Watershed Improvement Project

Through grant monies, the MBG has been able to install thousands of loose rock structures in order to redirect erosional processes and improve water infiltration.  This work is still being carried out, primarily by the Douglas Wildland Fire Crew during the wildfire off season (winter).  The material used is rock and brush trimmings on hand.  The intended result is to slow the flow of water, capture eroded sediment and ultimately grow more grass. Many of the runoff problems in the Malpai area were initially started by old roads and trails. Most of this work has been carried out in the San Bernardino watershed with the intent to improve the associated riparian areas and artesian stream flows found near and within the US Fish and Wildlife Service San Bernardino Refuge. 

These photos show some typical structures.