Chapter 7. Research Natural Areas (Rna)

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CHAPTER 7. RESEARCH NATURAL AREAS (RNA)

Forest Overview Research natural areas (RNAs) are permanently established to maintain areas of natural ecosystems and areas of special ecological significance. RNAs serve three important functions: • Reference areas – RNAs serve as benchmarks for monitoring and evaluating the impacts of land management practices on lands with similar ecosystems. • Research – RNAs provide sites for research into how ecosystems function, particularly in areas where ecological and evolutionary processes are functioning in a relatively natural state. • Biological diversity – RNAs provide protection for biological diversity. A representative RNA system provides some degree of assurance that a wide array of plant and animal species will be afforded a high degree of protection in the future. RNAs can also be selected to help protect specific populations of threatened, endangered, and/or sensitive species.

Legal Background. 36 CFR 219.25 states that forest planning shall provide for the establishment of RNAs. To be identified are examples of important forest, shrubland, grassland, alpine, aquatic and geologic types that have special or unique characteristics of scientific interest and importance and that are needed to complete the national RNA network. Forest Service Manual FSM 4063 provides specific direction concerning RNA management.

Criteria for evaluating Research Natural Areas (RNA) • Quality – how well a site represents the targeted ecosystem type or protected biodiversity elements • Condition – how much the site has been degraded or altered from natural or optimal conditions • Viability – the likelihood of long-term survival for the ecosystem and its protected biodiversity • Defensibility – extent to which the ecosystem and biodiversity elements can be protected from extrinsic human factors • Size – large enough to provide essentially unmodified conditions within their interiors, 300 acres is considered minimum size. • Boundary – areas are clearly identifiable in the field.

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Management of Research Natural Areas. To ensure RNAs retain their natural condition, in as near a pristine state as possible, the following management limitations are generally applied to RNAs. • Logging, new roads, trails, and developed recreation are prohibited. • Fencing is permitted for protection of the area. • Grazing is permitted only to maintain the natural vegetation. • Natural fires are allowed to burn. • No action is taken against endemic insects, diseases or wild animals. • Recreation is prohibited if use threatens or interferes with purpose of RNA. • Vegetation is managed only where the type would be lost without management

Existing Condition- RNA The GMUG National Forest currently has two established RNAs, The Dry Fork of Escalante on the Uncompahgre Plateau and the Gothic, located on the Gunnison National Forest. The Dry Fork of Escalante is 61 acres along the Dry Fork of Escalante Creek was established as a RNA in 1981. The blue spruce (Picea pungens) specie exists in narrow stringers along the stream bottom and northwest slopes. The Gothic RNA was originally established in 1931 and expanded in 1959. Currently 1080 acres comprise the Gothic RNA at an elevation of 11,000 feet. Ecosystems represented are high elevation alpine meadows, the ecological types represented include: • 531 acres of subalpine fir-Engelmann spruce/RockyMountain whortleberry (Abies bifolis-Picea engelmannii/Vaccinium myrtillus ssp. oreophilum) on Cryochrept and Cryoboralf cold soils. Small stands of subalpine fir-Engelmann spruce/elk sedge (Abies bifolis-Picea engelmannii/Carex geyeri) may also be present. Other plant species that may occur in these 2 plant communities are lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), aspen (Populus tremuloides), Woods rose (Rosa woodsii), Oregon-grape (Mahonia repens), Colorado currant (Ribes coloradense), mountain snowberry (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius), heartleaf arnica (Arnica cordifolia), and various forbs and graminoids. • 238 acres of Thurber fescue/meadowrue-vetch-elk sedge (Festuca thurberi/Thalictrum fendleri-Vicia americana-Carex geyeri) on deep to very deep Argic Cryoboroll soils. • 281 acres of various alpine plant communities.

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Figure 1 illustrates the location of existing RNAs. Additional lands were inventoried and evaluated for their potential as RNAs. The inventory and evaluation process is outlined below.

Existing Research Natural Areas ¨¦§I-70

Collbran

Grand Junction OP133 OP141 OP65

Cedaredge Paonia Crested Butte Hotchkiss Delta OP135 Crawford Almont

Kelso P oin t Kelso Creek Pitkin Ohio City Gunnison Whitepine

Escalante Cre ek Big At kin son Bre aksWi ndy Po int Brea ks Montrose OP92 OP141 ut50 Tabeguache Creek Sargents

Nucla

145 OP Norwood Ridgway

Ouray Lake City

Telluride OP149

Legend: 9/08/05

Existing RNAs 149 OP Wilderness

Figure 1. Location of Existing RNAs Region of Comparison – Ecological Units To evaluate representation of ecosystems within the Research Natural Area system, the potential RNAs were evaluated against needs within Ecological Sections as developed by the USDA Forest Service Ecological Classification and Mapping Task Team (ECOMAP). The National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units (Table 1) was formulated and was adopted by the Forest Service on November 5, 1993 (ECOMAP 1993). Briefly, ECOMAP is a regionalization, classification, and mapping system for stratifying the Earth into progressively smaller areas of increasingly uniform ecological potentials. The Ecological Section is the area of comparison and is illustrated on the following map titled: Proposed Research Natural Areas by Ecological Province.

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Proposed Research Natural Areas ¨¦§I-70 by Ecological Province Collbran

341B Grand Junction OP133 OP141 OP65 Cedaredge M331I Paonia Crested Butte Hotchkiss Delta OP135 Crawford M331H Almont

Kel so Poi nt Ke l s o C r e e k Pitkin Ohio City Gunnison Whitepine

Esc alant e Creek Big Atk ins on Break s Windy Point Breaks Montrose OP92

t50 Tabeguac he Creek u Sargents M331F Nucla

Norwood Ridgway

OP141 Ouray Lake City

Legend: 9/08/05 Telluride OP149 M331G ECOLOGICAL SECTION M331F - Southern Parks and Rocy Mtn Range M331G - South Central Highlands M331H - Northern Central Highlands331J & Rocky Mtn M331I - Northern Parks and Ranges 341B - Northern Canyon Lands t550 331J - Northern Rio Grande Basin OP145 u Proposed Research Natural Area Wilderness

Figure 2. Location of Proposed RNAs within Ecological Sections of the GMUG.

Inventory and Evaluation Process for proposed RNA In 1995, the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) inventoried large tracks of relatively unroaded lands on the Uncompahgre Plateau and identified plant associations represented within these lands. During 2003, district staffs reviewed the (CNHP) inventories and assessed them in accordance with FSM 4063.2, for Condition, FSM 4063.3, for Defensibility and FSM 4063.21 for Boundary. The 1995 inventoried lands were remapped to reflect only those portions that met the criteria for condition, defensibility and boundary. This evaluation was based on: how well they “show no evidence of major disturbance by humans such as livestock grazing or timber cutting for the past 50 years (Condition), “ability to maintain … unmodified conditions and natural processes” (Defensibility) and “clearly identifiable in the field,” (Boundary). These newly mapped lands were then evaluated by plant association representation for Quality, and Viability. Table 1 below illustrates the progression of lands meeting the RNA criteria and Figure 3 illustrates the location of the areas reviewed as potential RNAs.

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Potential Research Natural Areas ¨¦§I-70

Collbran

Grand Junction OP133 OP141 OP65

Cedaredge Paonia Crested Butte Hotchkiss Delta OP135 Crawford Almont

Kelso P oin t Kelso Creek Pitkin Ohio City Gunnison Whitepine

Escalante Cre ek Big At kin son Bre aksWi ndy Po int Brea ks Montrose OP92 OP141 ut50 Tabeguache Creek Sargents

Nucla

145 OP Norwood Ridgway

Ouray Lake City

Telluride OP149

Legend: 9/08/05

Areas Inventoried for RNA Potential 149 OP Wilderness

Figure 3. Location of Proposed RNAs on the GMUG National Forest.

Table 1. Areas Evaluated for RNA Potential.

Acres Acres meeting RNA Acres meeting Acres Inventoried in criteria for Condition, criteria for, Recommended for Name 1995 by NHCP Defensibility & Boundary Quality & Viability RNA designation Big Atkinson Breaks 6,079 3,387 3,387 3,387 Coal Creek 6,092 6,995 0 Dark Canyon 24,580 25,107 0 Deer Creek 6,417 6,501 0 Kelso Point N/a 1,072 1,072 0 Kelso Mesa – 11,745 772 (Kelso Creek) 772 0 Long Point 3,581 0 (Long Point) Lower Battlement Mesa 24,0461 11,023 11,023 11,023 Little Cone 2,363 2,000 2,000 0 Mt Bellview N/a 1,711 0 0 Mt Emmons Iron Fen N/a 167 167 167 Tabeguache Creek 7,184 5,120 5,120 0 Whitewater Basin 3471 3,565 0 Windy Point Breaks 3,790 847 0 0 1Combined acres with White River NF

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The areas listed in Table 1 are further described in Appendix A. Tables 2-4 compare the Potential Natural Vegetation Groups within each Ecological Section of the GMUG National Forest with where a representation may exists in the lands evaluated.

Table 2. Ecological Section 341B – Potential Natural Vegetation Groups (Uncompahgre Plateau) Potential Natural Vegetation Potential RNA on Group Acres % GMUG pAcres Ponderosa pine-oak 153,019 25% Oak-serviceberry 131,266 21% Big Atkinson Breaks 3320 Spruce-fir-aspen 117,533 19% Pinyon-juniper-oak-serviceberry 71,304 12% Aspen 51,413 8% Windy Point 850 Sagebrush 29,617 5% Pinyon-juniper 19,278 3% Big Atkinson, Kelso Point 4390 Douglas-fir 12,787 2% Big Atkinson 3320 Oatgrass-needlegrass-sedge 5,647 1% Spruce-Douglas-fir-fir 5,617 1% Dry Fork of Escalante, Cottonwood-spruce 5,563 1% Kelso Creek 830 Pinyon-juniper-sagebrush 4,106 1% Willow-alder 3,233 1% Tabeguache Creek 5090 Thurber fescue 1,068 0% NONE 362 0% Bare 342 0% Water 243 0% Cinquefoil 3 0% Total Acres of 341B 612,412

Table 3. Ecological Section M331G – Potential Natural Vegetation Groups. (San Juans GA & Saguache) Potential Natural Vegetation Group Acres % Potential RNA on GMUG pAcres Spruce-fir-aspen 205,316 22% Spruce-fir 193,359 21% Wilson Meadows, Little Cone 8780 Bare 102,646 11% Douglas-fir 71,069 8% Willow-alder 70,907 8% Little Cone 2450 Sagebrush 49,038 5% Aspen 42,062 5% Alpine 41,328 5% Spruce-Douglas-fir-fir 35,229 4% Thurber fescue 25,841 3% Little Cone 2450 Bristlecone pine 16,475 2% Cinquefoil 12,148 1% Lodgepole pine 12,086 1% Oak-serviceberry 11,063 1% Arizona fescue 9,164 1% Blue spruce-fir-spruce 6,182 1% Cottonwood-spruce 2,747 0% Ponderosa pine 1,958 0% Krummholz 1,239 0%

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Potential Natural Vegetation Group Acres % Potential RNA on GMUG pAcres Water 1,188 0% Wet grass 1,065 0% Snowberry 939 0% NONE 678 0% Pinyon-juniper 671 0% Limber pine 588 0% Low-black sagebrush 540 0% Pinyon-juniper-oak-serviceberry 195 0% Shrub 74 0% Mountain-mahogany 49 0% Ponderosa pine-oak 41 0% Grass 40 0% Total Acres of M331G 915,924

Table 4. Ecological Section M331H – Potential Natural Vegetation Groups. (Grand Mesa, North Fork Valley & West Elks) Potential Natural Vegetation Group Acres % Potential RNA on GMUG pAcres Spruce-fir-aspen 306,293 30% Aspen 166,654 16% Windy Point 850 Spruce-fir 161,642 16% Coal Ck, Whitewater, Dark Oak-serviceberry 110,917 11% Cyn, Deer Ck Lower 28,000 Battlement Mesa Bare 56,369 5% Spruce-Douglas-fir-fir 41,486 4% Willow-alder 40,995 4% Douglas-fir 33,352 3% Cinquefoil-hairgrass-sedge 22,508 2% Pinyon-juniper 17,529 2% Thurber fescue 14,977 1% Sagebrush 14,283 1% Snowberry 7,889 1% Pinyon-juniper-oak-serviceberry 6,358 1% Alpine 5,917 1% Water 5,651 1% Ponderosa pine 4,676 0% Oatgrass-needlegrass-sedge 3,815 0% Cottonwood-spruce 2,443 0% Dark Canyon 250 Krummholz 1,828 0% Mountain-mahogany 1,505 0% Arizona fescue 1,396 0% Low-black sagebrush 1,044 0% NONE 857 0% Wet grass 785 0% Ponderosa pine-oak 202 0% Shrub 133 0% Blue spruce-fir-spruce 51 0% Total Acres of M331H 1,031,555

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Table 5. Ecological Section M331I – Potential Natural Vegetation Groups. (Taylor River Basin) Potential Natural Vegetation Group Acres % Existing & Potential RNA Acres Spruce-fir 173,836 31% Gothic, Mt Bellview 2780 Lodgepole pine 65,867 12% Douglas-fir 65,527 12% Willow-alder 62,990 11% Spruce-fir-aspen 49,002 9% Bare 48,552 9% Sagebrush 40,135 7% Alpine 24,734 4% Aspen 12,654 2% Spruce-Douglas-fir-fir 8,123 1% Thurber fescue 5,601 1% Water 2,553 0% Cottonwood-spruce 2,345 0% Krummholz 1,952 0% Snowberry 447 0% NONE 329 0% Arizona fescue 322 0% Oak-serviceberry 301 0% Shrub 262 0% Oatgrass-needlegrass-sedge 251 0% Limber pine 199 0% Low-black sagebrush 137 0% Ponderosa pine 107 0% Developed 104 0% Wet grass 23 0% Bristlecone pine 22 0% Total Acres of M331I 566,374

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APPENDIX – A

Research Natural Areas

Big Atkinson Breaks Located within the Uncompahgre Plateau Geographic Area and within Eco Region 341B, Northern Canyon Lands Section. • Foothills and montane pinyon-juniper woodland, oak thicket and mixed mountain shrubland communities

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D IV ID E

Potential Research Natural Areas Big Atkinson Breaks & Windy Point Breaks Uncompahgare Plateau

BEAR PEN

L L E B P M A C T S Big Atkinson Breaks E W Windy Point Breaks

K E E R C G IN R P S Legend: 9/08/05 1:30,000

Area Inventoried for RNA Potential ` Classified Road Motorized Trail Non-Motorized Trail PROPOSED MANAGEMENT 1 - Natural Process 2 - Special Management Area 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management 4 - Recreation Emphasis 5 - Active Resource Management 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix 8 - Permanently Altered Lands

Plant associations – major representation • Pinus edulis/Quercus gambelii* • Quercus gambelii/Amelancher utahensis*

*Currently represented in the Narraguinnep RNA

Summary • In addition to the pinyon-juniper and oak ecosystems, the area includes uncut stands of old-growth ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. • Approximate Acreage: 3,320 acres • Average Elevation: 7700’ • No threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species recorded in this area. • No threatened, endangered or sensitive animal species recorded in this area.

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Suitability • Quality – Good to high-quality examples of the pinyon-juniper Woodland and the Gambel Oak Shrubland Series, and includes old-growth stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. • Condition – Good overall condition as the area has not been logged. Some riparian areas are in exceptional condition, with minimal changes and relatively few exotic species, however yellow cheatgrass is common in many riparian areas. Visible impacts to the area include several old roads that are slow to revegetate and subject to erosion, cut stumps along roads, erosion along drainages and small openings among the pinyon-juniper woodlands that may have been grasslands at one time now dominated by sagebrush. Cheatgrass is common throughout the pinyon-juniper woodlands. • Viability – Excellent prospects for long-term functioning because FS and BLM lands surround the area. No major urban, industrial or agricultural areas are upwind or upstream. • Defensibility – The area is defensible as it is currently mapped.

Management Implications • The area has a medium potential for oil and gas resources and a low to medium/high for locatable minerals. Currently there are lease applications pending. Existing stipulations are Timing Limitations and No Surface Occupancy. • Livestock has previously grazed the south third of the area. Part of the area is within the Club-Campbell cattle allotment. • No suitable timber exists however pinyon-juniper woodcutting would be eliminated. • Road #668, ATV trail #616, and horse trail #622 surround the perimeter of the area.

Coal Creek Located within the Grand Mesa Geographic Area and within Eco Region M331H, Northern Central Highlands and Rocky Mountain Section. • Low Average Elevation pinyon-juniper woodlands and cold desert shrublands.

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Potential Research Natural Areas Whitewater - 3,560 Ac & Coal Ck 7,000 Ac Grand Mesa Geographic Area S VOIR SER N RE ERSO AND 1:45,000

L I

Whitewater Basin S

A L

E E K LANDS END

B Dry Mesa A S Quarry I N

Coal Creek Basin Legend: 9/09/05 Area Inventoried for RNA Potential Classified Road Motorized Trail Non-Motorized Trail PROPOSED MANAGEMENT 1 - Natural Process 2 - Special Management Area 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management 4 - Recreation Emphasis 5 - Active Resource Management 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix 8 - Permanently Altered Lands

Plant associations – major representation • Saline pinyon-juniper woodland – unnamed plant associations • Quercus gambelii/Amelanchier alniforia*

*Currently represented in the Narraguinnep RNA

Summary • The area provides examples of low Average Elevation pinyon-juniper woodland and cold desert shrublands plant associations. The pinyon-juniper community is unique in the Forest Service System in that the understory reflects the highly saline clay soils; none of the stands sampled fit into the existing plant association classification for the Rocky Mountain Region (Johnston 1987).The Big Sagebrush and Fourwing Saltbush Series are represented here and have not previously been reported from the Grand Mesa National Forest. Additionally, there are examples of aspen/snowberry. • Approximate Acreage: 6000 acres • Average Elevation: 6000-9800

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• Coal Creek Basin supports populations of one plant species considered rare in Colorado, Eastwood desert parsley (Lomatium (Aletes) eastwoodiae). Additionally, the area contains habitat for two rare plant species which have not been documented but may occur, Grand Mesa penstemon (Penstemon mensarum), and Uintah Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus, currently listed as Threatened).

Suitability • Quality – Good representation for a range of lower montane ecosystem types, particularly pinyon juniper woodlands, shadscale and oak shrublands, and aspen forests. • Condition – The area is in very good ecological condition. There has been no woodcutting or logging and the drainages remain intact, with little erosion. There are no roads, trails or structures. Cheatgrass is widespread throughout. It may be difficult to delineate a potential RNA for these eco-types in which cheatgrass is not present. • Viability – Long-term ability to support functioning ecosystems are good. The area is completely surrounded by federal lands and is removed from development. The position of the area at the head of the watershed protects it from upstream water diversions. • Defensibility – The area is highly defensible. The area is surrounded by federal land. Agricultural activities and urban development in adjacent parts of the Grand Valley are unlikely to affect the area.

Management Implications • Most of the area is classified as No Lease in the 1993 Forest Plan Oil and Gas EIS. • The area is within the Kannah Creek cattle allotment. Grazing would no longer occur if the area were designated an RNA, much of the area is considered unsuitable as range land. Cattle trespass is occurring. • The area is unsuitable for timber production due to unstable soils. • A portion of the area has been chained for wildlife habitat improvement. This area in the southwest corner should be excluded from any further consideration as a RNA. • Mountain bike trails #703 and #702 run through the area. • Native bunchgrasses may need to be planted to re-establish community composition at the lower Average Elevations due to the current make-up of cheatgrass.

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Dark Canyon Located within the North Fork Valley Geographic Area and within Eco Region M331H, Northern Central Highlands and Rocky Mountain Section. • Contains alpine, aspen, montane shrubland, subalpine grassland and riparian cover-types

Potential Research Natural Areas Dark Canyon - 25,100 Acres North Fork Valley Geographic Area S C H O F IE LD P A S Mt. Bellview S

M Gothic U N S E Y

C R Dark Canyon E B E A X K T E R

B A S IN

R S L E

A D T I

K L E Legend: 9/09/05 E1:93,836 B R S L E Area Inventoried for RNAIV Potential R E P Wilderness Boundary R A S S Classified Road MotorizedOH-B TrailE-JOYFUL Non-Motorized Trail PROPOSED MANAGEMENT 1 - Natural Process

O 2 - Special Management Area

S E 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management T L

L 4 - Recreation Emphasis

A B 5 - Active Resource Management

K A

E 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix S

N 8 - Permanently Altered Lands AMAX

Plant associations – major representation Aspen Community Types: • Populus tremuloides/Pteridium aquilinum • Populus tremuloides/Amelanchier alnifolia-padus (Purnus) virginiana • Populus tremuloides/Thalictrum fendleri • Populus tremuloides/Symphoricarpos oreophilus (rotundifolius) Riparian and Wetland Community Types • Populus angustifolia/Amelanchier alnifolia • Pupulus angustifolia/Alnus incana-Swida sericea

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• Abies lasiocarpa/Alnus incana-Salix drummondiana • Picea engelmannii-Populus angustifolia/Alnus incana-Swida sericea (undescribed community type) • Picea pungens/Lonicera involucrate • Picea pungens/Alnus incana • Picea pungens/Amelanchier alnifolia-Swida sericea • Salix drummondiana/mesic forb Shrubland Community Types: • Quercus gambilii/Amelanchier alnifolia Grassland and Forbland Community Types: • Acomastylis (Geum) rossii/Bistorta (Polyonum) bistortoides • Ligusticum porteri/Lupinus (argenteus) parviflorus

Summary • The area is completely within the Raggeds Wilderness and contains the complete watersheds of North and Middle Anthracite Creeks and Buck, Hell and Ant Creeks. Represented in this area are four aspen community types and several riparian community types along with a variety of shrubland and grassland communities. • Approximate Acreage: 25,100 acres • Average Elevation: 10,700 feet • No T & E plant species recorded at time of report (1995).

Suitability • Quality – The relatively large size of the area provides for a very representative range of natural variability within the aspen community types and riparian communities. The landscape patterns typical of this region, especially the mosaic of successional stages from past natural disturbance events such as fire, are well represented in this area. • Condition – The primary human disturbance that has affected the area is past domestic livestock grazing. There are only isolated areas, particularly in the riparian zones near the western boundary at the Mouth of Dark Canyon, where the Munsey-Ruby Stock Driveway meets the confluence of north and Middle Anthracite Creeks where evidence of past sheep grazing is evident. This area is one of the few places in the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Region where a

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significant acreage of aspen forest is no longer being actively grazed by domestic livestock. • Viability – The viability of the area is excellent. It is completely within the Raggeds Wilderness and complete watersheds are within the inventoried area. The relatively large size or the area is capable of maintaining its natural ecological processes including active fire and hydrologic regimes. • Defensibility – The area is highly defensible due to its location in the wilderness and its watershed boundaries.

Management Implications • The area is completely within a congressionally protected area and has been withdrawn from any future mineral activities. • Portions of two livestock allotments occur within the area; however, both are currently vacant, Butte Creek sheep allotment was closed to livestock grazing in 1978 and Anthracite sheep allotment vacant since 1987. • A small population of toadflax has been reported in north Anthracite Creek which may need treatment. • The area receives light hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding and backpacking use, at the current levels, these would not be incompatible with the RNA.

Deer Creek Located within the Grand Mesa Geographic Area and within Eco Region M331H, Northern Central Highlands and Rocky Mountain Section. • Foothills and montane pinyon-juniper woodland, oak thicket and mixed mountain shrubland communities

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Potential Research Natural Areas Deer Creek - 6,500 Acres Grand Mesa Geographic Area

Legend: 9/09/05 1:45,000 Area Inventoried for RNA Potential Classified Road Motorized Trail Non-Motorized Trail PROPOSED MANAGEMENT 1 - Natural Process 2 - Special Management Area 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management 4 - Recreation Emphasis 5 - Active Resource Management 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix 8 - Permanently Altered Lands

Dry Mesa N I Quarry B A C Deer Creek A T L E D

OON DOUGHSP

ALI ALK

Plant associations – major representation • Pinus edulis-Juniperus ostersperma/Quercus gambelii • Juniperus ostersperma / Pinus edulis/sparse – unnamed p.a. • Quercus gambelii/Amelanchier alniforia*

*Currently represented in the Narraguinnep RNA

Summary • The area provides a variety of examples Pinyon Juniper woodland plant associations. The Utah Juniper and Fourwing Saltbush Series have not previously been reported from the Grand Mesa National Forest. Additionally, there are examples of aspen/snowberry. • Approximate Acreage: 6417 acres • Average Elevation: 6600-9800 • No records of threatened, endangered or sensitive plant species are within the area boundary.

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Suitability • Quality – Good representation for a range of foothills and lower montane ecosystem types, particularly pinyon juniper woodlands, shadscale and oak shrublands. • Condition – The area is in very good ecological condition. There has been no woodcutting or logging and the drainages remain intact, with little erosion. With the exception of the radio towers and access roads, there are no roads, trails or structures. Cheatgrass is widespread throughout. It may be difficult to delineate a potential RNA for these eco-types in which cheatgrass is not present. • Viability – Long-term ability to support functioning ecosystems are good. The area is completely surrounded by federal lands and is removed from development. The position of the area at the head of the watershed protects it from upstream water diversions. • Defensibility – The area is highly defensible. The area is surrounded by federal land. Agricultural activities and urban development in adjacent parts of the Grand Valley are unlikely to affect the area.

Management Implications • Most of the area is classified as No Lease in the 1993 Forest Plan Oil and Gas EIS. • The area is within the Kannah Creek cattle allotment. Much of the area is considered unsuitable as range land although livestock trail through the area. • The area is unsuitable for timber production. • No system trails exist in this area although mountain bike trail #715, Indian Point Trail is along the perimeter of the area. • A radio tower exists within the area; the tower and road could be eliminated from the area if it were recommended as an RNA. • Native bunchgrasses may need to be planted to re-establish community composition at the lower elevations due to the current make-up of cheatgrass.

Kelso Creek & Kelso Point Located within the Uncompahgre Plateau Geographic Area and within Eco Region 341B, Northern Canyon Lands Section. • Kelso Creek - Riparian shrubland and narrowleaf cottonwood cover types • Kelso Point – pinyon-juniper shrubland

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SHORT POINT Potential Research Natural Areas Kelso Creek - 770 Acres Uncompahgare Plateau LONG POINT

T LONG POIN K

Kelso Creek

SO EL H K RT NO

Legend: 9/08/05 1:30,000 Area Inventoried for RNA Potential Classified Road Motorized Trail Non-Motorized Trail PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ESA SO M 1 - Natural Process KEL 2 - Special Management Area 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management 4 - Recreation Emphasis ENCH OUTH B 5 - Active Resource Management S 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix 8 - Permanently Altered Lands

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Potential Research Natural Areas Kelso Point - 1,070 Acres Uncompahgare Plateau T IN O P RT Legend: 9/08/05 1:30,051 SHO T Area Inventoried for RNA Potential N I O Classified Road P Motorized Trail G Non-Motorized Trail N O PROPOSED MANAGEMENT L T 1 - Natural Process IN PO 2 - Special Management Area G ON 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management L 4 - Recreation Emphasis 5 - Active Resource Management 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix 8 - Permanently Altered Lands

Kelso Point Dry Mesa Kelso Point Quarry

Kelso Creek

Y R

R A H U C Q N E R B A S U H E A T M U E S O O S V O N L I D

Plant associations – major representation Kelso Creek: • Populus augustifolia/rosa woodsii Kelso Point: • Pinus edulis-Juniperus osteosperma/Crcocarpus montanus - Peraphyllum ramosissumum • Pinus edulis-Juniperus osteosperma/Amelanchier utahensis-Cercocarpus montanus

Summary • Located in the Northern Canyon Lands (Intermountain Semi-Desert) (M341B) ecosubregion, the area consists of mesas dissected by canyons. Kelso Creek, inaccessible because of private lands located at the mouth of Kelso Creek, provides unaltered riparian canyon variety of plant communities. The area is within the Escalante Creek potential Conservation Area as identified by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.

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• Kelso Point is an old growth stand of Pinyon-Juniper that has not been disturbed for decades. The area is isolated on a mesa top by topography and lack of water. Most plants that occur in this area are native species associated with plants that have made a living in the PJ zone for an extended period of time. • Approximate Acreage: 772 acres – Kelso Creek • Approximate Acreage: 1,072 acres – Kelso Point • Average Elevation: 6600 to 7600 feet • TES: No threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant species recorded in this area • No threatened, endangered or sensitive animal species recorded in this area.

Suitability • Quality – Excellent representation of several riparian types (Kelso Creek) and pinyon-juniper woodland (Kelso Point). • Condition – Very good ecological condition; there has been no woodcutting or logging in either area. Kentucky Bluegrass is present in the area as it is present everywhere on the Uncompahgre Plateau. • Viability – Very Good. Existing land patterns limits public access into the area enhancing the probability that natural processes can continue to operate. • Defensibility – Highly defensible. The area is distanced from developed areas and buffered by National Forest lands.

Management Implications • Livestock grazing occurs within these areas however the steep terrain and limited water on Kelso Point naturally limits livestock grazing. Currently cattle trail through the Kelso Point. The steep terrain of Kelso Creek limits livestock access to this area. • Both recreational hunting and commercial outfitted hunting occur on Kelso Mesa yet neither use is concentrated within the potential RNA areas. • Land at the mouth of Kelso Creek supports three summer homes although this development does not affect the area mapped as potential RNA.

Little Cone Located within the San Juan Geographic Area and within Eco Region M331G, South Central Highlands Section. • Contains montane spruce-fir forest, aspen forest and grasslands cover types.

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Potential Research Natural Areas Little Cone - 2,450 Acres San Juan Geographic Area

Legend: 9/09/05 1:31,680 Area Inventoried for RNA Potential Classified Road Motorized Trail K Non-Motorized Trail A E PROPOSED MANAGEMENT P 1 - Natural Process E N 2 - Special Management Area O L C 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management

I T E 4 - Recreation Emphasis

T L Little Cone T L 5 - Active Resource Management T E I L 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix

C 8 - Permanently Altered Lands

O K N E E E R C

L L A F Dry Mesa Quarry

H C IT D S E H G U H

Plant associations – major representation Coniferous Forest series • Abies lasiocarpa-Picea engelmannii/vaccinium Deciduous Forest Series: • Populus tremuloides/Thalictrum fendleri • Salix drummondiana/mesic forb Grassland and Forbland Community Types: • Festuca thurberi/Danthonia parryi • Festuca thurberi/Vicia Americana-Lathyrus leucanthus • Mesic subalpine grassland – Unnamed p.a.

Summary • The area includes the entire eastern flank of the Little Cone, an 11,981 foot erosional remnant of a volcanic plateau.

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• Approximate Acreage: 2000 acres • Average Elevation: 10,600 feet • No T & E plant species recorded at time of report (1995).

Suitability • Quality – The spruce-fir forest, aspen forest and mountain and grassland series represented here are of high quality. The area appears to have been burned periodically in a patch pattern, caused by natural firebreaks of rock and wetlands, making it an excellent place to study forest succession across the range of elevations, aspects, moisture regimes and substrates found at Little Cone. • Condition – No logging or woodcutting has occurred, (the northwest portion which includes section 32 and portions of sec 33, where past logging has occurred has been eliminated from the original mapped area). Exotic plant species are infrequent. The grasslands and aspen forests show little evidence of grazing; the composition, structure or function of the ecosystem has not been substantially altered as a result of livestock grazing. Mass wasting is occurring on some slopes yet is related to instability of the contact between volcanic deposits and underlying shale rather than the effects of grazing. • Viability – Much of the surrounding area is national forest lands, however, a portion of the area is adjacent to private land, some of which is being developed into subdivisions. • Defensibility – Defensibility is good due to terrain, however, the proximity of residential development adjacent to the north boundary may limit the possibility of allowing a natural fire regime to function.

Management Implications • Current stipulations for mineral leasing are Controlled Surface Use, No Surface Occupancy, and Timing Limitations • A portion of the Morgan Sheep and Goat allotment that resides within the area has been vacant since 1988. The area is generally considered unsuitable for grazing due to terrain and lack of accessible forage. • The area within the boundary has not been logged, yet is within the suitable timber base (1991 Forest Plan Amendment). • Public motorized access is limited due to private land configuration; however, some motorized activities occur from trespass off the private land.

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Lower Battlement Mesa Located within the Grand Mesa Geographic Area and within Eco Region M331H, Northern Central Highlands and Rocky Mountain Section. • pinyon-juniper woodlands; Gambel oak and greasewood shrublands;

Potential Research Natural Areas Lower Battlement Mesa - 11,240 Acres Grand Mesa Geographic Area

Legend: 9/09/05 1:63,360 Area Inventoried for RNA Potential Classified Road Motorized Trail Non-Motorized Trail PROPOSED MANAGEMENT 1 - Natural Process 2 - Special Management Area 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management 4 - Recreation Emphasis 5 - Active Resource Management 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix 8 - Permanently Altered Lands

Dry Mesa Quarry Lower Battlement Mesa

. S 8 5

U N NY D

S I D Y E

Plant associations – major representation • Pinus edulis-Juniperus ostersperma/Amelanchier utahensis-Cercocarpus montanus • Pinus edulis-Juniperus ostersperma/Artemisia tridentate • Pinus edulis-Juniperus ostersperma/Cercocarpus montanus • Quercus gambelii/Amelanchier alniforia* • Quercus gambelii/Symphoricarpos oreophilus • Sarcobatus vermiculatus-Artemisia tridentate/Elytrigia smithii • Sarcobatus vermiculatus-Atriplex gardneri/Poa secunda

*Currently represented in the Narraguinnep RNA

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Summary • The area is adjacent to the Lower Battlements RNA on the White River National Forest. In combination, this area represents a large assemblage of unique and diverse plant communities and rare plants represented at lower elevations. The plant communities are typical of those found on the Green River and Wasatch formation shales and sandstones of the region. Significant populations of several rare plant species are within the area. • Approximate Acreage: 11,200 acres (GMUG portion only) • Average Elevation: 7200 • Debeque phacelia (Phacelia scopulina var. submutica) is on the Rocky Mountain Region Sensitive Species list, has been found at the lowest elevations of this area along with the rare Eastwood desert parsley, (Lomatium eastwoodiae).

Suitability • Quality – The area provides a diverse and unique assemblage of plant communities and rare plants. The pinyon-juniper series is especially well- represented. Other important types include shale barrens, cold desert shrublands, mixed mountain shrublands, oak thickets and Douglas-fir forests. Because of its large size, Battlement Mesa captures much of the environmental and biotic variability of the major low-elevation ecosystem types found in the western part of the North-Central Highlands. The area is large enough to allow ecological processes to function on a wide range of scales, to protect species and communities from edge effects and to allow large-scale disturbances to occur without isolating the area or destroying its natural values. • Condition – The area is in very good ecological condition. There has been no woodcutting or logging and the drainages remain intact, with little erosion. There are no roads, trails or structures. Cheatgrass is widespread throughout. It may be difficult to delineate a potential RNA for these eco-types in which cheatgrass is not present. • Viability – The large roadless area is in very good condition with not evidence of logging or mining and no significant recreational use. The area was heavily grazed by both sheep and cattle in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cheatgrass is seen in abundance in low-elevation areas. • Defensibility – The area is highly defensible. The area is surrounded by federal land.

Management Implications • Pending leases for oil and gas exploration cover the area. The existing stipulation for the area is No Surface Occupancy.

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• Cheatgrass is abundant at lower elevations and it may be necessary to seed with native bunchgrass. • Bighorn sheep guzzlers have been placed within the area. • Fire has been used to improve wildlife habitats within the area.

Mt Bellview Located within the Gunnison Basin Geographic Area and within Eco Region M331I, Northern Parks and Ranges Section. • Alpine, montane

Research Natural Areas Existing and Proposed Gunnison Basin Map 2 0f 2

Mt. Bellview Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

Taylor Peak Gothic

Maroon Bells-Snowmas Wildernes

Legend: 9/08/05

SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA Proposed Research Nat'l Area

Non NF System Lands PROPOSED MANAGEMENT Raggeds Wilderness 1 - Natural Process

2 - Special Management Area

3 - Limited (Custodial) Management

4 - Recreation Emphasis

5 - Active Resource Management Crested Butte 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix

8 - Permanently Altered Lands OP135

Plant associations – major representation • Abies bifolis-Picea engelmannii/Vaccinium myrtillus ssp. oreophilum • Abies bifolis-Picea engelmannii/Carex geyeri

Summary • The area is almost entirely within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area

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• Approximate Acreage: 1700 acres • Average Elevation: 11,400 feet • Valid mining claims (Noranda Claims and AMAX claims) exist on a significant portion of the inventoried area.

Suitability • Quality – The quality is not as high as other areas with similar ecotype representation such as Gothic due to the historic mining and grazing that has occurred. • Condition – The area lies within the Gothic Cattle and Horse Allotment. Most of the area is considered unsuitable rangeland as the area is either above timber line or has such dense vegetation that it is unsuitable for cattle. • Viability – Portions of the area located within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness have good viability, however, valid mining claims (Noranda) still exist even within the Wilderness. • Defensibility – The area is remote from urban or developed areas and surrounded by National Forest land. There are no significant urban or industrial areas upwind or upstream.

Management Implications • Mining companies retain interest in their claims because of apparent underlying mineral deposits. Withdrawing the area from mineral location as is generally done with RNA’s would be difficult at best. • The area is unsuitable for grazing. • The area receives backcountry recreation, there is one foot and horse trail within the area, Trail #598.

Mt Emmons Iron Fen Located within the Gunnison Basin Geographic Area and within Eco Region M331H, Northern Central Highlands and Rocky Mountain Section. • The Mt Emmons Iron Fen proposed RNA is located on the south side of Mt Emmons. It is an area that contains spruce-fir, lodgepole pine, aspen and wetland plant communities supported by spring-fed riparian areas, seeps and fens.

Plant associations – major representation • Abies bifolia-Picea engelmannii/Cares geyeri;Sphagnum angustifolium

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Summary • The Mt. Emmons Iron Fen has a roundleaf sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) plant community that does not occur anywhere else in Region 2. It is found on a sloping part of the fen with water sedge (Carex aquatilis) and few-flowered spike-rush (Eleocharis quinqueflora). All other R2 sundew populations are found on floating peat mats with mud sedge (Carex limosa) or woollyfruit sedge (Carex lasiocarpa). • Approximate Acreage: 170 acres • Average Elevation: 10,000 feet

Suitability • Quality – The area has high quality due to its undisturbed nature and maintenance of the hydrologic systems. • Condition – The area is within an active grazing allotment however, it has not been grazed since 1985. • Viability – The viability of the area is questionable due to several unpatented mining claims within the boundaries. • Defensibility – The defensibility of the area is not good as it is bordered by private land along the east and may be vulnerable to changes in hydrology and mining operations

Management Implications • Unpatented mining claims exist within the area. • Although grazing has not occurred here in the last 20 years, the area is a part of an active cattle allotment. • No logging has occurred here in the last 20 years. • There is private land along the eastern portion of the site, there are no inholdings • There are gravel roads along the north perimeter and along the south boundary.

Tabeguache Creek Located within the Uncompahgre Plateau Geographic Area and within Eco Region 341B, Northern Canyon Lands Section. • The 5,100 acre Tabeguache Creek area is completely within the Congressionally designated Tabeguache Area and represents montane forest, riparian forest, pinyon-juniper woodland, and mixed shrubland cover types.

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4 7 R O Potential Research Natural Areas A D Tabeguache Creek - 5,100 Acres Uncompahgare Plateau R A O A T L NI S C MO E D Legend: 9/09/05U 1:63,360 I M N V Area Inventoried for RNA Potential I L D A L T E I Classified Road L M MotorizedE Trail

W Non-MotorizedD Trail A

S PROPOSED MANAGEMENT 1 - Natural Process C 2 - Special Management Area OLU M3 B- Limited (Custodial) Management D INE A RP CO 4 - Recreation Emphasis O W CAM R 5 - ActiveP ResourceP Management 7 O 4 7 - Private Land-ForestT IntermixT 8 - Permanently Altered LandsER DIVIDE

G CO IN BL PP K AC INDIAN ER R K KI E BU NG P RN SP P Dry Mesa U O Quarry R C

GR ASS Y LA KES Tabeguache Creek

LO G CH G B PI BEN LEN E NT LOG COE N O CH ME COE S LEN A G SP UR HOU SER

Plant associations – major representation • Juniprus osteosperma/Cercocarpusmontanus-Peraphyllum ramosissumum • Quercus gambilii/Amelanchier utahensis* • Quercus gambelii/Cercocarpus montanus • Populus angustifolia/Amelanchier alnifolia • Pupulus angustifolia/Alnus incana-Swida sericea

*Currently represented in an existing RNA within the Rocky Mountain Region

Summary • Located in the South Central Highlands Section (M331G), the area has cut narrow canyons through the Uncompahgre Plateau’s sedimentary rocks forming steep slopes and cliffs and flat to gently sloping uplands. The variety of factors such as topography, and moisture is great enough to support a broad range of vegetation cover types. Foothill shrublands are especially well-represented. • Approximate Acreage: 5,100 acres

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• Average Elevation: 6400 feet • No T & E plant species recorded at time of report (1995). No USDA Forest Service listed Sensitive plant species are expected to occur with the area. • Potential for several sensitive species to occur within the area. Suitable habitat exists for Mexican spotted owl however none have been recorded to date (Grother 2/2004). • There are no private inholdings • Significant archaeological sites have been documented within the proposed area.

Suitability • Quality – Excellent representation for a variety of foothills and montane types, particularly pinyon-juniper woodlands, oak and xeric mixed shrublands, and aspen forests. Good representation of ponderosa pine forest in several stages of succession. • Condition – Excellent condition for canyon plant associations due to limited access. Domestic grazing use is incidental. Recreation use is dispersed only and very light with minimal impacts. The North Fork Trail and the Indian Trail are located within the area and receive only light use. Yellow and white sweetclover are beginning to invade tributary drainages east of Indian Trail. Plants have spread to the banks of Tabeguache Creek. Introduced pasture grasses are common in ponderosa pine stands at the east end of the area. Recovery is possible in some areas. Some noxious weed species occur, such as Canada and musk thistle. Additional noxious weeds exist adjacent to the area, including whitetop, hounds tongue and Russian knapweed. • Viability – Good prospects for long-term survival as the area is surrounded by national forest land and is within a congressionally protected area, Tabeguache Area. The headwaters however are not within the potential area and Tabeguache Creek runs through private property and has small stock dams upstream of the RNA boundary. • Defensibility – The canyon lands are highly defensible, however, the surrounding uplands are more vulnerable because numerous roads and small private inholdings surround the area. The area could not be fenced; therefore it could not be guarded against livestock grazing.

Management Implications • The area is completely within a congressionally protected area and has been withdrawn from any future mineral activities.

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• The proposed area contains part of the 47 Basin and Dry Creek Cattle Allotments. Livestock use is incidental in the canyons. The canyons’ are unsuitable for grazing. • Exotic plant species appear to be increasing in certain areas and would require aggressive management to eliminate. • Introduced pasture grasses may be more difficult to remove. • The area receives light hiking, hunting, fishing and horseback riding use. The Indian Trail, #500, traverses much of the area.

Whitewater Basin Located within the Grand Mesa Geographic Area and within Eco Region M331H, Northern Central Highlands and Rocky Mountain Section. • Foothills and montane pinyon-juniper woodland, oak thicket and mixed mountain shrubland communities

Potential Research Natural Areas Whitewater - 3,560 Ac & Coal Ck 7,000 Ac Grand Mesa Geographic Area S VOIR SER N RE ERSO AND 1:45,000

L I

Whitewater Basin S

A L

E E K LANDS END

B Dry Mesa A S Quarry I N

Plant associations – major representation • Pinus edulis-Juniperus ostersperma/Poa fendlerianai

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• Quercus gambelii/Symphoricarpos oreophilus • Quercus gambelii/Amelanchier alniforia*

*Currently represented in the Narraguinnep RNA

Summary • The area provides examples of pinyon-juniper plant associations not previously reported on the Grand Mesa national Forest. There are also examples of Douglas fir and narrow leaf cottonwood. • Approximate Acreage: 3560 acres • Average Elevation: 8000’ • Lomatium eastwoodiae, a species on the BLM sensitive plant list is contained within the area. No threatened, endangered or sensitive animal species recorded in this area.

Suitability • Quality – Good representation for a range of foothills and montane ecosystem types, particularly pinyon juniper woodlands, oak shrublands and aspen forests. • Condition – Most of the area is in good ecological condition. There has been no logging and only minimal woodcutting within the area. Two small areas of pinyon-juniper woodlands have been chained. Cliff Lake reservoir represents a significant modification in this part of the area. The reservoir has filled in and is an emergent wetland of low quality. Cheatgrass is common throughout the lower part of the area. • Viability – Long-term ability to support functioning ecosystems are good. The area is completely surrounded by federal lands and is removed from development. • Defensibility – The area is highly defensible. The area occupies the upper part of the watershed and is thus less likely to be affected by water diversions or developments.

Management Implications • The area is currently available for mineral leasing with Controlled Surface Occupancy, No Surface Occupancy and Timing Limitations stipulations. • The Whitewater Cattle and Horse Grazing allotments are within the area and would no longer be available to grazing if the area were established as an RNA. • No suitable timber exists however pinyon-juniper woodcutting has been allowed in the past and would be eliminated if the area became an RNA.

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• A system recreation trail runs through the northern part of the area and receives low to moderate use by hikers. • A motorized trail exists through the southern half of the area and would be an inconsistent use if the area became an RNA.

Windy Point Breaks Located within the Uncompahgre Plateau Geographic Area and within Eco Region 341B, Northern Canyon Lands Section. • Windy Point Breaks potential RNA is located on the west side of the Uncompahgre Plateau, in the Tabeguache Ck watershed. An inventory that covered an area of 3700 acres noted the plant association Populus tremuloides/Carex geyeri, in two plot locations. However, district specialists can neither confirm nor deny the existence of this plant association within the aspen community.

Potential Research Natural Area Windy Point Breaks - 850 Acres

L Uncompahgare Plateau Geographic Area L E B P ESA M E M A LOV C T S E W Windy Point Breaks

BigLegend: Atkinson 9/14/05 Breaks1:27,235 E Windy Point Breaks ID IV Non NF System Lands D Classified Road Motorized Trail Mechanized Trail Non-Motorized/Mechanized Trail PROPOSED MANAGEMENT 1 - Natural Process 2 - Special Management Area 3 - Limited (Custodial) Management 4 4 - Recreation Emphasis 7

5 - Active Resource Management R O 7 - Private Land-Forest Intermix A D 8 - Permanently Altered Lands

Plant associations – major representation • Populus tremuloides/Carex geyeri1

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1 This plant association is located within the North Central Highlands and Rocky Mountain Section (M331H) ecosubregion and may also be represented within the San Juan National Forest within the South Central Highlands ecosubregion – M331G.

Summary • The area is a series of four consecutive side hills that posses a unique aspen community. • Approximate Acreage: 850 acres (all four units collectively) • Average Elevation: 8900 feet • No T & E plant species recorded at time of report (1995). No USDA Forest Service listed Sensitive plant species are expected to occur with the area. • There are no private inholdings • No historic or archaeological sites have been documented

Suitability • Quality – Data indicate quality examples of ecosystems within the Aspen/carex association which are poorly represented in the existing system of RNAs in the Rocky Mtn Region, however, the existence of this plant association in the Windy Point area has been questioned and would require field verification for a suitability determination. • Condition – The Aspen/carex ecosystem is assumed to be located on steep northern facing slopes where no logging, woodcutting or mineral exploration has occurred. Exotic plant species are sparse on these slopes. • Viability – Excellent prospects exist for long-term functioning of this ecosystem. • Defensibility – The area is defensible as it is located on steep side slopes however, the configuration of the area may be considered unconventional since they consist of four separate and disconnected units. The area is remote from urban or developed areas and surrounded by National Forest land. There are no significant urban or industrial areas upwind or upstream.

Management Implications • Currently there are pending leases for oil and gas exploration, existing surface occupancy stipulation is Controlled Surface Use. • The area contains portions of the 47 cattle allotment and is currently being grazed. Incidental use by livestock occurs within the remaining area. • The area receives limited recreation use; there are no system trails or roads.

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