2012-07-26_PERMIT FILE - M2012036

• Permit No: M2012036
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 7/26/2012
• Doc Name: 112 PERMIT APPLICATION
• From: E.A.I
• To: DRMS
• Email Name: TAK
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Level 2 Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report
Name Arkansas River Site Code S.USCOHP"25190
County
Bent (CO)
Pueblo (CO)
Kiowa (CO)
Otero (CO)
Crowley (CO)
Prowers (CO)
Watershed Code
Watershed Name
11020010
Purgatoire
11020009
Upper Arkansas -John Martin
11020005
Upper Arkansas -Lake Meredith
11020008
Horse
11020011
Big Sandy
SITE DESCRIPTION
Minimum Elevation
- Feet - Meters
Maximum Elevation
- Feet - Meters
Site Description
The site is open water and shorelines and includes the mainstem of the Arkansas River and surrounding
large lakes and reservoirs. The Arkansas River has been severely altered by irrigation ditches and reservoir
management. Water quality is poor and tamarisk is thick in some locations, however, there are scattered
mature cottonwood trees. John Martin Reservoir is a popular recreation area, but many of the reservoirs do
not have public access. This site contains areas of quality riparian habitat including a Plains Cottonwood and
Sand Dropseed community (Populus deltoides /Sporobolus cryptandrus) associated with Bents Old Fort
National Historic Site. In addition, Arkansas River darter (Etheostoma cragini) have historically occupied this
stretch of the Arkansas River and there is an active black - tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colony
within the site.
Key Environmental Factors
The cottonwood gallery forests associated with the Arkansas Rover and its associated reservoirs is the most
important environmental factor of the site. The critical habitat component for the Bald Eagle population for
which the site is drawn are the nest trees, perch sites, and winter roosts that are continually under threat of
natural or man - induced activities.
Climate Description
The climate is semi -arid with precipitation averaging about 14 inches per year. About half of the yearly
precipitation is received during the months of May through August. Winter average minimum temperatures
are in the range of 16-20 °F, and summer average maximum temperatures in July and August are near or
above 90 °F.
Land Use History
No Data
Cultural Features
No Data
Site Map P - Partial
Designer Sovell, J.R.
Boundary Justification
SITE DESIGN
Mapped Date 10/28/2004
The boundary was drawn primarily for Bald Eagles to include large reservoirs with trees in proximity to the
Arkansas River and its major drainages. The eastern portion of the Arkansas River, from Buffalo Creek in
the east to Smith Hollow in the west, was buffered 1/2 mile. In addition, all lakes and reservoirs 100 acres or
larger, within 15 miles of the river, were included. This site does not include contiguous land between the
river and the lakes and reservoirs.
Primary Area 105,600.40 Acres 42,735.13 Hectares
SITE SIGNIFICANCE
Copyright ® 2012. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.
Print Date 622 %2012 2