Streamflow Response to Converting Arizona Chaparral in a Mosaic Pattern

Abstract

Converting 55% of an Arizona chaparral watershed to grass in a mosaic pattern, giving major consideration to wildlife habitat values, water quality, and landscape esthetics, produced an average of 68 mm of extra streamflow per year from the watershed during a 4-year evaluation period. When the increased streamflow was prorated to the area actually treated, the increase amounted to 124 mm. Increases in streamflow were largest in winter, and streamflow was extended considerably longer into the dry periods than before treatment.