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f i I I I I I , Xl4J SECTION XI RECREAtiON AND WILDLIFE two percent of Color~do 's total land dred, some 43 percent of the state's wl1rllife dnd over 50 percent of its bird species require d riparian ecosystem to exist and thrive. The river's continuous riparian hahitat. anchored by South Platte Park and the Smith Natural Area at either end of the 40_mile corridor. is critical to the survival of hundreds of Illdrmlals, reptiles, birds and fish that inhabit or migrate through the area. INTRODUCTION In this, Volume I of the Phase B MdH~r Plan Report, d brief synopsis of recreation dnd wildlife is presented. Volume II is deyoterl to this subject in its entirety Md includes d su,wMry of the planning process, detailed design criteri<l dnd character sketches of typical improvements, a table sumrnarizing existing and proposed parks along the river, detaile ddescrip- tions, preliminary design drawings and cost estimates for recommended improvements, and a comprehensive inventory of vegetation and wildlife along the 40-mile length of the study area. Urban wildlife is receiving increased attention across the nation. its importdnce to maintaining the balance between man and nature cannot be underestimated. The South Pldtte and its tributaries form an important link in the preservation and enhancement of wildlife in the urban area, General The South Platte River and its tributaries are important natural resources in the Denyermetropolita.n area. Increasing urban pressures requirethdt we preserve and enhance the river corridor's recreational, wildlife and aesthetic benefits, IIhen development in the river valley is authorized by local government, land areas adjacent to the rivershoulct be reserved In a natural state to provide both life_sustaining habitat to Colorado wildlife dnd enjoyment for those people using the river corridor. IIheregravel mining has occurred, the remaining ponds can be reclaimed as a wildlifeandacquatic resource "here possible, A native riparian buffer should be provided between the river M"J thl' graypl pond, to f><lc.ourdy.. grPdter diversity in the riverinp ecosystem. The river's potential as a recreati on re~ource for the region is unparal- leled. Since it forms the area's bdckbone not only in terms of physical locat ion, but also wit~ respect to transportati on. drainage and employment concentration, it is rNdily dccessible by most of the urban population. iri butaries and lilajor ~ighways offer di rect connect ions from the surround. ing business and residentidl c01nmunities, Like:nost rivers around which an urban area has grown, the South Pl attehas oeen oyerlooked and neglected, !nmanYdreJS,encrOdchrnenthdsrf>Sultp<1 in floodproblems,hlightdndpollution. jt is time to utilize this valuable resource for better purposes. If creatively restored and enhdnced, the river Cdn be a piace to pldy, d wildlife refuye, dn educdtiondl fddlity and a f1 OodWdY, d, well ~s a uni que featu re J~d foca 1 pol ~t in the heart of the Denyer metropolitan region. The preservation of minimum stream flows is essential for the fish a~d wildlife that inhdbit the river corridor, The need for in-channel improve- ments such dS bO<lt chut..s, ~el..ct ive pldcement of ldrge boulder~ in the river, wetland areas and native plantings adjacent to the water's edge is important to maintaining and increasing the number and variety 0 ffishand wi 1 dl i fe species '~hi ch requi rr this haili tat for 1 i fe. Th!' SOuth Pl atte Ri vl'r is a 1 so an unpa ra il,.1 ed r",~ Oil rcp for ~n i ncr~d j b 1 e drray ot t1S~ d~~ "ildllie. Tnougn riparian €'Cosystems occupy le~~ thdn Wherepossibledndnecessar},artificial nesting boxes or structures should be provided as a slJpplement to the natural environment. Creation and pre_ servation of nesting islands, protected from the influence of man, should be a hfyh priority in th",deyelopment of the ripdridn ecosystem. And, in order to provide for the enjoyment dnd education of the public. interpre_ t;ve t.rdi 1 <;, speci al pu~l ic faci f ities and appreciat ion area; dedicated to wildlife ob,ervatiofi and peaceful interaction with the natural environment ,huuld b~ ~rov i ded ",llereYt'r pussible.