On April 19, NMFWRI’s Ecological Monitoring team hosted a workshop, Practical Skills for Restoration Professionals, The workshop covered GIS tools (such as RipMap, INREV, NAIP and LiDAR), data management, and lessons learned from community partners around monitoring and restoration. These topics were identified in our 2022-2023 statewide monitoring survey as areas of need within the New Mexico monitoring community. The workshop attracted 43 participants from a variety of organizations, some traveling from as far as Las Cruces.
The workshop covered a broad set of ecosystem monitoring and restoration topics. Presenters included Jack Triepke and Tom Mellin of the USFS Regional Office who discussed GIS tools and Esteban Muldavin of the University of New Mexico’s Natural Heritage NM program, who talked about RipMap and work to classify and monitor wetland and riverine resources around the state. NMFWRI’s Corey Beinhart presented on best practices and resources for data management, organization, and sharing. Cameron Weber of Rio Grande Return discussed restoration techniques and their work with the community at Candelaria Nature Preserve. Matt Leister of the Bosque Ecosytem Monitoring Program shared the work they do at the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program (BEMP) both as scientists and educators. Michael Scialdone of the Pueblo of Sandia shared a history of the Middle Rio Grande bosque and the different methods the Pueblo has used for bosque restoration and preservation. Dierdre Tarr of the Claunch-Pinto SWCD shared her work with the SWCD, including the Estancia Basin project and the Greater Rio Grande Watershed Alliance. Kathryn Mahan and Clay Goetsch of NMFWRI’s Ecological Monitoring program presented on the statewide monitoring survey results and potential next steps.
The presentations were followed by breakout groups/clinics to share resources and troubleshoot challenges around GIS tools, Data Management, Lessons Learned in Restoration/ Working with Partners, and Challenges in Ecological Monitoring. NMFWRI received many requests to hold another workshop, at least annually, along with field trainings. The goal was for participants to build some practical skills in data management, GIS and monitoring, and make connections with other partners working in the same field.