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Colorado peatlands contain rare or endangered plant species. <br />Vegetation surveys conducted in the northwestern portion of South <br />Park Colorado identified several plant species of regional and <br />even national significance. Hallock et al (1986) found that sub - <br />alpine peatlands dominated by willows (willow carrs) were much <br />more heavily used by breeding birds relative to the surrounding <br />upland habitats. Many other plants and animal species are either <br />wholly or partially dependant on peatlands for survival during <br />the winter or annual migrations. <br />Peatlands, through their ties to the surface and ground <br />water systems, provide valuable hydrologic functions. These <br />may include amelioration of stream water quality, storage and <br />gradual discharge of peak flows, and ground water recharge. <br />Peatlands primarily ameliorate stream water quality by trapping <br />sediments, reducing erosion, and retaining heavy metals and <br />nutrients. <br />In Colorado, the conditions needed for peatland formation <br />are restricted to the mountainous areas above 8,000 ft. elev.. <br />Total peatland area in Colorado was estimated using soil survey <br />data and Major Land Resource Area (MLRA) classifications (SCS <br />1981). It was found that no more than 287 sq.mi.(183,680 acres), <br />or 0.3% of the state's land area is peatland. <br />In situ uses of peatlands include conversion to cropland and <br />pastureland (require drainage), and more recently as treatment <br />systems for acid mine drainage and partially treated sewage <br />effluent (Holm 1986; Reddy and Smith 1987; Richardson and <br />iii 9 <br />