to Present (Phase 2)
Recently intensifying drought conditions have caused increased stress to non-native tamarisk vegetation across riparian areas of the San Carlos Apache Tribe (hereafter Tribe) and the Upper Gila River watershed in Arizona and New Mexico. This also increases wildfire risk in the area, making the removal of tamarisk vegetation a primary restoration and climate adaptation objective for the...
Cienega Ranch - Semi-desert Native Grassland Restoration
At the Cienega Ranch, near Willcox, Arizona, in the foothills of the Dos Cabeza Mountains, a rancher is working to restore and conserve high- quality native grasslands and critical wildlife habitat, while keeping the land as a working cattle ranch. Our objectives were to estimate the hydrological effect of water harvesting on grassland restoration and quantify how grassland conservation efforts...
Research in the Los Planes Watershed – Water Cycle Augmentation
The USGS is working with partners to understand the impacts of installing structures made from rock, sandbags and wood in channels at a dryland ranch in southern Baja California. Hydrogeological instrumentation, recording observations, modeling hydrogeological scenarios, and an interdisciplinary scientific study of the watershed interactions between water, ecological systems, and human activities...
Mapping Riparian Vegetation Response to Climate Change on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Upper Gila River Watershed to Inform Restoration Priorities: 1935 to Present (Phase 1)
Riparian systems are critical to the human and ecological communities that interact with them. For the members of San Carlos Apache Tribe, this is particularly true, as riparian systems provide immense cultural and natural values such as ceremonial grounds and recreation areas. However, the riparian areas within the San Carlos Apache Reservation are at risk of degradation due to climate...
Soil Compaction and Erosion
Extensive off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on desert lands can directly and indirectly lead to human health problems and impact soil, vegetation, and wildlife habitat. Soil pulverization and loosening caused by OHVs contribute to dust hazards, and to respiratory illnesses and diseases (e.g., valley fever) in adjacent, downwind communities. Repeated soil compaction by OHVs can also degrade natural...
Tribal Land Vegetation and Watershed Modeling
San Carlos Apache Reservation covers 1.8 million acres in east-central Arizona, and has diverse ecosystems and vegetation types that support a natural resource-based economy.
Ciénega San Bernardino - Wetland Restoration
Desert marshes and wetlands, or “ ciénegas”, are extremely biodiverse habitats imperiled by anthropogenic demands for water and changing climates. Given their widespread loss and increased recognition as important wildlife habitat, remarkably little is known about restoration techniques.
Patagonia - Gully Restoration
The Deep Dirt Farm Institute (DDFI), founded and directed by Kate Tirion, comprises 34 acres with deep agricultural soils, bisected by an ephemeral stream/wildlife corridor. The farm lies within a folded topography of hills, small sheltered valleys & broad meadow. A deep gully has diverted flows and needs repair.
Nogales, Sonora - Flood Control
Flooding in Ambos Nogales often exceeds the capacity of the channel and adjacent land areas, endangering people and property. Goals of rock detention structures (RDS) are to diminish impacts of flooding and sedimentation on wastewater infrastructure thereby reducing the incidence of sanitary sewer overflows. We are studying the Nogales Wash to prevent future flood disasters and RDS are being...
Chiricahua Mountains - Reduction of Channel Gradients
Drainages in the Chiricahua Mountains are impacted by large rain events that cause gullying effects in the headwaters, overflow at road crossings, flooding of campgrounds, and overwhelming sediment loads at outlets (Chiricahua National Monument). Monsoon rains following recent fires cause severe flooding in most drainages and debris flows in many others. Watershed restoration has been a major goal...
Babocomari - Managed Aquifer Recharge
We are working to investigate the most cost-efficient way to recharge the Sierra Vista sub-basin aquifer using rainwater harvesting in the tributaries of the San Pedro River using low-technology methods. Research is being conducted on the Babacomari Ranch, property of the Brophy family. The Walton Family Foundation (WFF) is supporting our research with partners, Borderlands Restoration (BR)...
Aridland Water Harvesting Study
Most of western North America has been severely grazed by cattle, causing grasslands to deteriorate and desert scrub expansion. Climate in arid and semi-arid regions is often typified by short, intense rainfall events which contribute to short-term flooding and erosion. Associated arroyo cutting occurs when ephemeral creek beds are carved into the floodplain when erratic overland flow occurs; this...
Can these rocks reduce flooding? (Spanish captions)
Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.
Can these rocks reduce flooding? (English captions)
Creating a binational sponge city in the desert: Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.
Creating a binational sponge city in the desert: Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.
Why the trilogy matters: Hydrology, Geomorphology & Ecology
It is only in recent years that the restoration profession has begun to recognize the trilogy that links hydrology, geomorphology and ecology. Understanding the fundamental nature of this trilogy is essential to the effective restoration of all streams and wetlands. All three factors must be respected if any project is to be successfully planned, impleme
It is only in recent years that the restoration profession has begun to recognize the trilogy that links hydrology, geomorphology and ecology. Understanding the fundamental nature of this trilogy is essential to the effective restoration of all streams and wetlands. All three factors must be respected if any project is to be successfully planned, impleme
Human-Built Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams — Lessons from the "20-Year Crew"
On April 16^th^, 2024, the USGS hosted notable restoration practitioners from the Sky Island Restoration Collaborative (SIRC) at the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration, in Albuquerque, NM, in a session about low-cost, low-tech, nature-based solutions, that can help people mitigate and adapt to climate changes.
On April 16^th^, 2024, the USGS hosted notable restoration practitioners from the Sky Island Restoration Collaborative (SIRC) at the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration, in Albuquerque, NM, in a session about low-cost, low-tech, nature-based solutions, that can help people mitigate and adapt to climate changes.
Re-Watering the Ground
We have experienced the placement of rocks on hillsides in eroded areas. The rock dams capture silt and water. A great many dams placed close together in all drainages capture so much water that the hills become sponges.
We have experienced the placement of rocks on hillsides in eroded areas. The rock dams capture silt and water. A great many dams placed close together in all drainages capture so much water that the hills become sponges.
10-Years Experience in Building Rock Gabions and Check Dams in the Cacachilas Mountain Range, Mexico
linkRancho Cacachilas is a land restoration and ecotourism project in the Sierra Cacachilas mountain range, 30km east of the city of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
10-Years Experience in Building Rock Gabions and Check Dams in the Cacachilas Mountain Range, Mexico
linkRancho Cacachilas is a land restoration and ecotourism project in the Sierra Cacachilas mountain range, 30km east of the city of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Hinge-Felling, Best & Cheapest
Lucinda Cole and I retired to the Pitchfork Ranch in southwest New Mexico two decades ago. We’ve overseen 17 government grants to install grade-control structures in 31 side-drainages and the ranches’ 9-mile reach of the 48-mile-long Burro Ciénaga riparian watercourse, 1.5-miles perennial ciénaga.
Lucinda Cole and I retired to the Pitchfork Ranch in southwest New Mexico two decades ago. We’ve overseen 17 government grants to install grade-control structures in 31 side-drainages and the ranches’ 9-mile reach of the 48-mile-long Burro Ciénaga riparian watercourse, 1.5-miles perennial ciénaga.
Hydrological Restoration of Degraded Grasslands in Arid and Semi-Arid Communities
We live in the Anthropocene. The entire surface of the earth has been impacted by human activity and our land management decisions. In this context, most of the grasslands in arid and semiarid regions are experiencing severe and continuing degradation.
We live in the Anthropocene. The entire surface of the earth has been impacted by human activity and our land management decisions. In this context, most of the grasslands in arid and semiarid regions are experiencing severe and continuing degradation.
Lessons learned using stream morphology and simple erosion control structures from the past decade that improve longevity and project performance
linkThe use of simple erosion control structures, one-rock-dams, rock sills, trincheras, etc have gained great popularity in recent years. Ease of construction, relative cost and effectiveness are driving increased and widespread use.
Lessons learned using stream morphology and simple erosion control structures from the past decade that improve longevity and project performance
linkThe use of simple erosion control structures, one-rock-dams, rock sills, trincheras, etc have gained great popularity in recent years. Ease of construction, relative cost and effectiveness are driving increased and widespread use.
Juniper Tank, Pasture Rehab
This project is located in the Juniper Tank Pasture on the Ash Creek Livestock Association.
This project is located in the Juniper Tank Pasture on the Ash Creek Livestock Association.
Think Like a Watershed, Act like a River: The Culture of Community Based River Restoration in the Arizona-Sonora, MX Binational Watersheds
linkAfter around 150 years of Powell’s watershed map, we are getting there….. Think like watershed with interdependence and connectivity of the uplands-middle lands and lowlands and act like a river being the connector of these interactions from the top to the bottom and vice versa.
Think Like a Watershed, Act like a River: The Culture of Community Based River Restoration in the Arizona-Sonora, MX Binational Watersheds
linkAfter around 150 years of Powell’s watershed map, we are getting there….. Think like watershed with interdependence and connectivity of the uplands-middle lands and lowlands and act like a river being the connector of these interactions from the top to the bottom and vice versa.
Aridland Water Harvesting Study Animation
Informative video portraying natural infrastructure in dryland streams (NIDS) in a watershed and descriptions of their documented climate-smart practices, graphic illustrated by Heartwood Visuals; animated by Hans J. Huth (Supplementary video 1; Norman et al. 2022).
Informative video portraying natural infrastructure in dryland streams (NIDS) in a watershed and descriptions of their documented climate-smart practices, graphic illustrated by Heartwood Visuals; animated by Hans J. Huth (Supplementary video 1; Norman et al. 2022).
Photographs of Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams
Photographs of Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams (NIDS), including a. leaky weir, b. sandbag dams, c. wood log jams, and d. gabions
Photographs of Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams (NIDS), including a. leaky weir, b. sandbag dams, c. wood log jams, and d. gabions
Installing natural infrastructure can impact the water and carbon budgets of dryland streams and watersheds
linkAn illustration of a mountain with water flowing from the top down to a river with smaller rivers flowing off the sides. Multiple items appear along the various rivers including leaky weirs, one rock dams, log dams, gabions, check dams, trincheras, and earthen berms. Informational bubbles appear alongside these various item in the illustration.
Installing natural infrastructure can impact the water and carbon budgets of dryland streams and watersheds
linkAn illustration of a mountain with water flowing from the top down to a river with smaller rivers flowing off the sides. Multiple items appear along the various rivers including leaky weirs, one rock dams, log dams, gabions, check dams, trincheras, and earthen berms. Informational bubbles appear alongside these various item in the illustration.
Re-greening a Dryland Watershed
The installation of thousands of rock detention structures in the Turkey Pen Watershed, of the Chiricahua Mountains in SE Arizona, provided a 30-year case study to consider low-tech and low-cost Natural Infrastructure in dryland watersheds.
The installation of thousands of rock detention structures in the Turkey Pen Watershed, of the Chiricahua Mountains in SE Arizona, provided a 30-year case study to consider low-tech and low-cost Natural Infrastructure in dryland watersheds.
Re-greening a Dryland Watershed
The opening screen for a video about the Re-greening a dryland watershed. T.e study took place in Arizona.
The opening screen for a video about the Re-greening a dryland watershed. T.e study took place in Arizona.
Sky Islands of Madrean Archipelago
This is a map of the Sky Islands of Madrean Archipelago. It is located in Arizona and New Mexico in the United States and in Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico.
This is a map of the Sky Islands of Madrean Archipelago. It is located in Arizona and New Mexico in the United States and in Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico.
Trailer — The Sky Island Restoration Collaborative
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Aridland Water Harvesting Study are partnering with restoration practitioners and land and water resource managers to build resilience in the United States-Mexico border. Respresentatives from various backgrounds are joining together across administrative boundaries of the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion of North America.
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Aridland Water Harvesting Study are partnering with restoration practitioners and land and water resource managers to build resilience in the United States-Mexico border. Respresentatives from various backgrounds are joining together across administrative boundaries of the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion of North America.
The Sky Island Restoration Collaborative
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Aridland Water Harvesting Study are partnering with restoration practitioners and land and water resource managers to build resilience in the United States-Mexico border. Respresentatives from various backgrounds are joining together across administrative boundaries of the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion of North America.
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Aridland Water Harvesting Study are partnering with restoration practitioners and land and water resource managers to build resilience in the United States-Mexico border. Respresentatives from various backgrounds are joining together across administrative boundaries of the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion of North America.
Rosemont Hills
Picture of the Rosemont hills showing grasses and shrubs with clouds in the background.
Picture of the Rosemont hills showing grasses and shrubs with clouds in the background.
Rock gabion, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Rock gabion installed in arroyo in La Paz, Baja California Sur. (Laura Norman, USGS)
Rock gabion installed in arroyo in La Paz, Baja California Sur. (Laura Norman, USGS)
Science and Products
Tribal Land Vegetation and Watershed Modeling
San Carlos Apache Reservation covers 1.8 million acres in east-central Arizona, and has diverse ecosystems and vegetation types that support a natural resource-based economy.
Filter Total Items: 13
Mapping Riparian Vegetation Response to Climate Change on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Upper Gila River Watershed to Inform Restoration Priorities: 1935 to Present (Phase 2)
Recently intensifying drought conditions have caused increased stress to non-native tamarisk vegetation across riparian areas of the San Carlos Apache Tribe (hereafter Tribe) and the Upper Gila River watershed in Arizona and New Mexico. This also increases wildfire risk in the area, making the removal of tamarisk vegetation a primary restoration and climate adaptation objective for the...
Cienega Ranch - Semi-desert Native Grassland Restoration
At the Cienega Ranch, near Willcox, Arizona, in the foothills of the Dos Cabeza Mountains, a rancher is working to restore and conserve high- quality native grasslands and critical wildlife habitat, while keeping the land as a working cattle ranch. Our objectives were to estimate the hydrological effect of water harvesting on grassland restoration and quantify how grassland conservation efforts...
Research in the Los Planes Watershed – Water Cycle Augmentation
The USGS is working with partners to understand the impacts of installing structures made from rock, sandbags and wood in channels at a dryland ranch in southern Baja California. Hydrogeological instrumentation, recording observations, modeling hydrogeological scenarios, and an interdisciplinary scientific study of the watershed interactions between water, ecological systems, and human activities...
Mapping Riparian Vegetation Response to Climate Change on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Upper Gila River Watershed to Inform Restoration Priorities: 1935 to Present (Phase 1)
Riparian systems are critical to the human and ecological communities that interact with them. For the members of San Carlos Apache Tribe, this is particularly true, as riparian systems provide immense cultural and natural values such as ceremonial grounds and recreation areas. However, the riparian areas within the San Carlos Apache Reservation are at risk of degradation due to climate...
Soil Compaction and Erosion
Extensive off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on desert lands can directly and indirectly lead to human health problems and impact soil, vegetation, and wildlife habitat. Soil pulverization and loosening caused by OHVs contribute to dust hazards, and to respiratory illnesses and diseases (e.g., valley fever) in adjacent, downwind communities. Repeated soil compaction by OHVs can also degrade natural...
Tribal Land Vegetation and Watershed Modeling
San Carlos Apache Reservation covers 1.8 million acres in east-central Arizona, and has diverse ecosystems and vegetation types that support a natural resource-based economy.
Ciénega San Bernardino - Wetland Restoration
Desert marshes and wetlands, or “ ciénegas”, are extremely biodiverse habitats imperiled by anthropogenic demands for water and changing climates. Given their widespread loss and increased recognition as important wildlife habitat, remarkably little is known about restoration techniques.
Patagonia - Gully Restoration
The Deep Dirt Farm Institute (DDFI), founded and directed by Kate Tirion, comprises 34 acres with deep agricultural soils, bisected by an ephemeral stream/wildlife corridor. The farm lies within a folded topography of hills, small sheltered valleys & broad meadow. A deep gully has diverted flows and needs repair.
Nogales, Sonora - Flood Control
Flooding in Ambos Nogales often exceeds the capacity of the channel and adjacent land areas, endangering people and property. Goals of rock detention structures (RDS) are to diminish impacts of flooding and sedimentation on wastewater infrastructure thereby reducing the incidence of sanitary sewer overflows. We are studying the Nogales Wash to prevent future flood disasters and RDS are being...
Chiricahua Mountains - Reduction of Channel Gradients
Drainages in the Chiricahua Mountains are impacted by large rain events that cause gullying effects in the headwaters, overflow at road crossings, flooding of campgrounds, and overwhelming sediment loads at outlets (Chiricahua National Monument). Monsoon rains following recent fires cause severe flooding in most drainages and debris flows in many others. Watershed restoration has been a major goal...
Babocomari - Managed Aquifer Recharge
We are working to investigate the most cost-efficient way to recharge the Sierra Vista sub-basin aquifer using rainwater harvesting in the tributaries of the San Pedro River using low-technology methods. Research is being conducted on the Babacomari Ranch, property of the Brophy family. The Walton Family Foundation (WFF) is supporting our research with partners, Borderlands Restoration (BR)...
Aridland Water Harvesting Study
Most of western North America has been severely grazed by cattle, causing grasslands to deteriorate and desert scrub expansion. Climate in arid and semi-arid regions is often typified by short, intense rainfall events which contribute to short-term flooding and erosion. Associated arroyo cutting occurs when ephemeral creek beds are carved into the floodplain when erratic overland flow occurs; this...
Can these rocks reduce flooding? (Spanish captions)
Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.
Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.
Can these rocks reduce flooding? (English captions)
Creating a binational sponge city in the desert: Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.
Creating a binational sponge city in the desert: Flooding in the binational cities at Ambos Nogales on the Arizona-Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border has caused damage, ruined livelihoods and taken lives for hundreds of years.
Why the trilogy matters: Hydrology, Geomorphology & Ecology
It is only in recent years that the restoration profession has begun to recognize the trilogy that links hydrology, geomorphology and ecology. Understanding the fundamental nature of this trilogy is essential to the effective restoration of all streams and wetlands. All three factors must be respected if any project is to be successfully planned, impleme
It is only in recent years that the restoration profession has begun to recognize the trilogy that links hydrology, geomorphology and ecology. Understanding the fundamental nature of this trilogy is essential to the effective restoration of all streams and wetlands. All three factors must be respected if any project is to be successfully planned, impleme
Human-Built Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams — Lessons from the "20-Year Crew"
On April 16^th^, 2024, the USGS hosted notable restoration practitioners from the Sky Island Restoration Collaborative (SIRC) at the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration, in Albuquerque, NM, in a session about low-cost, low-tech, nature-based solutions, that can help people mitigate and adapt to climate changes.
On April 16^th^, 2024, the USGS hosted notable restoration practitioners from the Sky Island Restoration Collaborative (SIRC) at the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration, in Albuquerque, NM, in a session about low-cost, low-tech, nature-based solutions, that can help people mitigate and adapt to climate changes.
Re-Watering the Ground
We have experienced the placement of rocks on hillsides in eroded areas. The rock dams capture silt and water. A great many dams placed close together in all drainages capture so much water that the hills become sponges.
We have experienced the placement of rocks on hillsides in eroded areas. The rock dams capture silt and water. A great many dams placed close together in all drainages capture so much water that the hills become sponges.
10-Years Experience in Building Rock Gabions and Check Dams in the Cacachilas Mountain Range, Mexico
linkRancho Cacachilas is a land restoration and ecotourism project in the Sierra Cacachilas mountain range, 30km east of the city of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
10-Years Experience in Building Rock Gabions and Check Dams in the Cacachilas Mountain Range, Mexico
linkRancho Cacachilas is a land restoration and ecotourism project in the Sierra Cacachilas mountain range, 30km east of the city of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Hinge-Felling, Best & Cheapest
Lucinda Cole and I retired to the Pitchfork Ranch in southwest New Mexico two decades ago. We’ve overseen 17 government grants to install grade-control structures in 31 side-drainages and the ranches’ 9-mile reach of the 48-mile-long Burro Ciénaga riparian watercourse, 1.5-miles perennial ciénaga.
Lucinda Cole and I retired to the Pitchfork Ranch in southwest New Mexico two decades ago. We’ve overseen 17 government grants to install grade-control structures in 31 side-drainages and the ranches’ 9-mile reach of the 48-mile-long Burro Ciénaga riparian watercourse, 1.5-miles perennial ciénaga.
Hydrological Restoration of Degraded Grasslands in Arid and Semi-Arid Communities
We live in the Anthropocene. The entire surface of the earth has been impacted by human activity and our land management decisions. In this context, most of the grasslands in arid and semiarid regions are experiencing severe and continuing degradation.
We live in the Anthropocene. The entire surface of the earth has been impacted by human activity and our land management decisions. In this context, most of the grasslands in arid and semiarid regions are experiencing severe and continuing degradation.
Lessons learned using stream morphology and simple erosion control structures from the past decade that improve longevity and project performance
linkThe use of simple erosion control structures, one-rock-dams, rock sills, trincheras, etc have gained great popularity in recent years. Ease of construction, relative cost and effectiveness are driving increased and widespread use.
Lessons learned using stream morphology and simple erosion control structures from the past decade that improve longevity and project performance
linkThe use of simple erosion control structures, one-rock-dams, rock sills, trincheras, etc have gained great popularity in recent years. Ease of construction, relative cost and effectiveness are driving increased and widespread use.
Juniper Tank, Pasture Rehab
This project is located in the Juniper Tank Pasture on the Ash Creek Livestock Association.
This project is located in the Juniper Tank Pasture on the Ash Creek Livestock Association.
Think Like a Watershed, Act like a River: The Culture of Community Based River Restoration in the Arizona-Sonora, MX Binational Watersheds
linkAfter around 150 years of Powell’s watershed map, we are getting there….. Think like watershed with interdependence and connectivity of the uplands-middle lands and lowlands and act like a river being the connector of these interactions from the top to the bottom and vice versa.
Think Like a Watershed, Act like a River: The Culture of Community Based River Restoration in the Arizona-Sonora, MX Binational Watersheds
linkAfter around 150 years of Powell’s watershed map, we are getting there….. Think like watershed with interdependence and connectivity of the uplands-middle lands and lowlands and act like a river being the connector of these interactions from the top to the bottom and vice versa.
Aridland Water Harvesting Study Animation
Informative video portraying natural infrastructure in dryland streams (NIDS) in a watershed and descriptions of their documented climate-smart practices, graphic illustrated by Heartwood Visuals; animated by Hans J. Huth (Supplementary video 1; Norman et al. 2022).
Informative video portraying natural infrastructure in dryland streams (NIDS) in a watershed and descriptions of their documented climate-smart practices, graphic illustrated by Heartwood Visuals; animated by Hans J. Huth (Supplementary video 1; Norman et al. 2022).
Photographs of Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams
Photographs of Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams (NIDS), including a. leaky weir, b. sandbag dams, c. wood log jams, and d. gabions
Photographs of Natural Infrastructure in Dryland Streams (NIDS), including a. leaky weir, b. sandbag dams, c. wood log jams, and d. gabions
Installing natural infrastructure can impact the water and carbon budgets of dryland streams and watersheds
linkAn illustration of a mountain with water flowing from the top down to a river with smaller rivers flowing off the sides. Multiple items appear along the various rivers including leaky weirs, one rock dams, log dams, gabions, check dams, trincheras, and earthen berms. Informational bubbles appear alongside these various item in the illustration.
Installing natural infrastructure can impact the water and carbon budgets of dryland streams and watersheds
linkAn illustration of a mountain with water flowing from the top down to a river with smaller rivers flowing off the sides. Multiple items appear along the various rivers including leaky weirs, one rock dams, log dams, gabions, check dams, trincheras, and earthen berms. Informational bubbles appear alongside these various item in the illustration.
Re-greening a Dryland Watershed
The installation of thousands of rock detention structures in the Turkey Pen Watershed, of the Chiricahua Mountains in SE Arizona, provided a 30-year case study to consider low-tech and low-cost Natural Infrastructure in dryland watersheds.
The installation of thousands of rock detention structures in the Turkey Pen Watershed, of the Chiricahua Mountains in SE Arizona, provided a 30-year case study to consider low-tech and low-cost Natural Infrastructure in dryland watersheds.
Re-greening a Dryland Watershed
The opening screen for a video about the Re-greening a dryland watershed. T.e study took place in Arizona.
The opening screen for a video about the Re-greening a dryland watershed. T.e study took place in Arizona.
Sky Islands of Madrean Archipelago
This is a map of the Sky Islands of Madrean Archipelago. It is located in Arizona and New Mexico in the United States and in Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico.
This is a map of the Sky Islands of Madrean Archipelago. It is located in Arizona and New Mexico in the United States and in Sonora and Chihuahua in Mexico.
Trailer — The Sky Island Restoration Collaborative
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Aridland Water Harvesting Study are partnering with restoration practitioners and land and water resource managers to build resilience in the United States-Mexico border. Respresentatives from various backgrounds are joining together across administrative boundaries of the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion of North America.
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Aridland Water Harvesting Study are partnering with restoration practitioners and land and water resource managers to build resilience in the United States-Mexico border. Respresentatives from various backgrounds are joining together across administrative boundaries of the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion of North America.
The Sky Island Restoration Collaborative
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Aridland Water Harvesting Study are partnering with restoration practitioners and land and water resource managers to build resilience in the United States-Mexico border. Respresentatives from various backgrounds are joining together across administrative boundaries of the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion of North America.
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Aridland Water Harvesting Study are partnering with restoration practitioners and land and water resource managers to build resilience in the United States-Mexico border. Respresentatives from various backgrounds are joining together across administrative boundaries of the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion of North America.
Rosemont Hills
Picture of the Rosemont hills showing grasses and shrubs with clouds in the background.
Picture of the Rosemont hills showing grasses and shrubs with clouds in the background.
Rock gabion, La Paz, Baja California Sur
Rock gabion installed in arroyo in La Paz, Baja California Sur. (Laura Norman, USGS)
Rock gabion installed in arroyo in La Paz, Baja California Sur. (Laura Norman, USGS)
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government