Rewilding Earth Podcast: Episode 134 Summary Title: Rewilding Pitchfork Ranch – On The Ground With AT Cole
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Host: The Rewilding Institute

Introduction: A Vision for Rewilding Pitchfork Ranch

In Episode 134 of the Rewilding Earth Podcast, hosted by The Rewilding Institute, listeners are introduced to AT Cole, a pivotal figure in the restoration of Pitchfork Ranch in southern New Mexico. Over the past two decades, Cole and his team have embarked on an ambitious journey to transform an 11,000-acre ranch into an ecologically vibrant Cienega, addressing both habitat restoration and the broader challenges posed by climate change.

The Pitchfork Ranch: Land and Legacy

Location and Historical Context
Pitchfork Ranch is situated an hour south of Silver City, New Mexico, and three hours from Tucson, blending the characteristics of the Sonoran and Chihuahua Deserts. The ranch operates on a checkerboard pattern of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) state-leased land and deeded land. Historically, the McDonald Ranch, founded in 1904, has been entrenched in cattle production since the late 1880s.

Ecological Significance
Cole emphasizes the unique ecological value of the ranch, highlighting its Cienega—a threatened water type essential for sustaining endemic plants and animals. "Depending on who you asked, there were hundreds if not thousands of Cienegas in the Southwest before European arrival. Now, only about 500 exist, with less than a hundred maintaining water," Cole explains (03:08).

Restoration Efforts: Techniques and Achievements

Initial Challenges and Strategic Response
Upon moving to Pitchfork Ranch in 2004, Cole was confronted with severe sediment loss, evident when a head cut removed several football fields' worth of sediment overnight. This immediate crisis propelled the team into action, securing 19 government grants over 19 years to fund various restoration projects. "87% of the restoration we've accomplished has been done with public money," Cole notes (03:53).

Technical Approaches
The restoration strategy revolves around mitigating erosion and sediment loss through innovative grade control structures. Cole details their method:

• Installation of Grade Control Structures: Utilizing rock dams to slow water flow and capture suspended sediment. "We've gained five feet of sediment behind those structures," he states (07:18).
• Hinge Felling: Inspired by habitat restorationist Bill Zdike, the team notches and cuts willow trees, laying them horizontally to create perennial control structures that require minimal maintenance. "These take two guys 20 minutes and $50 worth of time," Cole explains (09:39).

Progress and Impact
Two decades of consistent restoration work have yielded dramatic ecological improvements. Cole shares, "There are thousands now of milkweed plants where there used to be several dozen. We saw quite a few monarchs," observed during a recent survey (00:07). Additionally, the restoration has facilitated the return of species such as elk and increased the overall biodiversity of the area.

Wildlife Reclamation: A Flourishing Ecosystem

Diverse Fauna
Pitchfork Ranch has become a haven for various wildlife species. Cole proudly shares sightings of lions, deer, antelope, and even elusive bears, though he personally has yet to spot one. "We've got a pregnant cougar visiting us, and that's keeping Cinda fit," he remarks (05:23). The Cienega itself serves as a critical habitat, attracting bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Bird Population and Endemic Species
The ranch is recognized as an important birding area, acting as a natural flyway. The presence of rare plants, such as the previously unrecorded Euphorbia ray turnderi, underscores the ranch's ecological importance. "Native Plant Society discovered a plant here previously unknown to science," Cole highlights (13:05).

Challenges Faced: Climate Change and Water Insecurity

Impact of Climate Change
Cole candidly addresses the formidable challenges posed by the ongoing climate crisis. "The human-driven climate crisis is hammering this planet. We're on the crossroads of survival and extinction," he states (17:55). The region has experienced altered precipitation patterns, with an increase in minor rains that predominantly evaporate and more frequent, intense floods that exacerbate erosion.

Water Insecurity
Despite restoration efforts, Pitchfork Ranch faces severe water shortages. "All six wells on the ranch have gone dry," Cole reveals, detailing the difficulties in maintaining water supply for both agricultural and personal use. The diminishing water availability threatens both the ecosystem and the sustainability of ranch operations.

Adaptive Strategies
In response to these challenges, the team has had to adapt their restoration techniques and prioritize water conservation. Cole emphasizes the necessity of evolving their strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on their restoration work.

Funding and Grant Success: Demonstrating Value and Impact

Securing Government Grants
Pitchfork Ranch's success in obtaining 19 government grants is a testament to the ecological value and effectiveness of their restoration efforts. "We have a wet Cienega here. It's a threatened ecologically significant area," Cole explains (04:09). The rigorous application process, supported by two decades of consistent progress and photographic evidence, has made securing funding increasingly attainable.

Demonstrating Progress
The use of same-location photographs taken annually has been instrumental in showcasing the tangible improvements in the ranch's ecosystem. "A person evaluating our application can look and say, 'They've gained five feet of sediment behind those three tiers of grade control structures,'" Cole notes (04:09).

Community and Academic Engagement: Broadening the Impact

Academic Interest and Collaboration
Pitchfork Ranch has become a focal point for academic researchers and conservationists. With 34 archaeological sites identified and ongoing studies in aquatic ecology and native plant biology, the ranch serves as a living laboratory. Cole mentions, "Southwest Archeology in Tucson has identified 34 member sites here," highlighting the ranch's significance in both ecological and historical research (13:42).

Public Accessibility and Education
The ranch maintains an open-door policy, allowing researchers, naturalists, and enthusiasts to study and appreciate its unique environment. This inclusive approach fosters a broader understanding and support for restoration initiatives.

Future Plans: Securing the Legacy through National Monument Status

Enduring the Restoration Efforts
Recognizing that restoration is a long-term commitment beyond their lifetimes, Cole and his wife Lucinda have developed exit strategies to ensure the continuation of their work. One primary goal is to designate the Cienega as a National Monument, thereby securing its protection and raising public awareness. "We think Cienegas are so important that they deserve some kind of monumental stature," Cole asserts (24:19).

Plan B: Expanding the Protected Area
In the event that National Monument status is not achievable, the couple plans to acquire additional land (Prevost Ranch) to encompass the entire historic Cienega. "By purchasing the Prevost Ranch and adding that 3.4 miles to our 9 miles, we have the entire historic Cienega," Cole explains (24:19).

Maintenance and Self-Healing
Looking ahead, Cole envisions a future where the restored ecosystem requires minimal intervention. "The land starts to self-heal," he states, aiming for a transition from active restoration to maintenance. This phase would involve overseeing existing structures and ensuring ongoing ecological stability, with the hope that future stewards can continue the legacy.

Reflections on Conservation: Hope and Determination

Balancing Hope with Realism
Cole shares his philosophical outlook on conservation amidst escalating environmental challenges. "Without hope, you won't have a plan," he reflects (23:14). This balance of optimism and pragmatic action fuels their ongoing efforts to restore and protect the ranch.

Call to Action
Emphasizing the urgency of collective effort, Cole urges others to participate in restoration initiatives. "If you're not part of the solution and you are part of the problem... if you're not doing something, frankly, we are," he asserts (24:07). This sentiment underscores the podcast's overarching message: rewilding and restoration are critical, immediate imperatives in the face of climate change.

Conclusion: A Model for Rewilding Efforts

Episode 134 of the Rewilding Earth Podcast offers an in-depth look into the multifaceted efforts of AT Cole and his team at Pitchfork Ranch. Their journey exemplifies the complexities and triumphs of large-scale ecological restoration, serving as an inspiring model for similar endeavors worldwide. Through technical innovation, persistent funding efforts, and unwavering dedication, Pitchfork Ranch stands as a testament to the profound impact of rewilding initiatives.

For more information and to follow their progress, listeners are encouraged to visit PitchforkRanchNM.com.

Notable Quotes:

• AT Cole (00:07): "There are thousands now of milkweed plants where there used to be several dozen. We saw quite a few monarchs, and only 10% of the milkweeds have flowers yet."

• AT Cole (04:09): "We've made some progress because we can demonstrate with photography the changes. A person evaluating this application can look and say, 'They've gained five feet of sediment behind those three tiers of grade control structures.'"

• AT Cole (17:55): "The human-driven climate crisis is hammering this planet. We're on the crossroads of survival and extinction."

• AT Cole (23:14): "Without hope, you won't have a plan."

• AT Cole (24:19): "We think Cienegas are so important that they deserve some kind of monumental stature."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 134, providing detailed insights into the restoration work at Pitchfork Ranch, the challenges faced, and the hopeful vision for the future of rewilding efforts.