LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHACTERISTICS

Transcription

1 LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHACTERISTICS A hiking guide for Ten BLM roadless areas inventoried by Wild Connections Each area description includes a summary of BLM s inventory for wilderness characteristics, a map of the area, and Wild Connections Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory

2 Upper Red Canyon (Booger Red Hill) Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y N n/a n/a n/a Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: N Naturalness - Many man-made features are found within the unit. The accumulative impacts of the features affect the natural character of the unit; therefore, the unit does not possess wilderness characteristics. The man made features include, mining activity, mechanically constructed routes, and historic right-of-ways (ROWs) with linear disturbances. The man made features are highly visible throughout the unit and are a significant impact on the visual lands. Within the unit, vegetation treatment projects are found, with routes to access them and slash piles and stumps visible. N/A Solitude Not evaluated N/A Primitive Unconfined Recreation Not evaluated Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Naturalness The area contains a diversity of vegetation types and age classes visually masking the majority of human impacts in the unit. This fact negates BLM s assessment that the unit is not primarily natural in appearance. For example, from the unit s northern border all one sees is an untrammeled, densely vegetated, mixed forest of rolling hills stretching toward the horizon. Another example of the area s naturalness can be found in along Cripple Creek in the unit s northern area where there s a strong presence of biodiversity including globally imperiled plants such as the Degener beardtongue. These examples demonstrate how the area s ecological diversity covers any human-made structure and provides visitors an opportunity to explore a variety of landscapes from grasslands, deciduous forests, cacti, sagebrush, and sunflowers. Solitude Emphasize how much of the area s heavy vegetation and topology screens visitors from unnatural sights and sounds. For example, The dense vegetation served as a buffer, all I heard were sounds of local birds and the wind blowing through the trees. Or, the canyons and rolling rocky hills allowed me to feel as though I was alone is a vast landscape. Primitive Unconfined Recreation The Bank area provides established trails to a vast array of rock climbing routes. Among the reasons for climbing here is the opportunity to do so in a natural setting unmarred by the sights and sounds of modern human development. Outstanding opportunities for hiking and backpacking provide visitors a challenge by requiring the use of a topographic map and compass in order to successfully navigate the canyons and other unique places. The group of primitive campsites in the area allows for overnight camping and the ability to camp, hunt, fish, horseback ride, and viewing of wildlife for multiple days. Supplemental Values - 1. Recreation Complex: The Upper Red LWC unit serves as a cornerstone for quiet-use recreation within the broader complex of recreation opportunities in the immediate vicinity. 2. Ecological Values: The area s 5 Potential Conservation Area s (PCA) are significant for their levels of biodiversity containing globally vulnerable species such as the thinleaf alder, Fendler cloak-fern, and Parry s oatgrass. Additionally Gunnison prairie dogs, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, black bear, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain lion, and Alberts squirrel.

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4 Thompson, Gribble, Twin Mountains Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y N n/a n/a Y Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: N Naturalness The accumulative impacts from man-made features affect the overall naturalness of the area. These include numerous off-highway vehicle routes along Fremont County Road 307 A and Cottonwood Creek, vegetation treatment projects located in the northwestern portion of the unit, and a transmission line located along a ridge denoting the unit s southern boundary. N/A Solitude Not evaluated N/A Primitive Unconfined Recreation Not evaluated Y Supplemental Values This unit is located within elk winter range and mule deer severe winter range as designated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Naturalness Denote how the human impacts to naturalness in the area are minimal and consistent with impacts okay for BLMs standards for naturalness. They are spaced out over 19,200 acres, and go largely unnoticed when traveling the landscape due to topographic and vegetative screening provided by lands within the rest of the proposed LWC. Proactive measures by the BLM to close motorized routes have led to revegetation efforts along routes such as the Wilson Creek Trail and the Thompson Mountain loop trail. Continued efforts will increase the area s overall naturalness. Solitude Emphasize how the area s heavy vegetation and topology screen visitors from unnatural sights and sounds. Highlight how the topographic variety, few entry points, interior trails, and size of the unit afford visitors an opportunity to experience solitude and remoteness. Try to identify specifics such as not seeing any signs of human development. Primitive Unconfined Recreation Discuss the outstanding opportunities for quiet-use recreation such as: hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, photography, horseback riding, etc Highlight specific camping opportunities such as the grasslands near South Twin Mountain, or alongside the Thompson Mountain loop trail, or campsites off the short cherrystems from County Road 69. Supplemental Values - 1. Wildlife: The area is home to black bear, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, Alberts squirrel, Brazil free tailed bat, and the Gunnison s prairie-dog a species of most concern as identified by US Fish and Wildlife. Please describe any sings of these species including tracks, scat, sounds, or sightings. 2. Bird Species: Valued bird species in the unit include bald eagle, Mexican spotted owl, scaled quail, wild turkey, Lewis s woodpecker, geese, and great blue heron. Please note any sightings and/or hearing songs or calls. 3. Visual Resources: Scenic views of nearby and distant mountain ranges are abundant in the area. For example, the Wilson Creek trail affords unique views of Pikes Peak and other mountains toward the northeast. The Thompson Mountain loop offers additional views of Eightmile Mountain and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Finally, views from Twin Mountains portray the Arkansas River valley to the south with views of the Wet Mountains the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

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6 Table Mountain/Echo Canyon Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y N n/a n/a Y Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: N Naturalness The accumulative impacts of vegetation treatment projects significantly impact the naturalness of the unit. Additionally, the impacts of mining are also visible throughout the area and have a visual impact on the landscape. Overall, the inventory concluded the unit does not possess wilderness characteristics due to excessive imprints of man. N/A Solitude Not evaluated N/A Primitive Unconfined Recreation Not evaluated Y Supplemental Values The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) has identified 675 acres to be managed as a Research Natural Area similar to a Wilderness Study Area and has identified the west portion of the unit to contain a high to very high rate of biodiversity. There are historic cabins and a homestead located within the unit, alongside habitat for bighorn sheep, elk winter range, and bighorn sheep production area. Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Naturalness Highlight that motorized access is limited to boundary roads, and a couple short cherrystems along the unit s western portion. It s also apparent that other routes show a lack of motorized and overall regular use, with the forces of nature reclaiming many of the former routes. Although there are human impacts in the area, they are not visible unless in the immediate vicinity and the majority are minor and consistent with BLM Manual 6310 thus not affecting the natural integrity of the unit. Additionally, the land and routes have had over 20 years of rewilding with little to no use. Solitude Emphasize how the few entry points, lack of trails (motorized and non-motorized_ and observed lack of overall use provide ample opportunity for solitude. For example, East Gulch is a great place to find seclusion and can be accessed easily from cherrystem road BLM Primitive Unconfined Recreation Discuss how the unit s near 31,600 acres of contiguous unroaded lands provide for a variety of primitive and unconfined recreational opportunities such as hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, hunting, wildlife viewing, bird watching, horseback riding, and photography. For example, the top of the Table Mountain plateau provide excellent opportunities for sightseeing and photography. Supplemental Values - 1. The unit is part of a greater connectivity corridor aligning with BLM s Arkansas Canyonlands Area of Environmental Concern recognized for outstanding recreation, scenic views, critical and valued species, and the High Mesa Grassland Research Natural Area. 2. The Colorado National Heritage Program recognizes two very high biodiversity areas in the unit as Potential Conservation Areas. The presence of many globally imperiled and vulnerable plant species including the Arkansas Canyon Sticklead, Degener beardtongue, Fendler cloak-fern, and jeweled blazingstar.

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8 Stanley Creek, Green Mountain Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y N N/A N/A Y Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: N Naturalness Man-made features include a two-track motorized route that is no longer open to the public. This route is currently open for administrative use only and due to a lack of use, the route is fading, yet still noticeable. Range use in prevalent within the unit, including spring developments, corals, stock tanks, and fence lines. Although range use is visible it does not affect the overall naturalness of the area. Other man-made features include old cabins and a homestead site. The cabins are historic, add supplemental value to the unit and therefore do not affect the unit s naturalness. N/A Solitude Not evaluated N/A Primitive Unconfined Recreation Not evaluated Y Supplemental Values This unit contains a historic homestead site along the Stanley Creek drainage. The unit also contains elk summer range, production area, and severe winter range alongside mule deer winter range. Additionally, the unit is located within the Sangres Lynx Analysis Unit and contains primary and secondary lynx habitat. Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Naturalness Highlight how the area is primarily affected by the forces of nature with human impacts being minor and/or occurring a considerably long time ago. It s important to note that the few minor human impacts spread throughout the area do not hinder the area s overall naturalness and how public access is limited to two defined access points, neither of which permits motorized use. Lastly, discuss how many of the other trails and former motorized routes show an apparent lack of regular use and thus have been reclaimed by the forces of nature.. Comments should also reference the diversity of ecosystems and vegetation types found throughout the area. For example, the many gulches and creeks offer habitat for rich riparian life, and the groves of high-elevation mixed forests and montane grasslands provide for an assortment of flora and fauna. Solitude Emphasize how the area s heavy vegetation and topology screen visitors from unnatural sights and sounds. Highlight how the topographic variety, few entry points, interior trails, and size of the unit afford visitors an opportunity to experience solitude and remoteness. Try to identify specifics such as not seeing any signs of human development. Primitive Unconfined Recreation Discuss the lack of visitation and outstanding opportunities for respite and remoteness while hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and photography. Supplemental Values -. The proposed LWC is contiguous with the greater Sangre de Cristo Wilderness and San Isabel National Forest, a vast corridor of species connectivity. The Stanley Creek, Green Mountain proposed LWC unit extends this connectivity core 5,500 acres north to lower elevation foothills which is critical habitat for many species and provides connectivity to the Huerfano State Wildlife area and Manzanares Creek State Trust Land block.

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10 South Badger Creek Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Meets all Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y Y Y Y Y Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: Y Solitude Outstanding opportunities for solitude exist throughout the unit. Topographic relief and thick vegetation allows for separation from man- made disturbances. A portion of the unit where the majority of use occurs is along Badger Creek. Although many public land visitors frequent Badger Creek, the abundant riparian vegetation along the creek provides excellent visual and audible screening, allowing for solitude to exist. Y Primitive Unconfined Recreation The unit provides outstanding opportunities for primitive recreation due to the unique topography, undeveloped facilities, and non-motorized recreation possibilities. The unit provides excellent recreation possibilities, such as hiking, fishing, sightseeing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and photography. Excellent sightseeing opportunities are available in the higher elevations with vistas of the Arkansas River Canyon, Sangre de Christo Mountains, and the Collegiate Peak Mountain. Y Supplemental Value 1. Wildlife: The unit contains mule deer and elk severe winter range as mapped by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 2. Ecological: The east central part of the unit has been identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program as a potential conservation area (PCA). The unnamed tributary to Badger Creek at Howard site has a very high biodiversity significance ranking. BLMs report highlights the significance of the natural riparian community such as the presence of the globally imperiled pale blue-eyed grass. 3. Geological: Sand stone hogbacks are found in the northeastern portion of the unit. 4. Historical: An historic wagon trail follows Badger Creek and Little Badger Creek along with archeological sites as cited by the BLM. Comment Guidance Affirming and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Solitude Highlight the importance of seeing infrequent, unnoticeable, or non-existent encounters with humans. For example I saw only 1 person while on a 4 hr. hike, If other people were in the area it went unnoticed due to the terrain and vegetation/ I heard only the sound of birds, I saw no footprints, etc. Primitive Unconfined Recreation Badger Creek is one of the few primarily spring-fed streams in this part of the state, providing excellent opportunities for backcountry trout fishing! Comments should emphasize the ability for self-challenge within an area. For example, route-finding through the canyon means getting to enjoy the challenge of using a topographic map to successfully navigate special places, etc. Supplemental Values - 1. Wildlife habitat: In addition to mule deer and elk severe winter range, the unit contains habitat and range values for a multitude of wildlife species, including the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, black bear, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, and the Brazilian free-tailed bat. 2. Regional Access & Resources : Spring-fed streams on accessible public lands are regionally rare as more often than not they are located on private lands.

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12 Reinecker Ridge Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? N N/A N/A N/A N/A Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: N Sufficient Size The unit is smaller than 5,000 acres and is bounded on the north by wilderness inventory road Park County Bar D. The remaining edges are defined by property lines other then BLM management. N/A Naturalness Not evaluated N/A Solitude Not evaluated N/A Primitive Unconfined Recreation Not evaluated N/A Supplemental Values Not evaluated Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Sufficient Size While the unit is smaller than 5,000 acres it still qualifies as lands with wilderness characteristics due to the area being contiguous with the 17,429 acre James Mark Jones State Wildlife Area. The State Wildlife Area is managed to retain in natural values, backcountry recreation experiences and wildlife habitat. Additionally it resides along the unit s eastern border and actually contains the majority of Reinecker Ridge itself. Naturalness Comments should highlight how the area is primarily affected by the forces of nature, with human impacts mostly unnoticeable within the unit. The few minor human impacts found within the unit do not affect the natural integrity or the apparent naturalness of the overall unit. Solitude Emphasize the how the few entry points, plethora of trails, and observed lack of overall use provide ample opportunities for solitude. Comments could reflect on how the many groves of mixed forests found throughout provide excellent screening from unnatural sights and sounds. Primitive Unconfined Recreation Comments should reflect the outstanding opportunities for hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, hunting, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, horseback riding, and photography. Supplemental Values The area is part of a greater ecological connectivity core and has been found to contain significant to very high levels of biodiversity by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). Additionally, it is within CNHP s biodiversity assessment of a greater South Park mega site containing globally rare, unique rich fen wetlands as well as globally and state rare plants. The area contains plants that have adapted to the rich fens, including the globally vulnerable Colorado Tansy-aster, rare plant communities including the globally imperiled wetland community Festuca arizonica- Muhlenbergia filiculmis, the world s largest grassland occurrence at 1.3 million acres, and the globally vulnerable Mountain Plover and its breeding ground. The Mountain Plover, a bird found to have high occurrence in the area, is listed as Colorado Department of Wildlife species of concern, a species of most concern by the US Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Program s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, Colorado BLM sensitive, and a Partnership in Flight Priority Bird.

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14 Grand Canyon Hills Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y N Y Y N Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: N Naturalness Most of the land on the east side of the unit, near Ecology Par,k shows substantial evidence of human modification. There are many constructed and maintained motorized routes in this part of the unit. Also, the Deweese water gap diversion dam located in route J in Grape Creek Canyon is a visual impact on the landscape impacting the average observer s experience. Other human activities include remnants from a historic railroad circa 1800 s. Additionally, although mining disturbance is isolated it s still noticeable on parts of the unit. Y Solitude High topographic relief, rugged terrain, thick vegetation, and vast expanses of lands allows remote portions within the unit to have outstanding opportunities for solitude. Further, portions along Grape Creek, a popular hiking and fishing location, are difficult to access thus creating outstanding opportunities for solitude. Y Primitive Unconfined Recreation There are no developed facilities within the unit, and all camping is primitive. Excellent recreational opportunities include: hiking, backpacking, fishing, rafting, sightseeing, hunting, and wildlife viewing - Recreational opportunities becoming outstanding due to the challenging topography and vast opportunities. Y Supplemental Values The Grape Creek riparian area is designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern by the RGFO s 1995 RMP. The Water Gap site is a Colorado Natural Heritage Program potential conservation area due to a very high significance of biodiversity. The Royal Gorge, Grand Canyon Hills site is another CNHP site also have a very high rate of biodiversity. There are remnants from a historic railroad through Grape Creek as well as a historic water line through the Royal Gorge. Lastly, the unit contains bighorn sheep and mule deer sever winter range as mapped by CPW. Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Naturalness Many routes show a lack of motorized use and an overall apparent lack of regular use. The LWC offers many vegetation types due to topographic variety and diverse ecosystems. Further, Grape Creek is a perennial stream, relatively rare for this area, offering rich riparian life. Although BLM cited minor impacts from thinning in 2003, they also stated that this impact is largely unnoticeable and does not affect the overall natural character. BLM also cites other impacts such as railroad remnants and a historic water line but acknowledges these as adding supplemental value to the unit. Solitude Topographic variety combined with few entry points and interior trials provide great opportunities for those seeking solitude. Emphasize the great opportunities for primitive camping at several dispersed campsites throughout the unit s interior. Primitive Unconfined Recreation Discuss the outstanding opportunities for quiet-use recreation such as: hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, wildlife viewing, photography, horseback riding, etc Supplemental Values Many critical and valued bird species (great blue heron, osprey, Mexican spotted owl, bald eagle, and American Falcon) have been identified in the area alongside high habitat and range values for many wildlife species such as bighorn sheep, black bear, mile deer, white tailed deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, Brazilian free tailed bat, and Gunnison s prairie-dog.

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16 Crampton Mountain Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y N n/a n/a Y Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: N Naturalness The impact of man-made features found within the unit affect the natural character of the unit. The mad-made features include numerous routes that receive off-highway vehicle use. The majority of use occurs along Fremont County Road 307 A and Cottonwood Creek. The routes appear to have been originally constructed by mechanical means. The constructed nature of the routes is a visual impact on the landscape. N/A Solitude Not evaluated N/A Primitive Unconfined Recreation Not evaluated Y Supplemental Values This unit is located within elk winter range and mule deer severe winter range as designated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Naturalness Comment how many of the human impacts referenced by the BLM are not actually in the unit. All defined roads in the area (Fremont County Road 307A, Fremont County Road 21, transmission access route, BLM TMP roads) are quite short and removed from the proposed LWC via cherrystems. Although the transmission line access route has been excluded it would be erroneous to assume that this hinders the natural integrity and apparent naturalness. After all this is located outside the proposed unit. Discuss how observed OHV routes are minimal and barely noticeable. Further, these routes were not created, and are not maintained by mechanical means, nor do they appear regular or continuous. These routes are not in the Arkansas River TMP and have no designation on the ground. These routes should be closed with proper signage. Solitude Emphasize how the area s heavy vegetation and topology screen visitors from unnatural sights and sounds. Highlight how the topographic variety, few entry points, interior trails, and size of the unit afford visitors an opportunity to experience solitude and remoteness. Try to identify specifics such as not seeing any signs of human development. Primitive Unconfined Recreation Discuss the outstanding opportunities for quiet-use recreation such as: hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, photography, horseback riding, etc Supplemental Values - 1. Wildlife: The area is home to black bear, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, Alberts squirrel, Brazil free tailed bat, and the Gunnison s prairie-dog a species of most concern as identified by US Fish and Wildlife. Please describe any sings of these species including tracks, scat, sounds, or sightings. 2. Bird Species: Valued bird species in the unit include bald eagle, Mexican spotted owl, scaled quail, wild turkey, Lewis s woodpecker, geese, and great blue heron. Please note any sightings and/or hearing songs or calls. Visual Resources: Scenic views are abundant throughout. There are exceptional views of the surrounding mountains from many of the highpoints within the unit including Eightmile Mountain, Twin Mountains, Copper Mountain and beyond.

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18 Chucharas Canyon Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y N N/A N/A Y Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: Y Sufficient Size The unit is 6,061 acres. Y Naturalness The Kenner Ranch homestead located at the end of Kenner Ranch Road has many recent human made features. Kenner Rach consists of historic buildings, fences, and a corral. Near the site, other man made features are present including stock tanks, developed springs, and multiple routes used to access tanks and fence lines. Additional man-made features affecting the unit s natural character include two cisterns recently filled with cement. The unit may eventually have wilderness characteristics if man-made features are removed and routes have possible decades to revert to natural appearance. The unit does not possess wilderness characteristics due to the present imprints of man. Y Solitude Not evaluated Y Primitive Unconfined Recreation Not evaluated Y Supplemental Values The unit is within the Colorado Natural Heritage Program s Potential Conservation Area for having high levels of biodiversity. In 2003 a successful transplant of Bighorn sheep occurred in the unit. Further, views from the Cucharas Canyon rim are superb, which is a rarity in the plains; there are historic homestead buildings alongside a coral, and lastly there is evidence of inhabitation by indigenous peoples. Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Solitude If you have visited this unit, describe infrequent, unnoticeable, or non-existent encounters with humans. For example, I saw only 1 person while on a 4 hour hike, or If other people were in the area it went unnoticed due to the terrain and vegetation I heard on the sound of birds, or I saw no footprints. Etc. Primitive Unconfined Recreation Comments should re-enforce BLMs findings and, when possible, expand on opportunities noting for example bird watching, wildflower identification and wildlife identification (via visible tracks), fishing for tout in Badger Creek. Supplemental Values The Cucharas Canyon proposed LWC is the only federally managed roadless area in the eastern Colorado plains that meets the criteria of Lands with Wilderness Characteristics. Additionally, BLM recognizes Cucharas Canyon as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) primarily for its cultural resources that reflect the importance of the area to Native Americans, settles, and ranchers. Nearly the entirety of this proposed LWC has high biodiversity significance as identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) and is encompassed within a greater 209,000 acre Potential Conservation Area. The area contains rare plant and animal species such as the state critically imperiled Elton s lip fern, Simius roadside skipper vulnerable in Colorado, swift fox globally vulnerable, and a fair occurrence of the black-tailed prairie dog. Additionally, the area is also noteworthy for its disparate geological features. The majority of Cucharas Canyon is from the Jurassic Period, with the northern part showing evidence of older rocks dating back to the Permian- Pennsylvanian Age.

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20 Cooper Mountain Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Meets all Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y Y Y Y Y Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: Y Naturalness It is apparent that the unit has had imprints of man within the unit, but compared to the overall size, lack of public motorized use, and natural processes beginning to reclaim certain features the unit is considered to have apparent naturalness. Y Solitude The unit contains a vast amount of land with high topographic relief. Thick vegetation provides excellent screening, especially in the drainages where riparian vegetation offers audible and visual screening. Opportunities for solitude are guaranteed in the majority of the unit. Y Primitive Unconfined Recreation The unit provides outstanding opportunities for primitive recreation due to the vast amount of land, undeveloped facilities, and non-motorized recreation possibilities. Challenging overland travel and multiple trails within the unit offers an optimal primitive recreation experience. Y Supplemental Value This includes: historic homestead with cabins, scenic views of the Front Range, 3 potential Colorado Natural Heritage Program conservation areas: Felch Creek (very high biodiversity significance), Blue Mtn. to Phantom Canyon (high biodiversity significane), and Phantom Canyon of Eight mile Creek (very high biodiversity significance). Additionally, the unit contains Mexican spotted owl critical habitat as well as mile deer winter range and elk sever winter range. Comment Guidance Affirming and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Solitude Highlight the importance of seeing infrequent, unnoticeable, or non-existent encounters with humans. For example I saw only 1 person while on a 4 hr. hike, If other people were in the area it went unnoticed due to the terrain and vegetation/ I heard only the sound of birds, I saw no footprints, etc. Primitive Unconfined Recreation There are outstanding opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, hunting, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and photography. Additionally, there are a variety of backpacking, camping, MTN. bike ridings, or horseback riding option on designated trails. Supplemental Values Comments should focus on continued protection for the two BLM designated Areas of Environmental Concern (ACESs) that are partially contained within this unit. Garden Park Fossil Area is renown nationally as a premier paleontological site and is the location of first discovery of several dinosaur species. Phantom Canyon is the second ACEC and is recognized for many of the historic sites along the former railroad in this rugged and scenic canyon. The area also contains habitat for several species of particular interest. The swift fox is listed as a threatened species by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as well as Colorado BLM sensitive. The black-tailed prairie-dog is a species of concern for CPW, Colorado BLM sensitive, and a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS) Species of Most Concern. Preble s meadow jumping mouse is a CPW threatened species and a CWCS Species of Most Concern. The Brazilian free tailed bat is a Colorado state ranked critically imperiled species and the black-footed ferret is listed as an endangered species.

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22 Beaver Creek Lands with Wilderness Characteristics Did not meet Wilderness Criteria Summary of BLM s Wilderness Inventory Findings: Sufficient Size? (acres) Naturalness? Outstanding Solitude? Outstanding Primitive and Unconfined Recreation? Supplemental Values? Y Y Y Y Y Excerpts from BLM s Wilderness Inventory: Y Naturalness Existing human impacts found within the unit have a relatively small impact on the overall naturalness of the area. Although range activity was found within the unit, it was found to be insignificant. A 2002 wilderness inventory conducted in the Turkey Creek area concluded the imprints of man - including an access road, historic mink ranch, and logging activity disqualified the area from wilderness consideration. However a 2013 inventory concluded the imprints of man such as cabins, mill site, and homesteads add supplemental value and that enough time has occurred allowing the unit to convert back to wilderness character. Y Solitude Opportunities for solitude become outstanding due to the difficulty of motor vehicle access and/or challenging travel due to high topographic relief. Numerous side drainages, thick timber, and rugged canyons contribute to opportunities to seek solitude. Sweeping vistas of the Front Range, Wet Mountains, and Great Plains allow for a feeling of vastness, thus ensuring the feeling of solitude. Y Primitive Unconfined Recreation Outstanding opportunities for primitive recreation are abound due to the unique topography, undeveloped facilities, and non-motorized recreation possibilities. For example, Badger Creek offers recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, and fishing. The area s streambeds are sandy or scoured bedrock making them pleasant to walk in and thus allowing visitors to see the many unique ecologic features. Y Supplemental Values This area is located within the RGFO s Beaver Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), is a Colorado National Heritage Program Potential Conservation Area for biodiversity interest, has historic homestead timbers and foundations, a historic pack trail/mail route, habitat for peregrine falcon nesting, Mexican spotted owl critical habitat, and provides habitat for elk severe winter ranged as mapped by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Comment Guidance Refuting and Expanding on BLM s Inventory Naturalness Comments should reflect that there is no motorized public access to any of the unit, with public access limited to traversing the backcountry via the contiguous Beaver Creek WSA. The BLM found no significant human impacts within this unit, and the few impacts being actively reclaimed by vegetation and largely unnoticeable. Further, many of the remaining impacts are now considered historical, adding supplemental value as noted by the BLM.. Solitude There are vast opportunities for solitude given the topographic variety, dense vegetation, few public entry points and lack of trails (motorized and non-motorized). The rugged hills, canyon, and cliffs provide screening from unnatural sights and sounds. Additionally, the many gulches and drainages provide outstanding opportunities for those seeking solitude. Supplemental Values The unit provides a vast corridor for species of the mountains and foothills as well as providing a critical linkage for the flora and fauna of the diverse western Great Plains to the east and the Upper Sonoran zone to the south. Habitat for significant bird species include, Mexican spotted owl, Peregrine Falcon, and bald eagle. BLM attributes supplemental value to the two waterfalls found within the Turkey Creek area as well as to the various historical structures, buildings, and sites that all enhance the area s wilderness characteristics.

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