Nature-Based Solutions Case Study

Ciénega San Bernardino Wetland Restoration

State/Territory: Arizona

USGS Western Geographic Science Center led the project to xamined the effects of gabions (wire baskets filled with rocks used as dams) on vegetation in the Ciénega San Bernardino, in the Arizona, Sonora portion of the US-Mexico border, using a remote-sensing analysis coupled with field data. The goal was to figure out techniques to restore the desert marshes and wetlands (“ciénegas”). Field data from 2000 to 2012 indicated increases in plant cover, species richness, and species composition, suggesting that gabions positively influence stream restoration and have the potential to ameliorate drought conditions for a desert ciénega.

Download

Habitat Types

Click to search for case studies in similar habitats.

Desert Habitats

Inland Wetland Habitats

Strategies

Nature-based strategies examined in this case study.

Nontidal Wetland Restoration

Stream Restoration

Top Outcomes

Climate threat reduction, ecological benefits, or social & economic benefit goals obtained in this case. Click to search for case studies with similar outcomes.

Mitigate Drought

Support Scientific Research

Support Wildlife

Sourcing

Case study originally found at: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/western-geographic-science-center/science/cienega-san-bernardino-wetland-restoration