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<br /> <br />23 <br />This work has documented the existence of several elements deemed to be <br />significant for the protection of Colorado's natural diversity. These elements <br />have been incorporated into one conservation site for the Rock Creek drainage. <br />This site is ranked 63 by CNHP and is considered of state, regional, and national <br />significance. Designation of the Rocky Flats Environmental Site portion of this <br />site should occur rapidly to respond to the urgency of threats. Designation of <br />the Rock Creek Site as a National Environmental Reseazch Park (NEAP) is <br />warranted. We also encourage DOE to recognize the azea as a Research Natural <br />Area (RNA). The significance of ongoing research activities combined with <br />known ecological values would be formally recognized for their national <br />importance. <br />2. Cncorporate the information included in this report in the review of activities in <br />or neaz areas identified as significant. <br />The area identified in this study is known to support unique or exemplary <br />natural communities and rare species. As proposed activities within the RFETS <br />are considered, they may be compared to the map presented herein. Should any <br />proposed project potentially impact the Rock Creek Site, DOE can decide if it <br />is desirable to contact persons, organizations, or agencies with expertise. The <br />Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado Natural Areas Program, and Colorado <br />Natural Heritage Program routinely conduct environmental reviews statewide <br />and should be considered available resources. <br />3. Increase public awazeness of the benefits of protecting azeas determined to be <br />significant to Colorado's natural diversity. <br />Natural lands are becoming ever more scarce especially in near proximity to <br />densely populated metropolitan areas. Rare species will continue to decline if <br />not given appropriate protective measures. Increasing the public's knowledge <br />of the remaining significant areas will build support for the programmatic <br />initiatives necessary to protect them. Such activities could be done through <br />interpretive facilities, conferences or meetings to stimulate public involvement, <br />and information pamphlets. Finally, it would be desirable for DOE to promote <br />any protective designations to the public and scientific community to build <br />awareness of DOE's commitment to the protection of sites of national ecological <br />significance. <br />4. Promote cooperation among pertinent organizations in the protection of natural <br />diversity. <br />The long-term protection of natural diversity at the site will be facilitated with <br />the cooperation of many organizations. Personnel at the site have played a <br />