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• <br />i <br />INTRODUCTION <br />In 1993, The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHF) was contracted by <br />t:he Department of Energy (DOE), Rocky Flats Field Office to assess the ecological <br />values of the Rock Creek drainage at the Rocky Flats Envvrorunental Technology Site <br />(BEETS). The goal of the project was to accumulate existing data from the site and <br />with some field verification, identify natural heritage resources and actions to <br />Protect these resources. Natural heritage resources are defined as rare, threatened, <br />endangered, or sensitive species and significant natural communities that are <br />nionirored by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. In short, we were to identify <br />[.hose sites supporting unique or exemplary natural communities, rare plants and <br />rare animals, and other significant natural features. <br />Phase [, the evaluation of the Rock Creek drainage portion of the Rocky Flats <br />E.nvirorunental Technology Site, has been completed and the results of it are <br />presented herein. A brief overview of the natural condition of the study area is <br />presented first. This is followed by an outline of the mission and methodology of <br />the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. The results of the inventory are briefly <br />discussed. Finally, the area of national biodiversiry significance identified during <br />this study is described and future actions, including protection options, are <br />introduced. <br />Overview of the Study Area <br />The Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site is located in northern <br />Jefferson County, Colorado. The entire plant site, including the buffer zone, consists <br />of about 6550 acres. The Rock Creek drainage comprises about 1500 acres roughly <br />located at the northwest end of the site. Elevations range from approximately 5760' <br />to over 6160' within the drainage. Vegetation communities are characterized by <br />grasslands, shrublands and scattered coniferous and deciduous trees and are typical <br />of lower foothills, mesas, and western Great Plains ecosystems (Weber 1976, Mutel <br />a.nd Emerick 1992, Gregg 1963). The Rock Creek drainage was at one time pan of <br />a. livestock ranch. Extant fauna is dominated by a Great Plains component and <br />enhanced by a foothills element due to the proximity of these two biogeographical <br />touts. Anunal communities are generally characterized by species of the Great <br />Plains (Motel and Emetick 1992, Armstrong 1972, Andrews and Righter 1992, <br />Elammerson, 1982). <br />The relatively recent and extensive use of the area in and around the area <br />rtow occupied by the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site has greatly <br />impacted the flora and fauna. Extirpations have been largely restricted to large <br />mammals. Grizzly bears and gray wolves once roamed throughout the state and <br />__ - _ . ,.._T- <br />