WSP11775

• File Number: 8446
• Description: Cache La Poudre Platte Project
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Date: 5/1/1975
• Title: Cache La poudre Trail Interpretive Plan
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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The Poudre and other streams, however, provide the

necessary moisture to support trees and broad leaf vegetation.

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Thus, the streams crossing the plains form natural ribbons

of pleasant shade. Early settlers staked their claims close

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to the trees, not only for shade but also for protection

; from the wind and dust. These corridors were the natural

gathering places for socials and picnics.

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Trees are the outstanding vegetation. The riverbottom

is the only place where trees grow naturally. Cottonwoods

are the predominate tree species with willow, boxelder, ash,

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and alder in lesser amounts. The shade trees found in the

yards of Ft. Collins' residents can only exist in the

arid climate because they are watered by man. A more

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detailed discussion of the trees native to the Ft. Collins'

area can be found on page l02 of the appendix.

Wildlife

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A large variety of anim~ls make their home along the

Cache La Poudre River. A general undisturbed condition of

the land provides the cover ~nd food necessary to attract

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wildlife. Paul Gertler's stUdy of the Poudre identified
the wildlife and is an excellent source of wildlife

information.

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In these relatively undisturbed areas along the

Poudre the ecological balanc~ of nature may be studied and

examined in detail. The obs~rvant visitor will become

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aware of the interdependence of plant and animal life as well

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