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;. Apri129, 2000 As yott will sec froth the following summary, the Sedalia I,attd properly has significant scenic beauty, has healthy and diverse native plant commm~ities, buffers the Cherokee Ranch, and plays a vital role in wildlife movement in the Chatfield Basin as related to the Highway SS study.. Sununary of Conservation Values: 1. '1'Jteru arc significant views of Cherokee Ranch attd of the Castle. Nearly orte mile of the west and south bountlatry ofthis property abuts the Cherokee Ranch. 7.. There arc significant vistas of the Chatfield Basin including views of the Woodhouse Property, Roxhorou;h Slate Park, and Plurn Creek. Vistas of the Douglas County Front Range Mountain Backdrop are outstanding with almost no views of, or road noise from, IIighway 85. 3. '1'Ite rtorihcrrt half of the property and areas not being mined include native grasslands oust oakhrush conununities with scattered pines. These cornmm~ities are healthy and diverse iu composition and structure, There are only ]invited concerns with weeds. (Snmll infestations of Diffuse Knapweed that could be easily controlled if acted upon quickly) G. Many native bird species common to grassland and oakbrush habitat types were observed including Western Meadowlark, Mountain Bluebird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Western Shrult-Jay, Spotted Towhcc, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and Blttc-gray rttatcatclter. Many species showccl cvidettce ofbrceding. 5. 'Three easUwcst anti two northJsouth game trails were found on the property. 'hwo n f ittc east/west trails era in ephemeral washes (i.e. draws that receive water only during heavy rains) on the north end of the property. Another game trail rtms north/south along the west boundary adjacent to Cherokee Ranch, and one runs north/south through Ute middle of rite property. 'T'hese four game trails arc heavily used, especially by elk. 'T'he fifth game trail ran cast/west along the northern property fence and receives moderate use. This property would be considered a major wildlife movement corridor from Ylum Creels to Cherokee ranch. Two major ephemeral washes that act a wildlife movement corridor and one minor drainage basin, each originate in Cherolee Ranch, and converge on ibis property. The drainage tuns northwest from this confluatcc to the "Wine Cellar" wildlife tunnel under l lighway SS, the Railroad, and the Highway 85 Frontage Road. This underpass has been very important crossing stntcture for carnivores with use numerous bobcats, a mountain lion, and other small and medium-sized mammals. Many e] k were confirmed usins this conirior. It is likely that many other mammals using the "Wine Cellar" to cross the highway arc moving up to this property and through it to Cherokee Ranch. Because this wildlife movement corridor is located in the northern half of the property, it does not seem to be impacted at this time by the clay mining operation, 7. The grasslands found on the Sedal is Fund Co. Properly are the largest in the area, tlms are likely feeding areas for the herds of elk that carne down from Cherokee Rauch.