REP15371 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

C~ • 2 black-footed ferret were not uncommon in large prairie dog towns (Armstrong 1.972). All are no longer resident within the state. Although extinctions of bird species are not recorded, the plains sharp-tailed grouse has been extirpated from the ~zciniry (Braun et al. 1992), Fortunately, most species have not suffered so extensively, but many have been reduced in numbers -- some significantly. Many plant species not native to this area have become established and in some cases dominant, especially in areas that historically or currently are to some degree disturbed by human activity (including livestock grazing, alteration of natural processes such as fire or flooding, gravel muting, agricultural activity, road building or other development). [t is within the purpose of this effort to identify the conservation sites which will protect the most sensitive element of natural diversity. Climate. The climate of the area is strongly influenced by the mountains and is continental in character. Sudden and extreme changes in atmospheric conditions rtay occur from hour to hour and day to day at any season of the year. The average wind velocity is moderate, although strong gusts (occasionally over 80 r-tph) are not infrequent (U. S. Dept. of Energy 1980). Winters are generally cool and dry and summers warm. The mean first date of frost is October ?and the mean last day of frost is May 9. Average yearly precipitation for the period from 1953- 1976 is approximately 15 inches (U. S. Dept. of Energy 1992). Approximately 70% cf the moisture falls during the growing season, mostly in late spring and early summer (U. S. Dept. of Energy 1992, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture 1980). Soils. Soils are of two major types. Soils on terraces or piedmonts are a stony or skeletal type developed on glacial outwash (Rocly Flats Alluvium). Fine t.=xtured soils developed from shales and mudstones are common in the small drainages associated with Rock Creek (U. S. Dept. of Agriculture 1980). Geology. Geology is discussed in detail in several papers or reports from the area (U. S. Dept. of Energy 1992, Branson et al. 1965, Vestal 1919) and is an imponant factor influencing the distribution of plant communities. (:olorado's Natural Heritage Program To place this report in context it is useftil to understand the history and fimctions of the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). CNHP has been extant in Colorado For 16 years. CNHP was relocated from the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation into the University of Colorado Museum in the spring of 1992, and more recently to the College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. With an increased staff, the Program is revitalized and updating comprehensive information on the rare, threatened, and endangered species and significant natural communities in Colorado. The mtilti-disciplinary team of scientists and information managers gather information and incorporate it into