Purpose of the project:
The Jicarilla Apache Nation (JAN) has enhanced six miles of the Navajo River and now is focusing on its tributaries to further native fish conservation. The Amargo Creek Connectivity and Habitat Enhancement project is restoring connectivity to the middle reach of Amargo Creek with the main stem of the Navajo River, providing habitat for Roundtail Chub, Flannelmouth Sucker, and Bluehead Sucker species spawning, rearing, and foraging activities, as well as, promoting the establishment of healthy populations of Speckled Dace and Mottled Sculpin. This project is the largest possible native fish repatriation area available on JAN lands and will result in an approximate 50% increase in river miles available to the fishes.
Human Interest/Community Benefit: Amargo Creek is located in the scenic mountains and rugged mesas of northern New Mexico near the Colorado border. This area is home to the Jicarilla Apache Nation and is world-renowned for its hunting, fishing, camping, boating and hiking opportunities.
Upon completion of the Amargo Creek Connectivity and Enhancement project biologists, tribal members, and partnering organizations are expecting to see a reverse in the declining quality and quantity of aquatic habitat, leading to the improvement of the overall health of numerous fish species and other aquatic organisms, as well as an increase in the quality and quantity of fish habitats. These benefits will not only be felt by the native fish occupying the creek but will also benefit the Nations local wildlife, waterfowl populations, and fisheries.
Project Timeline: The project is expected to be completed November 2019
It is estimated that the Amargo Creek connectivity and habitat enhancement project on the Jicarilla Apache Nations lands in New Mexico will result in the support of three tribal positions and an estimated $93,911 dollar increase in economic activity.
Partners: This project was funded and supported by the following partners; Desert Fish Habitat Partnership, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs Jicarilla Agency, Jicarilla Apache Nation, Southern Ute Indian Tribe,
The Amargo Creek connectivity and habitat enhancement project on the Jicarilla Apache Nations lands in New Mexico will reconnect the Navajo River with the eight miles of Amargo Creek on the JAN Reservation. The project is using large rock and woody debris to enhance the aquatic habitat while reopening up and downstream passage of migrating Colorado River Basin Fishes throughout the watershed. These measures will benefit a suite of Colorado River Basin fishes.