| The Kumeyaay Band of Mission Indians are currently engaged in restoring the vegetation and streams on the Campo Indian Reservation from the effects of fifty years of cattle grazing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and explain the restoration process, and determine what changes have occurred in vegetation and stream condition as a result. Two studies were conducted to evaluate the present condition of these natural resources. The first study assesses an indicator species, big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), to determine the difference between an area that is currently being grazed, and an area that has been allowed to grow back for two years. The second study evaluates the hydrological condition of the Diabold Creek restoration project site. For this study, the water table, stream discharge, and stream morphology are compared for spring and fall. Overall findings for both studies indicate that there has been significant improvement in the health of these natural resources since the projects began and thus, the techniques used for restoration by the Kumeyaay Indians are working. |
