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1 ~ ~ rr,;; [ff,\;1]'~ ':If};, Location: This allotment begins just east of Rangely, Colorado, and runs north to the White River and south to Douglas Pass. Land Owners: 80,552 acres of public, and 13,569 acres of private land. The entire area is managed by the BLM, Craig District. Contact: Mr. Bob Fowler, BLM, (970) 878-3601 Restoration Objective: Grazing and wildlife management Description: Within the allotment, characteristics such as elevation (5,270'- 9,035'), annual precipitation (10"-25"), general topographic features, and vegeta- tive types vary greatly. The lower country is characterized by deeply dissected drainages. The vegetation in this area is mostly pinon-juniper interspersed with sagebrush and greasewood bottoms. The Cathedral Bluffs Ridge on the east side and the Roan Plateau on the south side are the high elevation areas on the allot- ment. The vegetation in the high country is mostly mountain shrub and sagebrush with stands of aspen and isolated pockets of Douglas fir on steep north facing slopes. Previous Conditions: Twenty years ago this property was highly susceptible to soil erosion and invasion by weedy species due to past overgrazing by cattle. Grasses were out-competed by sagebrush on the slopes and riparian corridors were severely damaged. Woody vegetation occurred infi'equently and was totally absent along the stream banks. A small population of beaver was present, but their dams were made of insubstantial materials because of the unavailability of woody riparian vegetation. Additionally, a large herd of wild horses added to the degradation. It was apparent that these conditions would continue to deteriorate without proper management. Goals: There were several major goals in this project including: I) I mplementation of a grazing system that would improve existing vegetation and meet growth requirements of the desired plant community throughout the allot- ment. 2) Improvement of riparian and wetland areas to a properly functioning condition. 3) Maintenance of residual herbaceous stubble along the channel for sediment captures. 4) Maintenance of adequate stocks of woody riparian vegeta- tion, specifically to maintain 20% of willow in a one inch size class. Methods: In 1978, ranchers William and Kathy Barnard leased grazing rights to the area. Over a five year period, reduced grazing capacities and 50 Driving Guide . Colorado Watershed - II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II II