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CITY OF BOULDER WILDLIFE DATA I . OSMP Studies 587

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Prepared by: 1

WARREN R' KEAMMERER et a1

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Warren R:-Keammerer

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Deborah 6. Keemmerer

and

Robc?r3 E. Stoecker

I September, 1 9BQ

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CITY OF BOULDER

WILD1 RE'E HABITAT DATA BASE .J,

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Stoecker-Keammerer & Associates ; ;..:: 5858 Woodbourne Hollow Road '..*:

Rsulder, Colorado 8030 T 530-1 783

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CITY OF BOULDER WILDLIFE HABITAT DATA BASE:

A Manual for Updating and Use

Prepared by:

Warren R. Keammerer Deborah B. Keammerer

and Robert E. Stoecker

Stoecker-Keammerer & Associates 5858 Woodbourne Hollow Road

Boulder, Colorado 80301

INTRODUCTION

The wildlife habitat data base was designed to provide a means for the easy retrieval of information about wildlife and wildlife habitats in or near the city limits of Boulder, Colorado. The software used for the data base is dBASE Ill PLUS. This is a popular software program that permits the output of information to be displayed clearly and legibly on a computer screen or to be printed out for report documents. Additionally, the user can search the data base for specific information, arrange (sort) the data by subject, write memo files, ask for a data subset that meets one or more criteria, and so on.

HOW TO COLLECT THE DATA

The starting point for data collection is a map showing the parcels of land that are to be evaluated. These parcels should be less than a mile across their longest linear dimension. This is to reduce excessive habitat variability, particularly variability in habitat quality. Several major habitat types can be treated as a unit, as a parcel (e.g., a stream segment, its associated riparian vegetation, along with an adjacent meadow). A stream segment that has high quality riparian habitat at one end and is channelized and stripped of vegetation at the other should not be treated as a single unit.

The evaluation of the separate parcels is done by a person (preferably several) who is an experienced field ecologist. The person (or team) visits the site and fills out a Habitat Quality Rating Form (Figure 1).

At this point, it must be emphasized that a clear understanding is required regarding the precise definition of each item on the Rating Form. The line items (most of which are habitat descriptors, although some merely identify the site, refer to ownership, etc.) constitute the raw data that will be input into the computer. These line items are known as "fieldsn in data base terminology. There are 35 fields, plus a memo file for additional comments and elaborations. Together, these 35 fields plus the memo file constitute a single "record" in the data base and contain the information that pertains to one parcel.

Before providing definitions for each of the 35 fields it should be pointed out that the preferred way of finalizing the ratings and associated comments is to collaborate with team members and sort out differences of opinion. Only one evaluation is entered for a parcel, not the separate evaluations of each team member. And finally, the computer does not require that each line item (field), has a data entry. If Ownership or Elevation is unknown, leave these spaces blank. If some wildlife species or species groups are of minor importance and you do not wish to evaluate them, these spaces can be left blank. If desired, such information can be entered at another time or not at all.

Definitions of the Computer Field Names on the Rating Form

Site ID. A unique numberlname for the parcel (the evaluation site) consisting of a three letter abbreviation designating the dominant habitat type and a number,e.g. PPF-01. Definitions of the three letter abbreviations are presented in Table 1. Note that the number associated with the letter code is used only once. That is, there is not a PPF-01 and a MGP-01. Site "01" can be used for only one type.

Site Descri~tion. ' A brief description of the parcel and where it is located. ,For example, RIPARIAN FOREST ALONG BOULDER CREEK JUST E. OF FOOTHILLS PARKWAY. The description cannot exceed 65 characters including spaces. Abbreviate as necessary. As described later, it is desirable that all entries into the computer be in capital letters.

Location. The location field is used for Township Range Section which should be entered in the following format: T1 N R71 W SEC12. Optionally, this can be followed by a quarter section notation, e.g. T I N ~ 7 1 ~ SEC12 SE114. If sites are large and occur in more than one section, then the

WILDLIFE HABITAT QUALITY RATING FORM

S i t e I D I n v e s t i g a t o r Date Descr ip t ion Locat ion

Moderate

J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Q u a l i t y Rating:

Black Bear: Water Birds:

r a i r i e Dogs: Other Mammals: Other Birds:

Ecosystem Function Livestock Disturbance Restora t ion P o t e n t i a l Current Human U s e W i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s

by Features:

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : Corr idor ( Y / N ) : Elevation: L i t e r a t u r e ( Y / N ) :

COMMENTS: (memo notes o r any o t h e r comments)

Figure 1. Example of w i l d l i f e h a b i t a t q u a l i t y r a t i n g form.

Table 1 . Habitat Type Classification System and associated abbreviations; I I

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FORESTEDfrREE TYPES - - - -

Ponderosa Pine Forest PPF I

Douglas Fir Forest Aspen Forest Riparian Forest Ponderosa Pine Savanna Scattered Trees (of various species)

SHRUBLAND TYPES

Mixed Plains Shrubland Mixed Mountain Shrubland Skunkbush Sumac Shrubland Willow Shrubland (Can be a Wetland Type)

DFF ASF RPF PPS SCT

MPS MMS SSS W LS

GRASSLANDIHERBACEOUS TYPES I Foothills Tall Grass Prairie Shortgrass Prairie Mixed Grass Prairie Alkaline Grassland Bottomland Grassland Mountain Grassland Mountain Meadow Rock Outcrops

WETLAND TYPES

Cattail Marshes Bulrush Marshes Sedge Meadows Wet Grassy Meadows Rush Meadow Shorelines Ponds, Lakes, Reservoirs Streams

DISTURBED/HUMAN CREATED TYPES

Revegetated Gravel Mine Sites Annual Weed Communities Perennial Weed Communities Irrigation Ditch Modified Stream Drainage Irrigated Developed Pasture Dryland Developed Pasture Cultivated Cropland Tree Plantings

TGP SGP MGP ALG BLG MTG MTM ROC

CTM 8RM SDM WGM RSM SHL PLR STR

RGM AWC PWC IRD MSD I DP DDP cvc TPC

complete location information should be included in the memo file. When you enter the data in the fashion, the entry on the screen should take the following form: "TIN R71W SEC12 see memo". This will indicate that additional information is available in the memo file.

The Rankina Scale. There are 22 items on the Rating Form that are evaluated using a ranking scale. In all cases the ranks are integers that range from 1 to 10, low to high. Do not input "7.5", "1-2": "5+", or zero.

Overall Habitat Quality. Overall Habitat Quality is a synthesis of all the items that are numerically evaluated. It is not necessarily an arithmetic average of the rankings because the investigator may weight the importance of the various rankings differently. Also, it does not make any sense to average such items as Animal Species Diversity, Restoration Potential, and Current Human Use.

Be particularly aware that the 1 to 10 ranking scale is in reference to the range of wildlife habitat conditions in and near Boulder, Colorado. A 10 is the best that Boulder has to offer. You are not rating habitat quality relative to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Sonabirds. Ra~tors. Water Birds. Deer. Ratings for these fields are based on existing (not potential) habitat quality. A "1" means the existing habitat quality is very low. Also, the ranked score does not necessarily imply current population levels. Deer populations are more variable over time than is the quality of the habitat. Thus, habitat quality should be emphasized, rather than numbers of animals.

Give a rating only to the species groups that are appropriate for the site. It is not necessary to place a score in every box. Optionally, a brief comment can follow a field that received a score. For example, "Deer" might be given a score of 8 to indicate a high quality habitat; this might then be followed by "WINTER" to indicate that the site is primarily winter range. The brief comment space following the species or species group names cannot exceed 16 characters including spaces. A list of suggested brief comments is shown in Table 2. Being consistent in the use of "standardized" comments will making searching the data base easier.

A word about brief comments. comDuter ou t~u t . and the memo file. The Habitat Quality Rating Form is very similar in appearance to the final data output that will be seen on the computer screen (described later). The brief comments mentioned above that are entered next to the species groups will also appear on the computer screen. These comments can go a long way toward describing a site, but they cannot say everything. A memo file is

- - - Table 2. Suggested terms for brief comments associated with habitat quality

ratings.

ALL YEAR or ALL - Refers to Wildlife Seasonal Use

WINTER or WIN Refers to Wildlife Seasonal Use

SPRING or SPR Refers to .Wildlife Seasonal Use

SUMMER or SUM Refers to Wildlife Seasonal Use

FALL Refers to Wildlife Seasonal Use I

MlGRAf ION or MIG Refers to Wildlife Seasonal Use

REPRODUCTION or REPRO - Rookeries, nesting, fawning, etc.

SMALL MAMMALS or SMALL Usually restricted to the other mammals category. Used .for areas that have an important small mammal (prey base) or an exceptional small mammal diversity.

MEDIUM SIZED or MED-SIZE or MED Usually restricted to the "Other Mammal" category. Used when several species are likely to be common in the area. This group includes mammals like coyote, red fox, striped skunk, raccoons, and others.

POTENTIAL or EXISTING

N, S, E, and W

memo or see memo

Usually used with the categories: Mountain Lion, Black Bear, Badger and Turkey. Used to indicate actual presence or potentially good habitat.

Directional abbreviations for the site descriptions.

Indicates that more information for a particular field is available in the memo file.

available, however, for entering additional information. The memo file is described in the section entitled "HOW TO INPUT DATA".

The list of suggested brief comments (Table 2) was prepared to standardize spellings. This will greatly facilitate subsequent computer searches. For example, the user may want to find all the sites ttiat provide deer winter range habitat. Searching for "WINTER" will find these sites. If someone had entered "W-RANGE" the computer will not find it. This does not mean that new or innovative brief comments cannot be used to advantage. It only means that it will be difficult to use such terms as search criteria. The usefulness of a non-standardized comment is normally realized only when the record describing the site has been called up using other search criteria; the non-standardized comment is then displayed along with all the other information about the site.

Prairie Doas. How to settle on a 1 to 10 score for prairie dogs deserves special attention. One person might see a large number of prairie dogs sitting on bare ground and give the site a high score. Another person might focus on the bare overgrazed ground and give the site a low score. The important point is that the criteria used to rate prairie dogs must be consistent among investigators and understood by subsequent users of the data base.

The rating scale for prairie dogs is in reference to the biological ,

quality of the prairie dog town. A town with a moderate density, without excessive prairie dog grazing, and with associated wildlife (e.g., burrowing owls) is rated high. Small prairie dog towns that are mostly barren or are dominated by weeds would be rated low.

Her~tiles. This term refers to amphibians and reptiles. Noteworthy species can be entered as brief comments alongside the score, or listed under "Special Species" (described below). Most sites usually have snakes. Amphibians may be common on wetland sites. Use your best descretion in assigning habitat values for herptiles.

Mt. Lion. Black Bear. Badaer. Turkev. Unlike the previous six wildlife categories, ratings for each of these four species will generally be followed by "POTENTIAL" because their occurrence in a given area will most always be sporadic. Furthermore, the numeric ratings are likely to be only loose approximations of the suitability of the habitat. Recent sightings, evaluations of the current status of known populations, or other pertinent comments should be discussed in the memo file.

Other Mammals. This category covers all the additional mammals that could not be squeezed into the Rating Form. Examples include: COYOTE, RED

FOX, PORCUPINE, SMALL MAMMALS, MED-SIZE MAMMALS (see Table 1). To save space yet permit subsequent computer searches, you should be

I aware that "SMALLn will find "SMALL MAMMALS", "MED" will find "MEDIUM-SIZE MAMMALSn. If desired, a rare mammal can be listed under

I "Special Speciesn. I Other Bird$. This category refers to birds or bird habitats not adequately accommodated elsewhere on the Rating Form. Examples include: breeding habitat for a species of particular interest; nesting colonies of swallows; fall or spring concentration areas, etc. Again, a rare species can be listed under

1 "Special Speciesn.

Soecial Soecie~. The data base has room for 60 alphanumeric characters including spaces to accommodate the names of special species. This is quite a lot. For example the following entry consumes slightly over half the available space .... Fern (Asplenium andrewsii). Any species listed under

I Special Species would likely be discussed in the memo file. Furthermore, a long list of special species could be included in the memo file if it is desired.

I Soecies Diversitv: Animal and Plant. These two categories provide for the rating of animal and plant diversity (diversity, or richness, is defined in each

' case as the number of different species). As mentioned earlier, the investigator is not required to rate every item on the Rating Form. However, in these two cases researchers are strongly urged to do so. Diversity, or richness, is a measure that says a great deal about habitat quality. Use the memo file to discuss other kinds of diversity (clumped vegetation, vertical structure in a forest, edge effects, etc.).

Pristine Qualitv. This category is meant to emphasize historic ecological conditions. A plant community that has changed very little from its likely condition during pre-settlement times is rated high.

Ecosvstem Function. The intent of this evaluation item is to identify how complete a site is relative to the variety and complexity of trophic levels. A site with high ecosystem function would be an undisturbed, natural community that has not been influenced by human development. Lower ecosytem function values would be given to sites that have been altered by human activity.

I . Restoration Potential. The rating scale for this field is in reference to cost- -/.' ~

effectiveness. A high rating is given to a site if a substantial improvement to wildlife habitat can be achieved with a modest effort. (Restoration does not include construction of trails, shelters, parking areas, or other facilities). I

Wildlife Conflicts. This category refers to two kinds of potential conflicts: 1) nuisance or hazardous wildlife situations (e.g., prairie dogs in the wrong place, deer-vehicle collisions); and 2) behavioral disturbances to wildlife caused by people or domestic animals (e.g., frightening nesting eagles and causing nest abandonment, dogs chasing deer). A high rating means there is a significant potential or existing problem. All such cases are discussed in the memo file.

Human Disturbance. This category is restricted to man- caused disturbances to the vegetation (e.g., bulldozing, vehicle damage, tree cutting). Disturbances may also be related to farminglranching activities.

Livestock Disturbance. This category is restricted to past or present evidence of livestock grazing or trampling. (Modifications to the vegetation by wildlife are not included, e.g. the effects of prairie dogs, deer, beaver, pocket gophers).

Current Human Use. The number of'people utilizing the site.

Habitat Tv~es. This category, like Special Species, has a large space for the entry of names. The names to be entered are the major habitat types that occur on the site. These should be listed in descending order based on areal extent. Suggested (standardized) habitat type names are listed in Table 4 . The complete, or nearly complete, name is usually preferred over the rather cryptic 3-letter code. The complete name, however, can generally be shortened without obscuring the meaning. If there is not enough room to list all the habitats, additional informtion can be entered in the memo file.

lm~ortant Nearbv Features. This category differs from the previous in that nearby, off-site situations or habitats that influence wildlife conditions on the site can be identified. In some cases it might be appropriate to bring in additional habitat type names or to describe certain features. As mentioned previously, non-standard names or comments are carried along as part of the record describing the site, but they are seldom useful for searching purposes.

Phvsical Features. If pertinent, this .category can be used for such physical features as soil type, slope, aspect, topography, etc.

Red Fiaq. This category should be used sparingly to call attention to cautionary concerns not adequately emphasized by the other categories (e.g., the possible loss of a small pond which would eliminate a crucial water source required by local wildlife). A Red Flag is indicated by a "Y" or

a "N". If the response is a "Y", the Red Flag is then discussed in the memo file.

Corridor. A "Y" entry for this category identifies a site as being part of a larger wildlife movement corridor. Usually this will mean a riparian habitat that is more or less unbroken over a distance of at least several miles. Any peculiarities, other sorts of corridors, or noteworthy comments are discussed in the memo file.

Acres. The areal extent of the site expressed in acres (to one decimal place, if appropriate).

Elevation. The elevation of the site in feet. For large sites, it may be appropriate to include ranges of elevation.

Literature. A "Y" entry means that some sort of literature is available concerning the site. The citation is placed in the memo file.

Ownership. The name of the property owner. The memo file should be used if there are several owners. This entry may also be simply listed as "PRIVATEw to indicate private ownership.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE HABITAT TYPES

Table 1 provides a list of the habitat types and abbreviations used in this study. Each of the habitat types is briefly described in the section that follows. These descriptions can be used in the future when additional entries are added to the data base.

ForestedJTree Types

Ponderosa Pine Forest. (PPF). This is primarily a habitat type of the foothills. The type is characterized by relatively dense stands of ponderosa pine fP;nus ponderosa). The understory is usually sparse with scattered shrubs.

Doualas Fir Forest. (DFF). This type also occurs in the foothills and tends to be found on sites that are more mesic than the ponderosa pine forests. Stands of this type occur in narrow canyons and on north facing slopes. The dominant species is Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), however ponderosa pine is usually a common component of these forests.

- - -- Asoen-Forest. (ASF). Aspen-forests are-more prevalent at elevations

higher than the foothills west of Boulder. Some small stands occur on north

facing slopes and on moist sites. The major species is quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). The understory in these forests is usually better developed than in the ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest types.

Ri~arian Forest. (RPF). The riparian forest type occurs mostly on the plains once streams leave the narrow mountain canyons. Riparian forests in the mountains also support narrow gallery forests, but most of the riparian forest site that were included in the data base occur on the plains. In the foothills canyons the riparian forests are dominated by plains cottonwood ( Populus sargentitl and na rrowlea f cotton wood (Populus angustifolia) .

. Riparian forests on the plains are usually dominated by plains cottonwood, crack willow (Salix fragilis), peachleaf willow (Salix amygdaloides) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). Box elder lAcer negundo) occurs as a secondary dominant. The understory vegetation in these forests is characterized by a variety of grass or grasslike species, many of which are not native to the region. Native shrubs, like western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occiden tails), golden currant (Ribes aureum) chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) commonly occur. Populations of these shrub species have been reduced in areas with livestock grazing. The riparian forests on the plains provide important wildlife movement corridors.

Ponderosa Pine Savanna. (PPS). The ponderosa pine savanna type occurs primarily in the foothills. These are sites with scattered ponderosa pine trees growing in a matrix of mountain grassland. The transition between ponderosa pine forest and ponderosa pine savanna is usually not distinct. Ponderosa pine forests have dense canopies with trees that are closely spased; Savannas have trees that are widely spaced with very open canopies.

scattered Trees. (SCT). This habitat type consists of various types of herbaceous communities in which scattered trees occur. The trees in this ,type are usually native trees that have become established on their own. Plantings of introduced trees should be categorized as Tree Plantings.

Shrubland Types

Mixed Plains Shrublands. (MPS). This habitat type occurs on the plains and is characterized by shrub stands dominated by chokecherry, wild plum (Prunus americana), and hawthorn (Craraegus sp.). Skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata) may also be present. These shrublands usually occur in conjunction with rock outcrops on the plains or along drainages and swales.

Mixed Mountain Shrubland. (MMS). The mixed mountain shrubland type occurs in the foothills and is characterized by a variety of shrub species including squaw currant lRibes cereum), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus

montanus), skunkbush sumac, chokecherry and mountain snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus). The type occurs along draws as well as on upland sites in conjunction with ponderosa pine forests and savannas.

Skunkbush Sumac Shrubland. (SSS). The Skunkbush sumac shrubland type occurs mostly on the plains and is characterized by the abundance of skunkbush sumac. This type could be considered as a mixed plains shrubland in which skunkbush sumac occurs as the dominant species. Skunbush sumac also occurs in the foothills where it may form dense thickets.

Willow Shrubland. (WLS). The willow shrubland type occurs along streams both in the mountains and on the plains. In the mountains, the shrublands may support a variety of willow species (Salix spp.). On the plains, the major species is coyote willow (Salix exigua). The better stands of this type occur along the larger stream courses, like Boulder Creek. -

Grassland/Herbaceous Types

Foothills Tall arass Prairie. (TGP). The foothills tall grass prairie type tends to occur on floodplain areas, however it may also occur on upland sites at the base of the foothills. Dominant species include big bluestem (Andropogon gerdardi), switchgrass (Panicurn virgatum) and Indian grass (Sorghastrurn nu tans).

Shortarass Prairie. (SGP). Shortgrass prairie stands tend to occur on the drier sites on the plains. Major species include blue grama (Bouteioua gracilis) and buff a lo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) .

Mixed Grass Prairie. (MGP). The mixed grass prairie type is the most common of the grassland types on the plains in Boulder County. This type occurs on sites that are more moist than those that support shortgrass prairie, but are too dry to support tall grass prairie. The dominant species include wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.) and needlegrasses (Stipa spp.) as well as blue grama, prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha) and several species of upland sedges (Carex spp.).

Alkaline Grassland. (ALG). This grassland type occurs on areas with poor drainage where salt concentrations in the soil tend to be elevated above normal levels. Major species include inland saltgrass (Distichlis strictal, alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), alkali bluegrass (Poa juncifolial and alkali muhly (Muhlenbergia asperifolia). In many cases this type is associated with alkaline wetlands.

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canary grass (Phaiaris arundinacea) and prairie cordgrass (Spartha

I pecthatal.

Rush Meadow. (RSM). Rush meadows occur on a variety of moist to wet sites. These usually occur on floodplains, in bottomland swales or on ' 'i seepage sites associated with irrigation ditches. Like the other wetland types, the rush meadows also occur in association with ponds and reservoirs. The major species in this-type is Baltic rush (Juncus arcticus

Shorelines. (SHL). The shoreline habitat type occurs in association with ponds and reservoirs. The size of this type changes throughout the season as reservoir reserves are depleted and evaporation reduces the sizes of ponds. Shorelines are usually muddy, however in some places they are more sandy.

Ponds. Lakes and Reservoirs. (PLR). Ponds, lakes and reservoirs are bodies of standing open water. These range in size from large reservoirs, like Boulder Reservoir, to small stock watering ponds.

Streams. (STR). streams include natural drainages with running whter. This type can include intermittent and ephemeral streams as well as

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I 'streams that run all year long.

DisturbedfHuman Created Types

Reveaetated Gravel Mine Site%. (RGM). There are numerous sites in the Boulder Valley where sand and gravel have been extracted. These sites almost always occur on the floodplains of the major drainages. In the past, little effort was placed on reclamation and restoration of these sites. Many of these areas have become naturally revegetated. Sawhill Ponds is an excellent example of this type of revegetated gravel mine site. More recently, conscious effort has been directed toward revegetation of these disturbed areas. The reclaimed gravel mine site on the south side of Boulder Creek at the White Rocks is a good example of this type of revegetation. In general, these sites support a variety of grassland types, wetlands and areas with open water.

Annual Weed Communities. (AWC). Annual weed communities developed on abandoned, disturbed sites. Major annual species include Russian thistle (Salsoia iberica), summer cypress (Kochia iranical, species of pigweed (Amaranthus spp.), species of goosefoot lChenopodium spp.) and species of kna pweed {Centaurea diffusa and Centaurea rnaculosa) .

/ Bottomland Grassland. (BLG). - The bottomland grassland type occurs / on floodplains or other low areas. These areas tend to be more moist than

the surrounding uplands but they are not wetlands. Major species include slender wheatgrass (Agropyron trachycaulum), smooth brome (Bromus

%' i, inermis) and Kentucy bluegrass (Poa pratensis).

Mountain Grassland. (MTG). The mountain grassland type occurs in the foothills on sites that do not support forests or shrublands. In appearance, the type resembles the mixed grass prairie type, however, the species composition is varied and includes components from the mixed grass prairie type as well as from the mountain community types.

/ i Mountain Meadow. (MTM). The mountain meadow type occurs in / the foothills and is different from the mountain grassland type in that it

tends to be found on sites that are more moist and tends to be dominated fZ by broad leaved plants rather than grasses. This type is more prevalent at / 6 i elevations higher than those found in the foothills.

Rock O u t c r o ~ ~ . (ROC). Rock outcrops occur both in the foothills and on the plains. While these areas are usually poorly vegetated, the major species tend to be herbaceous. Scattered shrublands usually occur in association with the rock outcrops. While rock outcrops are not very common on the plains, they are very important for a variety of wildlife species.

./ Wetland Types

Cattail Marshes. (CTM). Cattail marshes occur in association with reservoirs, ponds, irrigation ditches and slow stream courses. The major species is common cattail (Typha latifolia). These habitats usually occur in standing water or on sites that have saturated soils.

Bulrush Marshes. (BRM). Bulrush marshes occur on sites similar to those that support cattail marshes, except that the major species are bulrushes (Scirpus spp.). Sombrero marsh is an excellent example of this type.

Sedae Meadows. (SDM). Sedge meadows usually occur on floodplain sites or on sites where a constant supply of water is present. Major species in this type include a variety of sedge species including Carex aqua tilis, Carex nebraskensis, and Carex praegracilis.

Wet Grassv Meadows. (WGM). Wet grassy meadows occur on - the - -

same kinds of sites that support-sedgezmeadows, however the dominint species tend to be grasses rather than sedges. Major species include reed

Y ?

Perennial Weed Communities. (PWC). Perennial weed communities also occur on abandoned disturbed sites, however the dominant species tend to be perennial rather than annual. Sometimes this type can be found in association with prairie dog towns. Major species include field bindweed {Con volvulus arvensisl , Can ad a t h ist le (Cirsium arvense) w h it e top {Cardaria drabal and perennial peppergrass (Lepidiurn latifol&m).

lrriaation Ditch. (IRD). Irrigation ditches occur throughout the Boulder valley and provide a wide range of wildlife habitats. In many ways they are similar to the native riparian areas in that they may support fairly dense stands of trees as well as shrublands. Open flowing water is available usually only during the growing season. The banks of the ditches are subject to repeated disturbances as the irrigation companies clean and maintain the ditches. Like the riparian areas, the irrigation ditches form important corridors for movement of wildlife species.

Modified Stream Drainaae. (MSD). Modified stream drainages include channelized streams and manipulated stream courses within developed areas. These areas originally supported native riparian vegetation types, but now the vegetation is composed of grassed waterways or weedy vegetation. These constitute highly altered habitat types.

lrriaated Develo~ed Pasture. (IDP). Irrigated developed pastures include pastures that are used for hay production and are irrigated. These could be used for production of either alfalfa or grass hay.

Drvland Develooed Pasture. (DDP). Dryland developed pastures are used for hay production, but they are not irrigated. Introduced pasture grasses are usually grown on these sites. In general, they resemble native mixed and tall grass prairies, but the species composition is different, and the species diversity is much lower.

Cultivated Cro~land. (CVC). Cultivated croplands includes areas that are used for production of crops, like small grains or, irrigated corn. These fields are usually cultivated on an annual basis.

Tree Plantinas. (TPL). The tree planting type includes areas where introduced trees have been planted for hedgerows or shelter belts. Examples would include areas where Siberian elm {Ulmus purnila) or Russian olive trees have been planted.

HABITAT EVALUATION CRITERIA - L FOR - -

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SPECIES AND SPECIES GROUPS

Songbirds. The highest ratings for songbird habitat were given to sites with the greatest vegetational structural diversity. Sites with good grass cover, shrubs, small trees and tall trees provide the greatest habitat diversity for nest and foraging sites. Sites with some shrub cover or scattered shrubs would have intermediate value. Sites with only ground nesting sites would have the lowest habitat diversity and the lowest quality rating.

Raptors. Habitat quality ratings for raptors were based on nest sites, hunting areas and perching sites. Areas with abundant prey bases were given high ratings for their ability to provide excellent hunting areas. Sites with tall trees were considered good sites for nesting and perching. Sites with scattered trees adjacent to good sources of prey (prairie dog towns) were also given moderate to high ratings. Sites with low overall quality ratings included those where the above set of criteria were lacking or reduced in value. Also sites close t o homes or industrial development were given low ratings.

Water Birds. Habitat quality ratings for water birds was based on the presence and amount of open water as well as on the basis of wetlands associated with open water areas. Sites with large expanses of open water with well- developed herbaceous or shrubby wetlands that provide shelter and nest sites were considered as having the highest value. Sites with moderate amounts of water and limited development of shoreline habitats were given moderate ratings and sites with limited amounts of open water and little development of shoreline habitats were given low ratings.

Deer. Since deer are so abundant in the Boulder ~al l 'ey, it was sometimes difficult to identify which habitats had the highest values for deer. Also, deer tend to use habitats in different ways at different times of the year. Foothills savannas, forests and grasslands were usually given high ratings, especially in areas away from human development. Riparian forests and' riparian corridors were also given high ratings as long as the shrub understory was fairly well developed. Low ratings were given to open sites with little shelter.

Prairie Dogs. It seems that prairie dogs tend to do well wherever they occur. In this regard i t was difficult to evaluate habitat for prairie dogs totally on the basis of the number of prairie dogs. High quality ratings were given to sites that had a s~bstantial~component of- native-prairie grasses and forbs. Since prairie - - -

dogs tend to degrade their habitats, those sites that had high percentages of native

species were considered as higher quality than those where the dominant species were weeds. Many sites in the Boulder Valley would provide moderate to high quality habitat for prairie dogs, if they were allowed to colonize the sites. NO attempt was made in the quality ratings to evaluate the potential for prairie dog colonization. Ratings were based on actual site conditions where prairie dogs were present.

Herptiles. The herptile category is broad enough that nearly all sites provide some level of adequate habitat for snakes, turtles, frogs, toads or salamanders. The range of quality ratings also depends specifically on the species that are being considered. Sites that are high quality for rattlesnakes and bull snakes would not likely be good for painted turtles. In this regard, the ratings were sometimes qualifed on the basis of which group of herptiles was being considered. Remote rocky upland sites in the transition zone between prairie and the foothills forests provide excellent habitat for rattlesnakes. These sites were given high quality ratings. In general, open sites with limited vegetation diversity were given low ratings for herptiles or they were given no rating at all. Nearly all wetland sites provide at least moderate quality habitat for frogs, toads, garter snakes and various species of turtles.

Mountain Lion. The best habitats for Mountain lions were considered to be foothills habitats consisting of ponderosa pine savannas, grasslands and shrublands. Sites with broken topography and excellent placesto hide were given the highest ratings. Areas with reported sightings of mountain lions were also given high ratings. Areas with no reported sightings were given moderate t o high ratings i f the appropriate habitat qualities were present.

Black Bear. The habitat quality ratings for black bear were based on essentially the same parameters as those for Mountain lion since these two species tend to occur in the same types of habitats. Mountain lions tend to be found on the plains somewhat more frequently than black bear. Both species also occur within the City of Boulder.

Badger. Badger habitat was assessed mostly on the basis of the potential for badgers to occur on the site. Open prairies 'with limited human disturbance were given the highest potential quality ratings.

Turkey. Turkeys are not common in the Boulder Valley. Sites with the highest habitat values were those with relatively large areas of shrublands in the foothills. In some cases, diverse riparian forests were listed as providing moderate quality habitat for turkeys. The forests provide shelter as well as a limited food supply.

-

- Other Mammals. - -

Small. Nearly all sites provide habitat for small mammals. Dry, open disturbed sites were judged to have the lowest quality for this group of species. Moist meadows on floodplains as well as forest understories and shrublands provide much better habitat. Sites with a high diversity of habitat types were given higher ratings.

Medium-Sized. Habitat quality for this relatively diverse group of mammals was based on much the same values as those used for small mammals. Sites with a diversity of habitat types (grasslands, shrublands, forests and open woodlands) provide the best habitat for medium-sized mammals. Raccoons, skunks and fox squirrels all do very well in urban settings. Habitats for these animals were considered better when a permanent supply of water was present.

Other Birds: This category was commonly used for upland game birds, like sharptail grouse and was considered as potential habitat. Open prairie with scattered shrublands was considered as moderate to high quality habitat for this species. The category was also used for a variety of other species that did not fit well into specific categories for other birds.

HOW TO INPUT DATA FOR THE DATA BASE

The use of the Boulder Wildlife Habitat data base assumes at least a limited knowledge of how to use dBase Ill +. The user needs to know how to load a data base file, how to select a screen format file, how to use an index file and how to either edit existing records in the data base or append new entries into the data base. These are all simple commands and even first-time dBase users should be able to master them in a matter of a few minutes.

There are two data entry screens used to input or edit the information for the data base. .The first screen appears when users choose to either edit an existing record or append a new one. The two screens are shown in Figure 2. When the first screen a'ppears, the cursor will be located in the first field on the screen (Site I.D.). To enter the data, simply type the appropriate information in the space provided. Press enter after you have finished. When you press enter, the cursor will move to the next field ("Locationn, in the case of the first screen). Data entry continues in this fashion for all additional fields, except for "Commentsn. The comments file is handled in a different way. To -access the comments, move the cursor to the "Commentsn field. It will always say "memo". You can move the cursor from field to field using the up and down arrows on the computer keyboard. With the cursor placed in the memo field, press Ctrl-Page Down. This will -bring up another screen that will allow you to enter, edit or read comments. To get back to the data entry screen from the comments screen, press Ctrl-W, or Ctrl-Page Up. After making the final entry for the record or after making changes, press page down and go to the next record. This makes sure that any changes or ,additions are saved to the data base file.

Black B e a r :

- -

Press PgUp f o r Previous Record OR PgDn f o r More Data

Other Evaluation Items

P r i s t i n e Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance: Res tora t ion Po ten t i a l : Current Human U s e : Wi ld l i f e Conf l ic ts :

Physical Features :

Red Flag ( Y I N ) : Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : Elevation ( f e e t ) : L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership:

Press PgUp f o r Previous Screen OR PgDn f o r Next Record

Figure 2. Examples of the two data entry screens.

TABULAR SUMMARIES FOR

WILDLIFE HABITAT PARCELS

INCLUDED IN THE DATA BASE

The pages which follow present the information for each of the records in the data base for the wildlife habitat parcels included in the study. The map that accompanies this report shows the individual locations for each parcel.

In all, 89 parcels were included in the inventory. They were numbered sequentially beginning with number 01. For ease of accessing the information, the parcels are listed in order. Three areas are included in the data base that were not evaluated. These include areas 12, 66 and 67.

7 WINTER

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:6 Restoration Potential: 1 see memo Current Human Use:

Additional Site Characteristics

Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE BOTTOMLAND GRASSLAND Important Nearby Feature8:LARGE TRACT OF OPEN SPACE PRAIRIE Physical Features:PERENNIAL STREAM AND SOME ROCX OUTCROPS

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): <

O w 0 ., , Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5920 Literature: Ownership:

t Data Base

COMMENTS FOR SITE: RPF-01

J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Quality Rating: This s i te has a high d i v e r s i t y of h a b i t a t types p l u s year around open water.

Grazing and proximity t o Highway 93 d e t r a c t from t h e o v e r a l l q u a l i t y , however t h e s i te is r e l a t i v e l y remote. The s i te could be

Restorat ion Potent ia l : The r i p a r i a n h a b i t a t hae been severe ly grazed.

benef i t many w i l d l i f e species, including s h a r p t a i l

Wildl ife Conf l ic ts : This i s a p o t e n t i a l deer movement corr idor . Because of nearby Highway 93,

deer-car c o l l i s o n s a r e p o t e n t i a l l y a hazard.

Prairie Dogs: that Mammals:7 SMALL XED-SIZE

Site I.D.:RPF-02

Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:7

Wildlife Conflicts:

Habitat Types: RIPARIAN WOODLAND MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE

L

Important Nearby Features:LARGE AREAS OF MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE Physical Features:PERENNIAL STREAM

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5920 Literature: Ownership:


Jue t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Qua l i ty Rating: Thie s i te is la rge , but t h e r i p a r i a n ha6 been grazed and t h e vegetat ion is

not w e l l developed. The extens ive nearby pra i . r ie h a b i t a t adds t o t h e o v e r a l l qua l i ty of t h e site.

Restoration Potent ia l : bGM lie&- would improve t h e q u a l i t y of t h e s i te

by increasing t h e amount of cover by perennial grasses. -

Complete Location Information: T1S R70W SEC33 NE1/4; SEC27 SW1/4; SEC34 NW1/4

5 WINTER rairie Dogs: ther Mammals:7 SMALL MED-SIZE

Livestock Disturbance:5 Current Human Use:

Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE SHORT GRASS PRAIRIE Important Nearby Featurea:RIPARIAN FOOTHILLS CORRIDOR Physical Featurea:GENTLY ROLLING TOPOGRAPHY

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5840 Literature: Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: MGP-03

Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating:

Restoration: grazr

8 ALL YEAR 6 POTENTIAL Prairie Dogs:

Livestock Disturbance:4 Current Human Use:

Habitat Types: PONDEROSA PINE SAVANA MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE see memo Important Nearby Features:MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE RIPARIAN AREAS Physical Features :

Red Flag (Y/N) : N Corridor (Y/N): N Literature:

Area (Acres): 0.0 Elevation (feet): 6000 Ownership: PRIVATE

COMMENTS FOR SITE: PPS-04

Jus t i f i ca t ion fo r Overall Qual i ty Rating: Large expanse of high qua l i ty ponderosa pine - p r a i r i e habi ta t . Very large

expanse of undisturbed mountain hab i ta t t o t h e weet. The site is not c lose t o human disturbance. .e. Restoration Potential:

and some weed control would improve t h e site.

Other Habitat Types: DOUGLAS FIR FOREST ROCK OUTCROP MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND.

9 WINTER 6 POTENTIAL

Site I.D.:RPF-05

coayetem Function: Livestock Disturbance:l estoration Potential: 2 Current Human Use : ildlif e Conf lictq:

Habitat Typea: RIPARIAN FOREST MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE MIXED PLAINS SHRUB Important Nearby Featurea:MANY ACRES OF OPEN SPACE Phyeical Featuree:PERENNIAL STREAM/POOLS

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (YJN): Y Elevation (feet): 5760 Literature: Ownership:


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Q u a l i t y Rating: The s i te is l a r g e and has a high d i v e r s i t y of h a b i t a t types and h a b i t a t

heterogeneity. There are l o t s of "edgew h a b i t a t s due t o t h e patchy d i s t r i b u t i o n of t h e vegeta t ion. types . The s i te includes many acres of p r a i r i e , shrublands, r i p a r i a n f o r e s t , perennial water a l l with good cover f o r many animals. There are only a few weeda.

Restoration p o t e n t i a l : Weed con t ro l i n selected areas. Introduction of p r a i r i e g rasses i n t o

disturbed areas a s possible.

Complete Location Information: T1S R70W SEC32 N W 1 / 4 ; SEC29 SW1/4

Overal l Habi ta t Quali ty Rating: 8 8-9 --

Habi ta t Ratings (1-10; Low t o High) f o r Key Species/Species Groups I 1

Songbirds: 9 ountain Lion: Raptors: 7 l ack Bear: Water Birds: 6 Deer: 9 P r a i r i e Dogs:

Species Divers i ty Ratings Animal Species Diversi ty: 8 Plant Species Diversi ty: 9

Specia l Species:

S i t e I.D.:RPF-06

P r i s t i n e Qual i ty : Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:4

Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND WILLOW SHRUBLAND Important Nearby Features:PRAIRIE ROCX OUTCROPS Physical Features:MEANbERING FOOTHIUS/PLAINS STREAM

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5380 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership :


Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: The s i t e has a well-developed riparian fores t . Vertical structure of

the dense understory and un-even age distribution of _ _, _ _-- ------I d ~ v e r s e habitat-~-3%~ nearby5 Many native species.

*-----* - --- - 4 * -

Good dikersity-and-co~r~dor connect rons .--a - ' 7 <i

Restoration Potential: Weedy areas could be restored with native herbaceous plants.

5 WINTER

S i t e I . D . : R P F - 0 7 O t h e r E v a l u a t i o n I t e m s

L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 6 C u r r e n t Human U s e :

A d d i t i o n a l S i t e C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

H a b i t a t T y p e s : RIPARIAN FOREST TALL GRASS PRAIRIE see memo I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e s : S O U T H BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR P h y s i c a l Featurea:l?LOODPLAIN AND ADJACENT GRASSLAND

ded F l a g ( Y / N ) : N C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y L i t e r a t u r e :

Area ( A c r e s ) : 0 . 0 E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5 3 1 0 - 5 3 5 0 Ownership :

COMMENTS FOR SITE: RPF-07 3 0

Just i f icat ion fo r Overall Quality Rating: 4 A moderate ra t ing w a s given because the r ipar ian is th in and degraded by

4adq7 Also, t he stream has been channelized -7 'b

Wildlife Conflicts: .. ..J 1.9 There is a deef-vehicle co l l i s ion potenti.$$. . .I$''~c< :,<

P o \ . - \ ) ~ Restoration Potential:

3e0d~$9eq &?- , ~ $ 5 ,\

;on&&ction of a pond would improve ended because of

g would enhance vegetation development. <Weed control would improve @%ite. -- -- - - &-- %,L

X Other Habitate: (,& &$G*?

PERENNIAL WEED CommIrn MIXED PLAZNS SHRUBLAND SEDGE ADOW STREAM

Complete Location Inf omation: T1S R70W SEC9 E1/2; SEClO EJW1/4

P r a i r i e D o g s :

S i t e I . D . : R P F - 0 8

L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e :

H a b i t a t T y p e s : RIPARIAN FOREST SEDGE MEADOW BOTTOMLAND GRASSLAND memo I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e s : P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s :

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0 . 0 C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5 2 9 0 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

il


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Q u a l i t y Rating: The o v e r a l l r a t i n g is due t o t h e t h i n and d i s c o n t i n u ~ u s r i p a r i a n h a b i t a t and

t o t h e considerable&~b>~sPecially near t h e creek. South Boulder Creek T r a i l runs through the-e~te-.& n a t i v e understory is g o 0 9 7

\ '--- - - - - - - --- A

r

Restorat ion Po ten t i a l : T r e e and shrub p lant ings along t h e creek would improve t h e o v e r a l l hab i t a t

qual i ty . This may be a good s i t e f o r e s t a b l i s h i n g t u l i p gent ian (Eustoma g rand i f lo ra ) . Potenia l f o r r e s t o r i n g t a l l grase p r a i r i e i n adjacent areas.

Additional Habitat Types: FLOWING OPEN WATER

7 WINTER P r a i r i e D o g s :

S i t e I . D . : R P F - 0 9

E c o e y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : R e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : 4 see memo C u r r e n t Human U s e : Wildlife C o n f l i c t s :

H a b i t a t T y p e s : RIPARIAN FOREST DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE see memo I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e s : P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s :

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : Y Area ( A c r e s ) : 0 . 0 C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5 3 0 0 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership:

11 City of Boulder Wi ld l i f e Habitat Data Base 11 -


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Q u a l i t y Rating: The cottonwood r i p a r i a n h a b i t a t is reasonably well-developed and r a t h e r

extensive. Considerable cover and h a b i t a t d i v e r s i t y e x i s t s . The creek provides year around water. High p l a n t and animal d i v e r s i t y . Excellent s t r u c t u r a l d ive r s i ty ; Rating is based on t h e q u a l i t y of t h e r i p a r i a n f o r e s t . Human a c t i v i t y reduces t h e o v e r a l l r a t i n g .

Wildl ife Confl ict : There is a high human use t r a i l near t h e best q u a l i t y hab i t a t . The value t o

s e n s i t i v e species ( rap to r s , foxes) is reduced because of t h e amount of human use on t h e t r a i l .

Restoration Potent ia l : Some weed contro l needed. Good p o t e n t i a l f o r re-es tabl i sh ing t a l l g rass

p r a i r i e on meadows adjacent t o r i p a r i a n f o r e s t .

Additional Habitat Types: FLOWING OPEN WATER

Red Flag: Spiranthas d i l u v i a l i s is a very r a r e species and occurs t o only a l imi ted

.--tent i n the Boulder Valley.

-

Habitat Ratings (1-10; Low t o High) for Key Species/Species Groups

Mountain Lion: Black Bear:

e Conflicts: 6 see memo

Important Nearby Features: -Physical Features:

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Literature:

Area (Acres): 0 .0 Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5280 Ownership :


Jus t i f i ca t ion fo r Overall Quality Rating: The moderate ra t ing is due t o t h e small and disturbed wetland, t h i n r ipar ian

and proximity t o houses. There is good age c l a s s d i s t r ibu t ion fo r t r e e s and good s t ruc tu ra l d ivers i ty .

Wildlife Conflicts: People and dogs along the nearby t r a i l and i n backyards w i l l d i s t u rb

sensi t ive w i ld l i f e species. . .

Restoration Potential : Plantings would songbirds, and could be used t o .screen area from

nearby houses.

Additional Habitat Types : SEDGE MEADOW

Black Bear:

ther Mamma1s:S SMALL MED-SIZE ther Birds: 1

City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base Page 2 of 2

Site I.D. : SHL-11 Other Evaluation Items

Restoration Potential: 7 see memo Current Human Use:


Habitat Types: SHORELINE SEDGE MEADOW Important Nearby Feature8:LARGE TRACT OF PRAIRIE Physical Features:

xed Flag (Y/N): N Corridor (Y/N): N Literature:

Area (Acres): 0.0 Elevation (feet): 5680 Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: SHL-11

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: The moderate rating is due to a shoreline virtually devoid of trees and

other cover.

Restorati a v and establishment of trees and shrubs would improve the

site.

Prist ine Quality: Human D isturbance : Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance: Restoration Potential: Current Human U s e :

Additional S i t e Characteristics

Habitat Types : Important Nearby Features: Physical Features:

Red Flag (Y/N): Corridor (Y/N) : Literature:

Area (Acres): 0 .0 Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5840 Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: SHL-12

*7 This site .was not evaluated.

8

Black Bear:

Species Diversity Ratings Animal Speciea Diversity: 6 Plant Species Diversity: 8

Site I.D.:PPS-13 Other Evaluation Ite

Pristine Quality: uman Disturbance : Ecosystem Function: ivestock Disturbance:2


Important Nearby Features:MARSHALL LAKE MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE Physical Features:SMALL SANDSTONE CLIFFS

Red Flag (Y/N) : N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5420 Literature: Ownership:


Justification for Overall Rating: reasonably undisturbed habitat with adequate cover site is close to Marshall Lake and a large expanse

of mixed grass prairie.

Restoration Potential: The Russian knapweed alon access road on the west end should be

eliminated/controlled. of the h site for supporting sharptail grouse.

. . L. \

-2 . I

ater Birds:

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:6 Restoration Potential: 3 Current Human Use: Wildlife Conflicts:

Habitat Types: MIXED PRAIRIE SHRUBLAND PONDEROSA PINE SAVANNA see memo Important Nearby Features:ROCX OUTCROPS MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE Physical Features:ROCX OUTCROPS

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres) : 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5600 Literature: Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: MPS-14

J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overal l Quali ty Rating: 3 high r a t i n g is due t o a r a t h e r unique h a b i t i t - a seep wiF- a

&ad rock outcrops. The area, however, i s small. Grazing/ d e t r a c t s from % p o t e n t i a l l y very high ra t ing .

J Restorat ion Potent ia l : 6'm

Weed con t ro l and -would improve t h e o v e r a l l q u a l i t y of t h e s i t e . The wetland a reas w e r e heavily impacted by l a t e summer.

Additional Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST ROCK OUTCROP

70W SEClS see memo

ater Birds:

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:3 Restoration Potential: 6 see memo Current Human Use:


Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE PONDEROSA PINE SAVANNA see memo Important Nearby Features:MARSHALL MESA Physical Features:ROCX OUTCROPS HILL CREST

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5600 Literature: Owntrship:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: MGP-1s

J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overa l l Qua l i t y Rating: This is a l a r g e expanse of p r a i r i e , bu t t h e r e is l i m i t e d h a b i t a t d i v e r s i t y .

There a r e s o m e s c a t t e r e d ponderosa p i n e trees.

Res tora t ion P o t e n t i a l : S i t e could be improved by & and implementing some weed

con t ro l . __/

Addi t iona l Hab i t a t Types: SKUNKBUSH SUMAC SHRUBLAND ROCK OUTCROPS

Complete Location Inf onnation: T1S R70W SEClS SE1/4; SEC14 NW1/4

P r a i r i e D o g s : her M a m m a l s : 6 MEDIUM S I Z E D

E c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 3 R e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : 3 C u r r e n t Human U s e : W i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

H a b i t a t T y p e s : TALL GRASS PRAIRIE PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITY I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e 8 : S O U T H BOULDER CREEK P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s : F L O O D P L A I N

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0 . 0 C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5520 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership :

COMMENTS FOR SITE: TGP-16

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Slightly weedy t a l l grase prairie. Relatively amall area surrounded on

Water B i r d s : 6 POTENTIAL

s :8 XED-SIZE

S i t e I . D . : P P S - 1 7 O t h e r E v a l u a

P r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : E c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 2 HISTORIC R e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : C u r r e n t Human U s e :

H a b i t a t T y p e s : PONDEROSA PINE SAVANNA I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e a : F W T H I L L S OPEN SPACE P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s : R O U I N G FOOTHILLS AND UPLANDS

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 C o r r i d o r (Y /N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5520-5600 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

COMMENTS FOR SITE:', PPS-17

J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overal l Q u a l i t y Rating: Excellent pinderosa p ine h a b i t a t . A higher r a t i n g is not warranted because

of absence of open water and a l s o t h e l a r g e amount of s i m i l a r h a b i t a t i n t h e v ic in i ty .

Wildl ife Confl icts : People i n t h e a rea reduce the p o t e n t i a l f o r Mountain Lions, turkeys and

nest ing goehawks. -

Complete Location Information: T1S R70W SEC19 NE1/4; SECZO NW1/4; SECl7 SW1/4; SEC18 SW1/4

L o c a t i o n : T1S R71W S

H a b i t a t R a t i n g s (1-10; Low t o H i g h ) f o r Key S p e c i e s / S p e c i e s G r o u p s

B l a c k B e a r : 3

9 ALL YEAR 4 POTENTIAL rairie Dogs: ther Mammals:9 MED-SIZE

t h e r B i r d s :

A n i m a l S p e c i e s D i v e r s i t es D i v e r s i t y : 9

R e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : C u r r e n t Human Use: i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

H a b i t a t T y p e s : PONDEROSA PINE FOREST MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND see memo Important N e a r b y F e a t u r e e : P h y s i c a l Fea tu res :ROCX OUTCROPS STREAM FOOTHILLS

R e d F l a g (Y/N): N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0 . 0 C o r r i d o r (Y/N): N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 6000-6800 L i t e r a t u r e : Owner s h i p : -

COMMENTS FOR SITE: PPF-18

Jus t i f i ca t ion for Overall Quality Rating: High habitat divers i ty of a l imited type i n the Boulder Valley. Lack of

open water and high human uee somewhat degrade the w i l d l i f e divers i ty .

Additional Habitat Types : MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE

Complete Location Information: T1S R71W SEC13 NE1/4; T1S R70W SECl8 NW1/4

8 ALL YEAR 6 POTENTIAL

Site I.D.:PPF-19

ivestock Disturbance:l Current Human Use:

3 see memo

Habitat Types: PONDEROSA PINE FOREST MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND Important Nearby Features: Physical Features:STEEP TERRAIN ROCK OUTCROPS

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 6080-6400 Literature: Ownership:


Just i f icat ion for Overall Qual i ty Rating: Large, undisturbed ponderosa pine fores t with rock outcrops. I t doesn't

just i fy a higher rating because .there is such a large amount of similar habitat in the v ic in i ty . This site has high plant and animal divers i ty .

Wildlife Conflicts: Very good Mountain Lion Habitat near populated area.

ther Manuaals:7 SMALL.MED-SIZE

6 see memo

Habitat Types: CATTA1L.MARSH RUSH MEADOW SCATTERED TREES Important Nearby Features:MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND Physical Feature8:WETLAND IN A SEMI-RESIDENTIAL SETTING

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5550 Literature: Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: CTM-20

J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Q u a l i t y Rating: The r a t i n g is due t o t h e r a t h e r l a r g e l ake and nearby moist meadow h a b i t a t ,

a l s o t o t h e proximity of t h e hogbacks. The site is a small wetland area , primari ly c a t t a i l s with a grassy w e t meadow.

Wildl i fe Confl icts : High human use reduces water b i r d nest ing.

Restorat ion Potent ia l : A properly designed i s l and would b e n e f i t nes t ing water b i r d s and could be

v i s u a l l y a t t r a c t i v e . Disturbed a reas could be res tored t o t a l l g r a s s p r a i r i e .

Water Birds: g ALL YEAR 6 POTENTIAL

~eetoration P

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : Area (Acres): corridor (Y/N): Elevation (feet): 6100-6300 ~iterature: Ownership :


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: ,

High quality deer habitat. Lack of water and bruehy habitat as yell as the proximity of housee somewhat reduces the overall quality.

Wildlife Conflicts: Deer-vehicle collisions are a hazard along nearby.01d Stage Road.

Complete Location ~nfonntion: TIN ~ 7 1 ~ SECl SW1/4; SECl2 NW1/4

9 ALL YEAR 6 POTENTIAL Other Mammals:

6 RATTLESNAKES Other Birds:

Other Eva

cosystam Funct~on: Livestock Disturbance: ration Potential: 1 Current Human Use: if e Conflicts: 5 see memo

Habitat Types: PONDEROSA PINE SAVANNA MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND see memo Important Nearby Features:PONDEROSA PINE FORESTS Physical Features:STEEP WEST FACING SLOPE ROCK OUTCROPS

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor ( Y I N ) : N Elevation ( feet ) : 6400 Literature: Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: PPS-22 '-2

0

Jus t i f ica t ion fo r Overall Quality Rating: High qual i ty deer habitat . Rugged, a m a n d reasonably remote. High

divers i ty of habi ta t types. Large a rea l extent. Lack of water prevents the s i t e from receiving a higher rating.

Wildlife Conflicts: Deer-vehicle col l isons are a hazard along nearby Old Stage Road.

Additional Habitat Typeo : MOUNTAIN GRASSLAND

Other Coments: This is a potent ia l s i t e f o r nesting golden eagles.

B l a c k B e a r : 8 POTENTIAL ater B i r d s :

9 ALL YEAR 6 POTENTIAL ra ir ie D o g s : O t h e r M m a l a : 8

Species D i v e r s i t y R a t i n g s

P r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o s y s t e m Function: L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : es torat ion P o t e n t i a l : 1 C u r r e n t H u m a n U s e :

l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

H a b i t a t T y p e s : PONDEROSA P I N E SAVANNA MOUNTAIN GRASSLAND see memo I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e s : P O N D E R O S A P I N E FORESTS MIXED GRASSLANDS P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s : B R O K e N TOPOGRAPHY DISSECTED RAVINES

R e d Flag (Y/N): N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 6000-6400 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :


Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: This is one of t he best large undeveloped t r a c t s i n the lower foo th i l l s .

The site kae high qua l i ty deer habi ta t ae w e l l a diverse patchy vegetation. The s i t e is remote from public access.

Wildlife Conflicts: A potent ia l e x i s t s fo r deer-vehicle col l is ions .

Herptiles: P ra i r i e ra t t lesnakes occur on t h i s site. There may be a den on the site.

Bull anakes a r e a lso common.

Additional Habitat Types: MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND

Habitat Ratings (1-10; LOW to High) for Key Species/Species Groups

Black Bear:

Other Mammala:7 SMALL Other Birds:

Species Diversity Ratings

Special Species:

3 see memo

Physical Featuree:LOW-LYING BOTTOMLAND

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres) : Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5360 Literature : Ownership:


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: High habitat diversity of a limited type in the Boulder Valley. Lack of

open water and high human use somewhat degrade the wildlife diversity.

Additional Habitat- Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE

Complete Location Information: T1S R71W SEC13 NE1/4; T1S R70W SEC18 NW1/4

8ALLYEAR 6 POTENTIAL

c o s y s t e m F u n c t ~ o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : l estoration P o t e n t i a l : C u r r e n t Human U s e : i l d L i f e C o n f l i c t s : 3 see memo

H a b i t a t T y p e s : PONDEROSA PINE FOREST MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e s : P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s : S T E E P TERRAIN ROCK OUTCROPS

R e d F l a g ( Y I N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y I N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 6080-6400 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership:

City of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data Base


Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: Large, undisturbed ponderosa pine f o r e s t with rock outcrops. I t doesn ' t

j u s t i f y a higher r a t i n g because t he re is such a l a rge amount of similar hab i t a t i n t he v ic in i ty . This site' has high p l an t and animal d ivers i ty .

Wildlife Conflicts: Very good Mountain Lion Habitat near.populated area.



Prairie Dogs: Other Mammals:7 SMAU MED-SIZE


Livestock Disturbance:

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres) : Corridor ( Y / N ) : N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5550 Literature: Ownership:

- -- - --

City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base

CObW3NTS FOR SITE: Cm-20

Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: The r a t i n g is due t o t h e r a the r la rge lake and nearby moist meadow habi ta t ,

a lso t o t h e proximity of t h e hogbacks. The site is a small wetland area, primarily c a t t a i l s with a grassy w e t meadow.

Wildlife Conflicts: High human use reduces water b i rd nesting.

Restoration Potential: . k properly designed is land would benef i t nest ing water b i rd s and could be .\

visua l ly a t t r ac t ive . Disturbed area6 could be res tored t o t a l l grass p ra i r i e .

6 POTENTIAL O t h e r M a m m a l s :

r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : estoration P o t e n t i a l : 1 C u r r e n t Human U s e :

I m p o r t a n t Nearby Features:PONDEROSA PINE FORESTS P h y a i c a l Features:ROCK OUTCROPS a I F F S RUGGED TERRAIN

R e d F l a g (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 6 1 0 0 - 6 3 0 0 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

II City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base II COMMENTS FOR SITE: PPS-21

Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Overall Quality Rating: High qua l i t y deer hab i ta t . Lack of water and brushy hab i t a t a s w e l l a s t he

proximity of houses somewhat reduces t h e ove ra l l qual i ty .

Wildlife Conflicts: Deer-vehicle co l l i s i ons a r e a hazard along nearby Old Stage Road.

Complete Location Inf ormtion: TIN R71W SECl SW1/4; SECl2 NW1/4

Habitat Ratings (1-10; Low t o High) f o r Key Species/Species Groups

Black Bear: 7 POTENTIAL

9 A U Y E A R 6 POTENTIAL P r a i r i e Dogs : Other Mammals:

6 RATTLESNAKES Other Birds:

Animal Species Diversity: Plant Species Diversity: 7

P r i s t m e Q u a l ~ t y : Human Disturbance: cosystem Function: Liveatock Disturbance: ea tora t ion Potent ia l : 1 Current Human U s e : i l d l i f e Conflicts: S see memo

Important Nearby Features:PONDEROSA PINE ,FORESTS Physical Features:STEEP WEST FACING SLOPE ROCK OUTCROPS

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : Corridor ( Y / N ) : N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 6400 Li terature: Ownership:


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: High quality deer habitat. Rugged, attractive and reasonably remote. High

diversity of habitat types. Large areal extent. Lack of water prevents the site from receiving a higher rating.

Wildlife Conflicts: Deer-vehicle collisons are a hazard along nearby Old Stage Road.

Additional Habitat Types: MOUNTAIN GRASSLAND

Other Comments: This is a potential site for nesting golden eagles.

9 ALL YEAR 6 POTENTIAL Prairie Dogs: Other Manrmals:8

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance: Restoration Potential: 1 Current Human Uee:

Additional Site Characteristic9

Important N e a r b y Featuree:POM)EROSA PINE FORESTS MIXED GRASSLANDS Phyaical Features:BROKEN TOPOGRAPHY DISSECTED RAVINES

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 6000-6400 Literature: Ownership:

City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base 1

Jus t i f i ca t ion fo r Overall Quality Rating: This is one of t h e best l a rge undeveloped t r a c t s i n t he lower foo th i l l s .

The e i t e has high qua l i t y deer hab i t a t a s w e l l a diverse patchy vegetation. The e i t e is remote from public access.

Wildlife Conflicts: A po t en t i a l e x i s t s f o r deer-vehicle co l l i s ions .

Herptiles: P r a i r i e ra t t lesnakes occur on t h i s site. There may be a den on t h e s i t e .

Bull snakes are a l so connuon.

Additional Habitat Types: MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND

Water B i r d e :

L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : l HORSES Current Human Use:

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N - u e a ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5360 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

City of Boulder ,Wildlife Habitat Data Base

COMMENTS FOR SITE: BRM-24

Jue t i f ica t ion fo r Overall Qual i ty Rating: This is a la rge wetland area with few weeds. The s i te occurs i n c lose

proximity t o open water and upland grasslands. There i e one la rge cottonwood nearby.

Wildlife Conflict: . Potent ia l f o r disturbance t o t he vegetation from people using the nearby

recreation area. . .

Plant divers i ty: This wetland may have pre-dated t h e construction of t h e reservoir .

6 POTENTIAL

riatine Quality: Human Disturbance: cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:6 eetoration Potential: 6 see memo Current Human Use:


see memo Important Nearby Features:BOULDER RESERVOIR PRAIRIE WETLANDS Physical Features:FLAT BOTTOMLAND AREA

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature: Ownership:

11 City of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data Base 11

COMMENTS FOR SITE: DDP-25

Jus t i f i ca t ion for Ove Habitat degraded d i v e r s i t y . Even though

the site is large, t h of habitats .

Restoration Potential: Native t a l l grass pra ir ie spec ies could be planted i n t h e bottomland

pasture.

Additional Habitat Types: BOTTOMLAND GRASSLAND RUSH WETLAND

Current Human Use :

Red Flag (Y/N): Y Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5280 Literature: Ownership:


Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Qua l i t y Rating: A f a i r l y la rge expanse of mixed t o shor t grass p ra i r i e . The nearby pond and

wetlands add t o t he overa l l value of t h e s i t e . P r a i r i e dogs on t h e site have impacted t h e vegetation, however t h e site is not as weedy,as many other p r a i r i e dog towns i n t h e Boulder Valley.

Red Flag: Presence of burrowing owls, We did not observe t h i s species on t h e s i t e , ,

but they have been reported from t h i s area.

Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SEC5 NE1/4; SEC4 NW1/4

Human Distu~bance: Livestock Disturbance:

Physical Features:BROAD VALLEY BOTTOM

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature: Ownership:


Just i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: Productive wetland i n c l o s e proximity t o open w a t e r and large expanse of

grassland.

Restoration Potent ia l : Upland areas adjacent of wetlands are weedy. These areas could be restored

t o mixed grass pra ir ie .

Water B i r d s :

S: 7 SMALL MED-SIZE

L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : C u r r e n t Human Wee:

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : Y see memo Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5280 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

COMMENTS FOR SITE: IRD-28

Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: The scattered cottonwoode and crack willowe along the i r r i g a t i o n d i t ch

provide excel lent habitat: i n an otherwiee upland eet t ing. Water i n t h e d i tch add t o w i l d l i f e productivity. 5 Red Flag:

The water i n t h e d i t ch from ea r ly April through June is reproductive succese of many b i rd apeciee. Great homed owls nestip%n t h e t r e e e along the di tch.

r\

ater B i r d s :

P r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : E c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : R e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : 3 C u r r e n t Human U s e : Wi ld l i f e C o n f l i c t s :


earby Features:CULTIVATED CROPLANDS

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : Y Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5280 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :


Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: Dense, t a l l t r e e s and dense understory along drainage provide abundant

habi ta t f o r songbirds and small mammals. There is, however, high human use. There a r e young a s w e l l a s old cottonwoods. Good habi ta t f o r hole nesters and other animals t h a t u t i l i z e tree holes.

Red Flag: Great Horned O w l s nes t i n t h i s area.

Habitat R a t i n g s (

l a c k B e a r : ater B i r d s :

rairie Dogs: her Mammals:

estoration P o t e n t i a l : 7 see memo C u r r e n t Human U s e : i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

earby F e a t u r e s :

R e d F l a g (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N): Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5280 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownersh ip: . ,


Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: The t r e e s and understory a r e not w e l l developed. Cover and a rea l extent a r e

minimal. There a r e . l a r g e tree6 and a continuous tree canopy. The r a t i ng would be higher i f more of t h e vegetation was na t ive and the re w a s g rea te r s t ruc tu ra l divers i ty . This is an important corr idor f o r w i ld l i f e movement.

Restoration Potent ia l : Good poten t ia l f o r improving t h e species composition of t he fo re s t

understory. There is some debris on t h e west end of t h e s i t e t h a t should be cleaned up.

Red Flag: There a r e some very la rge cottonwoods on the w e s t p a r t of t h i s s i t e . Some

t r e e s a r e 4-5 f e e t i n diameter. These la rge t r e e s should be protected.

E K a ; r r u -+[&J " F -B 47% sku& -

-

4 POTENTIAL

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecoayetem Function: Livestock Disturbance:8 IN PAST

at Typee: RIPARIAN FOREST PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES see memo Important Nearby Featuree:BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR WEEDY PASTURE Physical Features:STREAM BOTTOMLAND

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature : Ownership:


Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: The high r a t i n g is due t o t h e dense, mature cottonwood and willow trees and

the presence of Boulder Creek. The width of t h e grove, and t h e dense understory provides a w i ld l i f e refuge i n t h e midst of surrounding developed areas. T h i ~ area has long been ca l l ed t h e Cottonwood Grove, but i n t r u t h , most of t h e t r e e s a re introduced crack willows.

Restoration Potent ia l : This s i te could be improved by reducing some of t h e introduced weedy species

i n t he understory and by plant ing na t ive t r e e s and shrubs.

Additional Habitat Typee: ANNUAL WEED COMMUNITIES MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND

Prietine Quality: H m . Dieturbance: Livestock Disturbance:S


Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES Important Nearby Features:COTTONWOOD GROVE Physical Features:

Red Flag (Y/N) : N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature : Ownership:


Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: The t a l l willow t r e e s , adjacent grassland and pastures, and t h e presence of

Boulder Creek a r e important cha rac t e r i s t i c s , but t h e creek has been channelized. and grazing has damaged t h e area. The site is an important cor r idor f o r wi ld l i fe movement.

Wildlife Conflict: P ra i r i e dogs could invade nearby lawns.

Restoration Potential: Restore t h e f o r e s t understory and repa i r t h e stream channel. Plant nat ive

t rees .

Water Birds:

Livestock Disturbance:6 IN PAST

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation ( feet ) : 5300 Literature: Ownership:


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: The trees are important, however the narrow habitat, proximity to houses and

the highway, and weedy understory limit the overall wildlife value.

Wildlife Conf licts: Close proximity to highway and people precludes sensitive wildlife species.

Restoration Potential: Weedy understory could be controlled, and native species could be planted.

lack Bear: ater B i r d s :

Red Flag (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( feet ) : 5240 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :


Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Overall Qua l i t y Rating: There a r e some remnants of na t ive p r a i r i e , but t he re is considerable

disturbance and not much hab i t a t d ivers i ty . Limited community s t ruc ture . The best a t t r i b u t e of t h i s s i te is t h a t it i s n ' t weedy.

Restoration Potential : Restoration would require cont ro l of introduced grass species followed by

seeding of na t ive perennial g rasses and forbs. Planting shrub species l i k e yucca, rabbitbrush, skunkbush sumac would improve t h e s i te f o r wi ld l i fe .

ristine Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o o y s t e m Function: L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : estoration P o t e n t i a l : 9 Current Human U s e :


H a b i t a t T y p e s : CULTIVATED CROPLAND (SMALL GRAIN) SORGHUM I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y Features:WEIITE ROCKS BOULDER CREEK P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e 8 : G E N T L Y ROLLING TOPOGRAPHY

Red F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5360 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

i f e Habitat Data Base

t COMMENTS FOR SITE: CVC-35

Jus t i f ica t ion f o r overa l l Qua l i t y Rating:

I Fields euch a s these provide very l i t t l e habi ta t f o r wildl i fe . The dryland agr icu l ture and lack of habi ta t d ive r s i t y reduces t he qua l i t y f o r wi ld l i fe . The site i s good f o r horned l a rks and mourning doves.

Restoration Potent ia l : This s i te has high po ten t i a l f o r res torat ion. The site could be planted t o

a m i x of native.perennia1 grasses and forbs.

8 Complete Location Information: TIN R69W SEC7 NW114; SEC6 SW1/4

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:6

Current Human U s e :

see memo

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5120 Literature: Ownership :


Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: Mature r i pa r i an habi ta t with moderate hab i t a t d ivers i ty . The r a t i n g would

be higher i f t he re wae a grea te r shrub component and a grea te r percentage of native t rees . Important corridor.

Restoration Poten t ia l : uld improve overa l l hab i ta t qual i ty . Planting

native shrubs i n t h e .understory would improve t h e qua l i ty ra t ing . .

Additional Habitat Types: WILLOW SHRUBLAND CATTAIL HARSH

Habita t Ratings (1-10; Low t o High) f o r Key Species/Species Groups

Mountain Lion: Black B e a r :

P r a i r i e Dogs:

Species Diversi ty Ratings

P r i s t i n e Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:6 Restorat ion Potent ia l : 7 see memo Current Human U s e : Wildl i fe Confl ic ts :

Habitat Types: DRYWLND DEVELOPED PASTURE SEDGE MEADOW Important Nearby Features:RIPARIAN FOREST

-

Phyeical Features:STREAH BOTTOMLAND

R e d Flag (Y/N): N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5120 Li t e r a tu re : Ownership:

L-



Jus t i f ica t ion -for Overall Quality Rating: Hoist, productive habi ta t of moderate s ize . Relatively uniform grassy

habi ta t dominated by introduced pas ture graases. Grazing reduces overa l l value for wildl i fe .

. .

General comments: While t h i s site on t h e f loodplain of Boulder Creek, t h e depth t o water t a b l e

is grea t enough t o consider it as a dryland pasture ra ther than a s a wetland type. There may be small pockets of grassy wetlands within t he area.

Restoration Potential: This site could be res tored t o a t a l l graee p r a i r i e type. Removing grazing

would a l so improve t h e overa l l qua l i t y of t he site.

eatoration P o t e n t i a l : 5 C u r r e n t Human U s e :

Red F l a g (Y/N) : N Area (Acres): C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5120 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership:

I COHHENTS FOR SITE: WGM-38

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Moist productive habitat with some scattered large cottonwood trees.

Grazing and weediness detract from an otherwise good bottomland meadow. ,'

a Genera kJm Comments: Past grazing may have contributed to the weediness of the site. Many

interesting native plant species occur. Site is close to White Rocks.

Special Species: Tulip gentian (Eustoma grandiflorum) may occur on the site. Areas just

downstream from this site support populations of this rare plant species.

Additional Habitat Typeer CATTAIL MARSH PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES (Cirsium arvense)

I Complete Locat ion Information: TIN R70W SEC13 SE1/4; SEC24 NE1/4

Water B i r d e :

c o s y s t e m Functaon:

i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

Physical Features:TOPOGRAPHXCAUY LOW AREA

R e d F l a g (Y/N): N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5200 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownersh ip:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: RSM-39

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: This is a small area with limited habitat diversity. This ie a good example

of this type of wetland. The N S ~ wetland is surrounded by a reclaimed graesland.

Restoration Potential: The reclaimed grassland portion of the site currently is dominated by

introduced perennial grasses. This part of the area has-the potential to support native tall grass prairie.

Human D i s t u r b a n c e : . L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : C u r r e n t Human Uae :

P h y s i c a l Features:RESERVOIR AND ASSOCIATED SHORELINE

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y /N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( feet ) : 5200 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership:


Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: This area, while r a the r small, has a good etand of c a t t a i l s w i t h small

stands of coyote willow. There is a l s o a small stand of p la ins cottonwood. The d ivers i ty of hab i ta t types increases t h e value of t he m i t e . The la rge pond adjacent t o t h e area is a l so an important component of t h e s i t e .

Reetoration Potential: Control of perennial weeds (Ciraium arvense) and res tora t ion of t a l l graas

p r a i r i e a r e both potenial means f o r improving the site.

6 POTENTIAL

riat ine Quality: Human Disturbance: Livestock Disturbance:

ES (Pra~rre Dog Town)

Phyaical F8aturea:RELATIVELY FLAT UPLAND AREA

Red Flag (Y/N) : N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5240

Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: PWC-41

Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: The overa l l hab i ta t r a t i ng is low, however t h e a i t e is good f o r p r a i r i e

dogs. The a i t e is too small f o r black footed f e r r e t s and probably a l s o f o r burrowing owls. The vegetation cons i s t s primarily of weedy perennial forbs.

Restoration Potential: With some e f f o r t , it might be possible t o replace the perennial weeds with

native mixed grass p r a i r i e species. The preeence of t h e p r a i r i e dogs makes the po ten t ia l f o r succeesful r e s to ra t ion l imited.

Human Disturbance: Livestock Disturbance:


Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5280 Literature: Ownership:


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: The continuous t a l l trees provide good cover, but the habitat .is narrow and

surrounded by cropland Trees are used as roosts by raptors. - Restoration Potential:

If a wider band of habitat were developed habitat value would be markedly improved.

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y MARGINAL E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5360 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership:

I COMMENTS FOR SITE: IRD-43 .

Jus t i f ica t ion fo r Overall Qual i ty Rating: The t a l l sca t te red cottonwood trees, in te rmi t ten t water and adjacent

agr icu l ture have marginal hab i ta t value. Food ava i l ab i l i t y , cover and habi ta t d ivers i ty a r e low. Limited development of trees and shrubs. A few plum

I th ickets .

Restoration Poten t ia l :

8 Permanent water and a wider width of habi ta t would improve t h e overal l

w i ld l i f e value.

L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : C u r r e n t Human U s e :

R e d F l a g ( Y /N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5230 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

COMMENTS FOR SITE: PLR-44

Jus t i f i ca t ion for Overall Quality Rating: Pond, wetland, and trees provide good qual i ty habitat , but the area is

small. Most of the treee are introduced Rueeian o l i v e .

Restoration Potential: The site could be improved with some weed control and planting of nat ive

shrubs.

Complete Location Information: T I N R70W SEC35 SE1/4; SEC36 SW1/4


r a i r i e Dogs: her Mammals:7 SMAU MED-SIZE

cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:

i l d l i f e Conflicts:

Physical Feature8:SA.T MARSH AND .ADJACENT UPLAND

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : Y see memo Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5250 Literature: Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: BRM-45

Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: This is one of t he best wetland marshee i n t h e area. Productive wetlands

and pond. Excellent hab i ta t d ive r s i t y near shoreline. The uplands adjacent t o the marsh show evidence of disturbance.

Restoration Potent ia l : The weedy uplands could be res tored t o mixed grase p ra i r i e .

Red Flag: T h i s wetland may have provided the only open water i n t h e Boulder Valley

p r io r t o settlement.

General Comments : T h i s i s an excel lent site fo r an outdoor education laboratory f a c i l i t y and

t r a i l system.

Complete Location Infomtion: TIN R70W SEC3S EJW1/4; SEC34 NE1/4

lack B e a r : ater B i r d s :

ther Mammals:

C u r r e n t Human U s e :

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5320 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :


t Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Qua l i t y Rating:

Good s t ruc tu ra l development of vegetation. Diversity of microhabitate. When the water l eve l is low, t h i s is a good s i te f o r shorebirds.

1 Additional Habitat Types: WILLOW SHRUBLAND CATTAIL MARSH

8 General Comments: D r . William Weber (Univers.ity of Colorado Museum - Herbarium) repor t s t h a t

t h i s portion of t he shoreline of Baseline Reservoir supports a var ie ty of

t unusual aquatic p lan t species. The p lan t d ive r s i t y is grea te r than t h a t found around other reservoirs.

Ecosystem Functton: Livestock Disturbance: Restoration Potential: 6 Current Human Uee: Wildlife Conflicts:

UPLAND AREA W I T H A S M A U POND

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5320

Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: SCT-47

Just i f icat ion for Overall Qual i ty Rating: The ex i s t ing trees and small pond provide some suitable habitat, but the

presence of weeds and introduced species reduces the overall quality of the site.

coeystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:


Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5200 Literature: Ownership:


Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: Good vegetation development, but l imited habi ta t d ive r s i t y and l imited a rea l

extent. Some.large t r e e s nearby. Wetland types include c a t t a i l marsh, open water and w e t grassy meadows.

Restoration Poten t ia l : The upland portion on t h e w e s t end of t h e s i te is dis turbed and has t he

potent ia l t o be restored t o a t a l l grass p r a i r i e type.

Additional Habitat Types : PERENNIAL WEED .COMMUNITY ANNUAL WEED COMMUNITY

Pristine Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : E c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e :

eatoration P o t e n t i a l : 3 C u r r e n t Human U s e :


H a b i t a t T y p e s : PONDS SCATTERED TREES CATTAIL MARSH WILLOW SHRUBLAND I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y Features:WETLANDS ON NORTH SIDE OF TWIN LAKES P h y s i c a l Features:TWO RELATIVELY LARGE RESERVOIRS

R e d F l a g (Y/N) : N A r e a ( A c r e s ) : 0 .0 C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5200 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

y of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base


Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: Relatively la rge expanse of open water. Scattered t a l l trees and a

shoreline with w e l l developed vegetation. The eas t lake i s more disturbed than the w e s t .

General Comxnents: This a i t e could be made i n t o an a t t r a c t i v e nature area.

Restoratation Potential: Restoration would require fmprovement of ahoreline areas and weed control .

Upland areas could be res tored t o na t ive t a l l grase p ra i r i e .

B l a c k B e a r :

O t h e r M a m m a l s : 7 SMALL Other B i r d s :

L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 7 I N PAST R e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : 7 see memo C u r r e n t Human U s e :

R e d Flag (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5224 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : .

COMMENTS FOR SITE: PWC-50

Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: Existing dry reservoir provides marginal habi ta t . T r e e s along old ehoreline

a r e amall. The si te is a l so qu i t e weedy. - 5

Restoration Potential: The res tora t ion poten t ia l f o r t h i s site is high. I f t h e site had water

throughout t h e year and few trees and shrub could be es tabl ished, t h e site could become a high qua l i ty w i ld l i f e area.

Russian knapweed, Canada t h i s t l e and cheatgrass a l l need t o be control led a t , .

t h i s site. The po ten t i a l e x i s t s fo r t h e recreat ion of t a l l g rass p r a i r i e a t t h e . s i t e .

Complete Location Information: T$N R70W SEC6 SE1/4; SECS SW1/4; SECT NE1/4

I

B l a c k B e a r :

ristine Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : . 7 c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : estoration P o t e n t i a l : 8 C u r r e n t Human U s e : i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e s : B O U L D E R CREEK CORRIDOR P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e e :

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5250 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership:


Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: Small s i z e limits t h e ex i s t i ng w i l d l i f e value of t he site. Nice micro-sites

e x i s t , however disturbance is evident.

General Comments: The s i t e could be developed i n t o an a t t r a c t i v e , small nature area. Ponds,

t r e e s and moist meadows could be developed i n t h e midst of encroaching developnent.

r i s t ine Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e :

C u r r e n t Human Use:

H a b r t a t T y p e s : MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND MOUNTAIN GRASSLAND see memo I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y Featuree:VARIOUS FOOTHIUS COMMUNITIES

Red F l a g (Y/N): N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N): Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5750-5900 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownersh ip:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: MMS-52

Justification for Overall Quality Rating:

I Excellent habitat diversity; moetly undisturbed and excellent habitat for deer and a variety of other wildlife epeciee.

I Additional Habitat Types: T A U GRASS PRAIRIE SKUNKBUSH SUMAC SHRUBLAND MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND

PONDEROSA PINE SAVANNA ROCK OUTCROPS

I Complete Location Information: T1S R7lW SECl2 NE1/4; T1S R70W SEC6 SW1/4

r i s t ine Quality: Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 2 HISTORIC eatoration P o t e n t i a l : C u r r e n t Human Wee:

a tat T y p e s : MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND see memo I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e s : F W T E I I U S OPEN SPACE P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s : H I U Y FOOTHILLS GRASSLAND WITH HOMES

Red F l a g (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5600 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownersh ip:


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Housing area with remnant grassland and shrubland. Native landscaping in

places. Many horticultural species. Fencing and homes reduce the overall value for wildlife.

Additional Habitat Types: T A U GRASS PRAIRIE

Mountain L i o n : 6 POTENTIAL B l a c k B e a r : 6 POTENTIAL

6 POTENTIAL als: 9 SMALL MAMMALS

S p e c i e s D i v e r s i t y R a t i n g s ,

P r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : E c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : R e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : 1 C u r r e n t Human U s e : Wi ld l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

m p o r t a n t N e a r b y Features:STREAH FOOTHILLS PRAIRIE RESERVOIR P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s : C L I F F S AND STREAM

R e d F l a g (Y/N): Y Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N): N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 6250 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

COMMENTS FOR SITE: ROC-54

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Unique cliff habitat, remote. Large expanse of coniferous forest.

Red Flag: Golden eagles neat in this area.

Additional Habitat Types: MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND RIPARIAN FOREST

Complete Location Information: T2N R71W SEC26 NE1/4; SEC23 SE1/4

Habitat Ratings (1-10; Low to High) for Key Species/Species Groups

Black Bear:

ristine Quality: Human Disturbance : cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:8 estoration Potential: 5 see memo Current Human Use: ildlife Conflicts:

Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE Important Nearby Feature8:STREAM POND MOIST MEADOW Physical Feature8:STREAM BOTTOMLAND

Rad Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 6000-6080 Literature: Ownership:

-



Just i f icat ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: The site has large, mature cottonwoods, The moderate qual i ty ra t ing was

given because of the degree of degradation i n the fores t understory.

Restoration Potential: Removing grazing, seeding native grasses and planting native shrubs would

improve the qual i ty of the s i t e ,

Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SEC29 NE1/4; SEC28 SW1/4'

R e d Flag ( Y ~ W ) : 6 Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5200-5280 Literature : Ownerahip:

- City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Baee

COMMENTS FOR SITE: ~pF-56

Just i f icat ion for O a r a l l Quality Rating: wm~\ l@

I Si

Large, mature cottonwoods but the understory has been degraded byigrazing. There is good a ize clams variation in the tree8. 4 Reatoration Potentidl : PG w

Control weeds in the understory, -g and plant native graeeee.and shrubs i n the understory.

General c?armunts: The mite is adjacent t o a gol f coursr.

Complete Location Information: TlN R70W SEC28 SE1/4; SEC27 m1/4

R e d F l a g (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N): Y ENDPOINT E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5200 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership:

! COMMENTS FOR SITE: PLR-57

Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: . . . . . - ,

- This i e a la rge lake with grassy shoreline. Newly res tored wetland along - - lake shore, Cottonwoods and willowe mostly l e e s than four f e e t ' t a l l . Weedy. Some native perennial species.

I Restoration Poten t ia l : T r e e planting8 along t h e shorel ine would improve t h e qua l i t y of t h e site.

I Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SIC3 NEl/4; SEC34 SE1/4

Additional Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE CATTAIL MARSH

Location: TIN R70W

lack Bear: ater Birds:

2 POTENTIAL rairie Dogs: ther Mammals:8 MEDIUM SIZED

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE

COMMENTS FOR SITE: RPIP-58

Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: - . - Good r ipa r i an f o r e s t with plains cottonwoods and crack willow. Understory

various with grazing i n some places and houses i n others. The eas te rn end of t h e s i t e has t h e best nat ive habi ta t .

Restoration Potent ia l : Control weeds, plant nat ive grasses and shrubs i n t he understory.

Additional Habitat Types : DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND

Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SEClf SW1/4; SEC22 NE1/4

lack Bear: ater Birde:

ther Mananals:6 SMALL MED-SIZE

coeystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:4

ildlife Conflicts:

Phyaical Features:

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature: Ownership:


Jue t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: Scattered t r w a , meadow and stream provide a ra ther l a rge expanse of

habi ta t , but t he area i s qu i t e disturbed.

Restoration Potent ia l : Noxious weeds are present on t h e site and ahould be controlled. S i t e

res tora t ion would require weed control followed by aeeding of nat ive grasses and planting nat ive shrubs.

Additional Babitat m e : PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES

Complete Location Information: - T I N R70W SEC22 E1/2; SEC23 NW1/4

8 : 6 SMALL MED-SIZE

L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e :

R e d F l a g (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n (feet): 5150 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership :

COMMENTS FOR SITE: RGM-60

Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quali ty Ratings Ponds provide a t t r a c t i v e waterbird habi ta t , but t he re are only a few trees

and the s i te is qu i t e weedy. N i c e s t r e t c h of stream, p a r t s of whish have not been channelized.

Restoration Potent ia l : Restoration of t h e s i te would bes t involve weed control , reshaping of mine

"high w a l l s n , reseeding and reintroduct ion of r i pa r i an communities. Thinning of some of t h e young cottonwoodta would improve t h e tree stands.

Complete locat ion information: T I N R70W SEC14 SE1/4; SEC23 NW1/4

Additional Habitat Types: CATTAIL MARSH RIPARIAN FOREST SEDGE MEADOW PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITY

WILLOW SHRUBLAND MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance: Restoration Potential: 8 Current R u m a n Use:


see memo Important Nearby Features:SAWHILL PONDS Physical Features:NATURALLY RECLAIMED GRAVEL PIT SITES



Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r - t a l l Quali ty Rating: . . .

- Whila t h i m is a highly dis turbed area , it o f f e r s a d iverse rkpa.rian hab i ta t - : - . . . Abundant open w a t e r and r i pa r i an vegetation-

Restoration Potent ia l : Restoration of some areas would g rea t l y improve the site. Pond margins

could be reshaped t o more c lose ly resemble na tura l ponds. Weed control and plant ing of na t ive grasses and shrubs would improve the site.

Additional Habitat Types: . .

PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES ANNUAL WEED COMMUNITIES

Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SEC23 NE1/4; SEC24 NW1/4


2 POTENTIAL

Prairie Dogs: 2 Other Manrmale:7 SMALL MED-SIZE Other Birds: 8

Livestock Disturbance:7 GRAZING Current Human Use:

Red Flag (Y/N): Y see memo Area (Acree): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature:


Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: The s i te hae high hab i t a t d i v e r s i t y , but has been degraded by

Riparian f o r e s t and adjacent grazed paeturee.

Restoration Potent ia l : The s i t e could be improved by and with some w e e d

control.

Additional Habitat Types: BOTTOMLAND GRASSLAND POND CATTAIL MARSH SEDGE MEADOW WET GRASSY MEADOW

Red Flag: Eustoma grandiflorum is a r a r e and po ten t i a l l y endangered species i n t h e

Boulder Valley. Moat of t h e s u i t a b l e hab i ta t f o r t h i s species has been destroyed by development o r by a g r i c u l t u r a l a c t i v i t i e s .

6 POTENTIAL 7AI.LYEA.R

rairie Dogs: 6

Human Disturbance: Livestock Disturbance:5 PAST

ARIAN FOREST MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND see memo

Physical Feature8:SANDSTONE BLUFFS AND LEDGES

Red Flag (Y/N): Y see memo Area (Acres.) : Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5150 Literature: Y see memo Ownership:


Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: This is one of t h e bes t na tura l sites i n t h e Boulder Valley. There are a

var ie ty of hab i ta t types and a d i v e r s i t y of landforms. The si te a l s o has rare plant and animal species.

Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SEC14 SE1/4; SEC23 NW1/4

Special Species: There a r e several rare p lan t and animal species including: Animals: Barn Owl, White-tailed D e e r Plant: Asplenium andrewsii, Apios americana,

Ar i s t i d a basiramea

Restoration Potential : The site needs .some weed cont ro l f o r cheatgrass and musk t h i s t l e (Carduus

nutans). This is espec ia l ly t r u e on t h e upland a reas j u s t e a s t of t h e main White Rocks escarpment.

Additional Habitat Types: BOTTOMLAND GRASSLAND CATTAIL MARSH SEDGE MEADOW WET GRASSY MEADOW MIXED

GRASS PRAIRIE

Red Flag: See comments f o r spec ia l p lan t species.

Li tera ture: HacPhail, D. D. 1970. White Rocks Natural Area Study. Dept, of Geography,

University of Colorado, Boulder, 51 pp.

riatine Quality: Human Disturbance: cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:6 estoration Potential : 4 Current Human U s e : i l d l i f e Conflicts:

Important Nearby Features:WET MEADOWS Physical Featuree:COTTONWOOD STAND ALONG BOULDER CREEK

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : Y see memo Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5120 Literature: Y see memo Ownership:


Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: The heronry is unique i n t h e Boulder Valley. The understory of t h e

cottonwood fo re s t has been degraded by grazing. Boulder Creek has been channelized i n t h i s area. 1 'w* M * A ~

Red Flag: Heron nesting is vulnerable t o human disturbance from mid-March through

mid-August.

Li terature: Various repor t s submitted t o F l a t i ron Companies.

s:6 MED-SIZE

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5150 Literature: Ownership :


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overal l Quali ty Rating: Disturbed r i p a r i a n f o r e s t with some o ld paetureland. S c a t t e r e d trees,

g rasses and stream channel, but t h e a r e a i s highly d i s tu rbed and q u i t e weedy.

Res tora t ion Po ten t i a l : Restore t a l l g r a s s p r a i r i e on non-forested a reas . I t may be poss ib le t o

inc rease t h e wetland areas.

Addit ional Habi ta t Types: WET GRASSY KEADOW SEDGE MEADOW POND CATTAIL MARSH

Complete Location Information: T I N R70W SEC22 SW1/4; SEC27 NW1/4

Water B i r d s :

C u r r e n t Human U s e :

by F e a t u r e s :

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : L i t e r a t u r e :

Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 6800-7280 Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: DFF-66

T h i s e i t e was not e v a l u a t e d .

Prairie Dogs:

Prist ine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:

Current Human Uee:

Additional site Characteristics

Habitat Types : Important Nearby Features: Physical Features:

Red Flag (Y/N) : Corridor ( Y / N ) :

Area (Acres): 0 .0 Elevation ( f e e t ) : 6800-7280 Ownership:


T h i s mite w a e not evaluated.

Complete L o c a t i o n I n f o r m a t i o n : T1S R71W SEC24 SW1/4; SEC23; PORTIONS OF NON-SURVEYED SEC25

I I 1 I

10 WINTER her Mammals:3

t 8 a

Prist ine Quality: H u m a n Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance: Restoration Potential: 5 eee memo Current Human U s e :


Important Nearby Features:FOOTIIIUS GRASSLANDS Physical Features:STREAM CRANNEL AND ADJACENT AREAS

Red Flag (Y /N) : Y see memo Area ( A c r e s ) : Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5520-5680 Literature: Ownership:


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overal l Q u a l i t y Rating: . - .Important deer winter ing h a b i t a t , b u t of l i m i t e d value to o t h e r specier.

Some scattered trees.

Restorat ion Po ten t i a l : The s i t e could be improved wi th weed con t ro l , Channel r econs t ruc t ion and

seeding with n a t i v e species. Reconstruction would be d i f f i c u l t on e a s t end of s i t e but somewhat lees d i f f i c u l t on w e s t end.

R e d Flag: D e e r - C a r c o l l i s i o n s on Lee H i l l road are a s i g n i f i c a n t hazard.

Complete Location Information: TIN R71W SECl2 SE1/4; SEC13 NE1/4

r ia t ine Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o o y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 3 estoration P o t e n t i a l : 7 C u r r e n t Human U s e :

H a b i t a t T y p e s : RIPARIAN FOREST MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y F e a t u r e s : P h y s i c a l Features:INTERNITTENT STREAM

R e d F l a g (Y/N): N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N): Y E l e v a t i o n (feet): 5 3 5 0 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :

COMMENTS FOR SITE: RPP-69

Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: Highly disturbed. Young cottonwoode provide about only habitat, apart from

the surrounding annual weeds. The stream has been channelized.

Restoration Potential : With se lect ive cutting, weed control and re-introduction riparian

species, t h i s s i t e could be greatly improved.

abitat. Ratings (1-10; Low to High) for Key Species/Species Groups

Human Disturbance:. cosyetem Function: Liveetock Disturbance:

Current Human Use :

Phyeical Featur8a:SHORT DISTURBED SECTION OF CREEK

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5350 Literature: Ownerahip:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: RPP-70

J u s t i f i c a t i o n for Overall Qual i ty Rating: Tal l trees along emall drainage provido about the only habitat.. -Eaeential ly .

no understory. High human use.

Restoration potent ia l : Native trees and shrubs could. be. planted. The atream channel could also be

restored.

Habitat Ratings (1-10; Low to High) for Key Species/Speciea Groups

Black Bear:

Other Mammals:4

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:

Important Nearby Features: Physical Feature8:STREAM BOTTOMLAND

R e d Flag (Y/N) : N Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5350 Literature: Ownership:


Jus t i f i ca t ion for Overall Qual i ty Rating: Some large cottonwood and w i l l o w trees. S i t e is quite weedy..

T

Restoration Potential: Remove drop structures and redesign t h e floodway using bioengineering

techniques. Plant nat ive shrubs and e s t a b l i s h herbaceous understory. Weed control i s a l s o needed.

11 City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base Page 1 of 2 11 Location: TIN R70W SEC17 SE1/4

Site Description: FOURMILE CREEK E OF--3OTH ST. - 11- Overall Habitat Quality Rating: 2 2-2

'Habitat Ratings (1-10; Low to High) for Key Speciee/Speciee Groups

ater Birds:

her Mammals: her Birds :

Species Diversity Ratings Animal Species Diversity: 2 Plant Species Diversity: 2

Special Species:

ristine Quality: Human Disturbance: cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:


AND PERENNIAL WEEDS see memo Important Nearby Features: Physical Feature8:STREAX CHANNEL


) COMMENTS F O R SITE: BLG-72

Juetif icat ion for Overali Quality Ratings

Q Weedy2channelized, essent ia l ly treeleee etream area. Some small pools and a few remnant epecies.

Restoration Potential: Bioengineered drop structures i n conjunction with.weed control and

establishment of native trees , shrubs and herbaceous understory would be neceesary t o teetore the e i t e .

8 Additional Habitat Type.: '

CATTAIL UARSH STREAX PONDS

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance : 3

Important Nearby Features: Physical Features:ENCLOSED STREAM

Red Flag (YIN): N Area (Acres) : Corridor (YIN): Y Elevation (feet): 5350 Literature: Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: BLG-73

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Narrow, disturbed drainage with residences along each aide. Few native

trees and shrubs.

Restoration Potential: Would be useful as a teaching/learning resource. Break stream out of pipe,

restore channel and allow it to flow through the school grounds. Restore wet grassy meadows or lowland prairie with shrublands and scattered trees. Need to control noxioue weeds.

Additional Habitat Types: WET GRASSY MEADOW

c o e y s t e r n Function: L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 6


P h y s i c a l Features:STReAM BOTTOMLAND

R e d F l a g (Y/N) : N Area (Acres): C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5350 L i t e r a t u r e - : Owner ship :

11 City of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data B a s e 11

COMMENTS FOR SITE: MSD-74

Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: Narrow dis turbed drainage with residences along each s ide . SmdW stream - -

with sca t te red trees.

Restoration Potent ia l : Weed control . Plant na t ive shrubs and herbaceous species would improve t h e

site. The proximity of houaes reduces t h e po t en t i a l f o r t h i s site t o provide high qua l i t y w i l d l i f e habi ta t .

Additional Habitat Types: DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES

er Manmals:7 MEDIUM SIZED

ristine Quality: Human Disturbance: coaystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:

Important Nearby Features: Physical Feature8:STREAM BOTTOMLAND WITH CONCRETE DROPS



Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: . .

Channelized stream with nice wetland containing bulrushes, sedges and- c a t t a i l s . Many small nat ive and introduces trees. Used by medium s ized mammals.

Restoration Poten t ia l : Careful widening of channel t o allow f o r adequate flood flow could enhance

the s i z e of ex i s t i ng wetlands. Po ten t i a l f o r plant ing na t ive r i pa r i an tree species and na t ive shrubs. Poten t ia l a l s o ex io t s f o r es tab l i sh ing na t ive t a l l grass p ra i r i e .

Additional Habitat Types: SEDGE MEADOW PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITY ANNUAL WEED COMMUNITY

4 MEDIUM SIZED


Habitat Types: SCATTERED TREES CATTAIL MARSH RIPARIAN FOREST see memo Important Nearby Features:UPPER WONDERLAND CREEK Physical Features:STREAH BOTTOMLAND

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5300 Literature: Ownership:


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Quality Rating: The park has many trees: t h e d i t c h ham water and numerous s ca t t e r ed trees.

Human uee is high and t h e r i pa r i an hab i t a t along t h e d i t ch is narrow.

Restoration Potent ia l : Establ ish wild plum and chokecherry t h i cke t s along edges of corr idor t o

improve w i l d l i f e hab i ta t . Weed cont ro l is a l so needed.

Additional Habitat Types: PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES

Livestock DFsturbance:6

Red Flag (Y/N) : N Corridor (Y/N): Y Literature:

Area (Acres): 0 .0 Elevation (feet): 5400 Ownership:

COMMENTS FOR SITE: WGM-77

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: A very dioturbed, weedy area with development in close proximity.- Some

native herbaceous species and a mixture of native and introduced trees.

Restoration Potential: Control weeds and establish more diverse shrub communities.

Additional Habitat Types : SEDGE MEADOW RIPARIAN FORBST

Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SEC28 NW1/4; SECZl SW1/4

Restoration Potential: 9 Current Human U s e : Wildlife Conflicts:

ARIAN FOREST

Red Flag (Y/N) : N Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5400 Literature: Ownership:



Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: Mowed grassed waterway with concrete l ined channel. Very little cover for

wi ld l i fe .

Restoration Potential: Remove concrete t r i ck le channel. Stabi l ize channel using bioengineering

techniques and .introduce wetland and tal lgraee prairie epeciee.


Important Nearby Feature8:BLUFF Physical Featur8s:STREAM CHANNEL

Red F l a g (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5400 Literature : Ownership:

City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base I COMMENTS FOR SITE: RPF-79

Just i f i cat ion for Overall Quality Rating: channelized riparian area with many introduced species . Upland areas with -

weedy epecies. A few scattered treee.

Restoration Potential: Weed control and wetland improvement. Plant treee in riparian habitat.

Create native herbaceous epecies understory. U s e bioengineering techniques t o improve channel.

Water Birds:

r i s t i n e Quality: Human Disturbance: cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance: estoration Potential: 9 Current Human U s e :

ee: RIPARIAN FOREST BOTTOMLAND GRASSLAND Important Nearby Features : Physical Feature8:STREAH BOTTOMLAND

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area ( A c r e s ) : Corridor (Y/N) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5400 Literature: Ownership:


Juotif i c a t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: N a r r o w channelized, entrenched stream through a denee r e s iden t i a l

neighborhood. Some regeneration of trees along lower portion. Upper portion has grouted rip-rap.

'I' Restoration Potential: a Important area f o r chi ldren t o wander and explore. Could p lan t nat ive

I trees, shrubs and graeees t o improve shade and cover. This could poesibly be a neighborhood project .

ountain Lion :



Important Nearby Featurea:TREE PLANTINGS Physical Feature8:STREAM BOTTOMLAND


City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data B a s e II COMMENTS FOR SITE: MSD-81

Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: Nice stream channel; numerous medium-sized trees and goad understory-.

Narrow r ipa r i an zone i n c lose proximity t o residences.

Restoration Potential: Widen r ipa r i an corr idor by p lan t shrub th i cke t s (American plum, chokecherry,

skunkbush sumac, golden cur ran t ) .

General Comments: This is a good example of how other r ipar ian area8 could be restored.

ristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Livestock Disturbance:

Important Nearby Features: Physical Features:STREAM CHANNEL


COMMENTS FOR SITE: MD-82

Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: Some overstory developing in t h i s channelized, gabioned stream course. V e t y

narrow corridor with scattered tree planting.

Restoration Potential: Construct pools and r i f f l e s i n stream. Planting trees and shrubs adjacent

t o stream would improve overall habitat.


ildlife Conflicts:

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation (feet): 5600 Literature: Ownership :


Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: . , .

Channelized- stream with grouted rock drop s t ructures . Some moderately sized -.

t rees . S i t e is qu i t e disturbed.

Restoration Potential: This channelized stream could be g rea t ly improved by addi t ion of nat ive

shrub thickets . Since t h i s stream sect ion goes through both park and school areas, t he space may be avai lable t o broaden channel area and r e s to re some stream meanders, and wetlands. This could serve i n flood abatement and a s a natural area f o r t h e achool and community.

Wildlife C o n f l i c t s :

R e d Flag (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5600 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p :


J u s t i f i c a t i o n fop Overall Quality Rating: Almoet no habitat except f o r grasees bordering the drainage. The-two lanes

of t r a f f i c border the site.

Restoration Potential: I f enough space is avai lable , shrubs could be planted and still maintain

necessary f lood flows.

Additional Habitat Types: BULRUSH MARSH

Location: TIN R70W SEC27 SW1/4

ater Birds:

rairie Dogs: her Manrmals:7 SMALL MED-SIZE

II City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base Page 1 of 2 11

ristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Livestock Disturbance:

Important Nearby Feature8:BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR Physical Features:CHANNELIZED STREAM CEIANNEL

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5600 Literature : Ownership:

COmNTS FOR SITE: WGM-85

Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: Large expanse of wetland hab i t a t with sca t te red t r e e e an& ponds.

Channelized stream with concrete drop s t ruc tures . Some r ipa r i an re fores ta t ion occurring na tura l ly

Restoration Potent ia l : . .

Pond improvement and plant ing o f . n a t i v e species i n local ized areas would improve t h e overa l l habi ta t . The site needs protection from any fur ther disturbance. Good poten t ia l f o r rea tora t ion of r ipa3ian area. Native shrublands, r i pa r i an f o r e s t and tail graes p r a i r i e could a l l be res tored i n t h i s area.

Additional Habitat Types: STREAM BOTTOMLAND GRASSLAND RIPARIAN FOREST CATTAIL MARSH MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND .PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITY MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE

Mountam Lion : 1 Black Bear: 1

l s :8 MEDIUM SIZED


Red Flag (Y/N) : N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5600 Literature: Ownership:

City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base I COMMENTS FOR SITE: MSD-86

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: . .

Very diverme and relat ively prist ine section of Bear Creek. Native ttee.5 Ln varioue age claeees.

ff Restoration Potential:

Stream channel could be improved with emall poole and r i f f l e s .

ater Birds:

Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST CATTAIL MARSH STREAM Important Nearby Features:SOUTH BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR Physical Features:STREAH AND ASSOCIATED FLOODPLAIN

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Actea): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5280 Literature : Ownership:

-


Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: Channmlized riparian area. Many native trees with a few introduced willowe.

Close proximity t o backyards.

Restoration Potential: Stream channel improvements would create better habitat for f i shes . Species

diversity could be improved with riparian tree and shrub plantinge. Understory could be improved with reseeding of native species.

I c i t y of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data Base Page 1 of 2 I

Overall Habitat Quali ty Rating: 9 . .. . . - -

S i t e I .D. : MPS-88 Location: T2N R71W SEC25 SE1/4 I

I ater Birds: t

8 Special Species: GREEN VIOLET DOUBLE BLADDERPOD see memo

I

cosyatem Function: Livestock Disturbance:2 e s to ra t i on Po ten t i a l : 1 Current Human U s e : i l d l i f e Conflicts: 7 see memo

Red Flag (Y/N): Y see memo Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y see m e m o Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5600 Li terature: Ownership:



Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quali ty h t i n g : Signif icant w i l d l i f e corr idor f o r b ig animals. Only s l i g h t l y grazed.. Road'

crossing is a major w i l d l i f e conf l ic t . I n t e r e s t i ng f l o r a on adjacent uplands.

Special Species: Blue grosbeaks nest here. Important movement corr idor fo r mule deer,

mountain l i on and black be-. In te res t ing plant species include green v i o l e t (Hybanthus v e r t i c i l l a t u s ) and

double bladderpod (Physaria b e l l i i ) .

Red Flag: Rare plant species. See comments f o r spec ia l species.

2 POTENTIAL

Pristine Quality: HUPPM Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:3 HISTORIC

Current Human Use:

Physical Features:SANDSTONE OUTCROPS ' NARROW RAVINES

Red Flag (Y/N) : Y Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y IN PART Elevation.(feet): 5160 Literature: Owner ship : PRIVATE - WEISER

COMMENTS FOR SITE: ROC-89

Jus t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: While t h e r e is some weediness on t h e e i t e t h a t suggests pas t grazing, t h i s

area (along with t h e adjacent portions of t he White Rocks) is unique and has many r a re and in t e r e s t i ng species.

Red Flag: Unique area both i n terms of f l o r a and fauna.

Special Species: This e i t e includee a wide range of i n t e r e s t i ng and unusual species:

Andrewe Spleenwort - Asplenium andreweii Hog Peanut - Apioe americana (possibly) Annual Three-awn - Aris t ida basiramea .Miner B e e - Perdi ta perd i ta

Additional Habitat Types: SKUNKBUSH SUMAC PONDEROSA PINE SAVANNA MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE

CITY OF BOULDER

AREA 3

n

WILDLIFE HABITAT DATA BASE

Prepared by:

Warren R. Keammerer

Deborah B. Keammerer

and

Robert E. Steecker

Stoecker-Keammerer '& Associates 5858 Woodbourne Hollow Road

Boulder, Colorado 8030 1 530-1 783

TABULAR SUMMARIES FOR

WILDLIFE HABITAT PARCELS

IN AREA 3

The pages which follow present the information for each of the records in the data base for the wildlife habitat parcels in Area 3. The map

I that accompanies this report shows the individual locations for each parcel.

In all, 40 parcels were identified in Area 3. They were numbered

I sequentially beginning with number 304. For ease of accessing the information, the parcels are listed in order.

Other Maxnna1s:S MEDIUM SIZED

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Livestock Disturbance:3 IN PAST

Restoration Potential : Current Human Use:


Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND Important Nearby Habitats:ROCX OUTCROPS WILDLIFE CORRIDOR Physical Feature8:SMALL DRAINAGES ROCK OUTCROPS FOSSILS

Red Flag (Y/N): Y see memo Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): Y Literature: Ownership:


Jumtification for Overall Quality Rating: - - Relatively undisturbed mixed grass foothill prairie.

Special Species: This site is potentially important for black bear and mountain lion.

Rattlesnakes occur on the mite a6 well am deer and red fox. Special plant opecies include a mpecieo of green violet (Hybanthuo

verticillatuo), double bladderpod (Physaria bellii) and an unusual species of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia phaeacantha).

Red Flag: See comments for special species.

Wildlife Conflict: Potential for road kills is significant.

H a b i t a t R a t i n g s (1 -10; Low to H i g h ) for Key S p e c i e s / S p e c i e s G r o u p s

B l a c k B e a r : 1 POTENTIAL

P r a i r i e D o g s : Other Mananal8:8 MEDIUM SIZED 7 SNAKES Other B i r d s :

E c o e y a t e m Function: L i v e s t o c k D i e t u r b a n c e : 6

R e d F l a g (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5 6 0 0 - 6 0 0 0 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE

City of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data B a s e

COXMENTS FOR SITE: XGP-302

Jurt i f i ca t ion for Overall Quality Rating: . .

Heavily grazed pra ir ie - quite weedy. Upper drainage i n be t ter condition. Important corridor on west end.

Restoration Potential: Currently over grazed and,reedy. Cheatgrass and Russian knapweed need

control.

Additional Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST PONDEROSA PINE FOREST MIXED MOUNTAIN SHRUBLAND

/ / Haihat Ratings (1-ld; ~kw3,o High) f o r Key Species/Species Groups

Songbirds : Raptors : Water Birds: Deer : P r a i r i e Dogs: H e r p t i l e s :

Badger : Turkey: : *DI, SIZED

er B i r 8:

Special Species: I

Ci ty of Boulder ~,i;l&l,ife ~ a b d t a t Data Base A g e 2 of 2

S i t e I.D.:MGP-303 m h e r ~v;i'luatitfn items/ /

\ ' P r i s t i n e Quali ty: 5 /

Ecosystem Function : ~ i v Q a t o c k Disturbance:2 1 ,.Restoration Poten t ia l : l,!see memo Current Human U s e :

, 4 '

Wildl i fe Conflicts: 1 \, f i

S i t e Charac te r i s t~ ics 1 I

G S 1 PONDEROSA PINE SAVANNA OPEN SPACE CORRIDOR FIRST HOGBACK .>

Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 ..,

Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5600 ' ,

Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE ',., \.<

\ '\ \

\ City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat D I \

C O X H E 7 FOR SITE: MGP-303

Ollirall Quality Rating: prairie adjacent space foothi l l6 parcel.

Restoration Potential: "xi . .

Removal of grazing would improve, the mite. currently the s i t e is not very weedy. , / - .

.. /


Black Bear: 3 POTENTIAL

r i s t i n e Quality: H u m a n Dioturbance: cooyetem Function: Livestock Di6turbance:S

Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITY see memo Important Nearby Habitats: Physical Featurea:EP&EMERAL STREAH AND UPLANOS

R e d Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5400 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE


COHHENTS FOR SITE: MGP-304

Jumtification for Overall Quality Rating: Moderately weedy mixed grame prairie with mome very weedy parcels. Small

ephemeral mtream.

Restoration Potential: Weed control for Rueeian knapweed and cheatgrase would improve the quality

of the prairie.

Additional Habitat Types: STREAM RIPARIAN FOREST

Black Bear: ater Birds:

her Mamma1s:S SMALL AND NED.

Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE SHORT GRASS PRAIRIE Important Nearby Habitats:EPHEMERAI, STREAM

V Physical Features:HILLTOP AND SHALE OUTCROP

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (YIN): N Elevation (feet): 5620 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE

City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Baee

COMNENTS FOR SITE: UGP-305

~ u a t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: . . . .

Vegetation is r e l a t i ve ly undieturbed. S i t e i r small. nixed graee p r a i r i e remnant on top and north side. South a ide i e more dieturbed.

Restoration Potential: Potent ia l t o c l ea r concrete debris and r e s to re short and mixed grass

pra i r ie . Weed control neceaeary f o r ~ u e a i a n ' knapweed.

lack Bear: ater Birds: 2 POTENTIAL

her Mammal8:5 MEDIUM SIZED

Species Divereity Rating8 Animal Species Diversity: 4 Plant Species Diversity: 5

Special Species:

L~veetock Dieturbance:3

Wildlife Conflicts:

Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE ROCK OUTCROP Important Nearby Habitat8:FOOTXILLS OPENSPACE Physical Feature8:VALLEY AND UPLANDS/ SMALL ROCK OUTCROPS

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5620 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE

City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Baoe


Jua t i f i c r t i on for O1T.rr11,QuaUty Rating: . . . .

Lightly grazod mixed graam p r a i r i e with a amall val ley and adjacent uplands. Few weedo and e a s t and mouth; oome Rueeian knapweed on weet 8ide.

Restoration Potential: Russian knapweed control needed on weot side. L i t t l e improvement needed

except f o r grazing management on e a s t a ide of parcel .

Livestock Disturbance:7 PAST


Habitat Types: HIXED GRASS PRAIRIE PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITY see memo Important Nearby Habitats : Physical Features:

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : Y see memo Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5350 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE

-

1 C i t y of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data Base


Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Ovmrall Quali ty Rating: Weedy, modified p r a i r i e with s m a l l s tock pond. Some mhrubs along drainage,

Habitat value is somewhat higher t h a n . i t otherwine would be because of i t s value a s a corridor.

Restoration Poten t ia l : Reclaim o ld l a n d f i l l mite. Control Russian knapweed and Canada t h i s t l e .

Red Flag: This parce l is p a r t of an

3 ? &:

General Comments : There are f088i l8 clams and ammenitem i n t h e shale outcrops.

Additional Habitat Types: DRYEAND DEVELOPED PASTURE POND MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLANDS ROCK OUTCROP

- -- - -- -

COMMENTS FOR SITE: BLG-308

J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Quality Rating: Small stream and aeeociated ditchee wiht l a rge na t ive and eome introduced

trees and shrubs. Nice bottomland wetlands. P r a i r i e dog town. Important w i l d l i f e movement corridor. - Restoration Potent ia l :

Limited po ten t i a l f o r development of t a l l graeo p r a i r i e on some of t he disturbed sites.

Additional Habitat Types : WET GRASSY MEADOW RIPARIAN FOREST PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITY IRRIGATED

DEVELOPED PASTURE

Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SEC9 S1/2; SEC8 S1/2

.. 7-

City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base Page 1 of 2 L

Site I.D.: BLC-308 Location: TlN R7OW SEC9 mee memo Site Description: VALLEY NORTH OF PLEASANT RIDGE

I

Overall Habitat Quality Rating: 10 - Habitat Ratings (1-10; Low to High) for Key Species/Species Groups

Songbirds : 10 Xountain Lion: Raptors : 9 Black Bear: Water Birds: Badger : 3 POTENTIAL Deer : 9 Turkey: Prairie Dogu: 7 Other Muumels:6 SMALL MEDIUM Herptilea : 5 Other Birds:

Species Diversity Ratingo Animal Species Diversity: 9 Plant Species Diversity: 8

Special Species: GREAT HORNED OWL J

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Liveotock Dieturbance:4

Current Human Use:


Physical Features:PIEDMONT VALLEY SHELTERED ON N AND S

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acrms) : Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5220-5290 Literature: Ownerahip: PRIVATE

Livestock Di8turbance:l storation Potential: 1 Current Human Use: ldlife Conflicts:

Habitat Types: TALL CRASS PRAIRIE IRRIGATED DEVELOPED PASTURE Important Nearby Habitat8:LARGE VAUEY TO NORTH Physical Features:NEARLY LEVEL UPLAND AREA

r'

Red Flag (Y/N): Y mee.memo Area (Acres) : 0.0 Corridor (Y/N.): Y see memo Elevation (feet): 5300 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE

City of Boulder wildlife Habitat Data Baee I COMMENTS FOR SITE: TGP-309

Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Good stand of tall graoo prairie. Used primarily as a hay meadow. Not

heavily grazed. Few weedo.

Red Flag: This is a nice remnant of tall grass prairie in North Boulder. There are

oome introduced specira ae well as native tall graeo prairie species.

Corridor Csmments: ' '

While this is not a riparian corridor, it is an important un-developed.area that allows for movement of wildlife.

Complete Location Information: TIN R78W 8EC8 SE1/4; SEC17 NE1/4

City of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data Base Page 1 of 2

S i t e I .D. : - DDP-310 Location: T I N R70W SEC17 NE1-/4- S i t e Description: POND AND PASTURE SOUTH OF PLEASANT RIDGE

Overall Habitat Quali ty Rating: 6


Songbirds : 6 Raptors: 8 Water Birds: 8 Deer : 5 P r a i r i e Dogs: Herp t i l es : 5

Mountain Lion : Black Bear: Badger : Turkey : Other Mammals: 6 SMALL AND MEDIUM Other Birds:

H Species Diversi ty Ratings Animal Species Diversity: 6 Plant Species Diversity:

Special Species:

e s to ra t i on Po ten t i a l : 4 Current Human U s e :

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres) : Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y (+I-) Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5300 Li terature:


COMXENTS FOR SITE: DDP-310

Just i f i ca t ion for Overall Quality Rating: Reseeded u l ight ly weedy pasture with wetland and pond.

Restoration Potential : Potential for restoring t a l l graaa pra ir ie on modified pasture. Could add

ahrub thicket. t o improve cover and recreational potent ia l ae a t r a i l site.



Prairie Dogs: Other Marnmals:2

Species Diversity Ratings Animal Species Diversity: 4 Plant Species Diversity: 4

- Special Species:

Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:3

Physical Features:LOWLAND AREA IN A SRAUOW DRAINAGE



COMMENTS FOR SITE: CTH-311

Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: . .

Medium mized c a t t a i l marmh with pond and grazed. P a r t of area eeeded with introduced pas

Restoration Potential: Atea could be improved by reetoring t a l l graee prairie and poesibly creating

a shallow open water feature.

e:6 SMALL AND MEDIUM

cosystem Function : Livestock Disturbance:4

ildlife Conflicts:

Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE Important Nearby Habitat8:CORRIDOR TO NORTH Physical Features:MOSTLY LEVEL UPLAND

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5400 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE


Jue t i f ica t ion f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: Uny remnant mixed grass p r a i r i e species. Strong evidence of pas t

overgrazing. One of t h e few mixed grass p r a i r i e e i t e s . i n t h e Boulder area that is of reasonable qual i ty .

Restoration Potential: The site could be restored, but it would require a f a i r l y intensive

eeleet ive weed treatment. Seed o r p lan t col lect ion6 from t h i s site could be used t o enhance other areas. This option should be strongly considered, espec.ially i f t h e site is developed.

Complete Location Information: TIN R7OW SEC17 NW1/4; SECB SW1/4; SEC18 NE1/4

estoration P o t e n t i a l : 3 C u r r e n t Human U s e : i l d l i f e Conflicte: 5 see memo

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5200 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership: PRIVATE


Jus t i f i ca t ion f o r Overall Quality Rating: Riparian area along d i tch and creek with young cottonwoods, introduced

willows and Russian ol ives . Some areas grazed by mheep and c a t t l e . Pond on ,

s i t e used by waterfowl. Important corridor.

Restoration Potential: Eroding creek bank could be etabiliztad using bioengineering techniques.

Some weed control neceesary. Ta l l g rass p r a i r i e apecies could be planted.

Wildlife Conflict: Colorado 119 is adjacent t o site.

Additional Habitat !Qpes: IRRIGATED DEVELOPED PAS= CATTAIL

City of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data Base Page 2 of 2 -

S i t e I.D.:MGP-314 Other Evaluation Items

P r i s t i n e Quality: 3 Ecosystem Function: 6 Restoration Potent ia l : 8 eee memo Wildl i fe Conflicts: 5

i

Human Disturbance: 3 Livestock Disturbance:7 Current Human U s e : 1

-

Additional S i t e Charac te r i s t ics

Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE MIXED PLAINS SRRUBLAND see memo Important Nearby Habitats: Physical Feature8:ROLLING UPLAND W I T H SHALLOW GULLIES

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): 0.0 Corridor ( Y / N ) : N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5120 Li te ra ture : Ownership: PRIVATE

-


C O W N T S FOR SITE: MGP* 7 w-c/) /

/-'

Quality Rating : a r m 8 with .mall rannmtm of native prairie; -Scattered

I Restoration Potential:

With additional mhrub plantinge, thim area could provide habitat for mharptail grouse.

I Additional Habitat Types: ANNUAL WEED COMM[JNITIES DRYLAND PASTURES

Black Bear:

rairie Dogs: Other Mammals:7 MEDIUM SIZED 8 TURTLES Other Birds: 8 KING FISHERS

ristine Quality: Human Disturbance: cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance: estoration Potential: 3 Current Human Use:


Habitat Types: RESERVOIR RIPARIAN FOREST CATTAIL MARSH see memo Important Nearby Habitats:COTTONWOOD TRAIL PRAIRIE DOG TOWN Physical Features:RESERVOIR AND ASSOCIATED SHORELINE

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres ) : 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5150 Literature: Owners hip :' PRIVATE

COMMENTS POR.SITE: PLR-315

Jus t i f i c a t i on f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: Nice reservoir with amsociated r i p a r i a n woodland compoaed of peach-leaved

willows and pla in8 cottonwood8. Small: c a t t a i l and bulrueh. wetlands.: Many - - .

nat ive species. Waterfowl, painted t u r t l e e , raccoons and g rea t b lue herons.

Restoration Po ten t i a l : Even with water l e v e l f luc tua t ione , t h i e manages t o be a very n ice lake.

Some weed control would improve spec ies compoeition. Canada t h i s t l e and t e a s e l need control .

Additional Habitat Types : ANNUAL WEED c o m I r n BULRUSH wms~ IRRIGATION DITCH

B l a c k B e a r :

r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D ie turbance : c o s y s t e m Function: L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 4 es tora t ion Poten t ia l : 3 C u r r e n t Human U s e :


H a b i t a t T y p e s : MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE DRYLAND PASTURES see memo I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y H a b i t a t s : F O U R MILE CREEK RIPARIAN CORRIDOR P h y s i c a l F e a t u r 8 a : U P L A N D AREAS SOUTH OF FOUR MILE CREEK

R e d Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 C o r r i d o r ( Y I N ) : Y s o m e w h a t E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5200 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE



J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r ove ra l l Quali ty Rating: Combination of mixed gras8 p r a i r i e 8nd dryland developed pasture. Sca t te red . . .

tree8 and i r r i g a t i o n ditches. Hou8e8 and ag r i cu l tu ra l a c t i v i t y .

Special Species: Black var ian t of red fox occurs i n t h i s area.

Additional Habitat Types: MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND IRRIGATION DITCH POND

Complete Location Information: TIN R70W SEC22 N1/2; SEC2l NE1/4


Water Birds:

Other Mammals : 3 SMALL

Ci ty of Boulder Wi ld l i fe Habitat Data Base Page 2 of 2

S i t e I.D.:PLR-317 Other Evaluation I t ems

P r i s t i n e Quality: 1 Human Disturbance: 9 Ecosystem Function: 3 Livestock Disturbance:7 Restorat ion Poten t ia l : 9 see memo Current Human U s e : 1 Wild l i fe Confl ic ts : 5

Addit ional S i t e Cha rac t e r i s t i c s

Habitat Types: POND ANNUAL AND PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES CATTAIL MARSH Important Nearby Habitats:SAWHILL PONDS BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR Physical Features:UPLAND PASTURE WITH POND

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Are? (Acres): 0.0 Corridor ( Y / N ) : N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5150 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership: PRIVATE



Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: Heavily grazed paoture with ponde. Many weeds, but eome interest ing native

rpecies. Some -11 cottonwoodm and Ruemian olivem. . .

Restoration Potential: Good potential for wetland expansion and t a l l 2 r a 8 s prair ie restoration.

Weed control necessay.

lack Bear: Water Birds:

s:7 MEDIUM SIZED

P r i s t i n e Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecoeyetem Function: Livestock Disturbance:4 Restorat ion Poten t ia l : 5 see m e m o Current Human Uee:

Additional S i t e Cha rac t e r i s t i c s

Important Nearby Habitat8:BOULDER CREEK FLOODPLAIN SAWHILL POND Physical Featuree:FLOODPLAIN AREA

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : Y see memo Area ( A c r e s ) : Corridor ( Y / N ) : N Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5150 Li te ra ture : Ownership: PRIVATE


Juot i f i ca t ion for Overall Quality Rating: Grazed wetland and prairie u m a m . Many nativm grasses and forbe- t very

weedy. S i t e would bm b e t t e r if- graz&m5 - , Restoration Potent ia l :

Remove grazing and control weede.

Species Species: Tulip gentian (Euetoma grandiflorum) occur6 on th in site.

Red Flag: Tulip gentian i r a rare s p e c i e s i n t h e Boulder Valley.


8 TURTLES Other Birds: 8

Species Diversity Ratings .

ristine Quality: Human Disturbance: cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:2

Additional Site Ch

VEGETATED GRAVEL MINE SITE CATTAIL MARSH see memo Important Nearby I3abitats:BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR Physical Feature8:NATURALLY REVEGETATED GRAVEL MINE SITE



Juetification Quality Rating: mtrrm aid8 and gravel pits offer. much.edge and- . - .

areao and poor land ohaping detract from overall quality rating.

Restoration Potential: High potential for re-establishing floodplain cocnmunities. Land ehaping,

weed control, eeeding and topeoiling would be neceeeary in some areas.

Additional Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST

Complete Location Informtion: TIN R70W SEC14 S E l / 4 ; SEC23 NW1/4

B l a c k B e a r :

O t h e r B i r d s :

r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o s y s t e m Function: L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : e s to ra t ion P o t e n t i a l : 1 see memo Current Human Use:

A d d i t i o n a l S i te C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

H a b i t a t T y p e s : MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE ROCK OUTCROP MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND Important N e a r b y Habi ta ts :BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR PONDS P h y s i c a l Features :UPLAND ROCK OUTCROP

R e d F l a g (Y/N): Y see memo Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 C o r r i d o r (Y/N): N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5200 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Prominent geologic featurm. Some mining activity. Good native grassland: .

and shrub connnunitieo on north aide. A mignificant geologic landmark.

Restoration Potential: South aide is weedy with an industrial area. Disturbed areas could be

restored to prairie with a seeding program and weed control. West end mined and scarred - difficult to restore. Red Flag:

The north side of Valmont Butte supports excellent remnants of mixed grass prairie and native shrublands. It has a good diversity of grasses, forbs and shrubs.

Mountain Lion:

Water Birds:

Prairie Dogs: Other Mammals:9 MEDIUM SIZED Other Birds: 8 KING FISHER

--

Pris t ine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:3

Current Human U s e :


Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): Corridor ( Y / N ) : Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5150 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Xorvily grazod and disturbed gravml pond area. Cood connection.with similar . -

areas along Boulder Creek. Some cottonwoode and willowe. Small cattail marsh.

Restoration Potential: With reshaping and reseeding, the area could be made more diverse. I t would

some prairie areas and some shrub communities.

Additional Habitat Types: RIPARIAN FOREST PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE

HIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND

rairie D o g s : 9

P r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : E c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e a t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e :

W i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :


R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5250 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE

I City of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data Base


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: Large parce l with two l i g h t i n d u s t r i a l buildingo. Nice p r a i r i e on.upland.

Large p r a i r i e dog town. Weedy area caused by p r a i r i e doge. . .~ . .

Restoration Po ten t i a l : Restoration of an a rea where p r a i r i e dogs a r e present is not poseible unless

t he p r a i r i e doge a r e removed. A t t h i s s i t e it may be appropria te t o control expansion of t h e p r a i r i e dog town.

Additional Habitat Types : RIPARIAN FOREST DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE IRRIGATION'DITCH

ater Birds:

rairie Dogs:

cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:S estoration Potential: 9 see memo Current Human Use: ildlife Conflicts:

Important Nearby Habitats:BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR Physical Features:LOWLAND PASTURES AND CROPLANDS STREAM

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N) : Y Elevation (feet): 5120 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE



J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: Hoavy ag r i cu l tu ra l modification reduces t h e valum of t h i s parennial .stream.

Very few nat ives remain.

a ~ . e - m Restoration Potent ia l :

This area could be res tored t o a much more usefu i and na tura l condition by creat ing a 25-foot buffer zoneJalong it. Bioengineering procedures f o r bank s t ab i l i za t ion ; weed control ; and reseeding nat ive species would do much f o r t he

I qual i ty of w i l d l i f e hab i t a t and water qua l i ty .

Additional Habitat Types: PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITIES IRRIGATED DEVELOPED PASTURE CULTIVATED CROPLAND

Complete Location ~nformation: TIN R69W SEC19 NE1/4: SEC2O NW1/4


Speciee Diversity Ratings

Human Disturbance: Livestock Disturbance:8 Current Human Use:

Important Nearby Habitat8:BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR Physical Feature8:SMALL PERENNIAL STREAM ROLLING FARMLAND

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature: Owner ship : PRIVATE


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Quali ty Rating: Nice strum, but it nmedo r e l i e f from a g r i c u l t u r a l preeeure. Weed.contro1

needed t o improve hab i t a t . Good channel configuration.

Restoration Poten t ia l : Good r ee to ra t i on po ten t ia l . Need t o mtabi l ize banks (uee bioengineering

technique.). Eetablished 25-foot buf fe r zone on e i t h e r a ide of creek. ~ G J W -, cont ro l weed8 and p lan t t a l t g r a e e p r a i r i e ' o r wetland species .

Additional Habitat Types: PERENNIAL WEED COXMUNITY STREAM SEDGE MEADOW RIPARIAN FOREST

Complete Location Information: TIN R69W SEC19 SE1/4; SEC3O NW1/4

Black Bear:

ristine Quality: Human Disturbance: cooystam Function: Livestock Disturbance:4

ee: RIPARIAN FOREST POND PERENNIAL WEED COMMUNITY see memo Important Nearby Habitate:BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR Physical Featurea:

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): Y Elevation (feet): 5200 Literature : Ownership: PRIVATE


Justification f o r Overall Q u a l i t y Rating: .- Xany mature cottonwedm, w i l l - and Rumsian o l i v e s . Open p a e t u r e and

adjacent grasa landa. . Good cover and permanent w a t e r . Exce l l en t co r r idor .

Restora t ion P o t e n t i a l : Some w e e d c o n t r o l and r e a t o r a t i o n of n a t i v e r i p a r i a n apeciea would- improve

t h e site. Habi ta t improvement could occur i n farm lands on w e s t s i d e . E a s t side i s mostly p r i v a t e homes.

Addit ional Hab i ta t Types: DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE CULTIVATED CROP- ANNUAL WEED COMMUNITIES

SEDGE MEADOW

Complete Location Information: TIN R69W SEC3O W l l 2 ; TIN R70W SEC25

Black Bear: ater Birds:


Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function : Livestock Disturbance:3

es: WET GRASSY MEADOW STREAM SEDGE MEADOW RIPARIAN FOREST Important Nearby Habitats:BOULDER CREEK CORRIDOR Physical Features:MEANDERING PERMANENT STREAM UPLANDS



I Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: Meandering m t r m a m through agricultural area. Some l u g e cottonwoodo and

I rmall Rummian olive.. Native specie6 in sedge msadowr. Only-a l i t t le cover.

Restoration Potential:

I Establish a 25-foot corridor along each s ide of the stream.

rietine Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o o y e t a m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 7 eatoration P o t e n t i a l : 9 see memo C u r r e n t Human U s e : i l d l i f e Conflicts:

I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y Habitat8:IRRIGATION DITCH AND SCATTERED TREES P h y s i c a l Features:MEANDERING PERENNIAL STREAM

Red F l a g (Y/N) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r (Y/N) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5350 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership: PRIVATE


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overal l Qua l i ty Rating: Scattelted cottonwoodm and willowa a long permnnial atream. Heavily.used

a g r i c u l t u r a l l y .

Restora t ion P o t e n t i a l : A narrow (25-foot) c o r r i d o r a long each s i d e of t h e c reek

b g r l c u r t a r a would se rve t o p r o t e c t t h e stream from a g r i c u l t u r a l run-off and sedimentation. I t would a l s o a l low f o r es tabl ishment of n a t i v e g rass lands and shrublande which would ' increase t h e o v e r a l l h a b i t a t q u a l i t y r a t i n g .

Addit ional Habi ta t Types: IRRIGATED DEVELOPED PASTURE CULTIVATED CROPLAND RIPARIAN FOREST


Prairie Dogs: Other Manrmals:8 MEDIUM AND SMALL 3 SNAKES Other Birda:

coaystem Function: Livestock D$sturbance:f Current Human Use:

Important Nearby Habitat8:BASELINE AND W O N T RESERVOIRS Physical Feature8:GENTLY ROLLING UPLAND

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5350 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE


Justification for Overall ~uality Rating: Significant upland area with high visibility. Prairie remnants. Good

I raptor and mmall rnunmal habitat.

Restoration Potential: . . I -

Control annual rye and cheatgrass by mowing. Monitor grazing* &A e ~ f i

Complete Location 'Qw nformation: -

I T1N R70W SEC36 NW1/4; SEC35 NE1/4

Site Descripti

coeystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:4 estoration Potential: 1 Current Human Use: ildlife Conflicts:

GRASS PRAIRIE Physical Features:IRRIGATION DITCH



Juetification for Overall Quality Rating: . Irrigation ditch with oome lug. troem and nativm shrubs and gramoes. Large treee important for raptors especially on mouth end near native grassland and prairie dog town.

Complete Location Information: T1S R70W SEC2 SE1/4; SECl NW1/4


Other Xammals:8 MEDIUM SIZED 2 SNAKES Other Birds:

Pristine Quality: Human Disturbance : ECO8yStem Function: Livestock Disturbance:2

Important Nearby Habitat8:PRAIRIE DOG TOWN IRRIGATION DITCH TREES Physical Feature8:PROMINENT UPLAND H I U CREST

Red Flag (Y/N): N Area (Acres): Corridor (Y/N) : N Elevation (feet): 5350 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Mixed gramo prairie with mame developed paoture. Moderately grazed ...

Reetoration Potential: grazing to allow more cover to develop for wildlife.

e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : 1 Current Human U s e :

Red F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5350 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE

I COMMENTS FOR SITE: SCP-331

Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating:

I Excollmnt mhort grama prairie - prairio dog town. Cood.model for

remtoration of other Boulder Valley prair ie dog town mitea.

1 SNAKES

II City of Boulder Wildlife Habitat Data Base Page 2 of 2 11 Site I.D.:MGP-332 Other Evaluation Items

Pristine Quality: 8 Human Dieturbance: 3 Ecoeyatem Function r 9 Livestock Disturbance:2 Restoration Potential: 1 Current Human Use : 3 Wildlife Conflicts: 2


Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE IRRIGATION DITCH Important Nearby Habitat8:SOUTH BOULDER CANYON DITCH CORRIDOR Physical Features:GENTLY ROLLING UPLAND AREA

Red Flag (Y/N): N Corridor (Y/N): N Literature :

Area (Acree): 0.0 Elevation (feet): 5350 Ownership: PRIVATE


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Relatively primtine upland prairie. SOIM introduced mpeciee.

rairie D o g s : her B i r d s :

Human D i s t u r b a n c e : c o s y s t e m . F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 3 estoration P o t e n t i a l : 1 C u r r e n t Human U s e : i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

H a b i t a t T y p e s : IRRIGATION DITCH SCATTERED TREES I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y H a b i t a t s : P h y s i c a l F e a t u r e s : D I T C H FLOWING ACROSS PASTURe LAND

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : 0 .0 C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y s o m e w h a t E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5350 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE

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I COMMENTS FOR SITE: IRD-333

Suetifieation for Overall Quality Rating: Scattered cottonwood8 and Ru88irn oliv88 along ditch that run8 through

I pasture.

rairie Dogs: 3 SNAKES TURTLES

L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : 2

Red F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5350 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE

COMHENTS FOR SITE: PLR-334

Jumtification f o r Overall Qual i ty Rating: Pond in developed pasture adjacent t o mixed g r a m p r a i r i e . A few' large

tree. along di tch. Smooth brome (an introduced mpeciee) im one of t h e major epeciee. The preoence of water increases t h e value of t h e site.

Restoration Potent ia l : Planting ohrub th i cke t s i n some of t h e more moist a reas would increase t h e

habi ta t d i v e r s i t y and improve the ove ra l l qua l i t y of t he s i t e .

Additional Habitat Types: DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE

City of Boulder Wildl i fe Habitat Data Base Page 1 of 2

S i t e I .D . : MGP-335 Location: T1S R70W SEcll El12 S i t e Dencription: HILLTOP 0.5 MILES SE OF ABBEY ON SOUTH BOULDER ROAD

Overall Habitat Quali ty Rating: 8


Songbirds: 8 Mountain Lion: Rapt ore : 8 Black Bear: Water Birds: - Badger: D e e r : 2 Turkey : P r a i r i e Dogs: Other Mammals:8 MEDIUM SIZED Herpt i les : 3 SNAKES Other Birds: 4

Species Divers i ty Ratings Animal Species Diversity: 6 Plant Species Diversity: 9

Special Species:

r i s t i n e Qual i ty: Human Disturbance: cosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:3 e s to ra t ion Poten t ia l : 8 Current Human U s e : i l d l i f e Confl ic ts :

Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE DRYLAND DEVELOPED PASTURE Important Nearby Habi ta ts : Physical Features:

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Corridor ( Y / N ) : N L i te ra ture :

Area ( A c r e s ) : 0.0 Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5350 Ownership: PRIVATE

COMMENTS FOR SITE: MCP-335

~ u e t i f i c a t i o n for Overall Quality Rating: .Xoderately grazed, l u g e upland prairim mite. Good mpeciee diversi ty . . . . . . .

Scattered shrubr. Some seeded aream.

Restoration Potential: Clean up dump and -g t o increase cover.

5 SNAKES

P r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : E c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : estoration P o t e n t i a l : 9 see memo C u r r e n t Human U s e :

H a b r t a t T y p e s : MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE IRRIGATION DITCH I m p o r t a n t N e a r b y H a b i t a t s : F O O T H I U S TALL GRASS PRAIRIE P h y a i c a l F e a t u r e s : S T E E P N-FACING SLOPE

R e d F l a g (Y/N) : Y see memo Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5600 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE


Justf f i c a t i o n f o r Overall Quality Rating: Very clean m i x e d grasm p r a i r i e with good divermity.

Restoration Potent ia l : Control weeds a t bottom of s lope. Remove concrete and other debris a t the ,

top .of the s lope .

Red Flag: This i s a r e l a t i v e l y ungrazed and undisturbed mixed grass p r a i r i e site.-

-La - - S',t i s .IA - \rcwr/\;*> r / \ w A v - d IMC-

lack Bear: a t e r Birds:

s:8 SMALL AND MEDIUM

P r i s t i n e Quality: Human Disturbance: Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:3 Restorat ion Poten t ia l : 1 see memo Current Human U s e :

i l d l i f e Confl ic ts :

Habi ta t Types: RIPARIAN FOREST MIXED PLAINS SHRUBLAND STREAM see memo Important Nearby Habitats:FWTHILLS OPEN SPACE

P

Physical Features:

Red Flag ( Y / N ) : N Area (Acres): 0 .0 Corridor (YJN): Y Elevation ( f e e t ) : 5800 Li te ra ture : Ownership: PRIVATE

C i t y of Boulder Wi ld l i f e Habi ta t Data Base


J u s t i f i c a t i o n f o r Overa l l Q u a l i t y Rating: - Many l u g 8 trees. Denoe mhrubo and mmall tre8m i n f o r e s t understory. Homeo i n a r e a d e t r a c t from t h e o v e r a l l q u a l i t y .

Restora t ion P o t e n t i a l : Limited weed con t ro l .

Addit ional ~ a b i t a t Types : TALL GRASS PRAIRIE

Complete Location Information: T1S R70W SEC2O SE1/4; SEC2l NW1/4; SEC29 NW1/4

B l a c k Bear,: 2 POTENTIAL

P r i s t i n e Q u a l i t y : Human D i s t u r b a n c e : E c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : R e s t o r a t i o n P o t e n t i a l : 1 C u r r e n t Human U s e :


Important ear* H a b i t a t s : F O O T H I U S OPEN SPACE ELDORADO ST. PARK P h y s i c a l Featurea:ROCXY STEEP VALLEY STREAM

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : Y E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 6000-6200 L i t e r a t u r e : Ownership: PRIVATE

COHMENTS FOR SITE: PPS-338

Juetification for Overall Quality Rating: Open ponderoma pine savanna with mcattered mhrub thickets. More dense

mhrublandm in tho valley bottom.

Additional Habitat Types : MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE ROCK OUTCROPS STREAM

Complete Location Information: T1S R70W SEC3O SW1/4; SEC31 NW1/4; T1S R71W SECZS(UNPLATTED) SE1/4

S i t e Description: DAVIDSON MESA

c o s y s t e m F u n c t i o n : L i v e s t o c k D i s t u r b a n c e : estoration P o t e n t i a l : 2 C u r r e n t Human U s e : i l d l i f e C o n f l i c t s :

P h y e i c a l F e a t u r e s : S O U T H FACING SLOPE WITH S M A U OUTCROPS

R e d F l a g ( Y / N ) : N Area ( A c r e s ) : C o r r i d o r ( Y / N ) : N E l e v a t i o n ( f e e t ) : 5600 L i t e r a t u r e : O w n e r s h i p : PRIVATE


! Just i f icat ion for Overall Quality Rating: Thin mite i m jus t 8 portion of Davidmon Mesa. The habitats represent

I continuation o f the Mesa a s a whole. nixed plain6 ahrubland& and grasslands. Some disturbance from past mining and access.

! Additional Habitat Types:

MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE ROCK OUTCROPS SCATTERED TREES

Human Disturbance : Ecosystem Function: Livestock Disturbance:S

Wildlife Conflicts:

Habitat Types: MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE SHORT GRASS PRAIRIE Important Nearby Habitat8:DAVIDSON MESA

-

Physical Features:ROLLING PRAIRIE HILLS AND DRAINAGE

Red Flag (Y/N) : N Area (Acres) : 0.0 Corridor (Y/N): N Elevation (feet): 5600 Literature: Ownership: PRIVATE

- - -


Justification for Overall Quality Rating: Heavily grazed horse pasture on east end of Davideon Mesa.

Restoration Potential: To improve the damage caused by over grazing it would be necessary to

control the weeds and seed native species.

city of data i osmp 587 sq llllllllllll w llllllll of boulder wildlife data i . osmp studies 587 sq...

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