Colorado State University Grant for Studying Morpho-Dynamic and Biological-Habitat Conditions on the Middle Rio Grande

In recent decades, the Rio Grande river has experienced significant morphological changes resulting from a scarcity of water (frequency, duration, and intensity of events), reduced peak flows, increased lower flow durations, and important sediment issues. These changes have created more uniformity in the physical attributes of the Rio Grande, resulting in more homogeneous river morphology. Over the same period of time, changes have occurred in the primary production that help sustain fish populations, such as the endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM). Review of previous studies on the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) indicate there is a need to make linkages between the known river morphology and the biological conditions on the MRG. Due to conditions in the area and limited water resources, this project will help gain insight into the MRG.

The goal of this study is to perform an integrated multi-disciplinary analysis to improve the understanding of the changing morpho-dynamics of the MRG between Bernalillo, NM and the Elephant Butte Reservoir in regard to the habitat for the RGSM.