The long‑term, overarching goal of the Chihuahueños Creek Headwaters Restoration Project is to restore natural geomorphic, hydrologic, and biotic processes throughout the system. Specific project goals include:

• Increased health and diversity of riparian vegetation

• Increased channel–floodplain connectivity

• Maintenance of pool habitat later into the seasonal low‑flow period

• Development of self‑sustaining processes of wood accumulation and/or beaver activity

• Enhanced habitat for Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis)

• Provision of water and forage for grazing operations

Restoration objectives were developed to test expected geomorphic, hydrologic, and biological responses to treatment implementation. Core objectives include:

• Stabilize channels by mitigating headcuts and promoting aggradation

• Increase channel complexity, length, and structural diversity

• Improve vertical and lateral hydrologic connectivity across the valley bottom

• Restore structural elements and reverse riverscape simplification

• Enhance riparian soil moisture, vegetation extent, and carbon storage

• Increase pool number and depth to support aquatic habitat, temperature regulation, and livestock watering

Overall, the project demonstrated positive ecological responses following implementation. Many of the stated project goals were successfully met, including improved habitat conditions and enhanced hydrologic function within treated reaches. The structures have begun supporting natural processes that contribute to long‑term stream and riparian health. Due to time constraints, the full project design was not implemented during this phase. Additional work is required to complete the upper reaches of the project area. Future implementation is scheduled for June 2026 and will be carried out by Youth Core Groups led by Anabranch Solutions. Completion of this work will further advance project goals and strengthen long‑term restoration outcomes.