General Management Plan

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Final General Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement Colorado National Monument Mesa County, Colorado February 2005 This Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement describes and analyzes a proposed action and two alternatives for managing and using Colorado National Monument. The purpose of a general management plan (GMP) is to map out a clear vision for the direction of management of Colorado National Monument for the next 15–20 years. The GMP will provide comprehensive and integrated guidance for perpetuating natural systems, preserving cultural resources, providing opportunities for visitor enjoyment and understanding and the organizational mechanism, including partners, to accomplish the plan. The main issues addressed by this plan revolve around the rapid urbanization occurring around the monument, and how to manage the monument in the face of this change. Issues include managing ecosystems and cultural resources, vandalism and resource damages, the future of trails and trailheads, use conflicts on Rim Rock Drive, interagency information, education and outreach, and boundary adjustments. Alternative A: No Action. This alternative would continue existing management practices, resulting in current resource conditions and visitor opportunities and the logical progression of probable trends over time. It is required as a baseline against which the other alternatives can be compared. Without the guidance of a current general management plan, there would not be a clear focus for setting priorities. Management would continue to tend to be reactive to the crises of the moment rather than being proactive toward specific goals. Alternative B (Preferred). The concept of this alternative is to weave Colorado National Monument into the regional ecosystem on the northeastern edge of the Colorado Plateau by pursuing common stewardship goals among government agencies, tribes, educational institutions, and communities. While managed as a unit of the national park system for all Americans, the monument’s importance to and long relationship with the Grand Valley would be recognized as a foundation for our shared future. Emphasis would be placed on providing a spectrum of opportunities for people to connect to the monument’s important resources and values and to form a conservation ethic. To that end, the strategy would be to prepare for expected regional demand to enjoy the monument while protecting resources. By strengthening individual relationships, partnerships can be formed for the future protection of common regional and ecosystem goals in the Grand Valley. Alternative C. The concept of this alternative is for Colorado National Monument to be a benchmark of undisturbed ecosystems on the northeastern edge of the Uncompahgre Plateau. Land managing agencies would form partnerships to provide a full spectrum of resource conditions and visitor opportunities. Within the mosaic of public lands, the monument would be a distinct control plot focused on the preservation of its important resources and values. Colorado National Monument would be an outdoor laboratory for learning and developing a conservation ethic. Emphasis would be placed on its role in the national park system, while recognizing the importance of relationships with the residents of the Grand Valley. This document includes discussion of the potential environmental consequences of each alternative. Notable impacts of alternative A include ongoing adverse impacts to natural and cultural resources from visitor use and regional trends, beneficial impacts to visitors from the

variety of visitor opportunities, adverse impacts to visitor safety and enjoyment from conflicts between users on Rim Rock Drive, adverse impacts to visitor information and education, overall beneficial impacts of the monument on neighboring lands and communities, and adverse impacts to the effectiveness of monument operations and volunteers from lack of planning. Notable impacts of alternative B include ongoing adverse impacts to natural and cultural resources from visitor use and regional trends, which could be increased by trail improvements but would be offset by mitigation, interagency cooperation, and partnerships; the greatest beneficial impacts to visitors from the variety of visitor opportunities, especially hikers and horseback riders; beneficial impacts to visitor safety and enjoyment by reducing conflicts between users on Rim Rock Drive; the most beneficial impacts to nonmotorized users of Rim Rock Drive; beneficial impacts to visitor information and education; overall beneficial impacts of the monument on neighboring lands and communities; and beneficial impacts to the effectiveness of monument operations and volunteers from a clear management plan, expanded partnerships, and greater interagency coordination. Notable impacts of alternative C include ongoing adverse impacts to natural and cultural resources from visitor use and regional trends, which would be offset by mitigation and interagency cooperation; beneficial impacts (greater than alternative A but less than alternative B) to visitors from the variety of visitor opportunities; beneficial impacts to visitor safety and enjoyment by reducing conflicts between users on Rim Rock Drive; the most beneficial impacts to motorized users on Rim Rock Drive; beneficial impacts to visitor information and education; overall beneficial impacts of the monument on neighboring lands and communities; and beneficial impacts to the effectiveness of monument operations and volunteers from a clear plan and greater interagency coordination. Alternative B was chosen as the preferred alternative because its emphasis on partnerships provides the greatest ability to leverage people and funds to protect archeology, historic resources, natural resources, and paleontological resources, while providing opportunities for recreation, enjoyment of Rim Rock Drive, and education and outreach and protecting public and employee safety, improving operational efficiency, and promoting understanding of the mission of the National Park Service. Please address comments to: Bruce Noble, Superintendent, Colorado National Monument, Fruita, Colorado, 81521- 0001. E- mail: [email protected]

United States Department of the Interior National Park Service

SUMMARY

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR A ALTERNATIVES GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ALTERNATIVE A: NO ACTION The purpose of a general management This alternative would continue existing plan (GMP) is to map out a clear vision for management practices, resulting in current the direction of management of Colorado resource conditions and visitor National Monument for the next 15–20 opportunities and the logical progression years. The GMP will provide of probable trends over time. It is required comprehensive and integrated guidance as a baseline against which the other for perpetuating natural systems, alternatives can be compared. Without preserving cultural resources, providing the guidance of a current general opportunities for visitor enjoyment and management plan, there would not be a understanding and the organizational clear focus for setting priorities. mechanism, including partners, to Management would continue to tend to be accomplish the plan. reactive to the crisis of the moment rather than being proactive toward specific goals. MAJOR ISSUES AND Management zones do not apply to the OPPORTUNITIES “no action” alternative. Geologic SUMMARY: RAPID URBANIZATION processes, geologic features, ecological How do we manage the monument in systems, archeological resources, historic the face of change? resources, and the scenery would be managed to be undisturbed, but there are “Island in a sea of change” no cohesive goals or management zones to “Living on the edge” focus monitoring and management. • Managing ecosystems Rim Rock Drive would continue to have • Managing cultural resources multiple demands and continued conflicts • Identify ethnographic resources of use. Visitors would continue to have • Vandalism and resource damage opportunities for driving, bicycling on the • Scenic vistas, air quality, dark night roadway, viewing, hiking, horseback skies, natural soundscapes riding, climbing, picnicking, camping, and • Comprehensive inventory and backcountry camping. The visitor center monitoring exhibits and audiovisual programs would • Appropriate range of visitor be replaced. Personal interpretive opportunities programs and educational outreach would • Trails and trailheads remain very limited. Interagency • Use conflicts on Rim Rock Drive information would continue to be • Potential failure of Rim Rock Drive scattered. • Interagency information • Wilderness Existing facilities, including the visitor • Education and outreach center, campground, picnic areas, trails, • Staff and funding trailheads, entrance stations, and • Boundary adjustments maintenance area would be maintained. • Patrol of east side The monument would continue to use • Ethnographic resources housing at Saddlehorn for required NPS • Cooperative planning and occupants and administrative space, and management housing would be removed from the east

i Summary

entrance. Other than minor survey • Adverse moderate impacts to the corrections, no boundary adjustments effectiveness of monument operations would be sought. Staff would remain at 13 and volunteers over time from the lack to 15 employees, supplemented by of a clear plan and management zones numerous volunteers. to address future changes facing the monument. Important impacts of continuing the existing management of Colorado ALTERNATIVE B (Preferred) National Monument would be: The concept of this alternative is to weave • Adverse minor to major impacts Colorado National Monument into the from continued loss of archeological regional ecosystem on the northeastern artifacts and rock art by theft and edge of the Colorado Plateau by pursuing vandalism. common stewardship goals with • Adverse minor to moderate government agencies, tribes, educational impacts from continued ecosystem institutions, and communities. While decline through habitat loss and managed as a unit of the national park fragmentation in the surrounding system for all Americans, the monument’s region. importance to and long relationship with • Adverse minor to moderate the Grand Valley would be recognized as a impacts to riparian areas, soils and foundation for our shared future. biological soils crusts, paleontological Emphasis would be placed on providing a specimens, and rock faces from hikers, spectrum of opportunities for people to horseback riders, and climbers. connect to the monument’s important • Adverse moderate impacts to resources and values and to form a visitor safety, local traffic safety, and conservation ethic. To that end, the visitor enjoyment from conflicts strategy would be to prepare for expected between users on Rim Rock Drive. regional demand to enjoy the monument • Beneficial moderate to major while protecting resources. By impacts from the variety of visitor strengthening individual relationships, opportunities available for people to partnerships can be formed for the future understand and appreciate the protection of common regional and monument and its resources. ecosystem goals in the Grand Valley. • Adverse minor to moderate impacts from the inability to meet Management zones would be assigned to demand for education and outreach establish specific, agreed upon desired programs, and the lack of consistency conditions and management approaches of interagency information for public for each particular area within the lands. monument. Under this alternative, most • Overall beneficial minor to of the monument would be managed in moderate impacts of monument on primitive and semiprimitive zones. The neighboring lands and communities areas bordering BLM National from providing recreational Conservation Area land would be opportunities, a scenic backdrop, managed holistically through interagency positive wildlife encounters, cooperation. Rim Rock Drive is managed supplement to local law enforcement, as a “variety of use” zone. Establishing improved property values, and a these zones would provide clear goals for positive contribution to the local monitoring and managing geologic economy. processes, geologic features, ecological ii Summary systems, archeological resources, historic improved and expanded. A new trailhead resources, and the scenery. would be established at the east entrance, and the NPS would work with BLM and As a key platform for understanding and others to develop additional trailheads appreciating the monument, Rim Rock outside the monument near the west Drive would be enjoyed through a wide entrance, upper Old Gordon’s Trail, and variety of visitor opportunities, both South Broadway access. motorized and nonmotorized. Visitors would continue to have opportunities for The monument would continue to use driving, bicycling on the roadway, viewing, housing at Saddlehorn for required NPS hiking, horseback riding, climbing, occupants and administrative space, and picnicking, camping, and backcountry housing would be removed from the east camping. In addition, there would be a entrance. Surplus housing would be zone adjacent to BLM land where dogs available to interagency programs and would be permitted on leash. The visitor volunteer activities. In addition to minor center exhibits and audiovisual programs survey corrections, three minor boundary would be replaced and kept up to date. adjustments would be sought to acquire Programs for personal interpretive BLM and Mesa County lands to improve services and education and outreach trailheads and to include NPS parcels would be greatly expanded. An existing inadvertently excluded from the structure would be adapted into an boundary. Staff would increase to a range education center. The NPS would work of 19 to 23 positions, including an with other agencies and organizations to interagency volunteer coordinator to develop consistent public lands leverage numerous volunteers. information and a centralized interagency Important impacts of implementing information center. alternative B at Colorado National The Saddlehorn campground would be Monument would be: improved to accommodate some • Adverse minor to major impacts recreational vehicles and more groups, from continued loss of archeological while maintaining its rustic character. The artifacts and rock art by theft and Saddlehorn picnic area would be vandalism, could be increased by redesigned to improve visitor enjoyment additional trails and routes. Impacts (shade, groups, etc.) and protect resources would be mitigated by focused such as soils. Devils Kitchen picnic area inventory, site protection techniques, would be maintained to protect historic monitoring, and education. character. The entrance stations would be • Adverse minor to moderate improved with consolidated signs, safety impacts from continued ecosystem information, vehicle turnaround space, decline through habitat loss and and water for cyclists. fragmentation in the surrounding In this alterative, certain undeveloped trail region. Impacts would be less pervasive routes would be improved to designated because of emphasis on partnerships trails identified for hikers and horses. This and cooperative management would create better loops, provide throughout the region. connections to regional trails, and offer • Adverse minor to moderate more visitor opportunities. There would impacts to riparian areas, soils and be more connections to adjacent BLM biological soils crusts, paleontological trails. Trailheads at lower Monument specimens, and rock faces from hikers, Canyon and lower Liberty Cap would be horseback riders, and climbers.

iii Summary

Impacts could be increased by ALTERNATIVE C additional trails and routes, but would The concept of this alternative is for be mitigated by focused inventory, Colorado National Monument to be a comprehensive trail planning, site benchmark of undisturbed ecosystems on protection techniques, monitoring, the northeastern edge of the enforcement, and education. Uncompahgre Plateau. Land managing • Beneficial moderate impacts to agencies would form partnerships to visitor safety, local traffic safety, and provide a full spectrum of resource visitor enjoyment from program of conditions and visitor opportunities. education and safety messages to Within the mosaic of public lands, the reduce conflicts between users on Rim monument would be a distinct control Rock Drive. plot focused on the preservation of its • Beneficial moderate to major important resources and values. Colorado impacts from the variety of visitor National Monument would be an outdoor opportunities available for people to laboratory for learning and developing a understand and appreciate the conservation ethic. Emphasis would be monument and its resources. Benefits placed on its role in the national park to visitors would be expanded in this system, while recognizing the importance alternative by improved and additional of relationships with the residents of the trails and trailheads, networking with Grand Valley. regional trails, improved entrances, improved camping and picnicking, and Management zones would be assigned to a variety of nonmotorized activities establish specific, agreed upon desired offered on Rim Rock Drive. conditions and management approaches • Beneficial minor to moderate for each particular area within the impacts from an expanded program of monument. Under this alternative, most education and outreach program, of the monument would be managed in developing an education center, and primitive and semiprimitive zones. There from seeking a consolidated are more areas designated as primitive in interagency visitor center to provide this alternative. Rim Rock Drive is consistent interagency information for managed as a “driving for pleasure” zone. public lands. Establishing these zones would provide • Overall beneficial minor to clear goals for monitoring and managing moderate impacts of monument on geologic processes, geologic features, neighboring lands and communities ecological systems, archeological from providing recreational resources, historic resources, and the opportunities, a scenic backdrop, scenery. positive wildlife encounters, As one of the great scenic roadways in the supplement to local law enforcement, nation and a unique driving opportunity in improved property values, and a the region, access for automobiles on Rim positive contribution to the local Rock Drive would be emphasized. economy. Visitors would continue to have • Beneficial moderate to major opportunities for driving, bicycling on the impacts to monument operations from roadway, viewing, hiking, horseback a clear plan and management zones, riding, climbing, picnicking, camping, and expanded partnerships, greater backcountry camping. With more of the interagency coordination, and monument managed in the primitive zone, strengthened volunteer coordination. this alternative offers the greatest opportunities for solitude. The visitor iv Summary center exhibits and audiovisual programs vandalism. Impacts would be mitigated would be replaced and kept up to date. by focused inventory, site protection Programs for personal interpretive techniques, monitoring, and education. services and education and outreach • Adverse minor to moderate would be greatly expanded. The NPS impacts from continued ecosystem would work with other agencies and decline through habitat loss and organizations to develop consistent public fragmentation in the surrounding lands information and a network to region. Impacts would be less pervasive coordinate existing information centers. because of emphasis on interagency cooperative management throughout The Saddlehorn campground would be the region. improved to accommodate more groups • Adverse minor to moderate while maintaining its rustic character. The impacts to riparian areas, soils and Saddlehorn picnic area would be biological soils crusts, paleontological redesigned to improve visitor enjoyment specimens, and rock faces from hikers, (shade, groups, etc.) and protect resources horseback riders, and climbers. such as soils. Devils Kitchen picnic area Impacts would be mitigated by focused would be maintained to protect historic inventory, site protection techniques, character. The entrance stations would be monitoring, and education. improved with consolidated signs, safety • Beneficial moderate impacts to information, vehicle turnaround space, visitor safety, local traffic safety, and and water for cyclists. visitor enjoyment from program of In this alterative, existing designated trails education and safety messages as well would be maintained. Access from South as potential restrictions to bicycles on Broadway would be minimized and the eastern segment to reduce conflicts discouraged to protect resources. between users on Rim Rock Drive. Trailheads at lower Monument Canyon • Beneficial moderate to major and lower Liberty Cap would be improved impacts from the variety of visitor and expanded. opportunities available for people to The monument would continue to use understand and appreciate the housing at Saddlehorn for required NPS monument and its resources. Benefits occupants and administrative space, and to visitors would be increased by housing would be removed from the east improved trailheads and entrance entrance. Surplus housing would be stations, improved camping and available for visiting scientists. In addition picnicking, and minimizing delays to to minor survey corrections, three minor motorists on Rim Rock Drive. boundary adjustments would be sought to • Beneficial minor to moderate acquire BLM and Mesa County lands to impacts from an expanded program of improve trailheads and to include NPS education and outreach, and from parcels inadvertently excluded from the seeking to establish a network of boundary. Staff would increase to a range existing information centers to of 19 to 20 positions. consolidate interagency information for public lands. Important impacts of implementing • Overall beneficial minor to alternative C at Colorado National moderate impacts of monument on Monument would be: neighboring lands and communities • Adverse minor to major impacts from providing recreational from continued loss of archeological opportunities, a scenic backdrop, artifacts and rock art by theft and positive wildlife encounters,

v Summary

supplement to local law enforcement, THE NEXT STEPS improved property values, and a positive contribution to the local This final GMP/EIS includes substantive economy. comments on the draft document and NPS • Beneficial moderate to major responses to those comments. After a 30- impacts to monument operations from day period, a record of decision approving a clear plan and management zones, a final plan will be signed by the NPS greater interagency coordination, and regional director. With the signing of the effective volunteer coordination. record of decision, the plan can then be implemented, depending on funding and staffing (a record of decision does not guarantee funds and staff for implementing the approved plan).

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ...... i

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR A GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 1 OVERVIEW OF THE MONUMENT, REGION, AND ITS PEOPLE...... 4 COLORADO PLATEAU...... 4 PEOPLE OF THE REGION...... 5 EXTENDED STEWARDSHIP ...... 6 WHAT’S IN A NAME?...... 9 FOUNDATION ...... 10 SIGNIFICANCE ...... 10 GOALS (DESIRED CONDITIONS)...... 11 PRIMARY INTERPRETIVE THEMES ...... 12 FUNDAMENTAL RESOURCES AND VALUES ...... 13 SPECIAL MANDATES, AGREEMENTS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONSTRAINTS ...... 14 MAJOR ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES ...... 15 SUMMARY: RAPID URBANIZATION...... 15 DISCUSSION ...... 15 ANALYSIS OF FUNDAMENTAL RESOURCES AND VALUES ...... 17 SIGNIFICANT RESOURCE AREAS...... 17 Black Ridge ...... 18 Mesa Tops...... 19 Canyons and Walls...... 20 Below the Bench ...... 21 Rim Rock Drive ...... 22 Developed Areas ...... 23

CHAPTER 2: THE PLAN

OVERALL DESIRED CONDITIONS (GOALS) ALL ALTERNATIVES ...... 29 GEOLOGIC PROCESSES ...... 29 GEOLOGIC FEATURES...... 30 ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS...... 30 HISTORY AND PREHISTORY ...... 33 RIM ROCK DRIVE ...... 34 SCENERY ...... 34 VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONNECTING TO RESOURCES ...... 35 ALTERNATIVES...... 37 ALTERNATIVE A: NO ACTION...... 37 MANAGEMENT ZONES (AS THEY APPLY TO ALTERNATIVES B AND C)...... 39 ALTERNATIVE B...... 48 ALTERNATIVE C ...... 55 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND DISMISSED...... 65 MITIGATING MEASURES...... 66

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IMPLEMENTATION ...... 71 CARRYING CAPACITY ...... 71 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT...... 73 FUNDING...... 73 COORDINATION WITH BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT...... 74 OTHER PARTNERSHIPS AND COORDINATION ...... 74 IMPLEMENTATION AND STRATEGIC PLANNING ...... 74

CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

IMPACT TOPICS ...... 77 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT...... 78 ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 78 HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (Structures and Cultural Landscapes)...... 79 NATURAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES ...... 80 SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS...... 95 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND PALEONTOLOGY ...... 96 NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE...... 99 VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY ...... 100 VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES (to connect with resources, including wilderness values)...... 102 MONUMENT NEIGHBORS (including local management plans and other land managing agencies) ...... 105 SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS ...... 107 MONUMENT OPERATIONS...... 108 IMPACT TOPICS CONSIDERED BUT NOT ANALYZED IN DETAIL...... 110 ETHNOGRAPHIC RESOURCES AND SACRED SITES...... 110 AMERICAN INDIAN TRUST RESOURCES...... 111 MUSEUM COLLECTIONS ...... 111 WATER RESOURCES (wetlands, floodplains, hydrology, water quality, and water rights)...... 112 AIR QUALITY ...... 113 NIGHT SKY VALUES / LIGHTSCAPES ...... 114 WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS...... 114 PRIME AND/OR UNIQUE FARMLAND...... 114 ENERGY AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION...... 114 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE...... 114

CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

INTRODUCTION ...... 119 METHODS FOR ANALYZING IMPACTS ...... 119 GENERAL ANALYSIS ...... 119 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ...... 120 IMPAIRMENT OF NATIONAL PARK RESOURCES ...... 120 ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 121 HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ...... 122 NATURAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES ...... 123 SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS...... 124 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND PALEONTOLOGY ...... 125 NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE...... 125 VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY ...... 126 viii

VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES ...... 126 MONUMENT NEIGHBORS ...... 126 SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS...... 127 MONUMENT OPERATIONS ...... 127 IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE A ...... 129 ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES...... 129 HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ...... 130 NATURAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES...... 131 SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS...... 133 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND PALEONTOLOGY ...... 134 NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE ...... 134 VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY ...... 135 VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES ...... 136 MONUMENT NEIGHBORS ...... 137 SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS...... 138 MONUMENT OPERATIONS ...... 138 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS ...... 139 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES...... 139 RELATIONSHIP OF SHORT- TERM USES AND LONG- TERM PRODUCTIVITY...... 139 IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE B (PREFERRED)...... 140 ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES...... 140 HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ...... 141 NATURAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES...... 142 SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS...... 146 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND PALEONTOLOGY ...... 147 NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE ...... 147 VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY ...... 148 VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES ...... 149 MONUMENT NEIGHBORS ...... 151 SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS...... 152 MONUMENT OPERATIONS ...... 153 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS ...... 153 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES...... 153 RELATIONSHIP OF SHORT- TERM USES AND LONG- TERM PRODUCTIVITY...... 154 IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE C ...... 155 ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES...... 155 HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ...... 156 NATURAL SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES...... 157 SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS...... 159 GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND PALEONTOLOGY ...... 160 NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE ...... 161 VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY ...... 162 VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES ...... 162 MONUMENT NEIGHBORS ...... 164 SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS...... 165 MONUMENT OPERATIONS ...... 166 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS ...... 166 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES...... 167 RELATIONSHIP OF SHORT- TERM USES AND LONG- TERM PRODUCTIVITY...... 167

CHAPTER 5: PLAN DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING PROCESS ...... 177 OVERALL PLANNING PROCESS...... 177 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION...... 178 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT...... 178 AGENCY CONSULTATION...... 179 TRIBAL CONSULTATION...... 179 LIST OF AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTED OR WHO RECEIVED A COPY OF THE DRAFT PLAN ...... 181 SELECTION OF PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ...... 182 WRITTEN COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT GMP/EIS ...... 186 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 202 LIST OF PREPARERS...... 208

APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A: LEGISLATION ...... 213 APPENDIX B: LAWS AND POLICIES GUIDING MANAGEMENT OF COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT...... 223 APPENDIX C: BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS...... 227 APPENDIX D: CULTURAL RESOURCES—LIST OF CLASSIFIED STRUCTURES...... 232 APPENDIX E: CONSULTATION LETTERS...... 243 APPENDIX F: COORDINATION OF BLM AND NPS ...... 267 APPENDIX G: RECOMMENDED WILDERNESS AT COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT...... 277 LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT...... 283 INDEX ...... 285

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Significant Resource Areas...... 18 Table 2: Summary of Management Zones ...... 47 Table 3: Summary of Alternatives ...... 59 Table 4: Impact Topics...... 77 Table 5: Archeological Site Types, Colorado National Monument...... 78 Table 6: National Register Properties at Colorado National Monument...... 79 Table 7: Potential Cultural Landscapes at Colorado National Monument ...... 80 Table 8A: Federally Listed Threatened And Endangered Species Potentially Found In Colorado National Monument And Vicinity ...... 85 Table 8B: Species Of Special Concern, Listed Rare Species, Listed Natural Communities and Colorado Natural Heritage Program (Cnhp) S1, S2 & S3 Plant Species Potentially Found in Colorado National Monument and Vicinity...... 89 Table 9: Erodibility of Formations at Colorado National Monument ...... 98 Table 10: 1998–2002 Five-Year Incident Totals ...... 100 Table 11: Museum Collections at Colorado National Monument ...... 112 Table 12: Summary of Impacts ...... 168 Table 13: Overall Planning Process ...... 177 Table 14: Environmentally Preferred Alternative...... 185 Table 15: Proposed Boundary Adjustments...... 228 Table 16: List of Classified Structures at Colorado National Monument...... 232 Table 17: BLM—NPS Differences and Commonalities (2003)...... 267

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Colorado Plateau ...... 4 Figure 2: Criterea for Commercial Services ...... 36 Figure 3: Columnar Section of Formations at Colorado National Monument ...... 97 Figure 4: Colorado National Monument 2002 Monthly Visitation...... 102 Figure 5: Results of Choosing by Advantages...... 183 Figure 6: Advantages and Costs...... 184

LIST OF MAPS Colorado National Monument ...... 3 Colorado National Monument and Vicinity ...... 7 Significant Resource Areas ...... 25 Alternatives (Management Zones) ...... 53 Proposed Boundary Adjustments...... 229 Official Recommended Wilderness - Colorado National Monument………………………………..282

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR A geological processes on the edge of the GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Colorado Plateau. Dense residential development on private land bordering The purpose of a general management the monument has sharpened the edge of plan (GMP) is to map out a clear vision for the monument, cutting across the grain of the direction of management of Colorado natural processes such as flash floods and National Monument for the next 15–20 wildlife movements. Bicycles, touring years. The GMP will provide automobiles, and commuters struggle to comprehensive and integrated guidance share a winding, historic road. Vandalism for perpetuating natural systems, has already destroyed irreplaceable rock preserving cultural resources, providing art; remaining archeology is susceptible to opportunities for visitor enjoyment and damage or loss. The monument is also understanding and the organizational next to the newly established Colorado mechanism, including partners, to Canyons National Conservation Area, accomplish the plan. The GMP will not administered by the Bureau of Land provide specific and detailed answers to Management (renamed McInnis Canyons every issue known to be facing the National Conservation Area in 2005). monument, but will rather provide a vision There are remarkable opportunities to and framework to assist NPS managers in work cooperatively with the BLM, other making decisions in the face of issues agencies, local governments, unfolding today and in the future. General nongovernmental organizations, and management plans are required for every individuals to achieve a sustainable unit of the national park system and must stewardship of the Grand Valley. A new address resource protection measures, general management plan is needed to general development locations, timing, provide a vision for managing this island in costs, carrying capacity analysis, and a sea of change. boundary modifications. The final general management plan will: One of the most important aspects of • Confirm the foundation of the planning is public involvement. monument: purpose, significance, Creation of the GMP is a process mission, mission goals, and primary that involves interaction with other interpretive themes. government agencies, American • Provide overall desired conditions Indian tribes, neighbors, visitors, (goals) for the entire park, as well as and the general public. desired conditions for specific management zones within the Colorado National Monument has no monument. current, comprehensive plan to guide it • Address resource protection methods into the future. The Master Plan of 1976 within overall goals and management lacks vision and relevance to address the zones. rapid urbanization and related pressures • Provide general direction for surrounding the monument today. development issues, such as the Population in the Grand Valley has campground, picnic areas, trails, and doubled since 1970, and regional demands trailheads. for recreation have exploded. Colorado • Analyze and address carrying capacity. National Monument represents significant • Identify boundary modifications.

1 Chapter 1: Introduction

• Identify future staff, partnerships, An environmental impact statement funding, and mechanisms needed to (EIS) has been prepared as part of the achieve the vision of the plan. planning process and is integrated into • Serve as a basis for more detailed this document, specifically in Chapter management documents, such as 3: “Affected Environment,” Chapter 4: resource management plans, 5- year “Environmental Consequences,” and strategic plans, and so on. Chapter 5: “Plan Development.”

The National Park Service The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

2 Chapter 1: Introduction

3 Chapter 1: Introduction – Overview of the Monument, Region, and Its People

OVERVIEW OF THE MONUMENT, has been completed (See Appendix G: REGION, AND ITS PEOPLE “Recommended Wilderness at Colorado National Monument”). Colorado National Monument was established in 1911 by President William COLORADO PLATEAU Taft, under authority of the Antiquities Colorado National Monument is part of Act, and the boundary was further the Colorado Plateau—a physiographic modified by presidential proclamations in province spanning parts of Arizona, 1933 and 1959 and congressional legislation Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah (see in 1976. The intent of these proclamations Figure 1). It is a distinct mass of and legislation is to protect extraordinary continental crust that exposes about 2 examples of natural erosion of great billion years of earth history. The entire scientific interest, to protect historic region is uplifted more than a mile, and is features and Rim Rock Drive, and to perpetually carved by erosion. The manage the area to conserve the natural intricate canyon system contains two of and cultural features within the monument the larger rivers in the Western United for the appropriate use and enjoyment of States (the Colorado River and the Green present and future generations. River) and is a museum of earth history As a part of the national park system, that illustrates geologic time in reverse on Colorado National Monument preserves the exposed layers of canyon walls. More one of the grand landscapes of the than 110 sites displaying geologic American West. Sheer- walled canyons, phenomena have been identified as towering monoliths, colorful formations, dinosaur fossils, remains of prehistoric Indian cultures, desert bighorn sheep, and soaring golden eagles reflect the environment and history of this plateau- and- canyon country. Historic Rim Rock Drive offers 23 miles of breathtaking panoramic views and numerous overlooks. Trails lead across mesa tops and to spectacular overlooks or into backcountry canyons. Picnicking and camping are available. At an average elevation of 6,000 feet at the rim, the climate is relatively mild but can change rapidly to snow or summer storms. Around 300,000 people per year visit Colorado National Monument to enjoy these and other opportunities. Figure 1: Colorado Plateau About the same number travel through the monument on their way to other places. potential “Natural Landmarks.” This vast system of elevational changes, climates, The monument encompasses some 20,500 and micoclimates hosts a spectacularly acres. In 1978, about 14,000 acres within diverse ecosystem. Numerous units of the the monument were recommended to national park system illustrate various Congress for designation as wilderness. In aspects of the plateau, including Arches accordance with NPS policy, those lands National Park, Canyonlands National are managed to protect wilderness Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capital characteristics until the legislative process Reef National Park, Cedar Breaks

4 Chapter 1: Introduction – Overview of the Monument, Region, and Its People

National Park, Glen Canyon National into a loose confederation of seven bands. Recreation Area, and Grand Canyon These bands would break into smaller National Park. family units for much of the year to hunt for elk, deer, antelope, and other animals The magnificent scenery, the character, and to gather seeds of grasses, pinyon nuts, and the beauty of Colorado National wild berries, and fruits. Occasionally they Monument are the result of geologic would plant corn. Contact and trade with processes in its many forms, including the Spaniards in the 1600s brought them erosion, landslides, rockfall, and flash horses, and shortly thereafter buffalo floods. Geologic processes dominate all became one of their main resources. other natural processes acting on the Horses also enabled raising cattle and monument landscape. The geologic sheep, trading, and raiding. Western features illustrate the dynamics of earth Europeans began to settle in the Grand processes and the geologic history of the Valley in the mid- 1800s. Conflicting earth at this particular place and time. The cultural values led to the eventual monument also provides an introduction dispossession of Indian lands. to many of the physical and biological features of the Colorado Plateau. The area of the monument is within the Particularly important components of its lands originally included as part of the 1868 ecological systems include endemic plants, Colorado Ute Reservation Treaty, which hanging gardens, biological soil crusts, relocated bands using the region around riparian and wetland ecosystems, native the confluence of the Gunnison and the grasslands, and sagebrush shrublands. Grand (Colorado) Rivers and the Uncompahgre Plateau. It was PEOPLE OF THE REGION subsequently ceded in 1880, and the Utes Human use and travel on the Colorado were forcibly moved to Utah. Today this Plateau are shaped by the landscape, and group lives on the Uintah- Ouray archeological sites indicate a continuum of reservation (Ft. Duchesne, Utah), where it some 10,000 years of habitation. is combined with a number of Ute bands Prehistoric people of the Grand Valley originally from northern and central Utah occupied an extensive area, moving and northern Colorado. They are all seasonally and migrating throughout the generally referred to as the Northern Ute, region. Rock art and temporary shelters and they operate under one tribal suggest routes of travel through the government. Other bands were relocated canyons, stone chips are evidence that to the Southern Ute reservation (Ignacio, people used local materials for tools, and Colorado) and the Ute Mountain Ute temporary camps at the mouths of reservation (Towaoc, Colorado), each canyons and the upper plateau (now Glade having its own tribal government. In spite Park) indicate horticultural use. of this forced removal from their traditional homelands onto reservations, Although it is not known exactly when tribal peoples still look upon lands that they came, the Ute Indians are known to they no longer control or inhabit as their be longtime residents of the region and original home. Values of tribal association have historical and cultural ties to the area with traditional lands remain intact. of the monument. The Utes primarily inhabited the mountainous areas of Colorado National Monument is located present- day Colorado and moved into adjacent to the Grand Valley of western other areas for food, encountering (often Colorado. Named for the Grand River with conflict) a number of other tribes. (now known as the Colorado River), the Eventually, the Utes became concentrated valley was traversed by Spanish explorers

5 Chapter 1: Introduction – Overview of the Monument, Region, and Its People

beginning in 1765, among the most famous the funding came from emergency work of whom were Fathers Dominguez and programs (such as the Civilian Escalante. They were followed later by Conservation Corps [CCC], Works explorers like John Wesley Powell, Progress Administration, and Public members of the Hayden Survey, and Works Administration), and some local photographer William Henry Jackson. funding was also contributed. After removal of the Utes in 1880, settlers Superintendents often employed locally rushed in to claim choice farm and ranch experienced men, who trained the CCC land and built irrigation systems, railroads, workers in specialized skills and businesses, and schools. Population has constructed various features. In 1933, nine doubled from the 1970s to more than local men were killed in a blasting 100,000 today, bringing urban population accident. Understandably, local people’s pressures to the monument. Following significant contribution to establishment national trends, the valley is shifting from and development of the monument led to an agricultural to a service economy and proprietary feelings about the monument, has an increasing amount of money being sometimes in conflict with National Park brought from outside sources into the Service management. Overall, this long economy by retired people. and deep relationship between the National Park Service and the residents of The canyons and monuments now the Grand Valley has been positive and composing Colorado National Monument mutually valuable, and it continues today. have long been valued by residents of the Grand Valley for their scenic beauty and EXTENDED STEWARDSHIP recreational and tourism opportunities. Efforts to establish “Monument National Additional lands immediately west of Park” in 1906 grew from a desire to attract Colorado National Monument are new settlers and tourists. Through tireless managed by the Bureau of Land campaigning by John Otto, citizens of Management (BLM). McInnis Canyons Grand Junction vigorously petitioned National Conservation Area (NCA) officials in Washington, D.C., to set the protects 123,300 acres of rugged sandstone area aside as a national park. Colorado canyons, natural arches, spires, and National Monument was established by alcoves carved into the Colorado Plateau presidential proclamation in 1911. John along a 24- mile stretch of the Colorado Otto began building trails and roads in the River as well as important paleontological monument prior to its establishment and and archeological resources. Some 75,500 continued to do so as the monument’s acres of the National Conservation Area caretaker. The communities of Fruita, are designated as the Black Ridge Canyons Glade Park, and Grand Junction raised Wilderness. The National Conservation money and provided labor to construct Area and Colorado National Monument the first roads through the monument for share the same region of the Colorado local access as well as scenic enjoyment Plateau. They contain shared resources and tourism, resulting in the Serpents and face mutual issues that cross Trail. administrative boundaries. While the BLM and NPS have differing missions, The Grand Junction Chamber of they have and will continue to work Commerce subsidized early together to coordinate these long- range administration of the monument. planning efforts. Eventually, federal appropriations began, and Rim Rock Drive construction occurred between 1931 and 1950. Much of

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Chapter 1: Introduction – What’s in a Name?

WHAT’S IN A prompted the Colorado delegation to NAME? introduce legislation in Congress to create a national park. The term People are often “monument” here presumably refers to confused about the the colorful sandstone formations. name Colorado Instead of calling for an act of Congress, National Monument. the local congressman persuaded Is there a President Taft to declare the area a commemorative national monument in 1911. monument? Is it Controversy over the name ensued—the about the state of Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce Colorado? Why isn’t lobbied for “Hooper National it a national park? Monument” to honor a local promoter, Colorado National Monument is a part the City of Fruita wanted the name of the national park system of more “National Monument Park,” and in than 380 areas that are of great natural, frustration, local champion John Otto scientific, historical, scenic, or suggested “Smith National Monument recreational significance to the Park,” because of all the Smiths living in American people and have been set the Grand Valley. The name “Colorado aside for their protection and National Monument” was eventually enjoyment by present and future approved. In this case, “monument” generations. This diverse system of park refers to its designation under the areas are referred to by a variety of Antiquities Act. names, such as national park, national Some local citizens still want the area to monument, national historic site, be declared a national park. In 1989, national memorial, national lakeshore, Congress directed the NPS to conduct a and national seashore. Generally, a study of public lands adjacent to national park contains a variety of Colorado National Monument that resources and encompasses large land or various interests had long proposed be water areas to help provide adequate included in an expanded national protection of the resources. A national monument or park. The study, monument is intended to preserve at “Resource/Boundary Evaluation for least one nationally significant resource. Lands Adjacent to Colorado National It is usually smaller than a national park Monument,” found that the additional and lacks a national park’s diversity of area possessed resource values of the big attractions. The name monument in highest significance and suggested that no way diminishes an area’s national adding the lands to the monument significance or management in the would justify changing the status from national park system. monument to national park. Legislation The Antiquities Act of 1906 enabled the to do so never followed. Instead, president of the United States to create Congress designated these adjacent national monuments to protect unique lands as Colorado Canyons National areas by proclamation. Various names— Conservation Area in 2000, continuing “Monument National Park,” under the administration of the Bureau “Monument Canyon,” and “National of Land Management. The area was Monument Park”—were used from 1906 renamed McInnis Canyons National to 1910 when local enthusiasm Conservation Area in 2005.

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FOUNDATION proclamations that created and modified the monument and on the National Park The plan is built upon a foundation of Service Organic Act. Significance mission, purpose, significance, mission statements describe why, within a national, goals, primary interpretive themes, regional, and system- wide context, the important resources and values, and monument’s resources and values are special laws and mandates that are specific important enough to warrant inclusion in to Colorado National Monument. the national park system. The mission Purpose tells why the monument was set statement synthesizes the purpose and aside as a unit of the national park system. significance into a concise vision of the It is based on the presidential future.

OUR MISSION

Bold, big, and brilliantly colored, the steep- walled canyons and towering masses of naturally sculpted rock provide an introduction to the red rock country of the Colorado Plateau. Easily accessible, Colorado National Monument provides awe- inspiring vistas and opportunities for solitude and personal connection to the cultural and natural heritage of the Grand Valley of western Colorado. The National Park Service will work in a spirit of partnership and collaboration to promote the understanding, appreciation, and protection of this national treasure.

PURPOSE

The purpose of Colorado National Monument is to provide for the understanding, preservation, and enjoyment of the extraordinary erosional, geological, and historical landscapes of great scientific interest, the Rim Road, and all other natural and cultural resources for present and future generations.

SIGNIFICANCE Erosion in the monument has exposed a much of the Colorado Plateau, creating billion and a half years of Earth history. the spectacular landforms seen in other Here, a dramatic sequence of folded parks (Arches, Canyon de Chelly, and fractured rock formations has been Canyonlands, Grand Canyon, etc.). sculpted to form a spectacular array of Colorado National Monument is a canyons, plateaus, and towering spires. powerful example of ongoing dynamic The monument’s 1.7 billion-year-old geologic cycles, such as uplift, erosion, Precambrian basement rock and the 1.5 and deposition, that serves as and billion-year Precambrian-to-Triassic gap provides a “living laboratory” for in the geologic record at Colorado scientific study, education, and National Monument illustrate important interpretation. episodes in the continuing cycle of Colorado National Monument provides dynamic Earth processes with continent- an introduction to many of the physical wide ramifications. and biological features of the Colorado Once a range of the Ancestral Rockies, Plateau. the ancient highlands that existed here Spectacular landforms and the interplay as a result of several uplifts were the of light, shadow, and color create source of sediments deposited over

10 Chapter 1: Introduction – Foundation glorious vistas from the vantage points Visionary, trail builder, champion of the of the Grand Valley and the national idea that these red rock canyons should monument. be a national park, the life of the In proximity to the urban and rural monument’s first custodian, John Otto, settings of the Grand Valley, Colorado showed how one person can make National Monument provides an significant contributions to society. opportunity for quiet solitude, Colorado National Monument is a recreation, and enjoyment than can critical component in sustaining the evoke strong emotional responses. array of public lands that offer The monument’s landforms acted as a opportunities for recreation, education, significant barrier to human use and and enjoyment in the Grand Valley of travel between Glade Park and the western Colorado. Grand Valley; the cultural resources of the monument document how people overcame these barriers.

GOALS (DESIRED CONDITIONS) Definition of Goals (Desired Conditions) Goals express desired conditions for Colorado National Monument. The terms “goals” and “desired conditions” are used interchangeably throughout this plan. They express the ideals NPS managers are trying to attain. The focus is on results to be achieved, not specific actions. In this plan, goals are tiered in three levels, which increase in specificity: • Mission goals articulate the ideals the National Park Service is striving to attain in very broad terms. They translate the overall NPS servicewide mission goals contained in the National Park Service Strategic Plan into mission goals for Colorado National Monument, creating a strong link between the management of the national park system as a whole to the individual park unit. Mission goals can be found in the next section. • Overall desired conditions collectively provide a comprehensive portrait of the monument’s future. They are more specific than the mission goals and are focused on what is most important about Colorado National Monument (purpose, significance, and important resources and values). They reflect the regional context, trends and influences, stakeholder interests, and legal and policy requirements. They are common to all alternatives and are found at the beginning of Chapter 2 of this plan. • Area- specific desired conditions are found in the management zones. These express detailed desired conditions (or goals) for specific areas of the monument, as mapped in zones. They may be applied differently in various alternatives, resulting in different future scenarios for Colorado National Monument, which still achieve overall desired conditions and mission goals. They are found in the management zones section in Chapter 2 of this plan.

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Mission Goals for Colorado National interpretation is the structure used to Monument organize ideas and information about the • Natural and cultural resources and significant aspects of monument associated values at Colorado National resources. Monument are protected, restored, and maintained in good condition and A. Colorado National Monument’s managed within their broader dramatic landforms and spectacular ecosystem and cultural context. vistas are but the latest manifestation of our earth’s • The National Park Service at Colorado continuous recycling process of National Monument contributes to mountain building, erosion, and knowledge about natural and cultural deposition within a greater geologic resources and associated values: story of continent building and the management decisions about resources evolution of unique and regional are based on adequate scholarly and landforms. scientific information. B. The evidence of human use within • Visitors to Colorado National Monument the imposing and dramatic safely enjoy and are satisfied with the landscapes of Colorado National availability, accessibility, diversity, and Monument is a powerful reminder quality of the monument’s facilities, of how geologic features and forces services, and appropriate recreational have challenged, and continue to activities. challenge, the human drive to • Colorado National Monument visitors occupy, survive, and thrive in and the general public understand and seemingly inhospitable landscapes. appreciate the preservation of Colorado C. The spectacular landforms and National Monument and its resources sublime natural beauty of Colorado for this and future generations. National Monument provide • The National Park Service at Colorado opportunities for solitude, National Monument uses current exploration, inspiration, and management practices, systems, and renewal that can fulfill the human technologies to accomplish its mission. need for self-discovery through • The National Park Service at Colorado connection to the land. National Monument increases its D. Established during the Progressive managerial capabilities through Era in American history, Colorado initiatives and support from other National Monument is emblematic agencies, organizations, and individuals. of our nation’s first conservation movement, during which concerned PRIMARY INTERPRETIVE THEMES citizens like John Otto worked with vision and perseverance to have Primary interpretive themes are the recognized and preserved for future primary stories that communicate the generations those special lands and most important significances of the values that make up our American monument’s resources to the public. They heritage. are translations of factual significance E. The protected lands of Colorado statements into overarching messages. National Monument, adjacent to a Thematic interpretation is used in the large and growing urban National Park Service as a way of population, preserve habitat for organizing ideas and information so that biotic communities of the Colorado Plateau—and serve as an outdoor they are communicated to the public as laboratory for scientific research and effectively as possible. Thematic environmental education.

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FUNDAMENTAL RESOURCES AND including erosion, landslides, rockfalls, VALUES and flash floods. Geologic processes Fundamental resources and values are the dominate all other natural processes acting resources and values that are essential to on the monument landscape. achieving the monument’s purpose. As Geologic Features defined in the 2001 NPS Management Geologic features illustrate the dynamics Policies, they may include “the park’s of earth processes, act as a living scenery, natural and historic objects, and laboratory of the geologic history of the wildlife, and the processes and conditions earth at this particular place, and illustrate that sustain them,” and also the its effect on the geology of the Colorado “opportunities to experience enjoyment of Plateau. Particularly notable are the visible the above resources, to the extent that can layers of geologic history and the be done without impairing any of them” distinctive monoliths and canyon walls (NPS Management Policies 1.4.5 and 1.4.6). that inspired the establishment of the The primary purpose of singling out monument. fundamental resources and values is to Ecological Systems ensure that planning and decision making The species, landscapes, and related focus on a manageable number of things— attributes so highly valued by monument fundamental systems, processes, features, visitors and society at large cannot be and/or opportunities for their preserved without also conserving the enjoyment—that are truly most important ecological systems of which they are a part. to fulfilling the monument’s purpose. This Some of the key components of the system does not diminish the NPS’s responsibility are eco- regional distinctiveness (endemic to manage all resources and visitor plants, hanging gardens), ecological opportunities in accordance with laws and functionality (air, water, and hydrological policies (see Appendix B: “Laws and processes; soils; biological soil crusts; Policies Guiding Management of riparian and wetland ecosystems); and Colorado National Monument”). imperiled ecosystems (native grasslands, Fundamental resources and values are an sagebrush shrublands). elaboration on the monument’s purpose History and Prehistory and significance statements. By identifying Human use and travel on the Colorado and listing them, one can focus on those Plateau are shaped by the landscape. relatively few things that are so important Ancient travel routes in the canyons are that they should be the primary known from the location of rock art and considerations in all park planning and other archeological sites. Historic trails decision making, particularly at the reveal stories of more recent travelers. conceptual general management planning There are cultural ties between the lands level. They are used to organize the of the area and Ute tribal peoples. analysis of resources and visitor opportunities broadly and in specific areas Rim Rock Drive of the monument, to focus trends, issues, The road is inseparable from the identity and opportunities, and to focus of the monument. The idea of a road alternatives. along the rim rock was a rallying point for local support that led to preservation of Geologic Processes the area as a national monument. Its The magnificent scenery, the character remarkable construction has earned its and beauty of the monument, are the listing on the National Register of Historic result of geologic processes in many forms, Places. Rim Rock Drive is the primary

13 Chapter 1: Introduction - Foundation platform from which visitors can acres of potential wilderness were understand and appreciate the monument. identified. The area includes most lands between Rim Rock Drive and the Scenery northeast boundary. Congress has never The unusual and colorfully sculpted acted on that recommendation, but in canyons, monuments, balancing rocks, conformity with National Park Service and distant views of the Grand Valley policies, the recommended wilderness encompass a visual beauty that stirs areas are managed in accordance with imaginations, forges individual provisions of the Wilderness Act. connections between people and the monument, and is embedded in the Court- Ordered Public Right- of- Way identity of the region. A court order of May 1986, settled a dispute regarding right- of- way through Visitor Opportunities the monument on the eastern segment of Intertwined with the natural and cultural Rim Rock Drive, from the entrance to the resources and scenery are the east Glade Park cutoff road. It determined opportunities to understand and that a public right- of- way exists on this appreciate those values through driving, segment and the use of that road for viewing, hiking, horseback riding, continuous travel through the monument climbing, picnicking, camping, educational is a nonrecreational use (including programs and outreach, and opportunities commercial traffic), for which no fee can to experience natural soundscapes and be charged. solitude. Cooperating Association SPECIAL MANDATES, The Colorado National Monument AGREEMENTS, AND Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ADMINISTRATIVE CONSTRAINTS cooperative entity that produces and sells Special mandates, agreements, and books and other products related to the administrative constraints are monument and regional natural and requirements specific to the monument cultural resources. The association also that are mandated by Congress or signed has a concessions permit for selling limited agreements with other entities. There is visitor convenience items. Proceeds from also an array of laws and policies that sales are applied to projects that benefit apply to all units of the national park Colorado National Monument, including system (see Appendix B: “Laws and scientific research and education. The Policies Guiding Management of association operates under a Colorado National Monument”), such as memorandum of agreement with the the Endangered Species Act and Section National Park Service under authority 106 of the National Historic Preservation from Congress. Act. The monument is managed to meet Telecommunication Line Right- of- Way all laws and policies. The special mandates A right- of- way agreement with one listed below are specific to the monument. telecommunications company allows for Wilderness an aerial telecommunications line to cross Lands within Colorado National the eastern portion of the monument. It is Monument were studied for their located in a corridor of potential suitability for inclusion in the national wilderness, flanked by recommended wilderness preservation system, as wilderness. Maintenance practices must established by the Wilderness Act. In 1978, conform to wilderness management about 14,000 acres were recommended to policies. If abandoned, it would become Congress as wilderness, and another 1,000 recommended wilderness.

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MAJOR ISSUES AND managed in the face of this change is the OPPORTUNITIES main issue to be addressed in the general management plan. Most of the other SUMMARY: RAPID URBANIZATION issues and opportunities that have been How do we manage the monument in identified below are related to this the face of change? principle theme and cumulatively have a “Island in a sea of change” greater effect than the simple sum of their impacts. “Living on the edge” Preserve Monument Resources • Managing ecosystems • Managing ecosystems. Overall • Managing cultural resources resource management strategies must • Identify ethnographic resources address protecting, restoring as • Vandalism and resource damage appropriate, and maintaining natural • Scenic vistas, air quality, dark night resources and processes in their skies, natural soundscapes ecological context in coordination • Comprehensive inventory and with neighbors (suburban monitoring homeowners, rural residents, and the • Appropriate range of visitor BLM National Conservation Area). opportunities Many issues are interdependent with • Trails and trailheads adjacent lands and regional • Use conflicts on Rim Rock Drive ecosystems. These issues include • Potential failure of Rim Rock Drive invasive nonnative plants, wildlife, fire • Interagency information management, paleontology, the effect • Wilderness of development on groundwater • Education and outreach resource (i.e., seeps and springs), and • Staff and funding natural flood, erosion, and landslide • Boundary adjustments events. • Patrol of east side • Managing cultural resources. • Ethnographic resources Cultural resources, including rock art, • Cooperative planning and other archeological sites, Rim Rock management Drive, historic trails, CCC- era buildings, and cultural landscapes, are DISCUSSION not fully identified or documented. Rapid Urbanization Without an overall management Rapid urban development is occurring in strategy to protect, stabilize as the adjacent Grand Valley. Residential appropriate, and maintain these areas directly adjoin the monument resources, they remain vulnerable to boundary both in the Grand Valley and at deterioration and loss. a lesser density in and near Glade Park. • Identify ethnographic resources. Residential and other development is Ethnographic resources, sacred sites, likely to continue on available private and ties with associated American lands near the monument. Population Indian tribes are not adequately growth has placed increasing local and identified. regional demands on a national resource. • Vandalism and resource damage. Zoning on adjacent private land is mostly Natural and cultural resources are residential, but a change to commercial threatened by trampling, creation of could result in incompatible “gateway” social trails, and vandalism by visitors, development. How the monument is from both the rim and the perimeter.

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• Scenic vistas, air quality, dark night monument could also result in damage skies, and natural soundscapes. or loss of sections of the road. These resources have been • Interagency information. There is compromised by rapid development in growing interest for shared the Grand Valley and to a lesser extent interagency information for visitors by activities in the monument. because of the proximity of so many • Comprehensive inventory and recreational opportunities offered by monitoring. More comprehensive multiple agencies in the same region. inventory and monitoring of natural • Wilderness. Much of the monument and cultural resources are needed to has been formally recommended to fully understand the monument’s role Congress as wilderness, and in in the greater ecosystem. accordance with NPS policies, it is managed as wilderness. The public is Provide for the public enjoyment and generally not aware of this. visitor opportunities • Education and outreach. • Appropriate range of visitor Interpretive services, education, and opportunities. What are the desired outreach are limited and should be visitor opportunities to connect to the improved. monument’s meanings and appropriate use (including the specific Ensure organizational effectiveness issues of dogs, camping, geo- caching, • Staff and funding. For now and the and special events like the annual Rim foreseeable future, staff and funding Rock Run foot race)? What facilities are barely adequate to ensure are appropriate? How should the maintenance of existing infrastructure monument address carrying capacity, and services. Overall guidance must set visitor safety, and accessibility for priorities for the most efficient use of people with disabilities? Should there staff and funding, along with be more emphasis on incorporating recognizing and enhancing the role of the human use and enjoyment part of many partners and volunteers to the NPS mission? accomplish the monument’s mission. • Trails and trailheads. Trailheads on • Boundary adjustments. All GMPs the perimeter need clear management must address boundary adjustments. direction to address local use, At Colorado National Monument, a concerns of neighbors, resource major boundary study undertaken in protection, and visitors from outside of the 1990s considered alternatives that the area. Opportunities exist to fit would add substantial areas to the west Colorado National Monument into the of the monument and change the regional network of trails, including enlarged unit to a national park. The BLM, Mesa County, Fruita, and Grand result was the designation of the Junction. Colorado Canyons (renamed McInnis • Use conflicts on Rim Rock Drive. Canyons) National Conservation Area The historic Rim Rock Drive administered by the BLM, and will not experiences conflicts between visitor be revisited in this GMP. This GMP vehicles, bicyclists (a rapidly increasing will address minor boundary population), and local commercial and adjustments around the perimeter to commuter traffic. improve management efficiency, • Potential failure of Rim Rock Drive. resource protection, visitor access, and Geologic processes that shape the relationships with neighbors. The NPS

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criteria for boundary adjustments will fundamental resources. The concept is an be applied. organizing tool used in the process of • Patrol of east side. With the removal developing the plan’s management zones of two residences at the east end of the for achieving desired resource conditions monument because of hazardous or goals. The five significant resource areas materials concerns, protection of identified were derived from generalized visitors, resources, and facilities has geologic units, their associated become more difficult. geomorphology, and overlying areas of • Cooperative planning and man- made development. management. There are remarkable For analysis purposes, these five opportunities to work cooperatively significant resource areas are called Black with the BLM, other agencies, local Ridge, mesa tops, canyons and walls, governments, nongovernmental below the bench, and Rim Rock Drive. A organizations, tribes, the educational sixth “resource area” comprising the community, and individuals to protect developed areas is also analyzed in this resources, provide a broad range of document. While development is not visitor opportunities, protect visitors, typically considered a “significant and share operational activities. There resource area,” it does represent is potential common interest with substantial public investment, and many of neighbors in protecting the rural the developments in the monument are character of the area. Colorado cultural resources. In developing National Monument was created management zones to meet goals for the through the efforts and enthusiasm of future, removal or relocation of local people, and planning processes development to protect fundamental should strive to strengthen and renew resources is considered. positive public interest and support. The following table identifies the most ANALYSIS OF FUNDAMENTAL important aspects of geologic processes, RESOURCES AND VALUES geologic features, ecological systems, history and prehistory, scenery, and visitor SIGNIFICANT RESOURCE AREAS opportunities for each “significant The analysis of important resource values resource area.” A map of these areas of Colorado National Monument included follows the table. More detail about the the identification of “significant resource monument’s resources can be found in areas.” A significant resource area is a this plan’s Chapter 3: “Affected distinctive geographic unit of land Environment” and Chapter 4: containing related attributes and “Environmental Consequences.”

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Table 1: Significant Resource Areas

Black Ridge Fundamental Resources and Values General Black Ridge area above Rim Rock Drive Location —resources extend beyond boundaries Geologic The younger sedimentary Morrison layers of the ridge have been shaped by and Processes continue to move from landslides and other natural erosional forces. Geologic Morrison, Burro Canyon, Dakota Features The high ridge (about 7,000 feet, the highest part of the monument) is composed of most recent sedimentary layers, the Dakota, which were deposited on the shores of a former ocean. This formation is exposed at the base of the Book Cliffs on the opposite side of the Grand Valley. On the shoulder of the ridge are younger members of the Morrison formation, also associated with dinosaur fossil remains. There is potential for paleontological resources, especially dinosaur fossils, but there have been relatively few surveys. Ecological The ridge is an important connection for wildlife movements. Deer and Systems mountain lions use the area. Habitat is suitable for elk. Disturbance regimes include fire, landslides. History and The ridge is the source of materials for prehistoric tools. Rock shelters have been Prehistory found. Several prehistoric sites are eligible for the NRHP. Historic routes crossed the ridge, such as the Black Ridge trail (eligible for the NRHP), cattle drives, and the Fruita waterline. It was the location of CCC camps and quarries associated with the construction of Rim Rock Drive. Scenery The ridge provides a high viewing platform at the top of geologic formations, offering a regional perspective on the Colorado Plateau. Communication towers outside the monument degrade views of the ridge. Visitor The high ridge affords views of the monument and the Grand Valley. Routes are Opportunities used for hiking and horseback riding and follow historic routes. As it is the highest elevation in the monument, it is the most likely to hold snow and provide opportunities for cross-country skiing on the relatively level Black Ridge Trail. Primary -Geologic processes (A) Interpretive -Human use (B) Themes -Solitude and connection (C) Recommended None Wilderness Issues and -Adjacent to McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, cooperative planning Opportunities and management -Protecting/studying/interpreting paleontology -Wildland fire could extend to BLM and urban interface -BLM has utility corridor that requires full suppression -Susceptible to lightning strikes -Soils are unsuitable for horse use when wet -Fences may impede wildlife movements -Visual intrusion of telecommunications towers -Opportunities to connect trails

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Mesa Tops Fundamental Resources and Values General Generally above the rims of canyons, below Black Ridge (between Morrison and Location Wingate formations) Geologic Overall, the mesa tops have resisted erosion. The hard Kayenta sandstone defines Processes much of the edge between mesa top and canyon. Little soil has developed or accumulated, and it has not had time to develop much organic matter. Rockfalls and landslides frequently occur. Precipitation moves quickly off the mesa tops, collecting into drainages and then forcefully entering the canyons to continue geologic processes. Geologic Above Wingate Features Mesa tops are primarily stream-deposited Kayenta sandstone and wind-deposited Entrada sandstone. These uplands also contain windblown sand, which forms small, isolated, localized dunes stabilized by vegetation. Navajo Sandstone found elsewhere between these formations on the Colorado Plateau did not extend to the Uncompahgre Plateau. The Morrison formation above the sandstone is associated with dinosaur fossil remains. Ecological The mesa top communities of pinyon-juniper, sage flat meadows, and biological Systems soil crusts include relatively isolated pristine islands that serve as a benchmark in comparison to grazed or otherwise disturbed lands outside the monument. They are important for wildlife movements. The natural breaks into the canyons are wildlife corridors. Disturbance such as fire could lead to improved habitat for deer, elk, and Gunnison sage grouse. The gray vireo, a species of concern, resides here. History and Prehistoric archeological sites are scattered and have not been systematically Prehistory inventoried. Scattered stone tools and rock shelters have been found. Breaks into the canyons coincide with historic routes (Dugway, Old Gordon’s, Serpents Trail [listed on NRHP]). Scenery The flat mesa tops cap the canyons with colorful sandstone covered with pinyon- juniper. Visitor The mesa tops that extend between the canyons provide outstanding Opportunities perspectives of sandstone walls, monuments, geology, erosion, and distant vistas. People are drawn through the pinyon-juniper to the rim on trails and routes. Hiking and horseback riding are moderate to easy on the relatively flat terrain. Opportunities for solitude and natural soundscapes are available and vary with time and location. Breaks at the rim provide access for people into the canyons. Mesa tops above Rim Rock Drive have more rolling terrain and few trails or routes, offering more challenge and opportunities for solitude. The mesa tops are cooler than the canyons, making them more inviting to most people in the summer. Primary -Geologic processes (A) Interpretive -Human use (B) Themes -Solitude and connection (C) Recommended Most below road Wilderness

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Mesa Tops (cont.) Fundamental Resources and Values Issues and -Experience/solitude Opportunities -Horses -Fire management and threats to adjacent land (see Black Ridge) -Susceptible to lightning strikes -Overprotected—lack of fire prevents natural disturbance -Protection of biological soil crusts -Reintroduction of sage grouse -Improving elk habitat Canyons and Walls General Generally below the rims of the canyons, including the walls, to the bench (from Location the Wingate to the Chinle formation) Geologic The canyons and monoliths are the products of geologic processes. The softer Processes sandstone layers have been cut by stream flow, illustrating differing rates of erosion on various layers. Notably absent Paleozoic layers illustrate major past geologic events of the plateau. Canyons continue to be shaped by rockfalls and landslides, and by flash floods, which cleanse creek beds and carry sediment. Geologic Wingate and Chinle Features The monoliths and canyon walls are composed of multiple geologic layers, primarily wind-deposited Wingate sandstone. Some formations are capped by the more resistant Kayenta sandstone. The vibrant reddish-orange colorations can be attributed to iron in the sandstone. Shale and siltstone at the toe of canyon walls are composed of Chinle formation. Also found in the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park, the shale has hues of gray, red, purple, and green. This formation is associated with petrified wood. There is a major gap between the Chinle and the basement rock (1.5 billion years). It eroded during uplift of the Uncompahgre Plateau. The eroded material became the source of sediments as far away as the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. The hard Precambrian basement rock is found on canyon floors, sometimes under recent fill material. It is some 1.7 billion years old and rarely exposed elsewhere on the Colorado Plateau. Ecological The canyon rim and walls are home to peregrine falcons, golden eagles, vultures, Systems swallows, and swifts. The canyons provide important desert bighorn sheep habitat. The upper reaches of canyon floors support biological soil crusts (complex relationships of soil structure and living organisms). One of the most complex habitats in the monument is made up of wetland areas associated with seeps and springs. These habitats support a great diversity of plants and animals, including some amphibians. Scarcity of such wetlands increases their importance to wildlife. Disturbance by landslides or rockfall into the canyons has occurred and will continue. History and There are a moderate number of prehistoric archeological sites, many associated Prehistory with riparian areas. There is some rock art.

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Canyons and Walls (cont.) Fundamental Resources and Values Scenery Enclosed canyons, colorful walls, spectacular monoliths, streambeds, intermittent waterfalls, golden cottonwood trees in the fall, and more characterize the heart of the monument. Visitor The enclosed colorful canyons and striking monoliths enchant and invite people Opportunities to explore. Trails and routes offer hiking and horseback riding. Climbers are drawn to the vertical rock. Opportunities for solitude and natural soundscapes are available and vary with time and location. There is some backcountry camping. The steepness of the trails used to enter the canyons, from above or below, demand moderate to strenuous physical exertion for access. In the summer months, heat in the canyons deters many people. Most find spring and fall more inviting. Primary -Geologic processes (A) Interpretive -Human use (B) Themes -Solitude and connection (C) Recommended Most Wilderness Issues and -Experience/solitude Opportunities -Expansion of rock climbing and the potential for erosion, disruption of bird nesting -Horses Below the Bench General Below the bench (below the Chinle formation) Location Geologic Flash floods occur at mouths of canyons, resulting in sediment deposits that can Processes include large material such as boulders. Geologic Below Chinle Features Uncompahgre uplift along a major basement fault is illustrated in the distinct rise of Colorado National Monument above the Grand Valley. Precambrian rocks exposed along the fault reflect the movement of the North American plate from near the equator to its present location. The northeastern edge of the monument contains a world-class monocline exposure, illustrating a basic geologic principle where sedimentary rock drapes over a fault. Ecological The mouths of the canyons are extremely active. They contain the outflow of Systems major fluvial processes in the monument, resulting in significant flash floods and deposition of sediment, rocks, and boulders. They are also important riparian corridors for wildlife movements, from canyons to breaks through the bench and following stream channels down to the Colorado River. Native vegetation communities have been disturbed by bison (introduced but later removed) and related infrastructure and other human use. History and The greatest concentration of prehistoric archeological sites is found near alluvial Prehistory fans at mouths of canyons, and they indicate horticultural use. There is some rock art.

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Below the Bench (cont.) Fundamental Resources and Values Scenery The dramatic rise of sandstone walls and canyons provide the distinctive scenic backdrop to the valley. Visitor The break along the fault also divides visitor opportunities above and below the Opportunities bench. Many move through this steep area primarily to reach the canyons above, requiring strenuous exertion. Trails and routes coincide with breaks at the mouths of canyons. The access is primarily by hiking, as horses are deterred by the steepness. The area below the bench attracts many people, mostly local, for opportunities to hike and horseback ride on routes and trails. To one side are rising sandstone walls, to the other the backyards of urban development. This creates mixed opportunities for solitude and natural soundscapes. Primary -Geologic processes (A) Interpretive -Human use (B) Themes Recommended Most Wilderness Issues and -Concentration of social trails Opportunities -Vandalism -Flash floods -Adjacent residential development (abrupt edge, pets, and birdfeeders affect wildlife) -Boundary fence -Exotic plants -Fire management and threats to adjacent land (see Black Ridge) -Trailheads—appropriate access -Primarily local access—increasing pressure; outsiders don’t know about and aren’t welcome. -Provide light and sound buffer to canyons -Opportunities to connect trails Rim Rock Drive General Rim Rock Drive corridor, plus overlooks and short trails to rim Location Geologic The road corridor and overlooks are located within the mesa top area, and Processes subject to landslides and rockfalls. Many water courses cut across the road, but drainage structures were constructed to recognize hydrology and do not significantly impede natural flows. Geologic processes affect the road more than the road affects processes. Geologic Kayenta Features The solid ledge-forming cliffs of the Kayenta formation were chosen for the location of much of Rim Rock Drive because it was stable for road construction and provided spectacular rim views. Major events such as rockfall, landslides, and flash floods can lead to road failure. Ecological Disturbance by slope failure, landslides, or rockfall has occurred and will continue. Systems The road provides a corridor for wildlife movements.

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Rim Rock Drive (cont.) Fundamental Resources and Values History and Rim Rock Drive and its overlooks and associated structures are listed on the Prehistory National Register of Historic Places. Some historic resources were obliterated by construction of the drive, such as CCC sites and portions of the Serpents Trail. There are also scattered prehistoric archeological sites within the road corridor. Scenery Rim Rock Drive and its overlooks were designed to take maximum advantage of views into the canyons, of the most spectacular formations, and distant views of the Grand Valley. The road and its structures were designed to harmonize with the landscape. Visitor Rim Rock Drive is one of the intrinsic monument experiences for visitors. It is the Opportunities primary platform for viewing geologic processes, geologic features, the Colorado Plateau, evidence of history, and scenery. It provides opportunities for recreational driving, bicycling, and walking. The overlooks, interpretive wayside exhibits, and short trails offer people of all physical abilities opportunities to understand and form connections to the monument. Primary -Geologic processes (A) Interpretive -Human use (B) Themes -Solitude and connection (C) John Otto (D) Recommended None Wilderness Issues and -Use conflicts, especially from the east entrance to the east Glade Park cutoff Opportunities -Patrol of east side -Rockfall hazard -Exotic plants -Threats to vistas, dark night skies, clear air -Wildlife deaths from vehicles -Special events -Invasive plants -Pinyon-juniper growth blocking vistas Developed Areas General Saddlehorn area, water tank, Devils Kitchen and east development, other roads Location (DS, Glade) Geologic Developed areas can be affected by flash flooding, swelling clays. Processes Geologic Varied Features Saddlehorn visitor center/headquarters area located on solid reddish-orange Kayenta formation. East entrance and Devils Kitchen located on colorful Wingate sandstone. Ecological Developed areas are inserted into the natural landscape. Ecological systems Systems depend on the location of the development. History and Many developments contain historic structures: the maintenance area, Prehistory Saddlehorn campground, the visitor center, and Devils Kitchen picnic area. There are also scattered prehistoric archeological sites within developed areas.

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Developed Areas (cont.) Fundamental Resources and Values Scenery Settings for visitor areas were largely chosen for views and proximity to scenic sandstone formations. Some areas are enclosed by pinyon and juniper trees. Most structures were designed to harmonize with landscape. Visitor People enjoy the well-designed traditional structures for a variety of activities— Opportunities learning about the monument, camping, picnicking, viewing, and short hikes. Devils Kitchen picnic area is especially valued by the community for reunions, weddings, and special events. Primary -Geologic processes (A) Interpretive -Human use (B) Themes -Solitude and connection (C) -Visitor Center can address all interpretive themes (A, B, C, D, E) Recommended None Wilderness Issues and -Appropriate use opportunities camping picnicking -Education and outreach -Safety at overlooks and trails (rockfall and slope hazard) -Social trails -Geohazards -Human-wildlife encounters -Changes in vegetation blocking vistas -Exotic plants -Wildland fire threatening facilities

24 Chapter 1: Introduction – Analysis of Fundamental Resources and Values

CHAPTER 2: THE PLAN

OVERALL DESIRED CONDITIONS Range of Actions (GOALS) ALL ALTERNATIVES • Inventory geological hazard areas, including landslides and rockfall, and This section provides the broad model flash flood hazards, seeking perspective and guidance for managing the assistance and expertise from USGS. monument and its fundamental resources Make hazards and risks known and and values. Overall desired conditions are take action to avoid placing people in the goals and related management actions the path of inevitable forces. Provide common to all management zones. Most information and conduct public field often, existing laws and policies dictate the trips to encourage local zoning and nature and substance of the monument's builders to avoid known hazards. desired conditions. Consequently, there is Work with local governments to no change to these desired conditions improve emergency management being proposed in this section and no through public education, predictive alternatives being considered (see services (such as installing rain gauges), Appendix B—“Laws and Policies Guiding and emergency response. Management of Colorado National • The NPS will not take any direct action Monument”). This array of legal to prevent flood, such as constructing requirements is draped over the dams, but also will not initiate actions monument’s purpose and significance, that will increase flooding, such as providing narrowly focused guidance for constructing large paved areas or defining desired conditions (or goals). clearing an entire watershed of trees Fundamental resources and values through prescribed fire management. generally fall into this category and are Routinely monitor and maintain covered under the umbrella of overall drainage structures on Rim Rock Drive desired conditions. Where decisions and the perimeter to ensure designed concerning resources and values are not water flows. Work with landowners constrained by laws and policies, they are and local governments to improve addressed in the alternatives section of the drainage structures outside the plan. monument, ensuring continued flow GEOLOGIC PROCESSES during rain events.

Desired Conditions • Monitor for slope failure and rockfalls by means such as monitoring roadway Natural geologic processes continue to cracks and photographing suspect shape the monument. Human safety is a areas, or other technical methods, high priority, but major geological events, paying particular attention to the road such as erosion, landslides, rockfalls, and corridor. flash floods, cannot be prevented or • Provide relevant risk and hazard significantly altered. Geologic processes information to visitors, such as are not impeded or accelerated by human interpretive messages, signs, and so on. intervention. Visitors and neighbors • Develop a road maintenance and understand potential hazards and risks, act hazard plan that 1) considers minor safely, and appreciate the forces that alterations, such as safely dislodging an continue to shape the monument imminent small rockfall hazard that (interpretive theme A). does not interfere with overall geologic processes; 2) ensures that drainage

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does not accelerate or displace protecting and preserving fossils, and geologic processes; 3) provides develop protocols for recovering and contingency planning for visitor access documenting fossils after intervention. in the event of road closures; 4) • Seek agreement with the Museum of provides guidance for possible Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey, reconstruction of road segments; and or other qualified institution to store, 5) protects the historic integrity of Rim protect, and make available to Rock Drive. researchers paleontological specimens collected or recovered at Colorado GEOLOGIC FEATURES National Monument. Desired Conditions • Incorporate new knowledge of Canyon walls and monoliths are not paleontology into interpretation, significantly affected by human actions. education, and outreach at the Biological features associated with monument and among the other geologic features (such as bird nesting organizations of the “Dinosaur sites, lichen colonies, and hanging Diamond,” a national scenic byway gardens) are not significantly affected. that travels along paleontological sites Paleontological resources are protected in in Colorado and Utah. place to the greatest extent possible. • Share knowledge of human effects on When threatened by human impacts, such geological features and associated as vandalism, or natural processes, such as biological features through education erosion, paleontological resources are and outreach to climbers and hikers. recovered and recorded. Research and specimens collected or recovered ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS contribute to the greater knowledge of All biological organisms (plants and paleontology in the region. Visitors animals), physical material (water, air, and appreciate the geologic processes at mineral matter), and ecological processes Colorado National Monument are fundamentally important components (interpretive theme A) that contribute to of an ecosystem or a hierarchy of nested these resources, understand the ecosystems. However, some components connection to similar resources of ecosystems may be particularly throughout the region, and act to protect significant because of eco- regional them. distinctiveness, ecological functionality, or the degree of peril to them on local, Range of Actions regional, national, and global scales. The • Monitor and manage climbing particularly significant components of activities, including social trail access, Colorado National Monument’s so they do not physically alter walls, ecological systems have been identified: monoliths, talus slope approaches, and other geologic features. • Eco- regional distinctiveness: Endemic • Monitor air quality and rainfall to plants, hanging garden ecosystems detect human caused chemical threats • Ecological functionality: Air, water, to rock faces. hydrological processes, soils, biological • Complete the systematic inventory of soil crusts (ecosystem engineers), paleontological resources and analyze riparian and wetland ecosystems relative threats. (keystone ecosystems) • Identify and monitor areas most • Imperiled ecosystems: Native susceptible to potential threats, grasslands, Sagebrush shrublands develop intervention thresholds for

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or damage to their physical and biological WHAT IS AN ECOSYSTEM? components. An ecosystem is a community of animals Soils and biological soil crusts continue to and plants interacting with one another function effectively and are not and with their physical environment. significantly altered by human action. Ecosystems include physical and Native grasslands and sagebrush chemical components, such as soils, shrublands are restored to their normal water, and nutrients that support the organisms living within them. These extent, structure, and role in the organisms may range from large monument’s ecological systems. animals and plants to microscopic Nonnative, invasive species are absent in bacteria. Ecosystems include the the monument’s ecosystems, or if present, interactions among all organisms in a are effectively controlled. given habitat. People are part of Disturbance regimes, such as fire, are ecosystems. The health and well-being restored or allowed to proceed of human populations depend upon the unimpeded, taking into account the services provided by ecosystems and protection of people and property. their components—organisms, soil, Disruption of ecological systems by NPS water, and nutrients. (Ecological Society management actions or by human actions of America) outside monument boundaries are prevented or mitigated to the extent Desired Conditions possible. The monument’s ecological systems are Visitors understand/appreciate these healthy and free from “distress systems (interpretive themes E and B) and syndrome,” that is to say they are active their relationship to the Colorado Plateau and maintain organization and autonomy and do not disturb them. over time and are resilient to stress. (Distress syndrome refers to the processes Natural soundscapes are predominant or of system breakdown.) Management common most of the time in most areas, occurs at multiple levels (local, regional, and the effects of human caused sounds continental, and global), depending on the do not have a significant adverse effect on need to protect and perpetuate the monument wildlife (mammals, ecological processes, components, and amphibians, insects, etc.) or visitor systems essential to the purposes of the experience. monument Night skies are mostly unaffected by Hydrological processes are not critically artificial light. In areas adversely affected affected by human intervention and water by artificial light, adverse impacts to use. These processes sustain hanging wildlife and visitor experience are gardens, seeps, springs, and wetlands. mitigated to the degree possible. Riparian ecosystems, wetlands, endemic plant communities, and hanging garden Range of Actions ecosystems are sustained in good • Continue participation in the NPS condition, unaffected to any significant Natural Resource Challenge, a extent by human actions. program under way to establish science- based management in parks. Air and water quality contamination levels Colorado National Monument is a are low enough to preclude unacceptable member of the Northern Colorado stress on ecological systems and processes Plateau network, which is charged with helping the park carry out a vital

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signs monitoring program. Specific appropriate actions in coordination indicators and standards will continue with federal, state, and local agencies. to be developed. • Inventory man- made structures and • Establish baseline information on modifications and remove any of them groundwater levels and quality and that do not contribute to the purposes determine the present human use and and management of the monument. impact on hydrological systems. Work • Establish cooperative agreements and with agencies, local governments, develop weed management area plans residents, and others to prevent human for the prevention and control of activities from adversely affecting the invasive plants. hydrologic system. • Identify those species known to have • Inventory, map, and monitor seeps, occupied the monument in the past. springs, wetlands, riparian areas, and Evaluate the feasibility and advisability hanging gardens. Inventory, map, and of reintroducing missing species. study the relationship of these areas to • Identify wildlife travel and movement past human occupation. Monitor routes and human impediments to that these areas for trampling, vegetation movement. Develop mitigation loss, vandalism, or other key indicators measures and work with federal, state, and standards of direct visitor impacts. and local entities and with private Exceeding standards would trigger landowners and others to protect management actions (see management movement corridors. Ensure that zones and carrying capacity in this boundary fencing conforms to chapter). Colorado Division of Wildlife • Inventory and map soils and biological Resources standards to permit soil crusts. Mitigate impacts to soil unrestricted movement of wildlife. resources by incorporating knowledge • Provide information to adjacent of soils and biological soil crusts into homeowners and private landowners planning such as wildland fire on living with the monument’s natural management planning. Monitor processes, its wild occupants, critical damage from direct and indirect habitats, and the threats to its human causes, particularly addressing resources, including wildlife, fire, flash human use and social trails. Actions for floods, biological soil crusts, nonnative mitigating adverse impacts could plant invasion, and so on. include closing redundant social trails, • Monitor air quality and rainfall to more clearly defining appropriate detect human- caused chemical threats trails, and/or expanding education and to vegetation. (These threats can also outreach (see management zones). adversely affect human health.) • Identify the ecological disturbance • Inventory, map, and monitor natural regimes and their extent and soundscapes and intrusive noise determine the relative impact of sources. Develop a soundscape human actions on them (such as management plan and program. wildland fires and landslides). • Inventory, map, and monitor artificial • Prepare and keep current a wildland light intrusions on the night sky. fire management plan (with public Mitigate intrusions and their adverse involvement) that restores to the impacts to the degree possible. extent possible the ecological role of wildland fire as a disturbance regime, protects neighbors, and identifies

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HISTORY AND PREHISTORY Range of Actions Desired Conditions • Complete a systematic inventory, Prehistoric and historic cultural resources condition evaluation, and threats are identified, evaluated, and protected to assessment of monument’s the greatest extent possible. Archeological archeological resources. Research sites and materials are identified, evaluated conducted as part of this inventory will for their significance, protected in place, yield information for interpretation and interpreted in a manner that will and education. educate and provide enjoyment to the • Ensure that the monument has a public. When archeological sites are cultural landscape inventory to threatened by actions that preclude document and evaluate its potential preservation in place, they are cultural landscapes and a cultural documented and recovered, if landscape report to provide appropriate. recommendations for effective management of the significant Historic structures are managed in a resources. manner that sustains their character- • Develop appropriate preservation defining features and significance while actions for all cultural resources that continuing to serve NPS management and are threatened or are in imminent visitor needs. Historic corridors and danger of being lost. These may routes are identified, evaluated, and include measures such as removing the interpreted in a manner that will foster threat, stabilization of the resource, visitor appreciation of the human history data recovery, documentation and of the monument. The five areas identified research, ranger patrol, and visitor as potential cultural landscapes are education. documented and evaluated. Those that • Keep the monument’s electronic are significant are managed to ensure that cultural resource databases their landscape values are preserved and (archeology, collections, and historic contribute to continued enjoyment and structures) up to date and use them as appreciation of the monument’s human viable resource management tools. history. • Create archeological site and historic Tribal connections to the region and its structure monitoring programs to resources are better understood, and the assess resource condition, threats, and monument and the adjacent BLM preservation needs and follow through National Conservation Area remain with appropriate preservation actions. significant to associated tribes. Monitoring could include on- site patrol by staff or volunteers, or remote Monument collections (artifacts, objects, electronic or video surveillance. and archives) are housed in an • Manage the Rim Rock Drive, historic environment that meets National Park structures, and other historic trails, Service museum collections management corridors, and associated features in a policies, that protects them from manner that will maintain their degradation, maintains their regional character- defining features and context and research value, and provides interpret their historic significance. scholarly access. • Complete a thorough ethnographic Visitors understand and appreciate the overview and assessment, which would human history of the monument include an inventory of sacred sites (interpretive theme B) and do no damage and resources important to tribal to its cultural heritage. groups.

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• Pending outcome of study, establish the Glade Park area and the Grand Valley, monitoring protocol to protect below. Negative human- wildlife ethnographic resources and sacred encounters are minimized, and the road sites. and its maintenance do not impede or • Establish and maintain long- term, accelerate geologic processes. ongoing relationships with associated Range of Actions tribes to strengthen connections • Explain interpretive themes A, B, C, between tribes and the lands within the and D, at overlooks through wayside monument. exhibits and personal services. • Explore possible roles of the tribes in • Engage in cooperative planning with protecting resources and sharing some agencies, local governments, and aspects of their heritage with visitors. others to protect scenic vistas (see also • Develop an education and outreach “Scenery” section below). program that provides opportunities • Compile and systematically track for visitors and local residents to accident records; identify safety understand and appreciate the improvements consistent with historic monument’s human history. Establish and scenic values. an “Adopt a Site, Canyon, or Trail” • Maintain and interpret historic values program, wherein volunteers can be (see also “History and Prehistory” observant for resource degradation. section above). Establish private sector and public • Identify and monitor geological partnerships to foster cultural resource hazards and analyze potential actions preservation and seek greater to reduce hazards. Develop plan for involvement of the local educational response to potential major events that community to facilitate cultural considers safety, natural processes, resource research and understanding. cultural resource values, and visitor • Pursue long- range solutions to access (see also “Geologic Processes” improve collection management and section above). accessibility to researchers, including • Pursue long- range options with creation of an interagency or multipark agencies, organizations, local regional repository. governments, residents, and others to reduce commercial and commuter RIM ROCK DRIVE traffic on the eastern segment Desired Conditions (alternate routes such as improving The Rim Rock Drive and its overlooks Little Park Road, alternative provide a safe platform for visitors to view transportation). and understand the region’s geologic processes (interpretive theme A), human Additional desired conditions and history (interpretive theme B), natural management actions for Rim Rock Drive beauty (interpretive theme C), and are addressed in the alternatives. conservation action (interpretive theme D). It also provides visitor enjoyment SCENERY from its scenic vistas and historic Desired Conditions character. The Rim Rock Drive is The spectacular beauty and serenity of the managed as a dynamic historic resource monoliths, canyons, Grand Valley, and that facilitates visitor access to and Colorado Plateau continue to stir appreciation of the monument, protects its imaginations, inspire, and provide historic character, and provides local opportunities for visitors to understand, residents with adequate passage between appreciate, and forge personal

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connections to the monument. • Establish baseline data for dark night Intrinsically important scenic vistas and skies through servicewide NPS scenic features are not significantly programs. diminished by man- made development. • Collect baseline soundscape data and Colorado National Monument’s airshed is develop an air tour management plan designated “class II” by federal standards in conjunction with adjacent BLM (and “category 1” by state standards). Air lands. quality at the monument is maintained or enhanced to ensure unimpaired views that VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR are integral to visitor opportunities. CONNECTING TO RESOURCES Excellent opportunities to view the night Desired Conditions sky are available. Artificial light sources Colorado National Monument provides within and outside the monument do not opportunities for everyone to form their impede night sky viewing. own emotional and intellectual A part of the overall experience and connections with the meaning and enjoyment of the scenery at Colorado significance inherent in the monument National Monument is tied to the and its resources and its role in the opportunities to experience natural national park system. Visitors enjoy safe sounds. Visitors have opportunities to opportunities that fit the mission of the experience natural sounds throughout monument, including hiking, horseback most of the monument, except for riding, learning, viewing, climbing, developed areas, with minimal intrusions picnicking, camping, backcountry from aircraft, trains, highways, or other camping, and biking on the paved human activities. roadway. Opportunities for solitude and the experience of natural soundscapes are Range of Actions maintained in areas recommended to • Continue to work with local Congress for wilderness designation, as communities on land use planning that well as in other remote areas of the protects the rural character of the area. monument. People understand and Strive to achieve cooperative planning appreciate the need to preserve for gateway areas to the monument to wilderness. This range of opportunities complement scenic resources. will continue to be encouraged and • Work with county, state, and federal enhanced by programs, information, and agencies to maintain high regional air outreach. They will be supported by quality. Reestablish air quality appropriate facilities that are safe, fit with monitoring in coordination with the natural environment and cultural adjacent BLM lands. Work resources, and are sustainable. cooperatively with county, state, and Commercial services are limited to those federal officials to protect air quality in that are necessary and appropriate for planning for prescribed fire public enjoyment and are consistent with management. monument purposes. • Continue to work with local The monument serves effectively as an communities to encourage protection outdoor classroom and is used as an of the night sky. Extend education and extension of what is learned in schools, outreach about the vanishing resource universities, and continuing education. of dark night skies. The monument’s story is expanded into the curricula of schools, universities, and continuing education. People are aware of

35 Chapter 2: The Plan – Overall Desired Conditions (Goals) the range of recreational and educational Additional desired conditions and opportunities available region- wide management actions for visitor through multiple agencies and understand opportunities are addressed in the the important differences in the ways alternatives. those lands are managed. Consolidated, To support visitor opportunities, “The consistent interagency information is National Park Service will provide, available concerning public lands in the through the use of concession contracts, region. commercial visitor services within parks Range of Actions that are necessary and appropriate for • Trails may be rerouted to improve visitor use and enjoyment. Concession resource protection or visitor operations will be consistent with the opportunities. protection of park resources and values • Expand personal services and demonstrate sound environmental interpretation, curriculum- based management and stewardship.” (NPS education, and outreach. Management Policies 2001) At Colorado • Update nonpersonal services National Monument, current commercial interpretive products, such as visitor services consist of guided climbing, guided center exhibits, publications, wayside hiking opportunities, and visitor exhibits, and electronic media (Web). convenience items sold at the visitor • Update and expand safety, orientation, center by the cooperating association. and interpretive material available at Consideration for allowing any additional trailheads. services in the future would be determined by the criteria provided in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Criteria for Commercial Services

Commercial services are managed at Colorado National Monument in accordance with NPS policies and need to meet the following criteria for necessary and appropriate: 1. Necessary (meets one or more) a. Enhances visitor understanding and appreciation of park mission and values. b. Facilitates or complements the fundamental experiences of park visitors. c. Assists the park in managing visitor use and educating park visitors in appropriate, safe, and minimum impact techniques. d. Is an essential visitor service or facility not available within a reasonable distance from the park. 2. Appropriate (meets all) a. Services are consistent with the purposes and values for which the park was established, as well as with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. b. Services do not compromise public health, safety, or well-being. c. Services do not significantly impact important park resources and values. d. Services do not unduly conflict with other authorized park uses and activities or services outside the park. e. Services do not monopolize limited recreational opportunities at the expense of the general public.

36 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative A

ALTERNATIVES Geologic Processes, Geologic Features, Ecological Systems, Scenery Within the realm of the purpose and These important resources and values are significance of Colorado National managed for the same desired conditions Monument and the laws and policies that in all alternatives (see “Overall Desired guide its management, there is a range of Conditions” section). The range of actions alternative approaches for its that can be taken are guided by laws and management. Three alternatives have policies and consist of few alternatives. been developed—no action (a baseline), There is no management zoning to guide and two action alternatives. The monitoring of resources or management alternatives describe different future actions. concepts for the monument that fit within the overall vision and enable managers, Rim Rock Drive users, neighbors, and the public to Multiple demands would continue for the consider different approaches to managing use of Rim Rock Drive, and conflicts resources and visitor opportunities and would continue to be resolved on a case- resolving future conflicts that might arise by- case basis. Special events such as the at the monument. annual Rim Rock Run would continue to be considered on a case- by- case basis The alternatives are guided by differing within existing regulations. The road visions (concepts) and refer to the would be managed to safely accommodate management zones described in the all users, but no structural changes to Rim previous section to represent those Rock Drive would be constructed and no visions. The impacts of implementing the special programs would be developed different alternatives are analyzed in specifically for pedestrian or bicycle Chapter 3: “Affected Environment” and activities. Chapter 4: “Environmental Consequences.” History and Prehistory These important resources and values are ALTERNATIVE A: NO ACTION managed for similar desired conditions in Concept all alternatives (see “Overall Desired This alternative would continue existing Conditions” section). The range of actions management practices, resulting in current that can be taken are largely guided by resource conditions and visitor laws and policies and consist of few opportunities and the logical progression alternatives. There is no management of probable trends over time. It is required zoning to guide monitoring of resources or as a baseline against which the other management actions. alternatives can be compared. Without the guidance of a current general Visitor Opportunities management plan, there would not be a The monument would continue to provide clear focus for setting priorities. opportunities for understanding and Management would continue to tend to be appreciation through driving, bicycling reactive to the crises of the moment rather (on roadway) viewing, walking, hiking, than being proactive toward specific goals. horseback riding, climbing, picnicking, camping, and backcountry camping. Management Zones There is no management zoning to guide Management zones are not applied to the the monitoring or management of the no- action alternative. quality of visitor experiences. The visitor center, publications, and wayside exhibits offer learning

37 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative A

opportunities, but personal interpretive to other alternatives only, and are not to programs and education and outreach be used for budgeting purposes. The remain limited. Visitor center exhibits monument would continue to apply funds would be updated. Interagency from the fee demonstration program and information would be available, but would other NPS sources to maintain or improve continue to be scattered and inconsistent facilities. Estimated construction throughout the region. improvements already scheduled would result in capital costs estimated to be The campground, picnic areas, visitor between $860,000 and $1,800,000, center, and entrance stations are primarily for upgrading visitor center maintained. The housing at the east exhibits, the audiovisual program, and entrance would be removed, and law road rehabilitation. Ongoing annual repair enforcement response times to the east and rehabilitation costs for existing side of the monument would increase. facilities would be between $220,000 and The existing system of trails, routes, and $630,000. The estimated annual operating trailheads would be maintained. costs, which include all costs for Existing commercial services would maintenance, operations, and personnel continue. costs, would be between $950,000 and Operations, Staff, and Funding $1,514,000. The upper end of the range Employee housing would be maintained at includes increases being sought for the Saddlehorn area for required interpretation and resource management. occupants, and housing at the east Life- cycle costs (inclusive of all capital entrance would be eliminated. Surplus and annual costs) projected over twenty- houses at the Saddlehorn area would be five years are estimated to be between used for a variety of management $16.0 million and $22.9 million. purposes. Boundary Adjustments Fees would continue to be collected at the There is a need to address a number of entrance stations during busy months and minor survey corrections to the boundary, at the visitor center during quieter times. including survey corrections, fence adjustments, clarification of The emphasis of staff would be to proclamations, and settling unclear title maintain existing programs and facilities, claims. They involve relatively minor seeking to improve education and adjacent acreage, primarily along the outreach. The level of staffing would urbanized northeastern edge of the range from the current thirteen permanent monument. The NPS will continue to employees up to fifteen, supported by research the issues and address them with numerous volunteers. The added local landowners, and if necessary, positions would focus on interpretation technical corrections legislation. and natural resource management. The following costs are given for comparison

38 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones

MANAGEMENT ZONES (AS THEY strategy of addressing carrying capacity at APPLY TO ALTERNATIVES B AND C) Colorado National Monument is a tiered Within the broad parameters of the approach that would keep a general eye on monument’s mission, various approaches broad trends while focusing more specific to resource protection, use, and monitoring and management on areas management may be possible. where action is most likely needed to Management zones describe specific, achieve desired conditions. The last agreed upon desired conditions and section under each zone addresses this management approaches for each approach to carrying capacity. More particular area within the monument. The information can be found in the following management zones have been “Implementation” section at the end of developed for Colorado National this chapter. Monument. They are applied in different Primitive Zone ways in the various alternatives. Not all Overview zones are used in all alternatives, and This is the wildest zone with the least management zones are not applied to the human influence and the greatest “no- action” alternative. opportunities for solitude. Most of this • Primitive zone contains recommended wilderness • Semiprimitive and is managed to protect wilderness values (see Appendix G: “Recommended • Primitive/Transition to NCA Wilderness at Colorado National • Wildland/Urban Interface Monument”). Overall desired conditions • Rim Rock Drive—Variety of Use outlined in the previous section apply to • Rim Rock Drive—Driving for Pleasure this zone. • Developed Resource Conditions Carrying Capacity Natural processes (such as fire and General management plans are required to erosion) will be allowed to shape include identification of and wilderness ecosystems, insofar as possible. implementation commitments for visitor Backcountry use does not adversely affect carrying capacities for all areas of the unit. soil stability or vegetation patterns. Rare Visitor carrying capacity is the type and endemic plants, biological soil crusts, level of visitor use that can be hanging garden ecosystems, springs, seeps, accommodated while sustaining the wetlands, and desert riparian ecosystems quality of park resources and visitor are known to occur in this zone and opportunities consistent with the purposes receive management emphasis for of the park. It is not necessarily a set of preservation and protection. Altered numbers or limits, but rather a process habitats, such as pinyon- juniper, native involving monitoring, evaluation, actions grasslands, and sagebrush shrublands, are (managing visitor use), and adjustments to restored as nearly as possible to conditions ensure park values are protected. At the predating the influence of twentieth- GMP level of decision making, century man. Rock art, other management zones address carrying archeological sites, and paleontological capacity because they include qualitative resources are protected in place. Natural descriptions of desired resource soundscapes and dark night skies are conditions and visitor opportunities, and predominant. also include an identification of the types of indicators that may be monitored and a range of actions that may be taken. The

39 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones

Visitor Opportunities permit system, designating campsites, This zone offers great opportunities for establishing use limits, managing solitude and for visitors to experience the incidental business permits, or managing rich resources of the monument. trailheads (see “Implementation” section Encounters with other people are at the end of this chapter). infrequent. Appropriate activities include Semiprimitive Zone hiking, horseback riding on trails, cross- Overview country skiing, backcountry camping, and This is a wild zone with little human climbing. Endurance and knowledge of influence and good opportunities for canyon country hazards are needed to solitude. Most of this zone contains make safe use of this zone. Interpretive recommended wilderness, and is managed themes A, C, and E (found in Chapter 1 of to protect wilderness values (see Appendix this document) can be presented with G: “Recommended Wilderness at backcountry information prior to visit. Colorado National Monument”). Overall Facilities and Activities desired conditions outlined above apply to Facilities could include routes and some this zone. trails. Management activities would Resource Conditions include research, monitoring, and patrol. Natural processes (such as fire and Activities within recommended wilderness erosion) will be allowed to shape would be subject to minimum tool analysis wilderness ecosystems, insofar as possible. to protect wilderness values. Backcountry use does not adversely affect Carrying Capacity soil stability or vegetation patterns. Rare The overall strategy of implementing a endemic plants, biological soil crusts, and carrying capacity process is a tiered desert riparian ecosystems are known to approach to monitoring and management. occur in this zone and receive General information would continue to be management emphasis for preservation collected, such as trail counts, numbers of and protection. Altered habitats are incidental business permits (e.g., climbing restored as nearly as possible to conditions guides), and trailhead parking numbers. predating the influence of twentieth- Park staff would watch incoming century man. Rock art, other information for trends. Some specific archeological sites, and paleontological resource and visitor experience resources are protected in place. Natural monitoring would also begin. Indicators soundscapes and dark night skies are in this zone might include the condition of common. fundamental resources (riparian Visitor Opportunities communities, indicator species, soils, This zone offers backcountry access to the vegetation cover, rock faces, archeological most well- known geologic features and sites, water quality, natural soundscape), spectacular canyons, with good visible impacts (density of social trails, opportunities for solitude. Encounters presence of invasive plants), or visitor with other people vary with time and experiences (perceived solitude). season, ranging from high solitude to a The range of management actions that social experience. Appropriate activities might be undertaken to address changes in include hiking, horseback riding on trails, conditions could include expanding cross- country skiing, backcountry education (especially “leave no trace” camping, and climbing. Physical ethics), restoring disturbed sites, endurance and knowledge of canyon improving trail delineation, establishing a country hazards are needed to make safe

40 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones use of this zone. Interpretive themes A, C, Primitive/Transition to NCA Zone D, and E (found in Chapter 1 of this Overview document) can be presented with This a wild zone with little human backcountry information prior to visit and influence and good opportunities for in some interpretive wayside exhibits solitude. Land is managed as a wild area. along historic trails and routes. Horse and hiking trails are improved and Facilities and Activities linked to the adjacent BLM National Facilities could include routes, trails, signs, Conservation Area to form a seamless and interpretive wayside exhibits. transition. Dogs are allowed on leash. Management activities would include Resources are managed holistically and research, monitoring, and patrol. cooperatively with those on adjacent BLM Activities within recommended wilderness land (within each agency’s regulations). would be subject to minimum tool analysis Overall desired conditions outlined above to protect wilderness values. apply to this zone. Carrying Capacity Resource Conditions The overall strategy of implementing a Natural processes (such as fire and carrying capacity process is a tiered erosion) will be allowed to shape approach to monitoring and management. ecosystems, insofar as possible. General information would continue to be Backcountry use does not adversely affect collected, such as trail counts, numbers of soil stability or vegetation patterns. incidental business permits (e.g., climbing Paleontological resources, more common guides), and trailhead parking numbers. in this zone, are preserved and protected. Park staff would watch incoming Biological soil crusts and desert riparian information for trends. Some specific ecosystems known to occur in this zone resource and visitor experience receive cooperative interagency monitoring would also begin. Indicators management emphasis for preservation in this zone might include the condition of and protection. Joint studies between fundamental resources (riparian BLM and NPS lead to greater knowledge communities, indicator species, soils, of archeology, cultural resources, vegetation cover, rock faces, archeological paleontological resources, and natural sites, water quality, natural soundscape), communities. Rock art, other visible impacts (density of social trails, archeological sites, and paleontological presence of invasive plants), or visitor resources are protected in place. Natural experiences (perceived quality). soundscapes and dark night skies are predominant. The range of management actions that Visitor Opportunities might be undertaken to address changes in This zone offers opportunities for solitude conditions could include expanding and to experience high views of the education (especially “leave no trace” monument and the Grand Valley. ethics), restoring disturbed sites, Interesting routes link the NCA with the improving trail delineation, establishing a monument, and also link to Fruita and trail permit system, designating campsites, systems in the valley. Encounters with managing incidental business permits, or other people are infrequent. Appropriate managing trailheads (see activities include hiking, horseback riding “Implementation” section at the end of on trails, and backcountry camping. This this chapter). would be the one area of the monument to allow dogs (on leash only). The high elevation of this zone makes it the best for

41 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones

holding snow for cross- country skiing. limiting or banning dogs, or managing Endurance and knowledge of canyon trailheads (see “Implementation” section country hazards are needed to make use of at the end of this chapter). this zone. Interpretive themes A, C, and E (found in Chapter 1 of this document) can Wildland/Urban Interface Zone be presented with backcountry Overview information prior to visit. This is a wild zone that protects natural Facilities and Activities processes and cultural resources and Facilities could include routes, trails, and provides opportunities for primitive and signs. The boundary would be marked as unconfined recreation. Most of this zone needed. Management of natural and contains recommended wilderness, and is cultural resources would be conducted managed to protect wilderness values (see jointly with those in adjacent BLM land. Appendix G: “Recommended Wilderness Although this area would be managed as at Colorado National Monument”). backcountry, management activities would Overall desired conditions outlined above not be subject to minimum tool analysis, apply to this zone. which is required in recommended Resource Conditions wilderness. Natural processes (such as fire and Carrying Capacity erosion) will be allowed to shape The overall strategy of implementing a wilderness ecosystems, insofar as possible, carrying capacity process is a tiered but it is highly exposed to human use and approach to monitoring and management. adjacent residential land development. It is General information would continue to be maintained to meet wilderness standards, collected, such as trail counts, trailhead despite the nonwilderness intrusions. parking numbers, and visitor use data from Visitor use does not adversely affect soil the Bureau of Land Management. Park stability or vegetation patterns. Rare staff would watch incoming information endemic plants, biological soil crusts, and for trends. Some specific resource and desert riparian ecosystems are known to visitor experience monitoring would also occur in this zone, and management begin. Indicators in this zone might focuses on their preservation and include the condition of fundamental protection. Wildlife moves freely through resources (riparian communities, indicator riparian corridors, even beyond species, soils, vegetation cover, monument boundaries. Altered habitats paleontological resources, archeological are restored as near as possible to sites, water quality, natural soundscape, conditions predating the influence of desert bighorn sheep movements), visible twentieth- century man. Rock art, other impacts (density of social trails, presence archeological sites, and paleontological of invasive plants, dog waste resources are protected in place. The accumulation), or visitor experiences impacts of urban sights and sounds are (perceived quality). mitigated to the degree possible. Visitor Opportunities The range of management actions that Moderately strenuous hiking, climbing, might be undertaken to address changes in and horseback riding are available, and conditions could include expanding encounters with other people are frequent. education (especially “leave no trace” Many monument trails begin in this zone, ethics), restoring disturbed sites, and there are links to other trails in the improving trail delineation, establishing a Grand Valley. All interpretive themes can permit system, designating campsites, be presented at trailheads and in

42 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones brochures, along with messages of safety unforeseen when the road was developed (flash floods) and resource protection. primarily for automobile use. Overall desired conditions outlined above apply to Facilities and Activities this zone. Facilities could include routes, trails, signs, and interpretive wayside exhibits. Resource Conditions Management activities would include On the west segment of Rim Rock Drive, research, monitoring, and frequent patrol. historic fabric is maintained to the greatest Activities within recommended wilderness extent possible, modified only for severe would be subject to minimum tool analysis safety problems. On the east segment, to protect wilderness values. historic fabric is maintained, but critical safety improvements, such as additional Carrying Capacity pullouts, are implemented through Section The overall strategy of implementing a 106 consultation. carrying capacity process is a tiered approach to monitoring and management. The road and its maintenance do not General information would continue to be impede or accelerate overall geologic collected, such as trail counts, processes. However, some modifications neighborhood reports and complaints, to the landscape may be made for safety, and trailhead parking numbers. Park staff such as dislodging hazardous rocks or would watch incoming information for retaining unstable slopes. In order to trends. Some specific resource and visitor accommodate and withstand road experience monitoring would also begin. corridor maintenance and higher levels of Indicators in this zone might include the visitor use, management of natural condition of fundamental resources resources in this area is more manipulative (riparian communities, indicator species, than in undeveloped areas. Appropriate soils, vegetation cover, archeological sites, native species are used for landscaping. water quality, natural soundscape, wildlife Road corridors, a common point of entry movements), visible impacts (density of for invasive plants, receive a high measure social trails, presence of invasive plants), of invasive plant prevention, detection, or visitor experiences (perceived quality). and control. Rock art, other archeological sites, and paleontological resources are The range of management actions that protected in place. There is some traffic might be undertaken to address changes in noise from automobiles on Rim Rock conditions could include expanding Drive, but opportunities for an unimpeded education (especially “leave no trace” natural soundscape would increase when ethics), restoring disturbed sites, automobiles are limited for bicycle or improving trail delineation, designating pedestrian events. Dark night skies are campsites, or managing trailheads (see available, depending on time and location. “Implementation” section at the end of this chapter). Visitor Opportunities On the west segment of Rim Rock Drive, Rim Rock Drive—Variety of Use Zone the road would be managed to provide for Overview both recreational driving and a variety of Rim Rock Drive’s outstanding historic nonmotorized activities—walking, character, views, opportunities for bicycling, and other nonmotorized means understanding geologic processes, and of enjoying Rim Rock Drive. A variety of other interpretive themes are enjoyed traffic management techniques would be through a wide variety of visitor activities, used such as one- way lane with one the popularity of which was previously bike/walk lane, and temporary closures

43 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones

that do not result in significant conflict restoration of areas of soil and vegetation with other monument uses. On the east damage, and improving pedestrian areas to segment, bikes and cars share the road confine impacts (see “Implementation” safely through education and section at the end of this chapter). enforcement, including information, signs, marking, pilot cars, and patrol. Rim Rock Drive—Driving for Pleasure Opportunities to interpret themes A, B, C, Zone and D (found in Chapter 1 of this Overview document) will be enhanced at overlooks Rim Rock Drive is recognized as one of through wayside exhibits, publications, the great scenic roadways in the nation and personal services. and is managed to enhance driving for Facilities and Activities pleasure. The road is the platform for Facilities could include roads, pullouts, appreciating the monument’s outstanding trails, overlooks, signs, and associated historic character, views, and structures. NPS management activities opportunities for understanding geologic would include patrol, monitoring of processes and other interpretive themes. geologic hazards, and road maintenance Overall desired conditions outlined above for visitor enjoyment and safety, while apply to this zone. protecting the historic character and not Resource Conditions impeding geologic processes. The main Historic fabric is maintained to the research priority in this zone would be greatest extent possible, modified only for geological hazards. severe, documented safety problems. The Carrying Capacity road and its maintenance do not impede The overall strategy of implementing a or accelerate overall geologic processes. carrying capacity process is a tiered However, some modifications to the approach to monitoring and management. landscape can be made for safety, such as General information would continue to be dislodging hazardous rocks or retaining collected, such as visitor complaints, unstable slopes. In order to accommodate accident reports, visitation trends, and and withstand road corridor maintenance vehicle count by types. Park staff would and higher levels of visitor use, watch incoming information for trends. If management of natural resources in this trends indicate significant change, the area is more manipulative than in range of management actions that might undeveloped areas. Appropriate native be undertaken could include species are used for landscaping. Road transportation studies, traffic management corridors, a common point of entry for (including vehicle restrictions), education, invasive plants, receive a high measure of encouraging bike use outside of known invasive plant prevention, detection, and times for traffic, and minor modifications control. Rock art, other archeological to the road for safety (in accordance with sites, and paleontological resources are section 106 of the National Historic protected in place. There is unavoidable Preservation Act). More specific traffic noise from automobiles on Rim indicators and standards would be Rock Drive, limiting opportunities for an established to monitor invasive plants in unimpeded natural soundscape. Dark the road corridor and social trails at night skies are available, depending on overlooks. time and location. The range of management actions would Visitor Opportunities include removal of exotic plants, Opportunities to drive for pleasure are emphasized. Automobile access for

44 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones tourists is unrestricted. On the western specific indicators and standards would be segment, bikes and cars share the road established to monitor invasive plants in safely through education and the road corridor and social trails at enforcement, including information, signs, overlooks. marking, and patrol. On the eastern The range of management actions would segment, bike- car conflicts are avoided include removal of exotic plants, through maximum separation of use. restoration of areas of soil and vegetation Recreational bike use would be closely damage, and improving pedestrian areas to managed or limited (to the extent confine impacts (see “Implementation” consistent with the public right of way) section at the end of this chapter). through this segment. For example, time zones could potentially ban bike use Developed Zone during peak commuter hours. There are Overview opportunities to interpret themes A, B, C, Historic buildings and structures are and D (found in Chapter 1 of this maintained to protect their character and document) at overlooks through wayside are enjoyed and appreciated by visitors exhibits, publications, electronic media through driving, hiking, walking, camping, tour, and personal services. picnicking, viewing, and learning. Overall Facilities and Activities desired conditions outlined above apply to Facilities could include roads, pullouts, this zone. trails, overlooks, signs, and associated Resource Conditions structures. Management activities would Historic buildings and structures are include patrol, monitoring of geologic inventoried, evaluated, and protected. hazards, and road maintenance for visitor They are adapted for use by visitors. Rock enjoyment and safety, while protecting the art, other archeological sites, and historic character and not impeding paleontological resources are protected in geologic processes. The main research place. In order to accommodate and priority in this zone would be geological withstand maintenance activities and hazards. higher levels of visitor use, management of Carrying Capacity natural resources in this area is more The overall strategy of implementing a manipulative than in undeveloped areas. carrying capacity process is a tiered Appropriate native species are used for approach to monitoring and management. landscaping. Developed areas have a high General information would continue to be volume of people and vehicles that spread collected, such as visitor complaints, invasive plants, therefore, particular accident reports, visitation trends, and attention is paid to invasive plant vehicle count by types. Park staff would prevention, detection, and control in this watch incoming information for trends. If zone. An unimpeded natural soundscape trends indicate significant change, the and dark night skies are available at certain range of management actions that might times and locations. be undertaken could include Visitor Opportunities transportation studies, traffic management A wide variety of opportunities for people (including bicycle restrictions), education, of all ages and abilities are available in this encouraging bike use outside of known zone—viewing, short hikes, cross- country times for traffic, and minor to moderate skiing, wayside exhibits, car camping, modifications to the road for safety (in picnicking, reunions, weddings, driving, accordance with section 106 of the interpretive programs, and climbing. Dogs National Historic Preservation Act). More

45 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones

on leashes are allowed on or adjacent to uses. Park staff would watch incoming paved areas. All interpretive themes can be information for trends. If trends indicate interpreted in this zone. significant change, the range of management actions that might be Facilities and Activities undertaken could include increasing Facilities could include roads, education (emphasizing front country campground, visitor center, education “leave no trace”), transportation studies, center, picnic area, trails, trailheads, and minor to moderate modifications of overlooks, wayside exhibits, information facilities (in accordance with section 106 of kiosks, solid waste receptacles, the National Historic Preservation Act). maintenance facilities, and employee More specific indicators and standards housing. NPS management activities would be established to monitor invasive would include maintenance of facilities plants in disturbed areas and social trails in and vehicles and patrol. developed areas. Carrying Capacity The range of management actions would The overall strategy of implementing a include removal of exotic plants, carrying capacity process is a tiered restoration of areas of soil and vegetation approach to monitoring and management. damage, and improving facilities to General information would continue to be confine impacts (see “Implementation” collected, such as visitation trends, visitor section at the end of this chapter). complaints, deterioration of historic structures, parking problems, crowding in the visitor center, vandalism, increase in law enforcement incidents, accidents, waste quantity, and requests for special

46 Chapter 2: The Plan – Management Zones

Table 2: Summary of Management Zones

Management Zone Overview Resource Conditions Visitor Opportunities Facilities and Activities Wild, solitude Undisturbed and restored Outstanding solitude, physically Routes and trails; managed as ecosystems, cultural and challenging activities wilderness Primitive paleontological resources protected Wild, outstanding features Undisturbed and restored Spectacular canyons, monoliths, Routes, trails, signs, and ecosystems, cultural and physically moderate to interpretive wayside exhibits; Semiprimitive paloeontological resources challenging activities managed as wilderness protected Wild, visitor opportunities Undisturbed and restored Seamless transition for hiking Routes, trails, and signs; Primitive/Transition to blended across NPS/BLM ecosystems, cultural and and horseback riding between cooperative management boundary (within the constraints paloeontological resources BLM/NPS, allow dogs on leash programs with BLM, managed NCA of each agency’s laws and protected, seamless transition to to be wild policies) adjacent land Wild, link between Grand Valley Undisturbed and restored Extensive opportunities for Routes, trails, signs, and Wildland/Urban and monument ecosystems, cultural and moderate to physically interpretive wayside exhibits; paleontological resources challenging activities managed as wilderness Interface protected, urban intrusions minimized Historic road is a platform for Historic fabric maintained, some Balance a variety of activities— Road, pullouts, overlooks, trails, Rim Rock Drive— enjoying resources through a safety improvements made (with driving, biking, walking, and signs; road maintenance variety of activities Section 106 consultation), nonmotorized activities as well Variety of Use ecosystems and paleontological as recreational driving resources protected Historic road enhances Historic fabric maintained to Emphasize driving for pleasure, Road, pullouts, overlooks, trails, Rim Rock Drive— automobile access greatest extent possible, closely manage or limit bicycles signs, electronic media tour; Driving for Pleasure ecosystems and paleontological and other potential disruptions road maintenance resources protected Facilities that support Historic structures maintained to Wide variety of activities and Visitor center, roads, opportunities for a full spectrum protect character and provide learning opportunities for campground, picnic areas, trails, Developed of visitors to understand and visitor enjoyment, ecosystems people of all ages and physical trailheads, overlooks, wayside appreciate the monument. and paleontolgical resources abilities exhibits, information kiosks, protected entrance stations

47 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative B

ALTERNATIVE B (Preferred) top), Ute Canyon (upper and lower), Concept Lower Red Canyon, Serpents Trail, Lower The concept of this alternative is to weave No Thoroughfare Canyon, and Old Colorado National Monument into the Gordon Trail. Most remaining areas regional ecosystem on the northeastern below Rim Rock Drive are identified as edge of the Colorado Plateau by pursuing primitive zone, where there are more common stewardship goals with opportunities for solitude. government agencies, tribes, educational There is a transition zone between the institutions, and communities. While BLM’s National Conservation Area (NCA) managed as a unit of the national park and the western boundary of the system for all Americans, the monument’s monument. It provides a seamless importance to and long relationship with transition for visitor opportunities and the Grand Valley would be recognized as a resource management. Trails for hikers foundation for our shared future. and horseback riding are linked, and Emphasis would be placed on providing a trailheads are improved. Dogs would be spectrum of opportunities for people to allowed on leash in the monument within connect to the monument’s important this zone, and dogs on adjacent BLM land resources and values and to form a would be required to be on leash to conservation ethic. To that end, the conform to NPS rules. Resources are strategy would be to prepare for expected managed to meet all NPS laws and policies regional demand to enjoy the monument and monument purposes, with an while protecting resources. By emphasis on holistic, cooperative strengthening individual relationships, management with BLM. partnerships can be formed for the future protection of common regional and The Rim Rock Drive—variety of use zone ecosystem goals in the Grand Valley. is applied to the road corridor 50 feet either side of the centerline in this Management Zones alternative. It offers a balance of Most of the monument is managed in activities—driving, bicycling, walking, and primitive and semiprimitive zones, which special events. The Rim Rock Drive— meet the basic requirements for driving for pleasure zone is not addressed management as a wilderness area in in this alternative. accordance with the Wilderness Act and other policies. There is also a The developed zone is applied to the wildland/urban interface zone that also entrance areas, the Saddlehorn meets basic requirements for wilderness campground and headquarters area, the management. This zone is located along turnoff to West Glade Park Road, the east the northeastern urbanized edge of the Glade Park cutoff road, Devils Kitchen monument and is managed to minimize area, and the parcels proposed for BLM those intrusions. transfer at lower Monument Canyon and Liberty Cap trailheads. The semiprimitive zone is applied to many of the most popular scenic attractions. Geologic Processes, Geologic Features, Resources are highly protected, and there Ecological Systems, Scenery are opportunities for solitude but times These important resources and values are with frequent encounters with other managed for the same desired conditions people. It includes Fruita Canyon, Ottos in all alternatives (see “Overall Desired Trail (on the mesa top), Wedding Canyon, Conditions” section). The range of actions lower Monument Canyon, Gold Star that can be taken are guided by laws and Canyon, Liberty Cap Trail (on the mesa policies and consist of few alternatives.

48 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative B

Management zones provide a direction for that could be taken are guided by laws and future monitoring and management policies and consist of few alternatives. actions to protect these resources. Management zones provide a direction for Expanded partnerships and volunteer future monitoring and management programs make protection of resources actions to protect these resources. stronger. Expanded partnerships and volunteer programs make protection of resources Rim Rock Drive stronger. Rim Rock Drive’s outstanding historic character, views, opportunities for Visitor Opportunities understanding geologic processes, and The monument would continue to provide other interpretive themes are enjoyed opportunities for understanding and through a wide variety of visitor activities. appreciation through driving, bicycling On the west segment of Rim Rock Drive, (on roadway), viewing, walking, hiking, the road would be managed to provide for horseback riding, climbing, picnicking, recreational driving as well as walking, camping, and backcountry camping. bicycling, and other nonmotorized means There would be new opportunities to walk of enjoying Rim Rock Drive. A range of with a dog on a leash in the specified zone. traffic management techniques would be There would be better connections to used such as one- way lane with one opportunities available on adjacent public bike/walk lane, and temporary closures lands. Opportunities for solitude would that do not result in significant conflict exist. In addition, there would be new with other monument uses. Special events opportunities to forge partnerships with for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers, adjacent and regional educational such as the annual Rim Rock Run, would institutions and school districts. Greater continue to be considered on a case- by- opportunity to contact local community case basis within existing regulations. organizations (service clubs, homeowners associations, etc.) would be created under The east commuter segment would be this alternative. managed to safely accommodate all users. Actions could include “share the road” The visitor center would be improved with information, encourage bike use outside of new exhibits and audiovisual programs, times of high traffic, and minor which would be kept current and accurate. modifications to road and pullouts while Publications that provide opportunities for maintaining its historic character (see connection with monument resources section entitled “Management Zones, Rim would continue to be developed and sold Rock Drive—Variety of Use Zone”). The primarily by the Colorado National best long- term solution would be to work Monument Association. Personal with agencies, organizations, local interpretive services programs would be governments, residents, and others to expanded. A proactive program of reduce commercial and commuter traffic education and outreach based from the on the eastern segment (alternate routes monument would be established. It would such as improving Little Park Road, build on curriculum standards, reach alternative transportation). regional and national students, involve interagency programs, integrate research, History and Prehistory and would be supported by partnerships, These important resources and values are for example, with Mesa State College. The managed for similar desired conditions in NPS would seek to develop and all alternatives (see “Overall Desired implement the program in cooperation Conditions” section). The range of actions with other agencies. Support facilities

49 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative B

could be developed, such as adapting an neighbors, adjacent local governments, existing structure for use as an education and state and federal agencies to maintain center. an inviting gateway and provide clear, consolidated, and consistent signs. The NPS would work with other agencies and organizations to develop consistent The existing system of trails, routes, and interagency information regarding public trailheads would be comprehensively lands and recreation opportunities. To evaluated and improved to provide disseminate the information, technology additional visitor opportunities and to such as travel information stations, Web provide greater protection of resources. site links, and downloads of maps and More detailed planning in the future other information through computers and would consider relocation of existing personal data devices would be trails, upgrading some existing implemented. The NPS would also work undeveloped routes to designated trails, with the staff of McInnis Canyons and creating some new connections to National Recreation Area, the State of achieve desired conditions identified in Colorado, communities, other agencies, the management zones. Planning would and organizations to develop one also include further analysis of trailhead centralized interagency information center improvements as part of the system. in the vicinity of the west entrance to the Based on additional planning and analysis, monument. An initial BLM and NPS certain undeveloped trail routes would be information exhibit has been incorporated developed as designated trails for hikers into the Colorado Department of and horses, improving loops, through Transportation welcome center in Fruita. routes, and connections to BLM lands and The idea may be further expanded by a the regional trail network. Routes on variety of partners in the future. Black Ridge would be identified and The rustic character of the campground maintained as trails, connecting from the would be maintained, and improvements West Glade Park Road (encourage a BLM would be made to expand the range of trailhead) onto the Black Ridge Trail and visitor services. Some of the individual through the monument to the Fruita campsites would be adapted to Dugway to another trailhead in the west accommodate larger vehicles, such as RVs, entrance area. Trails along the bench but no utility hookups would be provided. would be better connected for loops and The Devils Kitchen picnic area would be greater variety. A loop from Monument maintained to protect its historic character Canyon through Wedding Canyon would and provide enjoyment for individuals and be designated. The Old Gordon Trail groups. Saddlehorn picnic area would be would be connected through adjacent redesigned and reconstructed to improve BLM land to an existing BLM trailhead visitor enjoyment with shade and layout along Little Park Road. for small and large groups and to protect Within the monument, a new trailhead resources such as soils by minimizing would be developed at the east entrance social trails. area to accommodate access to Red The east and west entrances would be Canyon and overflow use of the Devils improved by consolidating signs and Kitchen/Serpents Trail area. There would critical safety and orientation information be no other expansion of trailheads in the into a kiosk. Space for turning vehicles monument. There is not suitable land for around would be provided, as would water expansion for more cars or to better for cyclists. The NPS would work with accommodate horse trailers.

50 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative B

On the perimeter of the monument, the managed according to applicable National Monument Canyon trailhead would be Park Service policies. improved and expanded, and a self- To ensure timely emergency response and contained toilet would be installed. Either improve the safety and security of visitors, the parking area would be relocated out of increased law enforcement would be the recommended wilderness area, or a sought through additional patrol by NPS change to the wilderness recommendation staff or interagency agreements. This will be sought (see Appendix G: would be supplemented by technology, “Recommended Wilderness at Colorado such as cameras, lighting, and call boxes. National Monument”). The South Broadway access would be kept, although Operations, Staff, and Funding no parking would be provided on NPS Employee housing would be maintained at land. The NPS would work with the the Saddlehorn area for required county and others to develop parking on occupants, and employee housing at the other land or provide transit alternatives. east entrance would be eliminated. The lower Liberty Cap trailhead at Surplus houses at the Saddlehorn area Wildwood would be modified and would be used for a variety of management expanded. The NPS would seek the purposes. Priorities would be given to use transfer of the BLM parcel to the the structures to support interagency monument. No restrooms would be activities and volunteers. The site of provided. former housing at the east entrance may be used as a trailer site for volunteers. The NPS would work with the BLM and others to provide trailheads outside the Fees would continue to be collected at the monument for proposed new connecting entrance stations during busy months and trails. Locations include the west at the visitor center during quieter times. monument entrance area, upper Old Under this alternative, the NPS could Gordons Trail (BLM land), and upper extend the season of fee collection or Black Ridge (BLM land near upper Liberty begin collection of fees at perimeter Cap). trailheads. The NPS would collaborate with other agencies on potential Trailheads would be improved with interagency fee collection. important visitor messages about safety, resource protection, and interpretation. Emphasis of staff would be primarily on At a future time when capacities of parking managing programs, rather than on direct areas are frequently exceeded, alternative project accomplishment. Staff levels transportation would be considered. would be increased to a range of 19 to 23 Alternative transportation would have to full- time positions to implement the ensure that the numbers of visitors actions in this alternative. Positions could delivered to trailheads did not impede be filled by NPS employees, shared or joint resource conditions and opportunities for positions with other agencies, contractors, solitude established for the various or by other means. Volunteers would management zones. continue to be integral to the management of the monument. Programs to involve Commercial operations, such as guided volunteers in inventory, monitoring, rock climbs, bicycle tours, horseback cultural resource data collection, resource rides, or other appropriate activities would restoration, interpretation and education, be allowed, if they met the criteria of area or campground hosting, trail patrol, necessary and appropriate, and would be light trail maintenance, and other aspects of monument operations would be

51 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative B

continued and expanded. To further between $2,645,000 and $3,045,000. The enhance volunteers, the NPS would increase would support the programs establish an interagency volunteer proposed in the alternative, and would coordinator to develop interagency add positions for resource management, volunteer groups for similar tasks, such as visitor services and protection, invasive plant removal or trail interpretation and education, maintenance. maintenance, partnerships, and an interagency volunteer coordinator. Life- The following costs are given for cycle costs (inclusive of all capital and comparison to other alternatives only, and annual costs) projected over twenty- five are not to be used for budgeting purposes. years are estimated to be between $39.6 Estimated construction improvements million and $45.7 million. would result in capital costs estimated to be between $4,568,000 and $6,055,000. Boundary Adjustments That includes upgrading visitor center There is a need to address a number of exhibits and audiovisual program, road minor survey corrections to the boundary. rehabilitation, adaptive reuse of an existing In addition, this alternative proposes to structure for an education center, and acquire three parcels of publicly owned improvements to trails, trailheads, land on the perimeter of the monument to entrances, picnic areas, and the improve access for visitors and campground. Ongoing annual repair and administration. A boundary adjustment rehabilitation costs for existing facilities would be sought to include the three would be between $220,000 and $630,000. perimeter parcels and two parcels of NPS The estimated annual operating costs, land inadvertently excluded from the which include all costs for maintenance, boundary. See Appendix C: “Boundary operations, and personnel, would be Adjustments.”

52 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternatives B and C

Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative C

ALTERNATIVE C included in the primitive zone in this Concept alternative. Most other remaining areas The concept of this alternative is for below Rim Rock Drive are identified for Colorado National Monument to be a the primitive zone, where there are more benchmark of undisturbed ecosystems on opportunities for solitude. the northeastern edge of the The primitive/transition to NCA zone is Uncompahgre Plateau. Land managing not used in this alternative. Management agencies would form partnerships to of resources and visitor activities are kept provide a full spectrum of resource distinct from adjoining public lands. conditions and visitor opportunities. Within the mosaic of public lands, the The Rim Rock Drive—driving for pleasure monument would be a distinct control zone is applied to the road corridor 50 feet plot focused on the preservation of its either side of the centerline in this important resources and values. Colorado alternative. It emphasizes automobile National Monument would be an outdoor access and closely manages or limits other laboratory for learning and developing a uses, such as bicycles and special events to conservation ethic. Emphasis would be the extent consistent with other laws, placed on its role in the national park policies, and mandates. The Rim Rock system, while recognizing the importance Drive—variety of use zone is not used in of relationships with the residents of the this alternative. Grand Valley. The developed zone is applied to the Management Zones entrance areas, the Saddlehorn Most of the monument is managed in campground and headquarters area, the primitive and semiprimitive zones, which turnoff to West Glade Park Road, the east meet the basic requirements of Glade Park cutoff road, Devils Kitchen management as a wilderness area in area, and the parcels proposed for BLM accordance with the Wilderness Act and transfer to the monument at lower other policies. There is also a Monument Canyon and Liberty Cap wildland/urban interface zone that also trailheads. meets basic requirements of wilderness Geologic Processes, Geologic Features, management. This zone is located along Ecological Systems, Scenery the northeastern urbanized edge of the These important resources and values are monument and is managed to minimize managed for the same desired conditions those intrusions. in all alternatives (see “Overall Desired The semiprimitive zone is applied to many Conditions” section). The range of actions of the most popular scenic attractions. that can be taken are guided by laws and Resources are highly protected, and there policies and consist of few alternatives. are opportunities for solitude but times Management zones provide a direction for with frequent encounters with other future monitoring and management people. The semiprimitive zone includes actions to protect these resources. Fruita Canyon, Ottos Trail (on the mesa Expanded partnerships with agencies and top), lower Monument Canyon, Gold Star institutions makes protection of resources Canyon, Liberty Cap Trail (on the mesa stronger. top), Lower Ute Canyon, Lower Red Rim Rock Drive Canyon, Serpents Trail, and Lower No Rim Rock Drive is recognized as one of Thoroughfare Canyon. Unlike in the great scenic roadways in the nation alternative B, Wedding Canyon, Upper and is managed to enhance driving for Ute Canyon and Old Gordon Trail are pleasure. The road is the platform for

55 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative C

appreciating the monument’s outstanding Opportunities for solitude would be historic character, views, and promoted. opportunities for understanding geologic The visitor center would be improved with processes and other interpretive themes. new exhibits and audiovisual programs, Vehicular use of the west segment of Rim which would be kept current and accurate. Rock Drive would not be significantly Publications and other materials that impaired by lane closures or temporary provide opportunities to connect with closures to facilitate nonmotorized monument resources would continue to activities. Special events, such as the be developed and sold primarily by the annual Rim Rock Run, would continue to Colorado National Monument be considered on a case- by- case basis Association. Personal interpretive services within existing regulations, but would not programs would be expanded with staff be permitted if the NPS determines that and volunteers. A proactive program of they will significantly conflict with education and outreach based from the vehicular use of Rim Rock Drive. monument would be established. It would The east commuter segment would be build on curriculum standards, reach managed for increased safety by limiting regional and national students, involve or banning bicycles to the extent interagency programs, integrate research, consistent with the public right- of- way and would be supported by partnerships, across this segment (see section entitled for example, with Mesa State College. The “Management Zones, Rim Rock Drive— NPS would take the lead in developing Driving for Pleasure Zone”). The best and implementing the program in long- term solution would be to work with cooperation with other agencies. agencies, organizations, local The NPS would work with other agencies governments, residents, and others to and organizations to develop consistent reduce commercial and commuter traffic interagency information regarding public on the eastern segment (alternate routes lands and recreation opportunities. To such as improving Little Park Road, disseminate the information, technology alternative transportation). such as travel information stations, Web History and Prehistory site links, and downloads of maps and These important resources and values are other information through computers and managed for similar desired conditions in personal data devices would be all alternatives (see “Overall Desired implemented. The NPS would also work Conditions” section). The range of actions with other agencies and organizations to that can be taken are guided by laws and establish a network of coordinated policies and consist of few alternatives. interagency information sites, building Expanded partnerships with agencies and upon the many visitor centers already institutions makes protection of resources situated around the Grand Valley. stronger. The rustic character of the campground Visitor Opportunities would be maintained. To promote the The monument would continue to provide monument as an outdoor laboratory and opportunities for understanding and research area for schools and universities, appreciation through driving, bicycling some of the individual campsites would be (on roadway), viewing, walking, hiking, redesigned into additional group camping horseback riding, climbing, picnicking, areas. The Devils Kitchen picnic area camping, and backcountry camping. would be maintained to protect its historic character and provide enjoyment for

56 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative C individuals and groups. Saddlehorn picnic Alternative transportation would have to area would be redesigned and ensure that the numbers of visitors reconstructed to improve visitor delivered to trailheads did not impede enjoyment with shade and layout for small resource conditions and opportunities for and large groups and to protect resources solitude established for the various such as soils by minimizing social trails. management zones. The east and west entrances would be Commercial operations, such as guided improved by consolidating signs and rock climbs, bicycle tours, horseback critical safety and orientation information rides, or other appropriate activities would into a kiosk. Space for turning vehicles be allowed if they met the criteria of around would be provided, as would water necessary and appropriate, and would be for cyclists. The NPS would work with managed according to applicable National neighbors, adjacent local governments, Park Service policies. and state and federal agencies to maintain To ensure timely emergency response and an inviting gateway and provide clear, improve the safety and security of visitors, consolidated, and consistent signs. increased law enforcement would be The existing system of trails, routes, and sought through additional patrol by NPS trailheads would be maintained in good staff or interagency agreements. This condition, with minor changes to improve would be supplemented by technology, safety or achieve desired conditions. such as cameras, lighting, and call boxes. Trailheads within the monument would Operations, Staff, and Funding not be expanded. There is no suitable land Employee housing would be maintained at for expansion to accommodate more cars the Saddlehorn area for required or to better accommodate horse trailers. occupants, and employee housing at the On the perimeter of the monument, the east entrance would be eliminated. Monument Canyon trailhead would be Surplus houses at the Saddlehorn area improved and expanded, and a self- would be used for a variety of management contained toilet would be installed. The purposes. Priorities would be given to use parking area would either be relocated out the structures to support visiting of the recommended wilderness area, or a researchers. The site of former housing at change to the wilderness recommendation the east entrance may be used as a trailer would be sought (see Appendix G: site for researchers. “Recommended Wilderness at Colorado Fees would continue to be collected at the National Monument”). Use of the South entrance stations during busy months and Broadway access would be discouraged to at the visitor center during quieter times. protect nearby sensitive resources. The Under this alternative, the NPS might lower Liberty Cap trailhead at Wildwood extend the season of fee collection or would be modified and expanded. The begin collection of fees at perimeter NPS would seek the transfer of the BLM trailheads. The NPS would collaborate parcel to the monument. No restrooms with other agencies on potential would be provided. interagency fee collection. Trailheads would be improved with Staff activities would focus primarily on important visitor messages about safety, direct project accomplishment, rather than resource protection, and interpretation. on program management. Staff levels At a future time when capacities of parking would be increased to a range of 19 to 20 areas are frequently exceeded, alternative full- time positions to implement the transportation could be considered. actions in this alternative. Positions could

57 Chapter 2: The Plan – Alternative C

be filled by NPS employees, by contract, or maintenance, operations, and personnel by other means. Volunteers would costs, would be between $2,345,000 and continue to be integral to the management $2,445,000. The increase would support of the monument. Programs to involve the programs proposed in the alternative, volunteers in inventory, monitoring, and would add positions for resource cultural resource data collection, resource management, visitor services and restoration, area or campground hosting, protection, interpretation and education, trail patrol, light trail maintenance, and maintenance, volunteer coordination, and other aspects of monument operations partnerships. Life- cycle costs (inclusive would be continued and expanded. of all capital and annual costs) projected over twenty- five years are estimated to be The following costs are given for between $34.9 million and $37.2 million. comparison to other alternatives only, and are not to be used for budgeting purposes. Boundary Adjustments Estimated construction improvements There is a need to address a number of would result in capital costs estimated to minor survey corrections to the boundary. be between $3,505,000 and $4,557,000. In addition, this alternative proposes to That includes upgrading visitor center acquire three parcels of publicly owned exhibits and audiovisual program, road land on the perimeter of the monument to rehabilitation, and improvements to improve access for visitors and trailheads, entrances, picnic areas, and the administration. A boundary adjustment campground. Ongoing annual repair and would be sought to include the three rehabilitation costs for existing facilities perimeter parcels and two parcels of NPS would be between $220,000 and $630,000. land inadvertently excluded from the The estimated annual operating costs, boundary. See Appendix C: “Boundary which would include all costs for Adjustments.”

58 Chapter 2: The Plan – Summary of Alternatives

Table 3: Summary of Alternatives

Alternative A: No Action Alternative B (preferred) Alternative C Concept Continue existing management. Weave management into greater Benchmark of undisturbed ecosystem management. ecosystem. Lack of guidance for integrating The importance to and long Public lands provide a spectrum of with urban interface and adjacent relationship with Grand Valley is resource conditions and visitor public lands. recognized as a foundation for the opportunities. The monument monument’s future. focuses on its role in national park system. React to crisis. Prepare for use. Guard the resource. Management Zones Not applicable. Most of the monument is managed Most of the monument is managed in primitive and semiprimitive in primitive and semiprimitive zones. The land bordering BLM‘s zones. There are more areas NCA is managed holistically designated as “primitive” in this through interagency cooperation. alternative. Rim Rock Drive is Rim Rock Drive is managed as a managed as a “driving for “variety of use” zone. pleasure” zone. Primitive zone 12,101 acres (59%) 14,866 acres (73%) Semiprimitive zone 4,838 acres (24%) 4,114 acres (20%) Transition to NCA zone 1,971 acres (10%) Not applicable Wildland-urban interface zone 950 acres (5%) 961 acres (5%) Developed zone 301 (1%) 301 acres (1%) Rim Rock Drive variety of use zone 271 (1%) Not applicable Rim Rock Drive driving for pleasure Not applicable 271 acres (1%) zone Geologic Processes, Geologic Important resources and values are Important resources and values are Same as alternative B. Features, Ecological Systems, managed to be undisturbed, but managed to be undisturbed Scenery lack of cohesive goals and through identified goals, management zones to focus management zones, increased monitoring and management. monitoring, and focused actions. Rim Rock Drive Multiple demands for use, As a key platform for As one of the great scenic roadways continued conflicts. understanding and appreciating the in the nation and a unique driving

59 Chapter 2: The Plan – Summary of Alternatives

Alternative A: No Action Alternative B (preferred) Alternative C monument, the scenic road is opportunity in the region, access enjoyed through a wide variety of for automobiles is emphasized. visitor opportunities, both motorized and nonmotorized. History and Prehistory Important resources and values are Important resources and values are Same as alternative B. managed to be undisturbed, but managed to be undisturbed lack of cohesive goals and through identified goals, management zones to focus management zones, increased monitoring and management. monitoring, and focused actions. Visitor Opportunities Range of activities Driving, bicycling (on roadway), Same as alternative A, plus zone for Same as alternative A. viewing, walking, hiking, horseback walking dogs on leash. More opportunities for solitude. riding, climbing, picnicking, Improved connections to opportuni- camping, and backcountry camping. ties on adjacent public land. Interpretation Visitor center exhibits, AV programs Replace and maintain up-to-date Same as alternative B. replaced. exhibits and AV programs. Publications (primarily developed Publications (primarily developed and sold by CNMA). and sold by CNMA). Limited personal interpretive Expanded personal interpretive programs. programs. Education and outreach Minimal program. Establish proactive program based Establish proactive program based from monument, build on from monument, build on curriculum standards, reach curriculum standards, reach regional and national students, regional and national students, interagency programs, integrate interagency programs, integrate research, seek partnerships such as research, seek partnerships such as with Mesa State College. with Mesa State. Emphasis on interagency NPS leadership. development and implementation. Support with facilities such as adapting an existing structure for an education center.

60 Chapter 2: The Plan – Summary of Alternatives

Alternative A: No Action Alternative B (preferred) Alternative C Interagency information Scattered. Implement technology such as Implement technology such as travel information system, Web site travel information system, Web site links, computer or personal data links, computer or palm pilot assistant downloads for trail maps, downloads for trail maps, information. information. One centralized interagency Network of coordinated information center in the vicinity of interagency information sites based the west monument entrance. on existing visitor centers. Campground Maintain rustic character. Maintain rustic character, improve Maintain rustic character, improve group accommodation. and expand group accommodation Improve some sites to within existing campground (reduce accommodate larger vehicles/RVs individual sites). (but no utility hookups). Picnic areas Maintain existing picnic areas, Maintain Devils Kitchen to protect Same as alternative B. protect historic character of Devils historic character and provide Kitchen. enjoyment for individuals and groups. Saddlehorn redesigned to improve visitor enjoyment (shade, layout, group needs, etc.) and protect resources such as soils (minimize social trails). East and West Entrances Maintain existing entrances. Consolidate signs, information with Same as alternative B. critical safety and orientation information, vehicle turnaround, water for cyclists, etc. Work with neighbors, adjacent local governments, and state and federal agencies to maintain an inviting gateway and provide clear, consolidated, and consistent signs. Trails Keep existing system of designated Comprehensive plan to improve the Keep existing system of designated trails (hikers and horses) and trail system and resource trails (hikers and horses) and undeveloped trail routes (hikers conditions. Consider relocation of undeveloped trail routes (hikers only). Trails could be relocated to existing trails, upgrading some only). Trails could be relocated to

61 Chapter 2: The Plan – Summary of Alternatives

Alternative A: No Action Alternative B (preferred) Alternative C improve experience or resource existing undeveloped routes to achieve desired conditions in conditions. designated trails, and creating some management zones. new connections within the park and to adjacent BLM lands and regional trail network. System would strive to achieve desired conditions identified in the management zones. Trailheads Continue to maintain existing Additional planning would also Trailheads within the monument— trailheads. include further analysis of trailhead no expansion, explore alternative improvements as part of the system. transportation. Trailheads within the monument— create trailhead at East Entrance site to accommodate access to Red Canyon and overflow use of Devils Kitchen/Serpents Trail area. No expansion of other existing trailheads within the monument, explore alternative transportation. Trailheads on lower perimeter— Trailheads on lower perimeter— slight expansion where feasible, slight expansion where feasible, self-contained toilet at Monument self-contained toilet at Monument Canyon trailhead, explore Canyon trailhead, explore alternative transportation. alternative transportation. Work with BLM and others to Minimize and discourage South develop additional perimeter Broadway access to protect trailheads at the west entrance resources. area, upper Black Ridge Trail, upper Old Gordon’s Trail, and South Broadway access. Operations Safety and security Patrol at existing level. Increase patrol with NPS or Same as alternative B. interagency agreements, supplement with technology. Employee housing Continue required occupants at Same as alternative A, plus give Same as alternative A, plus give

62 Chapter 2: The Plan – Summary of Alternatives

Alternative A: No Action Alternative B (preferred) Alternative C Saddlehorn, remove housing at east priority for surplus houses to priority for surplus houses to entrance, use surplus Saddlehorn interagency programs and visiting scientists. houses for administration. volunteer activities. Fee collection Continue fee collection at two Same as alternative A, plus extend Same as alternative B. entrance stations or visitor center. fee collection season, collect fees at trailheads, and/or collaborate on potential interagency fee collection.

Staff 13–15 permanent NPS employees: 19–23 positions (NPS employees, 19–20 positions (NPS employees, • resource management sharing staff or joint positions with contractors, or other means) • visitor services and protection other agencies, contractors, or • maintenance other means) • administration • 44 volunteers Additional resources for: Additional resources for: • resource management • resource management • visitor services and protection • visitor services and protection • interpretation and education • interpretation and education • maintenance • maintenance • administration • administration • volunteer coordination • volunteer coordination • partnerships • partnerships • interagency information Establish an interagency volunteer Increase volunteers coordinator to expand the volunteer program and develop interagency volunteer groups for similar tasks, such as invasive plant removal or trail maintenance. More emphasis on program More emphasis on direct project management. accomplishment. Initial one-time costs $860,000—$1,800,000 $4,568,000—$6,055,000 $3,505,000—$4,557,000 Annual repair/rehab. costs $220,000—$630,000 $220,000—$630,000 $220,000—$630,000 (could increase as backlog grows)

63 Chapter 2: The Plan – Summary of Alternatives

Alternative A: No Action Alternative B (preferred) Alternative C Annual operating costs $950,000—$1,514,000 $2,645,000—$3,045,000 $2,345,000—$2,445,000 Total life-cycle cost $16.0—$22.9 million $39.6—$45.7 million $34.9—$37.2 million $19.5 million average $42.6 million average $36.0 million average Boundary Adjustments Pursue survey corrections. Pursue survey corrections. Same as alternative B. Seek transfer of 2 BLM parcels at lower Monument Canyon trailhead and lower Liberty Cap trailhead and acquisition of 1 Mesa County parcel at Monument Canyon trailhead. Seek boundary adjustment to include the 3 parcels above as well as 2 NPS parcels inadvertently excluded from the boundary.

Assumptions for Cost Estimates: • The base year for all estimates is 2003. • The initial one- time construction costs are “Class C” estimates, developed into net and gross construction costs and inclusive of all design and supplemental services. At this level of planning, there are many unknown factors and a contingency of 30 percent was added to the higher range of estimates. • Recurring annual ongoing costs for repair and rehabilitation were developed by averaging expenditures for the last five years. • Annual operating costs are inclusive of personnel, equipment, vehicles, materials and supplies, utilities, and other services. • Life- cycle costs reflect the present worth of all expenditures over a 25- year period at a discount rate of 7 percent.

64 Chapter 2: The Plan: Mitigating Measures

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND Elimination of Saddlehorn Picnic Area DISMISSED The Saddlehorn Picnic area is very lightly During the planning process, some used, has an oversized and mostly empty additional alternatives were raised through parking lot, and there are a lot of social public comment or NPS concerns. These trails and trampling between the sites. were considered but later dismissed from During the planning process, the idea of further analysis for various reasons closing and restoring the site to a more described below. natural condition was considered, to improve soils and vegetation and reduce Elimination of Saddlehorn operation and maintenance costs. Upon Campground further analysis, consultation with Because there are a number of camping agencies, and public involvement, it was opportunities on public lands in and determined that there is a strong demand around the monument, and the monument for developed picnic areas—Devils campground is not always filled, the idea Kitchen is extremely popular (almost to of eliminating the Saddlehorn the point of overutilization). It offers campground was raised. While the attractive rustic restrooms and shelter in a monument does collect fees to offset the spectacular setting and is close to Grand cost of maintaining and operating the Junction, providing a desirable setting for campground, there would be overall groups, large families, weddings, and savings in eliminating the campground and reunions. The BLM does not provide restoring the site to a natural condition. In many picnic facilities and is not planning the Grand Valley adjacent to the to increase such facilities in their plan for monument, there are many highly the National Conservation Area. The developed campgrounds (at least six underutilization of the Saddlehorn picnic public campgrounds and two state park area is likely related to its unattractive campgrounds), moderately developed layout and design. Rather than eliminate campgrounds on U.S. Forest Service lands it, the NPS needs to provide developed on Grand Mesa, and primitive campsites picnic sites in a spectacular setting by on nearby BLM land. Upon further improving Saddlehorn picnic area. This analysis and public comment, the idea of could be accomplished by relocating sites, eliminating the campground was providing attractive restrooms and shade dismissed. The group site available is like structures, redesigning parking, no other opportunity in the area and helps accommodating groups, and eliminating to launch a variety of educational groups social trails. from grade schools to universities that visit the monument to learn about geology and Replacement of NPS Housing at East other resources. The individual sites offer Entrance a rustic experience that has more services Two units of NPS housing at the east than primitive BLM sites but not the full entrance to the monument are being RV hookups of the highly developed sites, removed because they were built on thus offering a unique and quieter uranium tailings that emit dangerous levels experience. The campground has historic of radon that could not be mitigated. Over structures and is part of the greater the last several years, there have been Saddlehorn cultural landscape, values to changes in NPS policy about employee be protected. There are no compelling housing that strongly encourage most natural resource problems with the employees to live in adjacent communities campground to mitigate. where feasible, and guide the NPS to provide government housing for only

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those employees whose jobs require a 24- improving horse access and trails in the hour presence, such as law enforcement. Black Ridge area jointly with BLM through Following this trend, it was determined larger trailheads outside of the monument that the required occupants for law in cooperation with others and by enforcement could effectively reside in the improving the trails. NPS residences on the west side of the Widen Rim Rock Drive monument. During the planning process The concept of widening Rim Rock Drive and public involvement, some local people for a continuous or extensive bike or supported the idea of replacing the pedestrian lane was considered early in the residence(s) on the east side, to provide planning process and dismissed. In an for faster response time for law area of such steep terrain, the enforcement. The idea was not environmental impacts would be considered likely or feasible under current substantial. The road is on the National NPS policies and budget constraints. Register of Historic Places for its Under current NPS policies and character, design, workmanship, and guidelines, the 20 miles between the west materials. Adding continuous shoulders side residences and the east side is not would adversely affect its reasons for considered a hindrance to timely response being included on the National Register. to emergencies. Even if environmental impacts could be Enlarge Trailheads to Accommodate mitigated and removal of the road from Horse Trailers the National Register was determined to During public involvement in the planning be acceptable, construction costs would process, some expressed a desire to better likely be extremely high and unlikely to be accommodate horse users, and one main obtained. Because of the substantial improvement would be to enlarge impacts and costs, the idea was dismissed trailheads to accommodate horse trailers. from further consideration. Horse trailers towed behind vehicles require a large turning radius. Further, MITIGATING MEASURES horse users often like to come in groups, Under any of the action alternatives and there could be multiple trailers. A proposed, mitigating measures would be review of existing trailheads within the used to reduce the effects of actions. monument indicates few opportunities to More detailed design and analysis would enlarge trailheads without requiring be undertaken prior to many proposed extensive earth moving and environmental actions, including trail system changes, damage. Liberty Cap and Monument minor reconstruction at trailheads, and Canyon trailheads on the lower perimeter rehabilitation of picnic areas, the are running full from current use, and campground, and other structures in the enlargements and improvements are action alternatives. An environmental needed just to handle hikers. There is little assessment would be undertaken prior to extra room for horse trailers. Some horse construction to evaluate potential impacts users who live adjacent to the monument in more detail, and the NPS would strive do not need parking. Enlargement of to minimize impacts through sensitive existing trailheads for horse trailers does design and construction methods, such as: not appear to be worth the environmental cost or reduction in capacity for popular • Archeological survey and monitoring hiking spots. In response to the suggestion • Consulting with the State Historic of providing better accommodation for Preservation Office horses in the plan, alternative B includes • Minimizing soil erosion and sedimentation

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• Protecting water quality with best Memorandum of Agreement, to stipulate management practices how the adverse effects would be • Protecting riparian areas minimized or mitigated. If it is determined • Minimizing soil disturbance and that the proposed action would have no compaction adverse effect on National Register eligible • Minimizing vegetation disturbance or listed cultural resources, NPS staff • Minimizing wildlife disturbance would document this determination on an assessment of effect form and forward the • Restoring vegetation with native species from genetic stocks originating in the form to the State Historic Preservation monument Office for review and comment. • Protecting visual character Archeological Resources Minimizing disturbance to paleontological Knowledge of the location, significance, resources and condition is essential to protecting • Minimizing temporary dust and archeological resources from natural and particulates human- caused disturbance. Under the • Completion of ethnographic overview and action alternatives, inventory and assessment and monitoring in partnership monitoring would be increased because with tribes there would be more focus on attaining • Consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife desired conditions through management Service zones and known sites at risk would be • Minimizing road closures or other visitor monitored. Under alternative B, disruptions combined efforts with the BLM would • Employing sustainable design and leverage more funding for site inventories construction practices and deeper knowledge of archeological More specific information about resources—their importance, location, and mitigation of impacts resulting from condition. Volunteer programs such as management zoning and other proposals “adopt a canyon” could improve direct in the action alternatives is covered in the protection as well as provide timely following topics. reports of threats. Increased partnerships with other agencies and universities in Cultural Resources—General alternative C would increase baseline Prior to implementing any of the action information. If monitoring reveals that alternatives, National Park Service staff resources are in imminent danger, they would identify National Register eligible would be recorded and recovered if or listed cultural resources that could feasible. This would be performed in potentially be affected by the proposed consultation with the state historic action and apply the Advisory Council on preservation officer. Historic Preservation’s criteria of adverse effect (36 CFR 800.5, Assessment of Adverse Impacts from monument operations such Effects). If it is determined that the as maintenance and minor construction proposed action would adversely impact will strive to avoid known archeological eligible or listed cultural resources, NPS resources. Similarly, trail construction to staff would prepare an environmental improve routes to trails or trailhead assessment to analyze the impacts in detail expansions would avoid known resources. as well as negotiate and execute a An environmental assessment would be memorandum of agreement with the State undertaken to fully evaluate potential Historic Preservation Office, in impacts when actual trail locations are accordance with 36 CFR Part 800.6 (c), identified. Such actions would follow Resolution of Adverse Effects— guidelines and procedures for NPS

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cultural resource management and Section modifications, and potential 106 consultation, including an reconstruction would continue to be environmental assessment. If sites cannot developed in consultation with the state be avoided, artifacts and the data they historic preservation officer and in possess would be recorded and recovered accordance with the Secretary of the in consultation with the state historic Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of preservation officer. Historic Properties to avoid or reduce potential effects to cultural resources. An An important aspect of mitigation in the environmental assessment would be action alternatives would be a greatly prepared for the repaving of Rim Rock expanded program of education and Drive. Mitigation measures could include outreach through improved exhibits, signs limiting the magnitude of the proposed at trailheads, improved publications, and project, modifying the proposed project, programs in the local schools and greater documenting resources that must be community. Increasing understanding destroyed, or recovering and recording and appreciation of rock art and other archeological information. archeological resources would encourage more visitors to leave them unharmed and An important aspect of mitigation in the in their extant location. action alternatives is a greatly expanded program of education and outreach to the Ethnographic Resources and Sacred local schools and greater community. Sites Increasing understanding and To address the lack of knowledge about appreciation of historic structures, such as ethnographic resources and sacred sites, Rim Rock Drive, historic trails, historic the NPS will complete an ethnographic structures, and historic landscapes, would overview and assessment. This encourage more visitors to leave them information, along with strengthened unharmed. relationships with associated American Indian tribes, would provide direction for Natural Systems and Processes monitoring in the action alternatives. It Under all alternatives, the NPS Natural would also provide a basis for Resource Challenge will develop vital signs environmental assessment of potential to be monitored as part of the Northern effects of implementation of trail Colorado Plateau network. Under the improvements under alternative B. action alternatives, implementation of a carrying capacity process would result in Historic Character of the Built more specific indicators, standards, and Environment monitoring. The NPS will continue to maintain, repair, rehabilitate, and adaptively reuse historic Under the action alternatives, there would structures through the help of staff, be a more effective program for invasive volunteers, and partnerships. A road plant control because of increased staff, maintenance and hazard plan would be interagency cooperation, and developed for Rim Rock Drive. In the partnerships. Hiking and climbing and action alternatives, the “share the road” related impacts would be mitigated by information program for users of Rim increased monitoring, closer management Rock Drive and stricter management of of activities, and expanding education bicycles would alleviate pressures for more about “leave no trace” ethics. Ecological drastic changes demanded by some impacts of existing trails would be commuters. All actions such as mitigated by similar measures, plus by maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, safety making ecologically sensitive trail

68 Chapter 2: The Plan: Mitigating Measures realignments as necessary. Also under the animal species if these activities were action alternatives, the Potential occurring near the work areas. Conservation Areas (PCAs) would be used The Fruita and Monument Canyons PCA as a means of focusing on threatened and information would also be reviewed and endangered species and species of special expanded upon because of its ecological concern and would increase the approach to sensitive species and because effectiveness of sensitive species a large measure of the trail work would preservation by emphasizing the occur within this PCA. Tools such as ecological context in lieu of the single Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind—A species context. This is especially Handbook for Trail Planners, by the important for the Devils Kitchen PCA and Colorado Trails and Wildlife Task Force the Fruita and Monument Canyons PCA (Sept. 1998) would be utilized in planning. because they overlay high visitor use Additions and changes to the trail system backcountry areas. Preventive and under this alternative are contingent on mitigation measures, including visitor achieving desired conditions and avoiding carrying capacities, could then be or acceptably mitigating impacts to natural implemented to eliminate or reduce systems and processes, including (but not unacceptable impacts. There would be limited to) wetlands, riparian areas, some mitigation of wildlife disturbance at threatened and endangered species, and the monument boundary resulting from other sensitive species and habitats. cooperative management and better Comprehensive planning for the trail communication with residential system would tier off of this general neighbors. management plan. Planning would Under alternative B, proposed trail system include appropriate environmental changes would be mitigated by more compliance. comprehensive planning and analysis to Soils and Biological Crusts result in ecologically sensitive trail Increased staffing, funds, and volunteers placement. Under this alternative, the would facilitate adequate mitigation of realignment of trails and improvement of impacts to soil resources. Proposed trail travel routes have at least some potential system changes (alternative B) would be to affect the bald eagle and Uinta hookless mitigated by more comprehensive cactus (threatened and endangered planning and analysis to result in species), as well as the peregrine falcon, ecologically sensitive trail placement. An desert bighorn sheep, kit fox, and other environmental assessment would be animal and plant species of special undertaken to fully evaluate potential concern identified in Chapter 3. impacts when actual trail locations are Consultation with the U.S. Fish and identified. Examples of mitigation Wildlife Service, Colorado Division of measures available for application are as Wildlife and Colorado Natural Heritage follows: monitoring soil condition and Program has been initiated. Surveys would impacts to soils, relocation of trails to be conducted along all alternative trail more resistant soils or substrates, routes to determine locations for these hardening high use- high impact areas, sensitive species in order to avoid or ecological restoration of impact areas, mitigate impacts. Construction activity redesigning trails to eliminate multi- would be scheduled outside the mating, trailing social trails, educating the birth (or hatching), and juvenile periods of monument visitor on the role and value of the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, desert soils and biological soil crusts and the bighorn sheep, kit fox, and other sensitive need for protecting them from damage,

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maintenance of trails to established Visitor Conflicts and Safety standards, front country and backcountry Conflicts between users and accidents patrols to established standards, and stemming from commuter and commercial designing and maintaining trails for their traffic could be mitigated if Mesa County assigned type of use (backcountry and and the Colorado Division of Highways front country, foot traffic and horse traffic, improved Little Park Road to a condition high volume and low volume). that redirected some of the commuter and commercial use. Conflicts between Geologic Processes and Paleontology bicyclists and drivers would be mitigated Under the action alternatives, systematic by an information campaign to “share the inventory and monitoring programs would road.” be established for impacts on geological and paleontological resources. Resulting Visitor Opportunities information could be analyzed to Under alternative B, the greater extent of determine risk exposure and provide the the “semiprimitive zone” and designation basis for specific mitigation measures. of some routes as official trails could Possible mitigation measures for rock reduce solitude. More focus on desired climbing include low- impact techniques, conditions for backcountry zones would increased patrols, use limits and “leave no provide information about levels of use, trace” education. Mitigation measures for and if wilderness values were threatened, protecting fossil resources include management actions would be undertaken realignment of trails, “leave no trace” to protect them. To mitigate education, and the scientific collection of inconvenience to visitors from temporary important fossils with a high- risk closures for nonmotorized activities, exposure. traffic data would be collected and studied to determine the timing of activities to Natural Soundscape minimize disruption. Temporary closures To mitigate impacts to the natural would also be well advertised to prevent soundscape, the monument would use its visitors from being turned back. equipment replacement schedule to purchase quieter equipment if such Under alternative C, there could be equipment were available. To mitigate restrictions or closures to bicyclists on the cumulative impacts, local government eastern segment of Rim Rock Drive would be petitioned to help reduce (consistent with the existing right- of- impacts through appropriate measures. way). This would be mitigated by Noise reduction technology adopted increased information to the bicycle outside the monument would mitigate community about restrictions or closures, impacts. The monument would inventory which would help bicyclists plan trips in its natural and human soundscapes, map advance to avoid being turned back. and analyze them, and develop a Opportunities for bicyclists west of the soundscape planning and management east Glade Park cutoff would be enhanced program for the monument. Under by the “share the road” campaign to alternative B, the monument, and minimize conflicts between users. neighboring communities and land Under both action alternatives, the impact management agencies could cooperatively to local users from collecting fees at and more effectively address soundscape trailheads would be mitigated by providing issues and problems. a reasonably priced local annual pass.

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Monument Neighbors northeastern boundary of the monument. Trailhead parking problems and conflicts Bicycle use of Rim Rock Drive is also with neighbors could be mitigated by expected to increase. potential transportation improvements by Front country areas do not face major the various city, county, and state levels of carrying capacity issues in the foreseeable government. future. Existing facilities generally provide Socioeconomic Environment good visitor opportunities and protect There would be no adverse socioeconomic monument resources, and based on impacts caused by the action alternatives projected trends will continue to function that would necessitate mitigation. well. Rim Rock Drive and its overlooks and parking areas are infrequently Monument Operations crowded. Occasionally parking areas are There would be no adverse impacts to full, and people park on the shoulder, for monument operations caused by the example, when snowfall attracts cross- action alternatives that would necessitate country skiers. The eastern segment that mitigation. supports Glade Park commuter traffic has IMPLEMENTATION conflicts between bicycles and motorists, and the plan addresses those issues. CARRYING CAPACITY Modifications to the campground and As identified in the management zones picnic areas proposed in the plan should earlier in this chapter, visitor carrying meet visitor needs and improve resource capacity is the type and level of visitor use conditions. There are social trails—visitor that can be accommodated while impacts to soil and vegetation—adjacent to sustaining the quality of park resources overlooks, front country trails, picnic and visitor opportunities consistent with areas, and the campground that need to be the purposes of the park. Each of the addressed. The overall approach to management zones generally addresses carrying capacity in front country areas is those elements. The strategy of addressing to contain visitor impacts within carrying capacity at Colorado National development and monitor general trends Monument is a tiered approach that would for change. Change would trigger site keep a general eye on broad trends while specific monitoring and management. focusing more specific monitoring and management on areas of concern. Of greater concern is the backcountry. Perimeter trailheads are increasingly This general management plan addresses popular for local visitors. While there is issues and trends affecting the monument some information collected regarding for the next 15 to 20 years. As discussed in numbers of users, little is known about the Chapter 3, “Affected Environment— types of users or trends, except for the fact Visitor Opportunities,” the visitation level that use is increasing. Climbing is at Colorado National Monument and increasingly popular. Horseback riding other National Park units in the area is continues, but levels and trends are not expected to stay level or grow slightly (no well known. Increasing use may be more than 10%) during the life of this plan. changing visitor experiences and causing While total numbers are not expected to impacts to resources. Some people using change very much, the nature of use could perimeter access points are vandalizing shift. It is expected that there will be resources. More specific indicators and increasing pressure from local people to standards need to be developed and use the monument from the monitored in the backcountry to maintain wildland/urban interface edge on the or achieve desired conditions.

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Colorado National Monument park staff paleontology sites, regular will continue to watch for trends in their backcountry patrol at the most ongoing sources of information that could popular climbing sites). signal concerns for resources or visitor • Because of the backcountry experiences. The monument currently has concerns identified above, basic information flowing in from a variety of information on backcountry use sources that may be useful in identifying and trail conditions would be areas that have specific carrying capacity collected, with an emphasis on issues. For example, an increase in the perimeter trailheads and the trails frequency trash needs to be collected at they serve. the campground or a notable number of days visitors are spilling out of the visitor • Improve trail counts at center may indicate underlying issues that perimeter trailheads, collect need monitoring or action. Other types of data on the numbers of useful information available to park staff different kinds of users (hikers, horseback riders, include counts at the entrance stations, climbers). trail counters, vehicle counts, requests for • Inventory existing trails and incidental business permits, ranger routes—condition of tread, reports, volunteer reports, comments from resource condition of neighbors, and aerial photographs. The corridor, location relative to park staff will share pertinent information sensitive natural and cultural and watch for patterns and significant resources. changes, which may trigger more specific Long- term monitoring and management monitoring and management focused on will require additional research and areas of concern. planning. As identified in the management Where there are known threats or impacts zones, there are a number of potential to resources or visitor experience, indicators and standards and a range of monitoring and management actions management actions that may be needed would begin. to achieve or retain desired conditions. Additional visitor surveys will be needed • Many overlooks, developed areas to determine social indicators and and some of the most popular standards that would achieve desired hiking areas have social trails— conditions for visitor experiences in the places where people have left various zones. Monument staff and other designated trails—and there are experts will be needed to establish impacts to soils and vegetation. indicators and standards for natural and These areas would be identified cultural resources. More detailed and rehabilitated, and pedestrian planning for visitor experience and areas would be improved to resource management would be needed to contain future impacts. guide management actions, such as trail • A few specific resources are known changes or permits for climbing. Planning to be extremely vulnerable to would address: inadvertent visitor damage or • Trail management vandalism. Implement site- specific monitoring for the most • Recommend specific changes sensitive known resources (e.g., to exiting trails and routes as remote electronic surveillance at well as carefully locating new vulnerable archeological or connections generally identified in the GMP.

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• Address future size and resources to accomplish them. A variety improvements to the of sources would be needed to sustain the perimeter trailheads. monument and implement this plan, • Identify and prioritize areas to including federal funds, user fees, rehabilitate and contain social partnerships, grants, and sponsors. trail impacts. Federal funding for the National Park • Climbing management Service has been flat to declining, and • Wilderness/backcountry trends do not appear to be changing. If management present trends continue, the base funding • Sustained monitoring—identify for operating Colorado National specific indicators and standards Monument will continue to decline to • Prepare appropriate environmental about half of today’s level, in real dollars documentation, conduct adjusted for inflation. That translates into appropriate consultation with a smaller staff than the thirteen presently USFWS and others operating the monument, which would • Actions that will be taken when focus on elements essential to the standards are exceeded (range monument’s core mission. Basic functions identified in management zones of such as law enforcement and general GMP) maintenance of the monument’s infrastructure would be high priorities. ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT Programs that have a long- range benefit of Adaptive management is a systematic enriching visitors and protecting process for continually improving resources, such as education and outreach, management policies and practices by would continue to be absent. Emergency learning from the outcomes of operational situations that remove staff from the programs. This plan addresses future monument to fight fires elsewhere or aid trends as known at this time, but cannot homeland security would further limit foresee all of the changes yet to come or basic operation of the monument. fully anticipate the affects of actions on a Remaining staff would not receive complex ecosystem inclusive of humans. continuing training opportunities, and The desired future condition of the skills would fall behind. It would be monument, expressed in goals and increasingly difficult to provide basic management zones, must be monitored administrative functions, such as and evaluated to ensure that the actions of procurement and information technology. management are moving toward those One of the main requirements for conditions. If they are not, the course of implementing the preferred alternative is action must be adjusted. If there were a an increase in base operating funds. This need for substantial change to this plan, an increase is in competition with requests amendment to the general management from all other units of the national park plan and appropriate public involvement system and will be difficult to obtain. and environmental compliance would be However, as valuable as partners, undertaken. volunteers, and other sources are, there is FUNDING a need for a solid core level of staffing identified in the preferred alternative to Many of the actions in this plan are leverage and manage volunteers and dependent upon adequate funding for programs to achieve the goals of the plan. accomplishment. Identifying actions in a Some actions in the preferred alternative plan does not ensure the money or could be implemented independent of

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other actions, such as improvements to the understand complementary roles, serve entrance stations. Some actions are linked the public more effectively, and protect to others and would not be implemented the greater ecosystem. Managers of both unless all aspects could be accomplished. agencies should periodically review the For example, even if improving routes to table together and identify specific actions trails could be accomplished through that could be undertaken in a joint or volunteers or existing staff, it would not be complementary manner, develop implemented until sufficient staff was in appropriate agreements, and update the place to adequately monitor resources and table. visitor experiences to ensure desired OTHER PARTNERSHIPS AND conditions are achieved. If an increase in COORDINATION base funding cannot be allocated to implement the preferred alternative, the The Colorado National Monument default course of action will be the “no- Association will continue to be action” alternative. instrumental in assisting with scientific, educational, historical, and interpretive The fee demonstration program provides activities at the monument. Local important funding to the monument. The governments will be essential to achieving plan proposes to collect entrance fees at many goals in the plan, such as more times and locations to maximize this maintaining vistas and establishing an source of funds. The program is interagency visitor center. Universities, temporary, and it will be up to Congress particularly NPS Cooperative Ecosystem whether or not it continues. Study Units, will be important not only in Partnerships with other agencies, research, inventory, and monitoring but cooperating associations such as the also in developing an extended education Colorado National Monument and outreach program. Volunteers, Association, universities, and others will already an important part of the labor be essential to leverage funding and people force for the monument, will be even more to achieve the goals of the preferred important to integrate into all aspects of alternative. NPS management to achieve the goals of the plan. COORDINATION WITH BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND STRATEGIC PLANNING The planning efforts of BLM for McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and Planning does not stop with the printing of the NPS for Colorado National the final general management plan. The Monument recognized the shared general management plan provides an stewardship of a common ecosystem for overall framework for the monument, but the American people. The table in a number of more detailed Appendix F: “Coordination of BLM and implementation plans will follow, such as a NPS,” was developed in 2003 during the resource stewardships plan, planning efforts of the Bureau of Land trail/backcountry plan, or a plan to Management and the National Park respond to geologic hazards on Rim Rock Service. It identifies the differences and Drive. Strategic planning will occur at commonalities between these two agencies regular intervals, where NPS management within the U.S. Department of the Interior. will prioritize actions identified in It is a tool for managers in both agencies to planning and integrate them into the work together to solve mutual problems, monument’s performance plan. find efficiencies in cooperative activities,

CHAPTER 3: AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

IMPACT TOPICS members of the public during project scoping. When alternatives were The “Affected Environment” section developed, the planning team identified describes the existing environment of which resources or topics have the Colorado National Monument. The focus potential to be affected by the proposals. is on key monument resources, visitor Those that could be affected are fully opportunities, socioeconomic described here, to establish the baseline characteristics, and monument operations for the analysis of impacts in the that could be affected by the alternatives “Environmental Consequences” section. should they be implemented. The full list Those resources or topics that would not of topics in the table below were selected be affected by proposals in this plan are on the basis of federal law, regulations, also described here to the extent necessary executive orders, NPS expertise, and to explain the rationale for not including concerns expressed by other agencies or them in the impact analysis.

Table 4: Impact Topics

Impact Topics Considered in This GMP/EIS Impact Topics Considered Proposals in the plan have the potential to (but not analyzed in detail) affect these resources/topics beneficially or These resources/topics are important, but adversely. proposals in this plan would have no or negligible effect on them. Archeological Resources Ethnographic Resources and Sacred Sites Historic Character of the Built Environment American Indian Trust Resources (structures and cultural landscapes) Natural Systems and Processes (vegetation, Museum Collections wildlife, riparian habitat, and threatened, endangered, and sensitive species) Soils and Biological Soil Crusts Water Resources (wetlands, floodplains, hydrology, water quality, and water rights) Geological Resources and Paleontology Air Quality Natural Soundscape Night Sky Values/Lightscapes Visitor Conflicts and Safety Wild and Scenic Rivers Visitor Opportunities (to connect with resources, Prime and/or Unique Farmland including wilderness values) Monument Neighbors (including local Energy and Resource Conservation management plans and other land managing agencies) Socioeconomic Conditions Environmental Justice Monument Operations

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AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT archeological sites represent temporary camps and shelters, chipped stone raw ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES material acquisition and processing, and The 1966 National Historic Preservation rock art. They date from at least 8,000 Act, as amended, and 36 CFR 800 require years ago until the time of western federal agencies to consider the effect of European contact (direct contact in 1765— their undertakings on properties listed or the expedition of Juan Maria Antonio eligible for listing on the National Register Rivera), when the Uncompahgre of Historic Places. The National (Tabehuachi or Taviwach and Sabuagana) Environmental Policy Act also requires Ute bands dominated the region. The evaluation of project effects on the human historic period archeological sites reflect environment. At this writing, more than the history both of the monument and of 130 archeological sites have been formally the region. Some of John Otto’s campsites documented in the monument’s have been located, along with corrals, archeological database (Table 5). stock driveways, Ute “platform” trees, However, many more sites are known, and stone quarries that provided building vast areas of the monument have not material for the Rim Rock Drive and the received adequate archeological inventory. CCC- constructed buildings, and the The majority of the prehistoric remains of three CCC camps.

Table 5: Archeological Site Types, Colorado National Monument.

Number Site Type 25 Sherd and lithic scatter 3 Cache 1 Depression 6 Hearth 9 Historic period structure 13 Isolated find 56 Lithic scatter/workshop 2 Midden 2 Multicomponent (historic) 65 Open campsite 1 Pithouse 2 Rock feature 13 Rock art 34 Rock shelter 131 Total number of sites that have been formally documented in the monument

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HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE in good condition over time. The visitor BUILT ENVIRONMENT (Structures center and administrative offices and the and Cultural Landscapes) Book Cliff overlook, built in the early The monument has seven historic 1960s as part of the National Park Service’s properties that are listed in the National Mission 66 program, were designed to be Register of Historic Places (Table 6). The compatible with the historic, CCC Serpents Trail, laid out by John Otto, was buildings. As such, they contribute to the the first adequate road between Glade character of the monument and its Park and the Grand Valley below and is landscape values. These were recently now one of the monument’s many hiking listed in the National Register under a trails. Its successor, the Rim Rock Drive, special National Park Service Mission 66 was designed as a “scenic” drive and context. These properties and 126 constructed through various work associated structures (see Appendix D: programs, such as the Civilian “Cultural Resources—List of Classified Conservation Corps (CCC), Local Structures”) and other features are in the Experienced Men, Public Works National Park Service’s List of Classified Administration, and the Works Progress Structures. Administration. With minor Other historic resources, such as Black modifications, this drive and its many Ridge Trail, and a number of archeological associated features, such as stone culverts, sites, have been determined formally to be stone retaining walls, drain systems, eligible for listing in the National Register tunnels, stone curbing, and pullouts, serve of Historic Places. While these resources as the major access to monument have not yet been listed, they are managed resources and the means by which most as National Register properties. In visitors experience the monument. The addition, five areas have been determined, remaining properties, with the exception through appropriate evaluation, to be of the visitor center complex, were potential cultural landscapes that would be constructed by the emergency work eligible for listing in the National Register programs in the early 1940s. These are of Historic Places for their landscape excellent examples of CCC sandstone values (Table 7). building block construction and have kept their historic character- defining features

Table 6: National Register Properties at Colorado National Monument

Property Level of Significance Serpents Trail Local significance Rim Rock Drive Historic District Local significance Saddlehorn Utilities Area Historic District Local significance Saddlehorn Caretaker’s House and Garage Local significance Saddlehorn Comfort Station Local significance Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter Local significance Colorado National Monument Visitor Center Complex State significance

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Table 7: Potential Cultural Landscapes at Colorado National Monument

Potential Cultural Landscapes Visitor Center and Administrative Offices Saddlehorn Historic District Devils Kitchen Serpents Trail Rim Rock Drive

NATURAL SYSTEMS AND South- Central Highlands section (M331G) PROCESSES of the Southern Rocky Mountain Steppe— Ecological Characterization Open Woodland—Coniferous Forest— Geography Alpine Meadow province (M331). The Colorado National Monument lies on the South- Central Highlands characteristics northeastern edge of the Uncompahgre are expressed to a limited degree in the Plateau. Natural boundaries are not always higher areas of the monument as the precise, but the case can be made that the elevation of the Uncompahgre Plateau northwestern tip of the Uncompahgre rises to the southeast. The Northern begins with the fault lines and monoclinal Canyon Lands characteristics are folding of geologic formations at the expressed in the remaining, larger area of monument boundary as they rise from the the monument. southern side of the Grand Valley and Climate continue rising to the southeast toward the A semidesert upland climate prevails in the top of the plateau. The Gunnison River area. Summers are very dry and hot, with roughly parallels the plateau on its eastern low humidity. Winters are cold and dry. flank before emptying into the Colorado There are only minor peaks in the River in the Grand Valley. The Dolores distribution of rain throughout the year, River parallels the plateau on the west and and those peaks occur in the spring and in empties into the Colorado River below the late summer and early fall. The average Grand Valley. The Colorado River arches annual precipitation is about 11.1 inches. around the northwestern end of the The mean annual evaporation exceeds Uncompahgre. Just south of the mean annual precipitation. Temperatures monument Unaweap Canyon, whose vary from the high 90s (°F) in the summer geologic origins is the subject of much to winter lows that sometimes dip into the professional argument, cuts across the subzero (°F) range. The average maximum Uncompahgre Plateau from the Gunnison temperature is 64.1 °F; the average River valley on the east to the Dolores minimum temperature is 39.7 °F. The River canyon on the west. average total snowfall is 33.3 inches, with Ecoregions and Subregions the heaviest accumulations usually in As described by Bailey (1996), and McNab January. Average snow depth is 1 inch. and Avers (1994), with respect to The weather station is located at the visitor ecoregions and subregions, Colorado center at 5,778.4 feet of elevation. National Monument lies on the boundary Water between the Northern Canyon Lands Water is scarce. There are no perennial section (341B) of the Intermountain Semi- streams in the monument, but there are Desert and Desert province (341), and the ephemeral surface flows and seeps in the

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canyons. Potholes also hold water on a subsurface water bodies (rivers, streams, temporary basis. Groundwater supplies lakes, or drainage ways). Riparian areas are limited. Rainfall drains into the have one or both of the following Colorado River, passing through characteristics: 1) distinctively different developed areas that lie between the vegetative species than adjacent areas, and monument and the river. Summer 2) species similar to adjacent areas but rainstorms can cause flash flooding, in exhibiting more vigorous or robust growth which runoff feeds into a canyon, forms. Riparian areas are usually multiplying the intensity and volume of transitional between wetland and upland. the flood water as it exits the mouth of the (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1997) The canyon at or near the monument foregoing definition and the following boundary. Further discussion on water discussion have their basis in the western can be found later in this chapter’s section United States where mean annual entitled “Water Resources.” evaporation exceeds mean annual precipitation. Soils The soils of the monument are Although closely associated with water predominantly aridisols, which are the and topographic relief, riparian areas are soils of arid and semiarid environments different from either wetland or upland. where moisture is scarce. Soils and soil They lack the amount or duration of water ecology are discussed below as a usually present in wetlands, yet they are component of the affected environment, “wetter” than adjacent uplands. Within the in this chapter’s section entitled “Soils and monument, riparian areas follow the Biological Soil Crusts.” intermittent, seemingly dry watercourses of the canyons. Riparian species of the Ecosystem/Vegetation Types monument vary with elevation and include Ecosystem or habitat types in the the boxelder (Acer negundo), netleaf monument are pinyon- juniper woodland hackberry (Celtis reticulata), Fremont and savannah, grassland, upland shrub, cottonwood, (Populus fremontii), wetlands, and riparian habitats. The narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus pinyon- juniper woodland dominates, angustifolia), and desert olive (Forestiera densely covering the higher elevations neomexicana). The riparian areas have not above the cliffs and sparsely covering the been inventoried, described, or mapped. canyon slopes. Wetlands and riparian areas lie in the canyon and drainage Riparian habitats are among the most bottoms. Grasslands and upland shrub important vegetative communities for communities occur on the canyon slopes western wildlife species. In parts of the and intermingle in patches within the intermountain west, as much as 75 percent pinyon- juniper woodland on the plateau of wildlife species are dependent on and mesa tops. Wetlands are ecologically riparian habitats. In New Mexico and critical areas, but they are not affected by Arizona, up to 80 percent of all vertebrates the alternative proposals in this document. use riparian areas for at least half their life Additional discussion on wetlands can be cycles, and more than half of these are found below in this chapter’s section totally dependent on riparian areas (U.S. entitled “Water Resources.” Fish and Wildlife Service, 1997). Similar information is not available for the Riparian areas are plant communities riparian areas of the monument, but the contiguous to and affected by surface and importance of riparian areas in the subsurface hydrologic features of monument is significant, even if the degree perennial or intermittent surface and of importance is less than the cases cited.

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Vegetation tridentata), and Wood’s rose (Rosa A comprehensive plant list is available for woodsii). the monument. Preparation of a vegetation Trees include pinyon pine (Pinus edulis), map is on a waiting list for mapping and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), not yet available. A limited number of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), plant alliances have been scientifically Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), identified. These include 1) coyote Gambel’s oak (Quercus gambellii), netleaf willow/horsetail (Salix exigua/Equisetum hackberry (Celtis reticulata), single- leaf hyemale), 2) Utah juniper/wildrye ash (Fraxinus anomala), boxelder, (Acer (Juniperus osteosperma/Elymus salinus), 3) negundo), Fremont cottonwood, (Populus pinyon pine/mountain mahogany/wildrye fremontii), narrowleaf cottonwood (Pinus edulis/Cercocarpus (Populus angustifolia), and desert olive montanus/Elymus salinus), and 4) pinyon (Forestiera neomexicana). pine/mountain mahogany (Pinus edulis/Cercocarpus montanus). Wildlife Reptiles include the side- blotched lizard, Grasses include Indian ricegrass western whiptail, and the yellow- headed (Oryzopsis hymenoides), side- oats grama collared lizard. The midget- faded (Bouteloua curtipendula), desert saltgrass rattlesnake, common farther west on the (Distichlis spicata), needle- and- thread Colorado Plateau, is rare here. grass (Stipa comata), and galleta grass Representative amphibians include the (Hilaria jamesii). Great Basin spadefoot and the canyon The list of shrub species, an ecologically treefrog. important group, is quite long. Birds include turkey vulture, red- tailed Representative shrubs include low hawk, golden eagle, American kestral, sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula), big Gambel’s quail, mourning dove, white- sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate), narrow- throated swift, black- chinned leaf yucca (Yucca harrimaniea), Rocky hummingbird, western flicker, Say’s Mountain maple (Acer glabrum), green phoebe, scrub jay, pinyon jay, black- billed Ephedra (Ephedra viridis), dwarf magpie, raven, plain titmouse, canyon rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus depressus), wren, mountain bluebird, blue- gray gnat rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus catcher, grays vireo, plumbeous vireo, nauseosus), silver buffaloberry (Shepheria western meadowlark, Lazuli bunting, argentea), greasewood (Sarcobatus black- throated sparrow, dark- eyed junco, vermiculatus), winterfat (Eurotia lanata), and chipping sparrow. About three pairs four- wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), of peregrine falcons nest on the canyon shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), roundleaf cliffs. snowberry (Symphoriocarpos rotundifolia), Oregon grape (Mahonia repens), Bat species include the little brown skunkbush (Rhus trilobata), Utah Myotis, western Pipistrelle, Townsend’s serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis), curl- big- eared bat, and palid bat. Lagomorphs leaf mountain- mahogany (Cercocarpus and rodents include white- tailed ledifolius), alder- leaf mountain- mahogany jackrabbit, black- tailed jackrabbit, desert (Cercocarpus montanus), blackbrush cottontail, rock squirrel, antelope ground (Coleogyne ramosissima), mountain spray squirrel, least chipmunk, Colorado (Holodiscus discolor), coyote willow (Salix chipmunk, Ord’s kangaroo rat, western exigua), yellow willow (Salix lutea), harvest mouse, canyon mouse, deer chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), cliff rose mouse, pinyon mouse, bushy- tailed (Cowania mexicana), bitterbrush (Prushia woodrat, and porcupine. White- tailed

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prairie dogs have disappeared from the chinensis), Russian olive (Elaeagnus monument in the last decade or so, angustifolia), and Russian knapweed probably due to a combination of habitat (Centaurea repens). There is an operating fragmentation and disease. control program for these species. The carnivores of the monument are the Over the past 100 years, fire control coyote, kit fox, gray fox, black bear, programs have affected the disturbance ringtail, badger, spotted skunk, striped regime of natural fire. The degree of skunk, mountain lion, and bobcat. The impact on ecosystems from this policy and wolf and the grizzly bear were extirpated action has not been definitively defined, from the region long ago. but it appears that plant community distribution and dynamics have been The herbivores or grazing animals are the altered in pinyon- juniper, grassland, and elk, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep. shrub habitat types, or in combinations of The desert bighorn sheep and the elk are these habitat types. The effect this has had reintroduced species. These two species on animal species and other habitat types serve to illustrate the faunal boundary is not yet known. between the Northern Canyon Lands and South- Central Highlands ecological Habitat fragmentation has occurred, not subregions. The desert bighorn sheep within the monument, but through occupy territory in the lower canyon increasing and changing uses of lands lands. Elk move in and out of the around the monument that began with monument on the highlands above the American settlement of the region. The canyons. most obvious changes have occurred in the Grand Valley, but to a much lesser Disturbance Regimes degree in the Glade Park area as well. This Natural disturbance regimes include fire, situation is mitigated to some extent by the water and wind erosion, localized slope presence of adjacent public lands, failure with landslides and rockfall, and including the adjoining BLM National insects and diseases. Conservation Area. Human Disruptions Starting in the 1920s a herd of bison, not The significant human disruptions of permanent native residents of the area, ecological systems in and around the were introduced into the lower elevations monument fall into four categories: of the monument. They grazed and invasive species, alteration of disturbance trampled many of the canyons, a practice regimes, habitat fragmentation, and that did not end until bison were removed introduction of nonnative species. in the 1980s. The bison herd was an There are at least sixty plant species that attempt by John Otto to encourage visitors are not native to the monument. Several to come to Colorado National Monument. are considered to be highly threatening The bison had an adverse effect on the invasive species. If left unchecked, these ecology of the areas it occupied. In some species have major negative impacts on cases the damage was extreme and is still ecosystems. One species, cheat grass quite evident. Soils and biological soil (Bromus tectorum), has gone unchecked crusts were severely damaged. The throughout much of the West and has invasion of cheat grass has been greatest in altered ecosystems, particularly in this area. Impacts on riparian areas and disturbed habitats, whether the wetlands are probable, but not disturbance was natural or caused by documented. human activities. Other invasive plants of major concern are tamarisk (Tamarix

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Though not as significant as other human source. It roosts in larger and more disturbances, the Fruita waterline, now accessible trees and usually nests near unused, had in the past developed water water in larger trees or on cliffs. It is leaks, which had adverse impacts on the uncommonly reported in the monument natural environment. The extent and in the fall, winter, and spring, and is rarely severity of impacts have not been reported in the summer. The few sightings documented or corrected. have occurred primarily along the Threatened and Endangered Species northeast sector of the monument as it The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as parallels the Grand Valley and Colorado amended, requires that federal agencies River. Most have been seen in the consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife northern part of that sector, particularly Service before taking any action that could around the north (or west) entrance to jeopardize the continued existence of any Monument Canyon. There are small federally listed threatened or endangered stands of cottonwood trees at the plant or animal species, or critical habitat. entrances to some of the canyons for Agencies must consider potential effects perching and possible nesting, although the proposed action could have on listed nesting is not likely. Fewer sightings occur species and critical habitats. NPS policy in the southern part of the sector, which is also requires the examination of impacts farther from the river. There are two on federal candidate species. known nesting sites along the Colorado River not too distant from the monument. Consultation was begun on February 21, There are no known nesting sites within 2002, with a letter to the U.S. Fish and the monument, and habitat for nesting is Wildlife Service. In a letter dated March less favorable in the park than it is along 26, 2002, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the river. (Sources: Nature Serve, provided an inventory list of threatened or monument records and U.S. Fish and endangered species and candidate species Wildlife Service consultation) that are potentially present in Mesa The Gunnison sage grouse was County (Appendix E). There was no designated as a candidate species under designated critical habitat listed in the the Endangered Species Act on December inventory. Table 8A identifies the 28, 2000. It is listed as a species of special federally listed threatened or endangered concern by the State of Colorado. Range species and candidate species potentially and distribution have contracted. It is now found in Mesa County and the monument restricted to small areas of western Birds Colorado and eastern Utah. Population The bald eagle is listed under the declines are attributed to the loss, Endangered Species Act as threatened in fragmentation, and degradation of the conterminous United States, and is not sagebrush habitats and associated riparian classified as endangered anywhere. It is areas. There is a population of fifty to also listed as threatened by the State of seventy Gunnison sage grouse about two Colorado. The species is widespread in miles west of the monument in the vicinity North America, and numerous in Alaska of the Thompson’s Reservoirs, but none and British Columbia, but it is still are present in the monument. Whether vulnerable to threats such as they were historically in the monument is environmental contamination and not known. There is not significant excessive human disturbance. In inland habitat, if any, in the monument similar to areas breeding habitat is most common that occupied by the nearby grouse near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that population. There are no actions in provide an available and adequate food

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TABLE 8A: FEDERALLY LISTED THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES POTENTIALLY FOUND IN COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT AND VICINITY

Shaded boxes indicate species reported in the monument. Common Name Scientific Name Status Habitat BIRDS Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Threatened Rivers, lakes, [Colorado: Threatened] reservoirs. Elev. 3,000–8,000 ft. Gunnison Sage Centrocercus minimus Candidate Species Sagebrush (esp. A. Grouse [Colorado: Species of tridentate) with Special Concern] open areas & associated habitat types. Elev. 7,000– 9,500 ft. Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Candidate Species Undisturbed occidentalis riparian cottonwood, willow forest. Elev. 4,500– 6,000 ft. FISH Bonytail Gila elegans Endangered Colorado River [Colorado: Endangered] system Razorback Sucker Xyrauchen texanus Endangered Colorado River [Colorado: Endangered] system Colorado Ptychocheilus lucius Endangered Colorado River Pikeminnow [Colorado: Threatened] system

Humpback Chub Gila cypha Endangered Colorado River [Colorado: Threatened] system MAMMALS Canada Lynx Lynx canadensis Threatened Montane coniferous [Colorado: Endangered] or mixed forest. Elev. Above 8,500 ft. Black-footed Ferret Mustela nigripes Endangered Grasslands, [Colorado: endangered] shrublands with prairie dog towns. Elev. 3,000–10,000 ft. PLANTS De Beque Phacelia Phacelia scopulina Candidate species High clay content submutica members of the Wasatch formation. Uintah Basin Hookless Sclerocactus glaucus Threatened Rocky hills, mesa Cactus slopes & alluvial benches in desert shrub. Elev. 4,000– 6,000 ft.

85 Chapter 3: Affected Environment alternatives A or C that can affect this mesa slope where trail realignment is species. There is no grouse habitat or proposed for alternative B. Based on this possibility of grouse habitat in the canyons information, the yellow- billed cuckoo is and mesa slope where trail realignment is dismissed as an impact topic after proposed for alternative B. There is an consultation with the U.S. Fish and unknown possibility of “recreating” Wildlife Service. (Sources: Nature Serve, suitable grouse habitat on the monument’s Andrews and Righter, monument records, mesa tops and uplands. However, it must and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service still be determined if suitable grouse consultation) habitat is an appropriate goal, and whether Fish it can be established in the monument by Four species of federally endangered fish restoration of disturbance regimes such as are found in the nearby Colorado River fire. Based on this information, Gunnison system: The bonytail, razorback sucker, sage grouse is not present in the Colorado pikeminnow, and humpback monument and is dismissed as an impact chub. The bonytail and razorback sucker topic after consultation with the U.S. Fish are also listed as endangered in the State of and Wildlife Service. (Sources: Nature Colorado, and the Colorado pikeminnow Serve, monument records, and U.S. Fish and humpback chub are listed as and Wildlife Service consultation) threatened by the state. The bonytail The western yellow- billed cuckoo was typically lives in the large, fast flowing designated as a candidate species under waterways of the Colorado River system, the Endangered Species Act on June 13, spawns over gravel substrate, and is 2002. Breeding populations are currently extremely rare in Colorado. The found west of the Rocky Mountains in razorback sucker is most often found in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, quiet, muddy backwaters along the river, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and spawning over gravel bars in the California. It is extirpated from British mainstream river. One of only two Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, and reproducing populations is in an off- possibly Nevada. It is a rare local summer channel pond in the Colorado River near resident in western Colorado valleys, Grand Junction. The Colorado primarily from Mesa County south. The pikeminnow (formerly squawfish) thrives range has contracted and populations have in swift flowing muddy waters with quiet, declined due to the loss of mature closed- warm backwaters and spawns over riffle canopy riparian forests and possibly areas with gravel or cobble substrate. The pesticides, but it appears that the species humpback chub lives in eddies and pools was never common in Colorado. Its adjacent to deep, fast moving, turbid habitat is lowland riparian forest. There is waters, rarely moving more than one- half some indication that 25 acres of mile from where they have been collected cottonwood gallery is needed to support and tagged. The greatest numbers of the presence of the species. The yellow- humpbacks in Colorado have been found billed cuckoo is not known in the at the Black Rocks area of the Colorado monument, and the only known area with River downstream from Grand Junction. a cottonwood gallery habitat even There is no habitat or potential habitat approaching 25 acres is located in upper within Colorado National Monument for No Thoroughfare Canyon. There are no any for these species, and no actions in any actions in alternatives A or C that can of the alternatives would affect these affect this species. There is no yellow- species or their potential recovery in the billed cuckoo habitat in the canyons and Colorado River. Therefore, these fish

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species have been dismissed as an impact known in the monument, and the prairie topic after consultation with the U.S. Fish dog, its primary prey, is now absent or and Wildlife Service. (Sources: Nature near absent in the monument. Prairie dogs Serve, monument records, and U.S. Fish were noted in a 1991 survey of prairie dog and Wildlife Service consultation) towns along the boundary adjacent to residential subdivisions, but a 2003 survey Mammals in the same area yielded a zero count. The Canada lynx was given threatened Prairie dog towns outside the boundary in status for the contiguous United States the same vicinity are also believed to be population in 2000. It is listed as empty. Single individuals have been seen endangered by the State of Colorado. In occasionally on the east entrance hill. The the contiguous United States the species’ encroachment of subdivisions and the range and population are substantially scourge of disease have probably reduced from historic populations. decimated these populations. Based on Harvest, forest management practices, this information, the black- footed ferret is habitat fragmentation, and unnatural fire dismissed as an impact topic after frequencies have contributed to the consultation with the U.S. Fish and decline. Habitats are generally in boreal Wildlife Service. (Sources: Nature Serve, and montane regions dominated by thick Mesa County species list, monument coniferous or mixed forest with thick records, Rogers 2003, and U.S. Fish and undergrowth. It preys on small birds and Wildlife Service consultation) mammals. A major limiting factor is the abundance of the snowshoe hare, which in Plants turn is limited by the availability of winter The DeBeque phacelia was listed as a habitat. The Canada lynx is not known in candidate species under the Endangered the monument, and its habitat and primary Species Act on June 13, 2002. The species prey species are also absent. Based on this occurs on moderately steep exposures of information, the Canada lynx is dismissed clay derived from the Atwell Gulch and as an impact topic after consultation with shire members of the Wasatch Formation. the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The species is limited to soils with high (Sources: Nature Serve, monument clay content. The plant is a narrow records, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endemic, with populations known only consultation) from suitable clay (adobe) soils in Mesa and Garfield Counties, Colorado. The The black- footed ferret is listed as species is not known in the monument. endangered throughout its range, except The requisite habitat does not occur in the where it is listed as nonessential monument, and therefore the DeBeque experimental populations in certain areas phacelia cannot occur there. Based on this of Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, information, the DeBeque phacelia is Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. It is also dismissed as an impact topic after listed as endangered by the State of consultation with the U.S. Fish and Colorado. The species was once Wildlife Service. (Sources: Nature Serve, widespread in central North America, but U.S. Fish and Wildlife records, monument was practically extirpated by 1987, records, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service primarily as a result of prairie dog and consultation) predator control. Captive breeding has been successful, however, and The Uinta Basin hookless cactus was reintroductions are in progress. Mesa listed as threatened under the Endangered County populations are believed to be Species Act on October 11, 1979. The extinct. The black- footed ferret is not species is a regional endemic of western

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Colorado and adjacent Utah. It grows requires the examination of impacts on primarily on alluvial river terraces above state- listed threatened, endangered, the flood plain and on gravelly or rocky candidate, rare, declining, and sensitive soils of dry alkaline hills and mesas, species. Consultation was begun on generally on slopes of 5 to 30%. In February 21, 2002, with letters to the Colorado the Uinta Basin hookless cactus Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the is associated with the desert scrub Colorado Natural Heritage Program. community containing such species as The Colorado Division of Wildlife in a Atriplex convfertifolia (shadscale), Hillaria letter dated March 1, 2002, provided a jamesii (galleta grass), Oryzopsis listing of threatened and endangered hymenoides (Indian rice grass), faunal species, and faunal species of Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. special concern for the monument and melanocanthus, Sporobolus cryptandrus, surrounding Mesa County (Appendix E). Opuntia polyacantha, Ceratoides lanta, There is also no state listing for threatened Yucca augustissima and Guttierezia and endangered plants. sarothae. Some populations of this species are associated with widely scattered The Colorado Natural Heritage Program pinyon- juniper. Illegal commercial provided information on biota potentially collection is the greatest threat to the in the monument or surrounding area in a species. The species is included in a letter dated March 11, 2002 (Appendix E). monument checklist of plants, but Their listing of plant species with rankings information on population or distribution of critically imperiled (S1), imperiled (S2), is lacking. (Sources: Nature Serve, and vulnerable to extirpation (S3) is Endangered Species Information System included in this discussion in lieu of [Virginia Tech University], monument officially designated threatened and records, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endangered species. Other rankings not consultation) used in this analysis are S4 (apparently secure) and S5 (demonstrably widespread, Federally Listed Threatened and abundant, and secure). Endangered Species Summary and Determination The Colorado Natural Heritage Program Based on an analysis of the federally listed has identified four “potential conservation threatened and endangered species and areas” within the monument. A potential federal candidate species, the following conservation area (PCA) represents the species have been dismissed as an impact best estimate of the primary area topic after consultation with the U.S. Fish supporting the long- term survival of and Wildlife Service: Canada lynx, black- targeted species and natural communities. footed ferret, bonytail, razorback sucker, The listed PCAs and their significance are Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, Fruita and Monument Canyons (very high Gunnison sage- grouse, yellow- billed significance), Devils Kitchen (very high cuckoo, and De Beque phaecelia. The significance), Echo Canyon (very high bald eagle and Uinta Basin hookless cactus significance), and No Thoroughfare are further analyzed in Chapter 4: Canyon (moderate significance). The goal Environmental Consequences, in the of designating PCAs is “to identify a land section on “Natural Systems and area that can provide the habitat and Processes.” ecological processes upon which a particular element or suite of elements Species of Special Concern depends for their continued existence.” A In addition to federally listed and PCA boundary does not necessarily candidate species, NPS policy also

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exclude all activity. Some activities may Table 8B identifies other state listed adversely impact species, habitat, and threatened or endangered species, species process, while others would not. of special concern, rare species, natural communities and S1, S2, and S3 ranked State listed threatened or endangered plant species that potentially exist within species that overlap with federally listed or near the monument. species are addressed above in the Threatened and Endangered Species section and Table 8A.

TABLE 8B: SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN, LISTED RARE SPECIES, LISTED NATURAL COMMUNITIES AND COLORADO NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM (CNHP) S1, S2 & S3 PLANT SPECIES POTENTIALLY FOUND IN COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT AND VICINITY

Shaded boxes indicate species reported in the monument. Common Name Scientific Name Status Habitat AMPHIBIANS Canyon Tree Frog Hyla arenicolor Species of Special Standing or Concern: CO, BLM running water in wetlands. Elev. 3,000–6,000 ft. Great Basin Spea intermontana Species of Special Standing or Spadefoot Concern: CO, BLM running water in shrublands, pinyon-juniper. Elev. 4,500–7,000 ft. New Mexico Spea multiplicata Species of Special Standing or Spadefoot Concern: CO running water in shrublands, pinyon-juniper. Elev. 3,000–6,500 ft. Northern Leopard Rana pipiens Species of Special Standing or Frog Concern: CO running water in wetlands. Elev. 3,000–11,000 ft. Red-spotted Toad Bufo punctatus Species of Special Standing or Concern: CO running water in wetlands. Elev. 3,000–7,000 ft. Western Chorus Frog Pseudacris triseriata Rare: CO Standing or maculata running water in wetlands. Elev. 3,000–12,500 ft. BIRDS American Peregrine Falco perigrinus anatum Species of Special Varied habitat Falcon Concern: CO types with cliffs. Elev. 3,000–10,000 ft.

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Shaded boxes indicate species reported in the monument. Common Name Scientific Name Status Habitat MAMMALS River Otter Lontra canadensis Endangered: CO Streams, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes Desert Bighorn Ovisc canadensis nelsoni Species of Special Grasslands, Sheep Concern: CO shrublands, open forests in or near steep terrain. Elev. 4,500–11,000 ft. Kit Fox Vulpes macrotis Endangered: CO Grasslands, shrublands, pinyon-juniper. Elev. 4,500–6,500 ft. NATURAL COMMUNITIES Big sagebrush Artemisia tridentata CNHP: SU (Unknown) Dry upland subspecies—needle vaseyana—Stipa comata and thread grass West Slope pinyon Pihus edulis—Coleogyne CNHP: S2 Dry upland woodland ramosissima Fremont’s Populus deltoids CNHP: S2 Riparian areas cottonwood riparian wislizen—Rhus trilobata forest Lower montane Salix exigua—Equisetum CNHP: S2 Wetlands. Elev. riparian shrubland hyemale 3,000–8,000 ft. PLANTS Arizona Centaury Centaurium arizonicum CNHP: S1 Wetlands. Elevation unknown. Canyon Bog Orchid Platanthera sparsiflora CNHP: S3 Wetlands. Elevation ensifolia unknown. Canyonlands Aletes latilobus CNHP: S1 Sandy soils derived Lomatium Species of Special from Entrada Concern: BLM formation; contact point of Wingate and Chinle formations. Elev. 5,000–7,000 ft. Dwarf Purslane Portulaca parvula CNHP: S1 Ephemeral in wetlands. Elev. 4,500–6,500 ft. Eastwood desert- Aletes eastwoodiae Rare: CO Pinyon-juniper parsley woodlands in sandy soils. Elev. 4,600–

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Shaded boxes indicate species reported in the monument. Common Name Scientific Name Status Habitat 7,000 ft. Ferron Milkvetch Astragalus musiniensis Rare: CO Gullied bluffs, knolls, benches and open hillsides; in pinyon-juniper woodlands or desert shrub. Elev. 4,700–7,000 ft.

Giant Helleborne Epipactus gigantea CNHP: S2 Seeps on Species of Special sandstone cliffs Concern: FS and hillsides; springs. Elev. 4,800–8,000 ft. Grand Junction Astragalus linifolius CNHP: S3 Chinle and Milkvetch Species of Special Morrison Concern: BLM formations; pinyon-juniper and sagebrush. Elev. 4,800–6,200 ft. Great Basin Centaury Centaurium exatlatum CNHP: S1 Wetlands with alkaline soil. Elev. 3,700–6,400 ft. Jones Blue Star Amsonia jonesii CNHP: S1 Sandstone canyon Species of Special run-off areas. Elev. Concern: BLM 3,900–7,000 ft. Livemore Fiddleleaf Nama dichotomum CNHP: S1 Pinyon-juniper savannah. Elev. (unknown) Long-flower Cats-eye Oreocarya longiflora CNHP: S2 Semidesert sandy soil. Elev. 4,100– 5,500 ft. Mesa Dropseed Sporobolus flexuosus CNHP: S1S2 Sandy type soils in shrublands, pinyon-juniper. Elev. 2,500–5,600 ft. Nevada Onion Allium nevadense CNHP: S2 Shrublands, pinyon-juniper. Elev. 4,600–10,500 ft. Osterhaut Cryptanth Oreocarya osterhautii CNHP: S2 Dry, barren sites in Species of Special reddish-purple Concern: BLM decomposed sandstone. Elev.

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Shaded boxes indicate species reported in the monument. Common Name Scientific Name Status Habitat 4,500–6,100 ft. Palmer Buckwheat Eriogonum palmerianum CNHP: S1 Shrublands, pinyon-juniper. Elev. 3,100–6,500 ft. Paradox Breadroot Pediomelum aromaticum CNHP: S2 Red clay, clay Species of Special outcrops, rocky Concern: BLM soils, rock outcrops. Elev. 4,000–5,000 ft. Six Weeks Muhly Muhlenbergia CNHP: S1 Grasslands, depauperata shrublands, pinyon-juniper. Elev. 4,400–9,600 ft. Wetherill Milkvetch Astragulus wetherillii CNHP: S3 Steep slopes, benches and talus under cliffs; sandy clay soils from shale or sandstone. Sagebrush-juniper. Elev. 5200–7400 ft. REPTILES Desert Spiny Lizard Sceloporus magister Species of Special Shrublands, Concern: CO pinyon-juniper, riparian, and wetlands. Elev. 4,500–5,500 ft. Longnose Leopard Gambelia wislizenii Species of Special Shrublands, Lizard Concern: CO, BLM pinyon-juniper. Elev. 4,500–6,000 ft. Midget Faded Crotalus viridis concolor Species of Special Shrublands, Rattlesnake Concern: CO, BLM pinyon-juniper, bare rock. Elev. 4,500–7,000 ft.

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Amphibians elements in the Fruita and Monument Amphibians are associated with water and Canyons Potential Conservation Area. wetlands. There are no actions in (Sources: Nature Serve, Federal Register alternatives A or C that can affect [USFWS- 12/3/2003], monument records, wetlands. There is little if any potential for and Ehrlich, Dobkin, and Wheye) the proposed loop trail and connection Mammals improvements in alternative B to be The river otter is listed as endangered by located in or near wetlands, because there the State of Colorado. The species are no known wetlands in the geographic occupies a large range over much of North area in question. However, to avoid the America north of Mexico, and the possibility of adverse effects on wetlands, population trend as a whole is relatively the alternative B loop trail and connection stable. However, it was extirpated from alternatives would be carefully analyzed large areas of the interior during European when specific trail alignments are colonization and westward expansion of identified and selected in future planning the United States. Reintroductions and and compliance processes. The terrain is conservation practices have improved its such that alternative trail routing can easily status somewhat in Colorado and avoid wetlands. Therefore, amphibians are elsewhere. The river otter’s home range is dismissed as an impact topic and will not linear, as much as 20–30 miles along be affected by the proposed actions. streams. The river otter is not known in (Sources: Nature Serve, monument the monument, and there is no stream or records) stream segment in the monument that Note: Although three of the six would qualify as habitat. Based on this amphibians listed in the table are not information, the river otter is dismissed as known to be present, a thorough inventory an impact topic and will not be affected by of suitable habitat should be undertaken the proposed actions. (Sources: Colorado before excluding them from any future Division of Wildlife and U.S. Fish and plans or actions that involve wetlands. Wildlife Service consultation) Birds Desert bighorn sheep are designated The American peregrine falcon was species of special concern by the State of removed from the federal list of Colorado. Populations occur in Arizona, threatened and endangered species on California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. August 25, 1999. As required by the Colorado National Monument is included Endangered Species Act, a post- delisting in the Black Ridge Herd Unit with BLM monitoring plan has been prepared for the lands along the canyon- cut escarpment American peregrine falcon, and the U.S. between Little Park Road on the southeast Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation and the Utah state line in the west. Four with the states will monitor the status of transplants of desert bighorn sheep have the species for not less than five years to been made to reestablish the herd. Three ensure that it continues to thrive without are considered to be founder herd the protection of the Endangered Species transplants and took place in 1979, 1980, Act. Breeding pairs nest on cliffs and and 1981. Another transplant took place forage for prey over adjacent areas. Prey during October 1995 with the objective of consists of other birds, especially doves, extending the range of the established pigeons, and waterfowl. The American herd. The desert bighorn population is peregrine falcon is a nesting species in the estimated at 50 to 75 animals. Only a small monument’s canyons, particularly number of these inhabit the monument. Monument Canyon. It is one of the species The long- term objective is to manage this

93 Chapter 3: Affected Environment herd unit to support a population ranging documentation for them was not found. from 100 to 525 animals. Currently, there All the major species that make up these are no known areas where direct impact communities are known in the monument, by human use has been detrimental to the but information on their associations and Black Ridge bighorn sheep. However, distribution is lacking. recreational use is increasing as people Plants become more familiar with the Plant species of concern: Little is known recreational opportunities that exist in the about the ecology, populations, and area. The species has been seen in several distribution in the monument of the plant locations throughout the monument, but species listed in Table 8B. Several of them is most common from Monument Canyon are known to occur in one or more of the north. (Sources: Nature Serve, Colorado Potential Conservation Areas identified Division of Wildlife, Colorado Canyons earlier. Two of these are not known in the National Conservation Area Desert monument, but should not be dismissed, Bighorn Sheep Plan, and monument pending a thorough inventory of the records) monument. The presence or possible The kit fox is listed as endangered by the presence of these collective species are State of Colorado. Its historic range was used as a flag to anticipate potential the Southwest to Baja California and the impacts in this document and in future central mainland of Mexico. Colorado planning efforts distribution is in Garfield, Mesa, and Reptiles Montezuma Counties. The kit fox is One of the three reptile species listed in nocturnal and bears its young in Table 8B (longnose leapord lizard) is underground dens. Population abundance known to be present within the fluctuations are believed to be related to monument. Little is known about the precipitation- influenced changes in prey ecology, populations, and distribution of abundance. Prey is usually the most this species within the monument. The abundant nocturnal rodent or rabbit in the other two should not be dismissed, area, although they will also take birds, pending a thorough inventory of the reptiles, and insects. The kit fox is a known monument. The presence or possible species in the monument, information presence of these collective species is used about its population numbers and as a flag to anticipate potential impacts in distribution is lacking. (Sources: Nature this document and in future planning Serve and monument records) efforts. Natural Communities Invertebrate Species All four of the natural communities listed An inventory of arthropod species and a in the table are probably present in the listing of Lepidoptera (moths and monument to some degree, although only butterflies) are available for the one (lower montane riparian shrubland) monument. Information on other has been adequately verified in the invertebrates is lacking. The Colorado monument as present in upper No Natural Heritage Program’s “Statewide Thoroughfare Canyon. It may occur List of Tracked Species and Communities” elsewhere as well. The other three identifies four species that occur in the communities (big sagebrush subspecies— monument as critically imperiled (S1) or needle and thread grass; West Slope pinyon woodland; and Fremont’s imperiled (S2): cottonwood riparian forest) are probably Comstock’s hairstreak (Callophrys present in the monument, but comstocki), state rank: S1

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Buckmoth species (Hemileuca hera analyzed in Chapter 4: Environmental magnifica), state rank: S1 Consequences, in the section on “Natural Systems and Processes.” Short-tailed black swallowtail (Papilio indra minori), state rank: S1S2 SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS Sphinx moth species (Sphinx dolli), state rank: S2 (status uncertain) Soil quality is naturally poor, which is typical of soils of the Colorado Plateau. These four species were not included in The soils of the monument, predominantly the letters of response from the U.S. Fish aridisols, are presently being mapped. and Wildlife Service dated March 26, 2002, Aridisols are the soils of arid and semiarid or the Colorado Division of Wildlife dated environments where moisture is scarce. March 1, 2002, and have not been included The soils are typically light in color in Table 8B. In addition to the four species because there is little vegetation to add listed above, a rare moth species, organic matter to the soil profile. They Lithariapteryx abroniaeella, has been have lower thresholds to degradation collected from Mirabilis plant species processes than humid soils. In aridisols, (Four O’clock family) near the visitor the distribution of vegetation is commonly center—the first Colorado record since patchy with evidence of slightly raised the original description of the species mounds. Rainfall runoff and resulting more than 100 years ago. erosion in sloping areas maintain shallow Ecological information for these species soil by stripping away soil as it slowly and other invertebrates is limited, and forms. Aeolian (windblown) sand deposits generalizations are necessary. In addition are common on the plateau top and some to Mirabilis species, various moths and of the mesas, with smaller pockets of butterflies are known to use various deposition in the canyons. Aeolian sand is herbaceous species, as well as Gambel oak, a typical component of monument soils. cottonwood, pinyon pine, serviceberry, Small, localized sand dunes occur at end mountain mahogany, rabbit brush, and point projections of the Entrada yucca. The named host plant species are formations, but they are currently commonly distributed throughout the stabilized by vegetation. Disturbance of monument. Most available habitat is the vegetation could activate the dunes. undisturbed and protected. It is possible Fire is one example of such disturbance. some of the species identified above are Aeolian sand deposits are identified on the associated with wetlands and riparian monument’s geologic map. areas, but given information limitations, Biological soil crusts, consisting of soil impacts to the species are best addressed cyanobacteria, lichens, and mosses, play indirectly under other surrogate an important ecological role in the umbrellas, such as vegetation, wetlands, monument. These crusts are often and riparian areas. extraordinarily well developed, sometimes Species of Special Concern Summary representing a majority of the living Based on an analysis of the species of ground cover. Biological soil crusts special concern, the following species have increase the stability of otherwise easily been dismissed as an impact topic and will eroded soils, increase water infiltration, not be affected by the proposed actions: and increase fertility in soils often limited the amphibians and the river otter. The in essential nutrients such as nitrogen and remaining species of special concern and carbon. the listed natural communities are further

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Biological soil crusts are highly susceptible found in the draft Geoindicators Scoping to soil- surface disturbance, such as Report for Colorado National Monument trampling by hooves, human feet, or off- (National Park Service, 2002). Some, but road vehicles. Underlying soils are left not all, of the effects discussed in that vulnerable to both wind and water report are addressed in this document erosion. Because crustal organisms are based on pertinence to the planning effort. only metabolically active when wet, Colorado National Monument lies along reestablishment time is slow in the the northeastern flank of the monument’s arid to semiarid climate. Uncompahgre Plateau, which is a high, Relatively undisturbed biological soil elongated plateau region that extends crusts can contribute a great deal of northwestward from Ridgeway, Colorado, stability to otherwise highly erodible soils. to near Cisco, Utah. At the monument, the Unlike vascular plant cover, crustal cover plateau rises abruptly over 2,000 feet from is not reduced in drought and is present the Grand Valley along fault lines and year- round. Consequently, it offers monoclinal folding. Over long periods of stability over time and under adverse geologic time, the area has undergone conditions that would otherwise be alternate periods of a cycle that includes lacking. sediment deposition, mountain building uplift, and downward cutting erosion. At The bison herd mentioned above under present we are in a period of down- “Human Disruptions” had an intense and cutting erosion within that cycle, and for prolonged adverse effect on soils and the fourth time known in geologic history, biological soil crusts in the areas they the Precambrian basement rocks are being occupied. In addition, long- term damage exposed again as overlying formations are of biological soil crusts occurred in and stripped away. It is this canyon- cutting around the Civilian Conservation Corps process that has created and is still camps of the late 1930s and early 1940s. creating the magnificent canyon scenery of GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND the monument. PALEONTOLOGY This discussion of the affected geologic Colorado National Monument preserves resources environment focuses on the two one of the grand geologic landscapes of formations most responsible for the deep, the American West. The landscape of deep spectacular canyons, the Wingate and canyons, vertical cliff walls, and great Kayenta and on the paleontological natural rock sculptures created by geologic resources of the monument. The Wingate, processes is the reason that the monument 330 feet thick, forms the great canyon was established. The monument’s geology cliffs. The Kayenta is fairly resistant to is fully described in Geologic Map of erosion and forms the cap and shelving on Colorado National Monument and top of the Wingate, protecting it from Adjacent Areas, Mesa County, Colorado erosion. Erosion and erodibility determine (Robert B. Scott, et al., U.S. Geological the landscape and expose the fossils and Survey, 2001), which includes a forty- page other paleontological resources. The least narrative pamphlet. The geology of the erodible formations form cliffs, canyons, area, with help from the semiarid climate, and ledges, depending on thickness. The has a far greater effect on the human more erodible formations tend to form environment than the enacted proposals in slopes and contain the better part of the this document would have on the monument’s paleontological resources. In monument’s geological resources. A Figure 3, the major rock formations review of those opposing effects can be exposed in the monument are shown as

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they occur from top to bottom with the is present in the adjacent Grand Valley. It oldest rocks at the bottom and the is a good example of a highly erodible youngest at the top. In Table 9, they are formation, and within the uplifted listed from least erodible at the top to the formations of the monument it has been most erodible at the bottom. Mancos Shale entirely eroded away. is not exposed within the monument, but

Figure 3: Columnar Section of Formations at Colorado National Monument

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Table 9: Erodibility of Formations at Colorado National Monument

Erodibility Formation Least erodible Precambrian Kayenta Formation Dakota Sandstone Wingate Sandstone Entrada Sandstone Burro Canyon Formation Morrison Formation Wanakah Formation Chinle Formation Most erodible Mancos Shale

Cliffs and Canyons tunnels in Fruita Canyon was washed out If the canyons and their features are the by a flash flood in the 1960s and deposited most spectacular aspect of the scenery as alluvial talus on the slope below. The fill resulting from erosion and erodibility, brought in to repair the road came from they also draw the most people and are elsewhere and does not have geologic therefore most exposed to human- use integrity in its new location. This could impacts. have unforeseen impacts if the fill is washed out again in the future. These The Kayenta formation serves as the impacts are the result of past actions not primary scenery- viewing platform of the subject to the impact analysis of this monument. Most of the Rim Rock Drive planning effort. However, the human and its overlooks lie upon the Kayenta at safety and infrastructure issues related to or near the edge of the cliffs. Where it lies geologic processes and the Rim Rock upon the Kayenta formation, the road Drive are critically prominent in the corridor has negligible or no impact on the affected environment and must be geology. The Kayenta’s resistance to addressed. Recommendations in the erosion is also its armor against impacts. In Geoindicators Scoping Report for Colorado this section of the road, normal geologic National Monument cited earlier include 1) processes such as erosion, rockfall, identification and monitoring of areas with landslides, and debris flow can have major a high potential for slope failure, such as impacts on the road, and in the long run rockfall, landslides, and debris flow, and 2) these impacts cannot be avoided. It is in development of a long- term plan to those areas between the Grand Valley and address inevitable road failure. the canyon rims that the road has had its impacts on the geologic features such as People are drawn to the rims of the cliff walls. Most of those impacts occurred canyons for scenic views. They are also as part of the original road construction, drawn into the canyons for the same others continue to occur because of the scenic beauty, looking into the canyons vulnerability of road placement. Cutting and upward rather than looking out and into cliff faces to create a roadbed or down into the canyons. The impact of tunnels has increased the erosion rate of people in the canyons is addressed from cliffs, and in geologic time, the impact is of several environmental perspectives (soils, little consequence. The road- fill between ecosystems, etc.) in Chapter 4,

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“Environmental Consequences,” and bivalves, gastropods, and a sauropod elsewhere in this document. caudal vertebrae. A theropod tracksite was discovered in the Chinle formation in The geological resources affected in the 1990. Additional surveys in 1995 reported canyons are the Wingate cliffs and the several new sites. great natural towers of Wingate sandstone in the canyons. This is especially true in Ichnofossils within Colorado National Monument and Wedding Canyons, where Monument include Scoyenia gracilis, giant rock formations such as Koupichnium nopsca, and Camborygma, Independence Monument rise from the crayfish burrows, and plant roots canyon floor and slopes. These cliffs and (rhizoliths) occur in the Chinle formation. geologic features, Independence Horseshoe crab traces were discovered in Monument in particular, are collectively the lower units of the Tidwell member of very attractive to rock climbers. the Morrison formation, representing the first report of these traces from Jurassic Paleontology and Fossils rocks. (Rebecca Scott et al., 2001). Fossils have been found in the vicinity of the monument for a long time. In 1900, a A survey in 2004 identified an additional famous dinosaur discovery was made just nineteen fossil localities. The new finds outside of the monument boundary. included well preserved sauropod bones Elmer Riggs uncovered the forelimb of a in fallen blocks of the Burro Canyon sauropod dinosaur (Camarasaurus formation, a lungfish tooth from the grandis) in the Brushy Basin member of Tidwell member of the Morrison the Morrison formation. Today the site formation, the only know vertebrate bone known as Dinosaur Hill is a popular from the Kayenta formation of Colorado, tourist stop. Within Colorado National and large numbers of dinosaur tracks from Monument, a few fossils were reported the Wingate formation. The collective some fifty years ago, but the current knowledge of the many years of surveys location of the specimens is unknown. has revealed that all sedimentary rock One is a mastodon tooth found in No units exposed in the monument contain Thoroughfare Canyon, and the other fossils, including plants, invertebrates, and report is of an amphibian (metoposaur vertebrates. (Trujillo et al., 2004). scutes) and teeth found in the Chinle NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE formation. The natural soundscape is the aggregate of Over the past thirty years, several formal all the natural sounds that occur in an area, paleontological surveys have been together with the physical capacity for conducted at Colorado National transmitting natural sounds. Natural Monument. During 1977, an inventory of sounds occur within and beyond the range the Morrison formation in Colorado of sounds that humans can perceive and National Monument documented can be transmitted through air, water, or fourteen fossil localities. Fossils identified solid materials. They exist in the absence during the inventory included bivalves, of human- caused sound. They are gastropods, turtles, crocodilians, and monument resources that might include dinosaurs, including an ischium of a the sound created by wind, mammals, dryosaur. Most of the specimens were birds, insects, and other biological and found in the lower Salt Wash member or physical components (National Park Brushy Basin member of the Morrison Service, 2001b, 4.9). formation. In 1985, many of these sites were resurveyed, yielding unionid According to policy, the National Park Service will preserve, to the greatest extent

99 Chapter 3: Affected Environment possible, the natural soundscapes of parks. by many. This attribute of silence or near The Service will restore degraded silence has been demonstrated in other soundscapes to the natural condition Colorado Plateau parks, where ambient wherever possible and will protect natural sound levels have been recorded at 19 and soundscapes from degradation due to 20 decibels, at or near the lower limit of noise (undesirable human- caused sound). the equipment capability to record sound. The natural sounds of the monument are a Of course a certain amount of the human natural resource important to ecological soundscape (sounds made by humans and communities and to visitor enjoyment of resulting from their activities) is necessary the monument. Birds, insects, mammals, for operation of the monument and for and amphibians rely on complex visitor use and enjoyment. In addition, it is communication networks to live and obviously not possible to eliminate the reproduce. Wildlife vocalizations such as human sounds impinging on the mating calls, alarm calls, and the ability to monument from the neighboring Grand hear them are essential ecological factors. Valley or the surrounding airspace. The Noise intrusions have been shown to missions of other government agencies, adversely affect the behavior and survival the military services, and monument of wildlife (Radle). neighbors must be given appropriate consideration in soundscape preservation. Sources of noise in the monument include visitors and employees, vehicles, VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY motorized equipment, aircraft over- flight, and the wide variety of noises generated Visitor conflicts and safety are largely around the monument, particularly in the reflected in the incident statistics collected Grand Valley. by the monument. The incident totals for the five- year period between 1998 and At certain times and certain places in the 2002 are on Table 10: monument the aggregate of natural sounds is silence or near- silence to the human ear, an attribute of wildland solitude treasured

Table 10: 1998–2002 Five-Year Incident Totals

Vehicle Incidents 45 noninjury minor damage vehicle accidents 15 injury accidents 13 accidents with major vehicle damage Bicycle Incidents 4 injury accidents 12 citations to bicyclists, complaints about bicyclists by motorists, or complaints about motorists by bicyclists Hiking/Climbing Incidents 13 injury incidents 2 falling fatalities 8 rescues (noninjury) 1 wildlife injury (scorpion sting)

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Environmental Incidents 1 rockfall closed Rim Rock Drive for about three weeks one winter Alcohol-Related Incidents 19 alcohol parties (debris found the next morning) 44 incidents of alcohol in undesignated area 39 incidents involving underage drinking 18 DUI arrests Drug-Related Incidents 71 controlled substances (marijuana)/paraphernalia incidents 6 other drug incidents 1 accidental death (nitrous oxide inhaling) Other Criminal Activity 63 vandalism incidents 7 disorderly conduct incidents 3 tunnel running incidents 1 reported sexual assault 35 theft incidents

Traffic safety is particularly important, Hiking and climbing incidents in the last since most visitors use the 23 miles of Rim five years are not great in number (less Rock Drive as both a scenic recreational than .0017% of recreational visits), but drive and a commuter route. The number there have been two falling fatalities. The of recreation and nonrecreation visits nature of the canyon rim poses an inherent totals about 600,000 per year, and vehicle risk. Other risks to visitors hiking in the and bicycle incidents reported for the last backcountry include dehydration, heat five years have been relatively few in exhaustion, hypothermia, snakebites, number (less than .013%), most of which minor injuries, and getting lost. Trends were not serious (at least no fatalities). indicate that many visitors are increasing During scoping for the general their reliance on cell phones for rescue management plan, conflicts between rather than making adequate preparations. bicyclists and motorists and resulting The greatest number of law enforcement safety problems were cited as a major incidents revolve around alcohol, drugs, concern (especially on the east side). On vandalism, and other criminal activity that the 2003 visitor survey, only 4 percent of is largely related to being proximate to an respondents said that motor vehicle or urban setting. Many of these types of bicycle traffic was a problem during their incidents occur off- season or at night, visit. It appears that while people perceive when it is more difficult to patrol. These conflict, there are not a lot of serious types of incidents are likely to increase as accidents occurring at this time, especially the rapid urbanization continues. if people follow traffic laws and stay within speed limits. A significant rockfall January Another perspective on visitor safety 8, 2000, closed Rim Rock Drive for about comes from visitor perceptions of how three weeks, but there were no injuries. safe people feel. In the 2003 visitor survey,

101 Chapter 3: Affected Environment most visitors (76%) said they feel very safe the Gunnison National Park, Arches in the monument in general compared National Park, Canyonlands National with being at home, and 61 percent feel Park, Dinosaur National Monument, and very comfortable leaving their vehicle Mesa Verde National Park). Each of these unattended in the monument. areas experienced slight increases and decreases during the past decade but VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES (to maintained an overall steady level of connect with resources, including visitors. wilderness values) Colorado National Monument attracted The peak months of recreational visitation some 294,000 recreational visitors in 2002. are May and August, followed by April. An additional 305,000 people passed The drop in June and July is presumably through the monument as because of the heat. There are at least “nonrecreational visitors,” primarily 10,000 visitors per month in the winter; commuters and local traffic between thus, there is year- round use. Numbers of Glade Park and Grand Junction. Some nonrecreational visitors are a little higher may be going from Fruita to McInnis in the warmer months, but are not as Canyons National Conservation Area. affected by seasons (see Figure 4: Visitation has remained fairly level over Colorado National Monument 2002 the last decade, hovering slightly above or Monthly Visitation). below 300,000 recreational visitors. This A yearlong visitor study was completed in trend is similar to that of other national 2003 by monument staff and the park units in the region (Black Canyon of University of Northern Arizona. It

Figure 4: Colorado National Monument 2002 Monthly Visitation

50,000

45,000

40,000

35,000

30,000

25,000 Visitors

20,000

15,000

Recreation Visits 10,000 Nonrecreation Visits

5,000

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month

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provides a general profile of visitors, as The monument currently allows (through well as their opinions about management. a permit renewed annually) the Rim Rock Colorado National Monument has a Run, a foot race conducted once in the fall strong local and regional patronage. along Rim Rock Drive. During that event, About half of visitors are from Colorado, one lane of the scenic road is temporarily and nearly half of those are from Mesa closed for part of one day. The recent County. About 45 percent of visitors are survey asked how a running or bicycle race from other states, and about 5 percent are encountered on Rim Rock Drive would from another country. Nearly 40 percent affect their visit, and about half of the of all visitors are repeat visitors, and the respondents felt that it would detract from percentage is much higher among local their visit. Requests for such activities are residents. The average length of stay is considered on a case- by- case basis and between one and three hours. About 14 are evaluated for consistency with the percent stay overnight, and most of those purpose of the monument and NPS laws use the monument’s campground. About and policies. Road bicycling on Rim Rock 63 percent of visitors are adults between Drive has surged in popularity in recent the ages of 18 and 61, about 18 percent are years and has brought conflict between 62 or older, and 19 percent are 17 and automobiles and bikes. younger. The average group size is 2.9 Occasional permits are issued for people, with up to 54 in a group. Slightly producing commercial films within the more visitors enter the monument from monument. No impact to monument the east (Grand Junction) entrance than resources is allowed, and visitors are from the west (Fruita) entrance, and some minimally disrupted. The recent visitor enter from the perimeter trailheads. A survey found people somewhat neutral traffic survey is under way to determine about whether this would disturb their more about users of Rim Rock Drive (cars experience. Dogs are currently only and bicycles) and visitors entering on allowed along roads, overlooks, and the perimeter trailheads. campground but not on trails or in the Visitors are primarily drawn to Colorado backcountry. The recent visitor survey National Monument’s spectacular determined that 56 percent do not want scenery. People come to Colorado dogs allowed, and 44 percent favor National Monument to drive or bicycle on allowing dogs (but most of these say only Rim Rock Drive, view canyons at the on some specific trails, not throughout the overlooks, take pictures, stop at the visitor monument). center, hike, watch wildlife, spend a night About a third of visitors plan their visit in the campground, picnic, rock climb, based primarily on the recommendation of horseback ride, and show the monument others and personal experience. Maps, to visiting friends and relatives. There are books, magazines, and road signs are also also opportunities to experience solitude, important. The Internet helps about 8 visit natural and cultural resources, and to percent of visitors learn about the study geology, but these are less important monument and prepare for their visit. experiences to the visitors who were Some 68 percent of visitors surveyed stop surveyed. Nearly 90 percent of all repeat at the visitor center. Most visitors prefer visitors have not noticed changes to air to get information from written materials quality, wildlife viewing, clarity of the or activities that they can do on their own. night sky, creation of social trails, or Many like ranger- led programs and natural soundscapes. museum exhibits. Education and outreach programs into the community and schools

103 Chapter 3: Affected Environment are important to the community, people, about one- sixth of the according to public input during planning, recreational visits to the monument. Peak but such programs are currently lacking visitation is in the months of March, April, because of staff and funding shortages. May, October, and September. A 2001 visitor survey conducted by Northern About 15,000 acres were recommended as Arizona University for BLM at the NCA wilderness or potential wilderness to indicates that a higher proportion (92%) Congress in 1978. Congress has never of the NCA visitors are adults, with 7 acted on that recommendation, but in percent seniors and 1 percent children or accordance with National Park Service youth under 20. Nearly twice as many policies, the recommended wilderness (85%) McInnis Canyons NCA visitors are areas are managed in accordance with from Colorado, with a full 39 percent from provisions of the Wilderness Act. While the Grand Valley and 75 percent repeat people are drawn to the natural beauty, visitors. plants, and wildlife found within the monument, the recent survey indicates Visitors to the NCA participate in hiking, that solitude is not one of the most mountain biking, wildlife watching, important experiences they are seeking, photography, picnicking, and viewing rock and most visitors at Colorado National art, arches, and dinosaur fossils. Monument do not feel crowded or that Opportunities also include horseback seeing other people has a negative effect. riding, off- highway vehicle use, primitive camping, climbing, and hunting. BLM Based on trends in visitation levels at lands allow dogs under control. People Colorado National Monument and other come to escape everyday experiences, national park units in the area, the enjoy wilderness values, and engage in visitation at the monument is expected to frequent exercise. Group events, social stay level or grow slightly (no more that interaction, and learning are the least 10%) during the life of this plan, 15–20 important experiences, according to the years. In real numbers, that would be up survey. Most visitors prefer to get to 60,000 more recreation and information from maps and primitive nonrecreation visits. While total numbers signs, and do not want much on- site are not expected to change very much, the information or assistance. nature of use could shift. It is expected that there will be increasing pressure to With such a high percentage of NCA use the monument from the visitation coming from Colorado and the wildland/urban interface edge on the Grand Valley and the high number of northeastern boundary of the monument repeat visitors, the BLM is projecting that to meet local recreational demands. use there will follow Mesa County Bicycle use of Rim Rock Drive is also population growth trends and double by expected to increase, as this scenic and 2025. That represents about 50,000 more rigorous experience becomes more widely visitors in real numbers. Though the rates known through the Colorado and national of change for visitation are projected very bicycling communities. differently for BLM and NPS, the total projected increase in numbers is very In planning for the mosaic of public lands similar. in the Grand Valley area, it is useful to compare visitor use data for the adjoining Colorado National Monument is part of a McInnis Canyons National Conservation regional mosaic of heritage resources and Area (NCA). Total visitation to the NCA recreational opportunities made up of a was estimated in 2001 to be about 50,000 variety of local attractions and state and

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federal lands. There are six state parks or Monument were not different from those wildlife areas nearby, extensive additional provided on lands managed by other state BLM lands on the Book Cliffs side of the and federal agencies. Among the 28 Grand Valley, and U.S. Forest Service percent who said there were differences, Lands on Grand Mesa and south of Glade they most often mentioned the sights, Park. Other natural and cultural history geology, unique scenery, and better sites include the Museum of Western facilities available in the monument. Colorado, Dinosaur Journey, and Riggs User fees are collected at Colorado Hill. A range of camping is available: National Monument at the two entrance developed sites accommodating stations during the late spring, summer, recreational vehicles (at least six private and early fall months, and at the visitor campgrounds and two state park center during the remainder of the year. campgrounds), moderately developed sites In 2003, the fee for a seven- day pass was on U.S. Forest Service lands, and primitive $3.00 per bicycle, $3.00 per individual, or campsites on BLM lands. In addition to $5.00 per vehicle. A local annual pass was extensive BLM and NPS trails, there are $15.00. The adjacent Colorado Canyon recreational trails in the Fruita/Grand National Conservation Area, administered Junction area and along the Colorado by the Bureau of Land Management, does River. There are visitor centers or public not collect any fees at this time. information sites: MONUMENT NEIGHBORS (including • Colorado River State Park—Fruita, local management plans and other land visitor center managing agencies) • BLM visitor information, Grand Junction The northeastern boundary of the • USDA Forest Service Grand Junction monument borders the rapidly urbanizing Ranger District, information Grand Valley, consisting primarily of the • Colorado welcome center, Colorado cities of Fruita and Grand Junction, all Department of Transportation, Fruita located within Mesa County. A • Grand Junction Visitor and neighborhood known as the Redlands Convention Bureau visitor center spans between both cities along the • Colorado Division of Wildlife, monument boundary. Suburban Western Region Service Center, residential yards in the Redlands adjoin information the monument’s old bison fence. Wildlife • Fruita rail car (seasonal information) from the monument and pets from homeowners migrate through the fence. Visitors to Colorado National Monument Natural flood events in the monument are more likely to visit other national parks cause problems to homeowners located in than other nearby public lands. Based on downstream watersheds. Several the recent visitor survey, nearly one- third monument trailheads are located in of the respondents also visited or planned residential areas. These provide to visit one or more other national parks immediate recreational access for on this trip (Arches, Black Canyon of the residents and also attract “outsiders.” The Gunnison, or Canyonlands National National Park Service and adjacent Parks), while only 8 percent also visited or residents are literally neighbors. The planned to visit The National National Park Service conducted a survey Conservation Area. Most visitors in the of neighbors in a 1995 questionnaire. same survey responded that the When asked what the NPS could do to be opportunities at Colorado National a better neighbor, nearly 70 percent had no comments, suggestions, or complaints,

105 Chapter 3: Affected Environment or thought the situation was good or great. • 2020 Regional Transportation Plan About three- quarters of the respondents (2000)—Joint effort by Mesa County said that public access to the monument and the Colorado Department of was good or adequate, and 55 percent used Transportation to identify, analyze, the monument weekly or monthly. Nearly and prioritize transportation needs for two- thirds expressed interest in keeping all modes of transportation. the bison fence. Additional relevant plans and agreements As described in the next section, include: “Socioeconomic Conditions,” the area’s population has doubled in the last thirty • Fruita/Kokopelli Greenway Plan (1997) years and continues to grow. To respond • Fruita/Mesa County Greenway to growth, local governmental entities Business Park Plan (2001) have been and continue to be deeply • The Grand Valley: A Community involved in planning for the future. Some Vision for the Year 2020 (2001) of the most relevant plans and agreements • Mesa County Land Development include: Code (2000) • Memorandum of Understanding • Cooperative Planning Agreement Area between the Bureau of Land (1988)—an intergovernmental Management and Mesa County (1997) agreement between the City of Fruita, • Memorandum of Understanding City of Grand Junction, and Mesa between the U.S. Forest Service and County for a buffer strip separating the Mesa County (2001) two communities. This buffer extends • Memorandum of Understanding to the boundary of the monument. between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife • Fruita Community Plan (2002)—Fruita Service and Mesa County (2003) considers itself to be the gateway to • Interagency Fire Management Plan Colorado National Monument and (2004) seeks coordination of planning and • Mesa County Pre- Disaster Mitigation land use, especially regarding future Plan (2004) subdivisions, access corridors, trailheads, and buffer strips. The growth in Mesa County is not limited • Joint City of Grand Junction and Mesa to the immediate valley. The community County Redlands Area Plan (proposed of Glade Park is located on the southeast 2002)—includes a community side of the monument on the uplands and image/character action plan that consists primarily of ranchers and recognizes the importance of dispersed large- acreage homesites. A protecting views to the monument. general store and community center are • Memorandum of Understanding located at the crossroads of the East and between Colorado National West Glade Park roads, both of which go Monument and Mesa County (1999)— through the monument. Some private a consultation process for land use land borders the monument, but Bureau of planning. Land Management land along the • Redlands Area Transportation Study southern boundary acts as a buffer to some (2002)—City of Grand Junction, City of the development. Concerns of of Fruita, Mesa County, and Colorado landowners include control of fire on this Department of Transportation pinyon- juniper mesa. Additional homes developed a strategy to accommodate continue to be developed, usually on traffic, pedestrians, bikes, and transit parcels 35 acres or larger. Availability of in the Redlands area. water is a critical factor in the rate of

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growth. If additional water supplies are these activities do not formally connect to secured, the rate of growth would likely the monument. There is some hunting accelerate. and grazing on these BLM lands. The close relationship of BLM and NPS lands The primary access route for Glade Park was recognized throughout this planning residents is on the East Glade Park road process. BLM prepared a management that passes through four miles of the plan for the NCA concurrently with the monument to Grand Junction. A court NPS general management plan. A detailed order of May 1986 determined that a comparison of the differences and public right- of- way exists on this segment commonalities between managing these and the use of that road for continuous lands can be found in Appendix F: travel through the monument (including “Coordination of BLM and NPS.” commercial vehicles) is a nonrecreational use for which no fee can be charged. The SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS National Park Service maintains, From 1970 to 1999, the population of Mesa snowplows, and patrols the segment in the County has more than doubled to 115,000, monument. Residents are often frustrated a rate faster than that of the state and the by slow tourist vehicles and bicycles on the nation. Trends project continued steady monument road. An alternative route, growth to some 200,000 by 2025. The Little Park Road, also provides access median age in Mesa County is 38.1, between Glade Park and Grand Junction, compared with 34.3 in Colorado and 35.3 but is longer, has some steeper sections in the nation. The proportion of retirees and is far less used. Recently paved, it has has remained constant for the last 10 years started to attract more users as an at about 15 percent. More than 92 percent alternative route. There are no definite of the county residents identified plans by the county or state to make themselves as white, compared with 82 further major improvements at this time, percent statewide. but there is interest. The fastest growing and largest The immediate neighbor with the longest components of personal income from 1970 common boundary is the Bureau of Land to 1999 are services and professional and Management. Both agencies primarily nonlabor sources. Income from farms and manage for resource stewardship and ranches and mining has declined during recreation. Along the western boundary that time period, while modest increases lies the McInnis Canyons National occurred in government, construction, Conservation Area (NCA). An assemblage and manufacturing. Average earnings per of communication towers permitted on job, in real terms, have not changed much the NCA is located on Black Ridge near since 1970. While earnings- per- job have the NPS boundary. A fence separates the remained stagnant, average per- capita areas, and undesignated routes allow income has increased. This is attributed to adventurous hikers and horseback riders retired people moving into the area, to explore both sides of the boundary. bringing with them outside sources of BLM land to the south of the monument is income such as investments, retirement, not part of the NCA. There is not much insurance payments, disability, and hiking or visitor use on either side of the Medicare. This money is then multiplied boundary in this area. BLM land to the through the economy, particularly the southeast of the monument above No construction, financial, and health service Thoroughfare Canyon (also not part of the industries. NCA) is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and trails for

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Tourism in Mesa County is estimated to $1,600,000, the highest of any county in contribute 8 percent of direct basic Colorado. employment, providing more than 5,000 Public lands contribute in other significant jobs. Attractions and activities include but unmeasured ways to the local wineries, orchards, dinosaur sites (on economy. The scenic backdrop and public lands and in a museum), rafting, recreational opportunities of Colorado hiking, biking, rock climbing, camping, National Monument and adjacent public hunting, off- highway vehicle driving, and lands permeates information for real scenic viewing. Public lands include estate, tourism, businesses, local several state parks, McInnis Canyons governments, and the like. Benefits accrue National Conservation Area (BLM), in real estate values, attracting future Grand Mesa (primarily U.S. Forest residents and businesses, and in many Service), and Colorado National quality- of- life values for local residents. Monument. Further, the Grand Valley is within a few hours of several other MONUMENT OPERATIONS national parks and monuments, including Colorado National Monument operates Black Canyon of the Gunnison National on an annual budget of $950,000 and Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands thirteen permanent staff (in fiscal year National Park, Dinosaur National 2002), who are supplemented by seasonal Monument, and Mesa Verde National employees, the Colorado National Park. The BLM estimates that the Monument Association, and a number of combined outdoor recreation on public volunteers. The staff is organized into four lands provides about one- fifth of the divisions: resource management, visitor tourism- based employment in Mesa services and protection, maintenance, and County, roughly 2 percent of employment, administration. Resource management or about 1,100 jobs. Employment from includes inventory, monitoring, planning, tourism is growing faster than total and restoration for natural and cultural employment in Mesa County, and public resources throughout the monument. It lands are a contributing factor. also includes managing the museum Mesa County receives Payment in Lieu of collection. Recent projects include Taxes (PILT) from the federal government developing a fire management plan, to offset the loss of tax revenues because participation in interagency weed control, the county contains federal land that is conducting archeological surveys, and exempt from local property taxes. The nominating historic structures to the payment is calculated from the amount of National Register of Historic Places. The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land division of visitor services and protection Management, and National Park Service operates the visitor center, provides land in the county, along with several information and interpretation, collects other factors in a complex formula. It is fees, provides search and rescue, and intended as compensation for costs that provides law enforcement, which includes are incurred by county government when patrol of 23 miles of road. The division of it serves public lands with law maintenance is responsible for enforcement, search and rescue, and the maintaining all of the buildings in the like. A single annual payment for all monument (many of which are historic), involved agencies is made from the Bureau the historic Rim Rock Drive and its of Land Management to the county. In overlooks, tunnels, and structures, two 2004, Mesa County received about picnic areas, the campground, trails and trailheads, entrance stations, signs, and all utilities. The division of administration

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manages human resources, payroll, interpretive materials and to help fund procurement, and information NPS activities and projects in the technology. monument, as well as outreach activities in the nearby communities. Projects include Various funding sources in the National publication of a teachers' guide to the Park Service are available for Colorado monument, a training course in dry laid National Monument to compete for with masonry walls on Serpents Trail, other units in the system. These include cooperation with NPS and the United construction of new facilities, major repair State Geologic Survey in preparing a and rehabilitation of facilities, historic geologic map of the monument, and the preservation projects, resource Walks and Talks programs, a series of management, inventory and monitoring lectures and hikes aimed at the general programs, and various levels of planning. public. The CNMA consists of two Levels of funding for these programs are permanent staff members, a seven- person flat or declining. Fees are collected at volunteer board of directors, and about Colorado National Monument at the two 400 members, mostly from the local entrance stations during the busier spring, community. summer, and fall months and at the visitor center during the rest of the year. Under Volunteers are integral to the operation of the fee demonstration program the monument. The Grand Valley is a rich established by Congress, 80 percent of the source of talented, skilled people willing to revenue is available to the monument for donate their time and expertise. For certain types of projects, and the example, retired geologists have remaining 20 percent of the revenue is contributed to publications and used agency- wide. Fees retained by the improvements in the content of collecting monument are to be primarily interpretive exhibits. Volunteer certified dedicated to address the growing repair archeologists have conducted extensive and maintenance priority needs (including surveys of archeological resources. projects relating to health and safety) and Volunteers have also been involved in trail for interpretation, signage, habitat, facility patrol, light maintenance, and resource improvements, and natural and cultural restoration. As discussed in the resource preservation projects. With socioeconomic section, many residents visitation levels fairly constant, this source have outside sources of income, such as of revenue is not increasing. This program retirement benefits, which can allow for is not permanent, and Congress will time to volunteer. decide whether or not to renew it. Partnerships are another important Monument staff is involved in developing element in the management of Colorado proposals and managing projects through National Monument. Participation of the these programs. monument in cooperative efforts results in The Colorado National Monument synergistic efforts that are greater than the Association (CNMA) is a 501(c)(3) sum of the parts. For example, the nonprofit organization whose mission is to Tamerisk Coalition brings together assist its agency partner, the National Park nonprofit groups, universities, private Service (NPS), with scientific, educational, landowners, and federal, state, and local historical, and interpretive activities at governments to fight a common problem. Colorado National Monument. Through The National Park Service has concurrent operation of the bookstore, membership jurisdiction with the State of Colorado, dues, and other fund- raising activities, the which allows the NPS to enforce federal association raises money to publish criminal statutes and also to assimilate

109 Chapter 3: Affected Environment – Impact Topics Considered but Not Analyzed in Detail state law under 18 USC 13, when no Director’s Order 28, 1998). National Park applicable federal law or regulation exists. Service guidelines and policies establish Concurrent jurisdiction also allows for the the agency’s commitment to culturally more efficient conduct of both state and informed management of ethnographic federal law enforcement functions within resources and require that planning efforts the parks. The NPS has a joint agreement include consultation with communities with the Bureau of Land Management for traditionally associated with monument emergency and mutual aid, and both rely lands and resources in an effort to identify on Mesa County for assistance with search ethnographic resources and establish and rescue. These are but a few of the appropriate management strategies for many partnerships that contribute to the them. (See National Park Service management and operation of the Management Policies, 2001; Cultural monument. Resource Management Guideline, Director’s Order 28, 1998; National In real dollars adjusted for inflation, the Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as annual operating budget for Colorado amended 1992; as well as others.) National Monument has been declining. At the same time, there have been At the time of contact with western increasing demands on staff time, such as Europeans, there were various Ute partnership initiatives, more volunteer bands—generally grouped as coordination, homeland security Uncompahgre—and, possibly, other tribes (monument staff are detailed to other using the region around the confluence of sensitive sites for lengthy periods), risk the Gunnison and the Grand (Colorado) management, wildland fire fighting Rivers and the Uncompahgre Plateau. (monument staff are shared throughout These west- central Colorado groups with the country), and unfunded mandates. their migratory lifestyle, fluidity of membership, and overlapping territories IMPACT TOPICS CONSIDERED BUT all have historic and cultural ties to the NOT ANALYZED IN DETAIL area of the monument. In fact, the area of ETHNOGRAPHIC RESOURCES AND the monument is within the lands SACRED SITES originally included as part of the 1868 Colorado Ute Reservation Treaty, National Park Service guidelines define subsequently ceded in 1880. In 1881 the ethnographic resources as “. . . variations group that was by that time clearly of natural and standard cultural resource identified as Uncompahgre was forcibly types. They are subsistence and moved to Utah. Today this group lives on ceremonial locales and sites, structures, the Uintah- Ouray reservation, where it is objects, and rural and urban landscapes combined with a number of Ute bands assigned cultural significance by originally from northern and central Utah traditional users. The decision to call and northern Colorado. They are resources ‘ethnographic’ depends on generally referred to as the Northern Ute whether associated peoples perceive them and operate under one tribal government. as traditionally meaningful to their identify Other bands were relocated to the and as a group and the survival of their Southern Ute reservation (Ignacio, lifeways. When natural resources acquire Colorado) and the Ute Mountain Ute meaning according to the different reservation (Towaoc, Colorado), each cultural constructs of a particular group, having its own tribal government. In spite they become ethnographic and thus of this forced removal in the later part of cultural resources as well” (Cultural Resource Management Guideline, the 1800s from their traditional homelands

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onto reservations, tribal peoples still look composing the monument are not held in upon lands that they no longer control or trust by the secretary of the Interior for the inhabit as their original home. Values of benefit of Indians due to their status as tribal association with traditional lands Indians, and the management of remain intact. monument lands is not anticipated to affect any Indian trust assets. Therefore, Identification of ethnographic resources Indian trust resources was dismissed as an and sacred sites to date has been limited. impact topic. Northern Ute representatives have strongly identified monument lands as MUSEUM COLLECTIONS being within their traditional territory, but no features that can clearly be determined The monument’s museum collection, significant ethnographic resources have consisting of prehistoric and historic been pointed out. Even less is known objects, natural history specimens and about possible ethnographic resources and fossils, artifacts, works of art, and archival sacred sites associated with other Ute and manuscript material, is important not groups or other tribes. All alternatives, only in its own right, but also for the even no action, would complete an information it provides about processes, ethnographic overview and assessment history, events, and interactions among and strive to strengthen relationships with people and their environment. More than associated tribes. While actions in this 14,500 items make up the Colorado plan are not likely to affect ethnographic National Monument museum collection, resources or sacred sites, specific projects half of which are archival documents. In such as trail improvements would be addition, more than 5,000 items from the analyzed in an environmental assessment monument are being held in non- NPS and address possible impacts before repositories, such as museums and implementation. Ethnographic resources academic institutions. The current and sacred sites have been dismissed as an curatorial facility at the monument—a impact topic in this EIS. converted CCC- constructed maintenance garage—provides a fair, but not totally AMERICAN INDIAN TRUST compliant storage environment, which RESOURCES must meet National Archives and Records Administration standards by 2009. At Secretarial Order 3175 requires that any current collection growth rate, it is anticipated impacts to Indian trust estimated that there is adequate space for resources from a proposed project or 15–20 years of increased storage. action by Department of the Interior agencies be explicitly addressed in All alternatives call for the continued and environmental documents. The federal improved protection of the museum Indian trust responsibility is a legally collection in an environment that protects enforceable fiduciary obligation on the them from degradation, maintains their part of the United States to protect tribal regional context and research value, and lands, assets, resources, and treaty rights, provides access for scholars. Therefore, and it represents a duty to carry out the the collection was dismissed as an impact mandates of federal law with respect to topic. American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. There are no Indian trust resources in Colorado National Monument. The lands

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Table 11: Museum Collections at Colorado National Monument

Category Number of General Description Objects Archeology 2,439 Primarily archeological objects from the monument. Ethnology 9 Ute beadwork items (not associated with the monument). History 411 Historic objects associated with the monument, especially John Otto. Archives 14,243 Photographic materials and records from past research (this number could projects; records from construction of the Rim Rock be 80,000; items Drive and other Civilian Conservation Corps are currently documents; letters/transcripts related to John Otto. being catalogued by WACC) Biology 4,883 Monument herbarium and entomological collection. Paleontology 335 Fossil items from monument formations. Geology 37 Representations of each formation within the monument.

WATER RESOURCES (wetlands, Heritage Program has identified three floodplains, hydrology, water quality, potential conservation areas within the and water rights) monument that contain wetlands. No There are ten named surface water functional assessment has been conducted drainages of varying size in Colorado for any of the wetlands. Groundwater, National Monument, all of which empty which feeds the seeps and springs, is into the nearby Colorado River. Identified controlled by rock bedding layers in the by canyon name these drainages are: underlying geologic formations and is Kodels, Fruita, Lizard, Wedding, recharged by the meager precipitation. Monument, Gold Star, Ute, Red, No The monument’s drinking water supply is Thoroughfare, and Echo Canyons. There obtained from the Ute Water Conservancy are also a few small unnamed drainages. District. Water intermittently flows in the canyons, Executive Order 11990, Protection of depending on limited snowmelt and Wetlands, requires federal agencies to rainfall, including flash floods. The avoid, where possible, impacts on average annual precipitation is 11.14 inches wetlands. Wetlands within Colorado (as measured at the visitor center weather National Monument are few and are station). Surface water is also available at generally associated with springs, seeps, seeps, springs, and intermittent pools. and limited areas in canyon bottoms. There are wetlands in some of the Management zones and specific actions canyons. Seeps, springs, and wetlands have associated with each alternative have been not been systematically inventoried and evaluated for potential effects on wetlands. mapped, but in 2001, water samples were There is extremely limited potential for collected and analyzed for springs and loop trail and connection improvements in other water sources in seven of the alternative B to be located near wetlands, monument’s canyons (U.S. Geological but the trails can be located to avoid Survey, 2001). The Colorado Natural adverse effects on wetlands. Areas

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proposed for loop trail and connection Court decree that awarded a quantity of improvement will be carefully evaluated to absolute and conditional water rights to avoid adverse effects on wetlands when support monument purposes and specific trail alignment alternatives are management needs. identified and selected in future planning Because proposals in this plan and related and compliance processes. mitigation would not exceed temporary, Executive Order 11988, Floodplain negligible impacts, water resources Management, requires federal agencies to (wetlands, floodplains, water quality, or avoid construction within floodplains water rights) was dismissed as an impact unless no other practical alternative exists. topic. Loop trail and connection improvements AIR QUALITY within Recommended Wilderness in alternative B could cross drainages subject The 1963 Clean Air Act, as amended (42 to flash floods. The extent and the effect of USC 7401 et seq.), requires land managers loop trail and connection improvements to protect air quality. Section 118 of the relative to flash flood areas cannot be Clean Air Act requires parks to meet all evaluated until specific trail alignment state, federal, and local air pollution alternatives have been identified in future standards. NPS Management Policies (2001) planning and compliance documents addresses the need to analyze potential (National Park Service Floodplain impacts to air quality during park Management Guidelines 1993, Excepted planning. Colorado National Monument is Actions). No other actions proposed in classified as a Class II air quality area any alternative would occur within a high- under the Clean Air Act, as amended. The hazard area or regulatory floodplain. Clean Air Act also states that the federal land manager has an affirmative The 1972 Federal Water Pollution Control responsibility to protect park air quality- Act, as amended by the Clean Water Act of related values from adverse air pollution 1977, is a national policy to restore and impacts. maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters; The state of Colorado laws and regulations to enhance the quality of water resources; treat the monument’s air quality as Federal and to prevent, control, and abate water Class II with one exception. The sulfur pollution. The 2001 NPS Management dioxide increments allowed in the state’s Policies provides direction for the “Ambient Air Quality Standards” for preservation, use, and quality of water in national park units in the state are national parks. Impacts to water quality designated as “Category 1,” which is from implementation of the alternatives in equivalent to Federal Class I standards. this document would generally be avoided, Regional air quality and visibility would except for some temporary, negligible not be affected by any of the alternatives. impacts related to construction. Potential Air pollution from sources outside the impacts would be minimized or avoided monument would be addressed through by using best management practices and Clean Air Act authorities and through other mitigation measures. cooperative efforts between the National The 2001 NPS Management Policies state Park Service and other entities. NPS that water use will occur in accordance management activities under any with legal authorities. Colorado National alternative could result in short- term, Monument water rights were largely negligible, localized effects from smoke, addressed in a 1978 Colorado District dust, and emissions, but these effects would be controlled and mitigated, with

113 Chapter 3: Affected Environment – Impact Topics Considered but Not Analyzed in Detail no long- term change in air quality. Air WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS quality was therefore dismissed from No area of the monument has been found detailed analysis. eligible and suitable for Wild and Scenic NIGHT SKY VALUES / LIGHTSCAPES River designation. There are no rivers within the monument. Therefore, this Even though the Grand Valley urban area topic was dismissed from analysis. is immediately adjacent to the monument, there are opportunities in some areas and PRIME AND/OR UNIQUE at certain times to see the stars, moon, and FARMLAND planets of the night sky reasonably well in In August 1980, the Council on spite of the obvious artificial light Environmental Quality directed that intrusion. The lights of Grand Valley are federal agencies must assess the effects of directly visible from some road sections, their actions on farmland soils classified by overlooks, and other areas of the park the U.S. Natural Resource Conservation along the valley edge. The view of the Service as prime or unique. Prime Grand Valley at night is a worthwhile farmland is defined as soil that produces experience to many. There is also a small general crops such as common foods, amount of artificial light from vehicles and forage, fiber, and oil seed; unique farmland from monument residences and facilities. produces specialty crops such as fruits, There is no data available to determine the vegetables, and nuts. There are no prime degree of artificial light intrusion. It is or unique farmlands within the National Park Service policy to preserve, monument, so this topic was dismissed to the greatest extent possible, the natural from further analysis. lightscapes of parks, which are natural resources and values that exist in the ENERGY AND RESOURCE absence of human- caused light (National CONSERVATION Park Service, 2001b, 4.10). Not only is the The implementing regulations of the view of the heavens affected by artificial National Environmental Policy Act light; ecological processes and species require that energy requirements, natural behavior of plants and animals are also or depletable resource requirements, and adversely affected by artificial light (Urban conservation potential be analyzed. None Wildlands Group). of the alternatives will have an effect on these, so this topic was dismissed from There are ways to mitigate the impacts of further analysis. artificial light in the monument and in the surrounding community, and efforts to do ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE so would be beneficial and should be Executive Order 12898 requires federal pursued. However, in terms of this agencies to identify and address environmental impact statement, there are disproportionately high and adverse no alternative actions under consideration human health or environmental effects of that have any adverse impacts to visitor federal programs and policies on minority opportunities to view the night sky, or on and low- income populations and the ecological processes and species communities. None of the actions behavior of plants and animals. Therefore, proposed in this GMP would have this topic was dismissed from further disproportionate or adverse impacts on analysis. minorities or economically disadvantaged populations. Therefore, this topic is not discussed in detail.

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Executive Order 13045 requires federal None of the actions proposed in this GMP agencies to identify and address Revision would have disproportionate or disproportionately high and adverse adverse impacts on children. Therefore, human health or environmental effects of this topic is dismissed as an impact topic. federal programs and policies on children.

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CHAPTER 4: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

INTRODUCTION and irretrievable commitments of resources, and effects from short- term NEPA mandates that environmental uses and long- term productivity. impact statements disclose the environmental impacts of a proposed METHODS FOR ANALYZING federal action. In this case, the proposed IMPACTS federal action is the implementation of the GENERAL ANALYSIS GMP for Colorado National Monument. This chapter analyzes the potential effects This section presents the methods used to of the management alternatives on cultural conduct the environmental impact resources, natural resources, analyses. Each resource topic area includes socioeconomic resources, visitor a discussion of impacts, including the opportunities, and monument operations. intensity, duration, and type of impact. Impact intensity considers whether the The alternatives in this document provide impact would be negligible, minor, broad management direction. Because of moderate, or major. Impact duration the general, conceptual nature of their considers whether the impact would occur potential consequences, the alternatives in the short term or long term. Short- term can only be analyzed in general terms. impacts are those that are reversible within Thus, this EIS should be considered a a short period of time (generally one or programmatic document. Prior to two years but less than five years), and the undertaking specific actions as a result of resource returns or is restored to its the GMP, NPS managers will determine predisturbance condition or appearance. whether or not more detailed Long- term impacts refer to a change in a environmental documents will need to be resource or its condition that is expected prepared, consistent with provisions of to persist for five or more years. The type NEPA. of impact refers to whether the impact on The following section discusses methods the environment would be beneficial or that the planning team used to identify adverse. impacts and includes definitions of terms. The impact analyses for alternative A The next part of this chapter discusses compare resource conditions fifteen to policy and terminology related to twenty years in the future with existing cumulative impacts, impairment of park conditions today. The impact analyses for resources, and impacts to cultural the action alternatives (alternatives B and resources and Section 106 of the National C) compare conditions fifteen to twenty Historic Preservation Act. The alternatives years in the future under the action are then analyzed in the order they appear alternative with conditions fifteen to in “The Plan.” Each impact topic includes twenty years in the future under a description of the beneficial and adverse alternative A. In other words, the impacts effects of the alternative, a discussion of of the action alternatives describe the cumulative impacts, and a conclusion. difference between implementing At the end of the section describing the alternative A and implementing the action alternatives, there is a brief discussion of alternative. To understand the unavoidable adverse impacts, irreversible consequences of any action alternative, the

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reader must also consider what would IMPAIRMENT OF NATIONAL PARK happen if no action were taken. RESOURCES CUMULATIVE IMPACTS National Park Service policy (Management Policies 2001) requires analysis of potential “Cumulative impact” is the impact on the effects to determine whether or not environment that results from the alternatives or actions would impair park incremental impact of the action when resources. The fundamental purpose of added to other past, present, and the national park system, established by reasonably foreseeable future actions the Organic Act and reaffirmed by the regardless of what agency or person General Authorities Act, as amended, undertakes such other actions. begins with a mandate to conserve park Cumulative impacts can result from resources and values. NPS managers must individually minor but collectively seek ways to avoid, or minimize to the significant actions taking place over a greatest degree practicable, adversely period of time, accumulating like the impacting park resources and values. “straw that broke the camel’s back.” However, laws do give NPS management Most cumulative impacts are related to the discretion to allow impacts to park rapid urbanization facing Colorado resources and values when necessary and National Monument and the Grand appropriate to fulfill the purposes of a Valley. The geographic area of park, as long as the impact does not consideration for cumulative impacts constitute impairment of the affected varies slightly by impact topic. Some of resources and values. the trends that were considered as Although Congress has given NPS particularly important include: management discretion to allow certain • Continuing growth in the construction impacts within parks, that discretion is of housing, commercial development, limited by the statutory requirement that and other infrastructure in Mesa the National Park Service must leave park County resources and values unimpaired, unless a • Transportation planning, including particular law directly and specifically proposals for road improvements and provides otherwise. The prohibited alternative transportation impairment is an impact that, in the • Increasing visitation and pressures to professional judgment of the responsible fulfill local recreation demand NPS manager, would harm the integrity of • Proliferation of nonnative invasive park resources or values, including plants, especially tamarisk opportunities that would otherwise be • Designation, planning, and present for the enjoyment of those management of the adjacent McInnis resources or values. An impact to any park Canyons National Conservation Area resource or value could constitute an and other BLM lands impairment. An impact would be more • Natural geologic processes, including likely to constitute an impairment to the erosion, flash floods, and landslides extent that it has a major or severe adverse • Active land- use planning and effect upon a resource or value whose cooperation by all levels of conservation is: government • necessary to fulfill specific park purposes identified in the establishing legislation or proclamation of the park,

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• key to the natural or cultural integrity resources were identified and evaluated by of the park or to opportunities for 1) determining the area of potential effects; enjoyment of the park, and 2) identifying cultural resources present in • identified as a goal in the park’s GMP the area of potential effects that were or other relevant NPS planning either listed in or eligible to be listed in the documents. NRHP; 3) applying the criteria of adverse effect to affected cultural resources, either Impairment might result from NPS listed in or eligible to be listed in the activities in managing the park, visitor NRHP; and 4) considering ways to avoid, activities, or activities undertaken by minimize, or mitigate adverse effects. concessioners, contractors, and others Under the Advisory Council’s regulations, operating in the park. A determination a determination of either adverse effect or concerning impairment is made in the no adverse effect must also be made for conclusion section of each impact topic. affected cultural resources eligible for ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES listing in the NRHP. An adverse effect Archeological resources—the actual occurs whenever an impact alters, directly physical material of cultural resources— or indirectly, any characteristic of a are important because of their potential to cultural resource that qualify it for answer research questions about human inclusion in the NRHP, for example, history. Locations of known sites, diminishing the integrity of the resource’s especially those eligible to be listed on the location, design, setting, materials, National Register of Historic Places, were workmanship, feeling, or association. mapped and analyzed for impacts in Adverse effects also include reasonably relation to the proposed actions. While foreseeable effects caused by an alternative the best information available was that would occur later in time, be farther reviewed, it is acknowledged that a removed in distance, or be cumulative (36 parkwide systematic inventory of CFR Part 800.5, Assessment of Adverse archeological resources is incomplete. The Effects). A determination of no adverse geographic area considered for the effect means there is an effect, but the cumulative effects includes the prehistoric effect would not diminish in any way the use patterns of the Grand Valley and the characteristics of the cultural resource that Uncompahgre Plateau. qualify it for inclusion in the NRHP. Impacts to archeological resources are The Council on Environmental Quality described in terms of type, context, regulations and the National Park duration, and intensity, as described in the Service’s Conservation Planning, “General Analysis” section above, which is Environmental Impact Analysis and consistent with the regulations of the Decision- making (Director’s Order 12) also Council on Environmental Quality that call for a discussion of the appropriateness implement NEPA. These impact analyses of mitigation, as well as an analysis of how are intended, however, to comply with the effective the mitigation would be in requirements of both NEPA and section reducing the intensity of a potential 106 of the National Historic Preservation impact, for example, reducing the intensity Act. In accordance with the Advisory of an impact from major to moderate or Council on Historic Preservation’s minor. Any resultant reduction in intensity regulations implementing section 106 of of impact due to mitigation, however, is an the National Historic Preservation Act (36 estimate of the effectiveness of mitigation CFR Part 800, Protection of Historic under NEPA only. It does not suggest that Properties), impacts to archeological the level of effect as defined by section 106

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is similarly reduced. Although adverse the National Register. For purposes of effects under section 106 might be Section 106, major adverse impacts mitigated, the effect remains adverse. would have a determination of adverse effect. Beneficial impacts would have a The definitions of the intensity of impacts determination of no adverse effect. below define both the NEPA levels and the Advisory Council requirements for HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE assessment of adverse effects: BUILT ENVIRONMENT Negligible: The impact on archeological Historic resources that could be affected sites is at the lowest levels of detection, at Colorado National Monument include barely perceptible and not measurable. structures and cultural landscapes. For purposes of Section 106, the Locations of known historic resources, determination of effect would be no especially those eligible to be listed on the adverse effect. National Register of Historic Places were Minor: The impact on archeological mapped and analyzed for impacts in sites is measurable or perceptible, but it relation to the proposed actions. While is slight and localized within a relatively the best information available was small area of a site or group of sites. The reviewed, it is acknowledged that a impact does not affect the character- parkwide inventory of cultural landscapes defining features or the integrity of a is incomplete. The geographic area National Register of Historic Places considered for the cumulative effects eligible or listed archeological site or encompasses the Grand Valley, a socially district and would not have a permanent and culturally cohesive unit. effect on the integrity of any Similar to archeological resources above, archeological sites. For purposes of impacts to historic resources are assessed Section 106, the determination of effect in terms of both NEPA and Section 106. would be no adverse effect. The definitions of the intensity of impacts Moderate: The impact is measurable below define both the NEPA levels and the and perceptible. The impact changes one Advisory Council requirements for or more character- defining feature(s) of assessment of adverse effects: an archeological resource but does not Negligible: The impact is at the lowest diminish the integrity of the resource to levels of detection, barely perceptible, the extent that its National Register and not measurable. For purposes of eligibility is jeopardized. For purposes Section 106, the determination of effect of Section 106, moderate adverse impacts would be no adverse effect. would have a determination of adverse effect. Beneficial impacts would have a Minor: The impact is slight, but determination of no adverse effect. detectable. The impact does not affect the character- defining features or the Major: The impact on archeological integrity of a National Register of sites is substantial, noticeable, and Historic Places eligible or listed historic permanent. The impact is severe or of structure, cultural landscape, site, or exceptional benefit. For National district. For purposes of Section 106, the Register eligible or listed archeological determination of effect would be no sites, the impact changes one or more adverse effect. character- defining features(s) of an archeological site or district, diminishing Moderate: The impact is readily the integrity of the resource to the extent apparent. For a National Register eligible that it is no longer eligible for listing in or listed historic structure, cultural

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landscape, or historic district, the impact considered, but were not affected. Greater changes a character- defining feature(s) components of “natural systems and of the resource but does not diminish processes” (ecological systems, vegetation, the character- defining features of the invasive plants, wildlife, and riparian resource to the extent that its National areas) were analyzed individually, while Register eligibility is jeopardized. For cumulative impacts were derived purposes of Section 106, moderate holistically. The intensity of impacts is adverse impacts would have a defined as follows: determination of adverse effect. Negligible: An action that would affect Beneficial impacts would have a very few individuals of a species determination of no adverse effect. population, or not affect the existing Major: The impact is severe or of natural environment within Colorado exceptional benefit. For a National National Monument. The change would Register eligible or listed historic be so small or localized that it would structure, cultural landscape, or historic have no measurable or perceptible district, the impact changes a character- consequence to the populations or defining feature(s) of the resource, natural system function. diminishing the character- defining Minor: Effects of an action that would features of the resource to the extent be limited to relatively few individuals of that it is no longer eligible or listed in the species population, be vary localized in National Register. For purposes of area, and have barely perceptible Section 106, major adverse impacts consequences to the populations or would have a determination of adverse natural system function. effect. Beneficial impacts would have a determination of no adverse effect. Moderate: An action that would cause measurable effects on a relatively NATURAL SYSTEMS AND moderate number of individuals within a PROCESSES species population or a moderately sized Overall Systems and Processes habitat area or natural system. Available information on natural systems Major: An action that would have and processes in and around Colorado drastic consequences for a species’ National Monument was reviewed, population numbers, dynamics between including information on the eco- region, multiple species, habitat area, or the climate, physiography, water, soils, existing natural system. A species’ ecosystem/vegetation types, riparian areas, population, plant and animal vegetation, wildlife, disturbance regimes, communities, habitats, or natural system and human disruptions. Some of this function would be permanently altered information was available in mapped from normal levels, and species would format for use in the analysis. This general likely be extirpated within the characterization of natural systems was monument. used to analyze proposals in the alternatives, and the potential impacts Threatened and Endangered Species were predicted. The geographic area and Species of Special Concern considered for cumulative impacts The consultation letters of response from encompasses the Grand Valley and the the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Uncompahgre Plateau north of Unaweep Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the Canyon. Broader regions of the Colorado Colorado Natural Heritage Program were Plateau and the West were initially reviewed for potentially affected

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threatened and endangered species, and Minor: An action that could result in a for species of special concern. Species change to a population or individuals of information, including potential threats, a species. The change would be was gathered on potentially affected measurable, but small and localized and species and groups of species identified in of little consequence. Chapter 3. Personal and telephone consultations Moderate: An action that would result in were conducted with U.S. Fish and some change to a population or Wildlife Service staff concerning the individuals of a species. The change species listed in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife would be measurable and of Service letter. The information gathered consequence, beneficial or adverse. was used to analyze proposals in the alternatives. Potential impacts were Major: An action that would result in a predicted, and recommended scenarios noticeable change to a population or for future planning actions were supplied. individuals of a species. The change The geographic area considered for would be measurable and either result in cumulative impacts includes the a major beneficial or adverse impact monument and adjacent areas. upon a population, or individuals of a species. In accordance with 50 CFR § 402(a), federal agencies are required to review all SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL actions to determine whether an action CRUSTS may affect listed species or critical habitat. Available information on soils and If such a determination is made, formal biological crusts and the influence of consultation is required, unless the federal semidesert climate in Colorado National agency determines, with the written Monument was reviewed. Some of this concurrence of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife information was available in mapped Service, that the proposed action is not format for use in the analysis. This likely to adversely affect any listed information was used to analyze proposals species or critical habitat. There is no in the alternatives, and the potential critical habitat within the monument. impacts were predicted. The geographic Federally listed threatened and area considered for cumulative impacts endangered species were evaluated using includes the monument and immediate NEPA analysis and Endangered Species surrounding lands. The intensity of Act determinations as defined in 50 CFR § impacts is defined as follows: 402 and The Endangered Species Negligible: Soils and biological soil Consultation Handbook (1998). Species of crusts would not be affected or the special concern were evaluated using only effects to soils would be below or at the NEPA analysis. lower levels of detection. Any effects Under NEPA we have defined the would be slight. potential impacts in this analysis as Minor: The effects to soils and follows: biological soil crusts would be Negligible: An action that could result in detectable. Effects to soil would be a change to a population or individuals small, as would the area affected. If of a species, but the change would be so mitigation were needed to offset adverse small that it would not be of any effects, it would be relatively simple to measurable or perceptible consequence. implement and would likely be successful.

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Moderate: The effect on soil and Moderate: An action that would result biological soil crusts would be readily in a change to a natural physical apparent and result in a change to the resources; the change would be soil character over a relatively wide area. measurable and of consequence. Mitigation measures would probably be Major: An action that would result in a necessary to offset adverse effects and noticeable change to a natural physical would likely be successful. resource; the change would be Major: The effect on soil and biological measurable and result in a severely soil crusts would be readily apparent and adverse or major beneficial impact. substantially change the character of the soils of a large area in and out of the NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE monument. Mitigation measures to Information on soundscape policy, offset adverse effects would be needed, ecological impacts of noise, and ambient extensive, and their success could not be sound levels in comparable Colorado guaranteed. Plateau parks was reviewed. Data on ambient sound levels in the monument GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND was not available. Information on the PALEONTOLOGY soundscapes of the monument is Available information on geology and anecdotal and based on the observations paleontology in and around Colorado of employees and visitors. The National Monument was reviewed. Some information gathered was used to analyze of this information was available in proposals in the alternatives, and the mapped format for use in the analysis. potential impacts were predicted. The Recent NPS work identifying geographic area considered for cumulative “geoindicators,” which are earth systems impacts includes the monument, the or processes that might undergo Grand Valley, and other lands significant change in relatively short surrounding the monument. The intensity periods of time and might be affected by of impacts is defined as follows: human actions, were particularly helpful in Negligible: Natural sounds focusing the scope of impacts. Available predominate, and human- caused noise information was used to analyze proposals is rarely audible. When noise is present, in the alternatives, and the potential it is at very low levels and occurs for only impacts were predicted. The geographic short durations. area considered for cumulative impacts encompasses the Grand Valley and the Minor: Natural sound usually Uncompahgre Plateau north of Unaweep predominates. Human- caused noise is Canyon. The intensity of impacts is present infrequently and occurs at lower defined as follows: levels and for shorter durations in most of the monument. Negligible: An action that could result in a change to a natural physical resource, Moderate: Human- caused noise is but the change would be so small that it present occasionally at low to medium would not be of any measurable or levels and durations. perceptible consequence. Major: Human- caused noise Minor: An action that could result in a predominates; natural sounds are change to a natural physical resource, commonly masked by human- caused but the change would be small and noise at low or greater levels for localized and of little consequence. extended periods of time.

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VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY statistics, a recent NPS visitor survey, To analyze the affects of the alternatives regional tourism information, and BLM on visitor conflicts and safety, the primary data on visitors, was reviewed. This sources of information were statistics on information was used to analyze visitors incidents (vehicular accidents, bicycle and their opportunities in the monument accidents, other visitor injuries and and surrounding area. This general accidents, and law enforcement issues) characterization of visitors and reported at the monument for the last five opportunities was compared to proposals years, and a recent visitor survey regarding in the alternatives, and the potential perceptions of safety and conflict. The impacts were predicted for local visitors as geographic area considered for cumulative well as the national constituency of impacts includes the monument and visitors. The geographic area for immediate surrounding lands. The determining cumulative impacts intensity of impacts is defined as follows: encompasses the Grand Valley. The intensity of impacts is defined as follows: Negligible: The impact to visitor safety would not be measurable or perceptible. Negligible: Visitors would not be affected, or changes in visitor Minor: The impact to visitor safety understanding would be below or at the would be measurable or perceptible, but level of detection. The visitor would not it would be limited to a relatively small likely be aware of the effects associated number of visitors at localized areas. with the alternative. Adverse impacts to visitor safety might be realized through a minor percentage Minor: Changes in visitor increase in the potential for visitor understanding and appreciation would conflicts in the current accident areas, be detectable, although changes would while beneficial impacts might result in a be slight. The visitor would be aware of small decrease. the effects associated with the alternative, but the effects would be Moderate: The impact to visitor safety slight. would be sufficient to cause a change in accident rates at existing low accident Moderate: Changes in visitor locations or create a greater percentage understanding and appreciation would of change in visitor conflicts in areas that be readily apparent. The visitor would currently do not exhibit noticeable be aware of the effects associated with accident trends. the alternative and would likely be able to express an opinion about the changes. Major: The impact to visitor safety would be substantial. Accident rates in Major: Changes in visitor understanding areas usually limited to low accident and appreciation would be readily potential would substantially increase. apparent. The visitor would be aware of the effects associated with the alternative VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES and would likely express a strong Visitor opportunities include recreation, opinion about the changes. information, education, outreach, MONUMENT NEIGHBORS wilderness values, and other opportunities to connect to the meanings and The impact topic of monument neighbors significance of the monument’s resources. includes local management plans and Available information concerning visitors other land managing agencies. Available in and around Colorado National information on adjacent land use, land use Monument, including NPS public use plans, and local concerns voiced in surveys

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and during scoping was reviewed. There improved community services, and so on was also consultation with various federal, that derive from the monument. The state, and local government agencies. This results of the money generation model are information was used to analyze the 1) new sales, as measured by increased current effects of the monument on purchase of goods and services, 2) monument neighbors, and the impacts of increased sales tax and income tax actions in the alternatives were predicted. revenues, and 3) number of new jobs The geographic area for determining created. cumulative impacts encompasses the The impact analysis reports the outcome Grand Valley. The intensity of impacts is of the money generation model for each defined as follows: alternative, and the level of intensity was Negligible: The impact is barely determined relative to the general detectable and/or will affect few characterization of the local neighbors. socioeconomic conditions. The geographic area for determining Minor: The impact is slight, but cumulative impacts encompasses Mesa detectable, and/or will affect a minority County. The intensity of impacts is of neighbors. defined as follows: Moderate: The impact is readily Negligible: Socioeconomic conditions apparent and/or will affect many would not be affected, or the effects neighbors. would not be measurable. Major: The impact is severely adverse or Minor: Socioeconomic conditions exceptionally beneficial, and/or will would be small but measurable and affect the majority of neighbors. would affect a small portion of the SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS population. Few effects could be discerned within the Grand Valley area. Available information on population, the local economy, tourism, and trends was Moderate: The effect on socioeconomic reviewed to establish a general conditions would be readily apparent characterization of the local and widespread within the Grand Valley socioeconomic environment. Visitor data area. and various indexes and assumptions were Major: The effect on socioeconomic put into a money generation model, which conditions would be readily apparent is a tool to estimate how expenditures and would substantially change the related to Colorado National Monument economy or social conditions within the from tourism, the federal government, and Grand Valley area. others benefit the local economy. The model was developed by the National Park MONUMENT OPERATIONS Service, with Michigan State University. Various aspects of monument operations, The model is designed to estimate including current staff levels, funding economic benefits in the local area around levels, partnerships, volunteers, and the monument; it is not designed to be trends, were reviewed. The actions in the used on a regional or statewide basis. The alternatives were then analyzed for the model is driven by visitor and monument impact that they would have upon expenditure data and does not consider operations and the ability to manage the economic benefits such as enhanced real monument and meet its mission. The area estate values, improved recreational and of consideration for determining cultural opportunities for local residents,

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cumulative impacts encompasses trends operations in a manner noticeable to throughout the entire National Park staff and to the public. Mitigation System. The intensity of impacts is measures would be necessary to offset defined as follows: adverse effects and would likely be successful. Negligible: Monument operations would not be affected, or the effects Major: The effects would be readily would be at low levels of detection and apparent and would result in a would not have an appreciable effect on substantial change in monument monument operations. operation in a manner markedly different to staff and the public. The Minor: The effect would be detectable, public would likely complain. but would be of a magnitude that it Mitigation measures to offset adverse would not have an appreciable effect on effects would be needed, would be monument operations. The public extensive, and their success could not be would not notice a change. If mitigation guaranteed. were needed to offset the adverse effects, it would likely be successful. Moderate: The effects would be readily apparent and would result in a substantial change in monument

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IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE A processes are long term, localized, adverse, and minor to major, depending on the site. ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Current management and visitor use A variety of natural events and human would continue under this alternative. activities have affected archeological Archeological resources are located resources both within and outside of throughout the monument. Lithic scatters Colorado National Monument. Natural and other archeological resources are geologic processes will continue to expose vulnerable to inadvertent trampling, archeological sites, making them moving of resources, or theft in areas vulnerable to vandalism. Increasing urban where visitors are concentrated. Rock art population pressure will cause damage to is vulnerable to vandalism and destruction. rock art and other archeological sites to These problems are more likely to occur in continue and to increase. Impacts from the backcountry where ranger patrols are visitors and NPS management activities in limited. Vandalism is particularly a developed areas would continue. Some problem in areas along trails and routes mitigation through education, site served by perimeter trailheads adjacent to protection techniques, recordation, and urbanization, where there are increasing recovery would occur. The loss of numbers of people entering the individual sites is an adverse effect and can monument throughout the day and night range from minor to major at very and there is limited presence of law localized places. Although the loss of an enforcement. In remote backcountry individual site would be major to that areas without trails and little visitor use, localized area, the effect on archeological the impact is adverse, localized, and minor resources throughout the monument to negligible. Where there is more human would be moderate. contact with the resource (popular trails, Cumulative Impacts mouths of canyons) the impacts from Archeological resources of Colorado visitors are adverse, localized, and National Monument represent only a moderate to major, depending on the site. portion of the prehistoric use patterns of For example, rock art was recently the Uncompahgre Plateau and Grand severely damaged by vandals. Valley. The Morrison formation in the In the developed areas where sites have monument is the source of raw materials already been documented, there are for tools used over an extensive range, but generally fewer exposed resources subject there is no understanding at this time of to harm, and there is more deterrence by how widespread or how significant this the presence of staff and other visitors. use was. The mouths of canyons, now the Site- specific impacts from visitors are urban interface, were the sites of adverse, long term, and range from temporary camps and horticulture. The negligible to minor, depending on the site. upper plateau, now Glade Park area, was Monument operations can have an effect also used for agriculture. The canyons on archeological resources. Adverse were used as routes of travel. Prehistoric impacts from maintenance of roads, people of the Grand Valley occupied an utilities, structures, and trails are localized, extensive area, moving seasonally and long term, and minor. migrating throughout the region. Natural occurrences such as erosion and The archeological resources of the region rockfall can also move, damage, or destroy are affected by a variety of land use trends. resources. The impacts from natural Urbanization of the Grand Valley and the Glade Park area has resulted in

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development of roads, utilities, and Rock Drive, historic trails, historic residences that often destroy archeological structures, and historic landscapes have resources. Grazing on private and BLM negligible or minor effects (some adverse, land adjacent to the monument has some beneficial) on character- defining resulted in disturbance and loss of some features. Cultural resource management archeological resources. Adjacent BLM procedures and guidelines will help lands, including McInnis Canyons maintain the condition and integrity of National Conservation Area, are managed these resources, so that they meet the to protect cultural resources. The BLM Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the lands have similar impacts from natural Treatment of Historic Properties. and human causes. The agency conducts Catastrophic natural events, such as inventory and monitoring, within the erosion or landslides, have the potential to constraints of staff and funding. Together, cause a major, long- term, localized BLM and NPS are providing some degree adverse impact to the historic road and its of protection to a portion of the structures, but they cannot be prevented. widespread resource. Cumulative Impacts The cumulative impacts of all regional In all alternatives, there are future plans to land use trends on archeological resources repave Rim Rock Drive as part of are adverse, widespread, and moderate to necessary routine maintenance. This major. The actions of the National Park would have minor, adverse, long- term Service under this alternative are not effects on its character- defining features. adding adverse impacts that would Rim Rock Drive serves as an important increase the cumulative level of effect to a local commuter route between Glade Park higher, adverse category. and Grand Junction. This exerts pressure Conclusion on maintenance and repair for expedience Degradation of archeological resources of traffic, but the National Park Service is would continue. During the projected responsible for maintenance and repair fifteen- to twenty- year life of this plan, it and strives to maintain the road’s is not likely that the collective character. If traffic continues to increase archeological record would be impaired, with the growing population, it will because the current levels of adverse become increasingly difficult to maintain impact within the monument are very the road’s historic character. Impacts localized and not widespread. However, would be adverse, moderate, and without focused monitoring and localized. If in the future an alternative management for desired conditions, route (Little Park Road) were to be unexpected events and continuing upgraded and to relieve traffic pressure, population pressures will continue to the NPS would have greater success at degrade the archeological resources of the maintaining the character of Rim Rock monument. Drive, and adverse impacts would be reduced. HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Most of the monument’s historic The historic character of the built structures and landscapes exemplify work environment includes historic structures relief programs (such as the Civilian and cultural landscapes. Current Conservation Corps and Locally management and visitor use would Employed Men) and the NPS Mission 66 continue under this alternative. Ongoing program and are very important to local use and maintenance and repair of Rim community members whose families

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participated in their construction. Vegetation Regional population growth will increase In this analysis, impacts to vegetation are use of particularly popular historic directly correlated to the impacts of structures and landscapes such as the invasive plants and the impacts sustained Serpents Trail and Devils Kitchen picnic by riparian areas, soils, and biological soil area. This would result in accelerated crusts discussed below in this alternative. deterioration and increased vandalism, but Therefore, no additional discussion is would be offset by NPS maintenance and given here. Impacts would be negligible to rehabilitation. Impacts would be adverse, moderate, localized within widely minor, and localized. distributed areas, short to long term and adverse, with potential for the scope to Conclusion increase over time. Over time, the historic character of the built environment would decline from Invasive Plants ongoing use and maintenance. The effect Tamarisk and Russian olive are nonnative would be adverse, minor, widespread, and shrubs predominantly invasive in and long term. The integrity would not decline adjacent to canyon drainages and wetlands to the point of delisting, however, thus, and have been effectively controlled. This there would be no impairment of the would continue with periodic historic character of the built environment maintenance control using special project from this alternative. funds or one of the Service’s exotic plant management teams. Russian knapweed is NATURAL SYSTEMS AND also found in the monument and poses a PROCESSES major threat unless it can be monitored The current patterns of monument and controlled. An early detection, management and visitor use would prevention, and monitoring program for continue under this alternative. Impacts new invasive plants is hampered by lack of are addressed at the ecosystem level and at a focused resource management plan. ecosystem component levels involving Early detection and prevention are more vegetation, invasive plants, wildlife, effective than any control program for riparian areas, and threatened and established invasions. Although impacts endangered species. are currently negligible to minor, the Ecological Systems ecology of invasive species is such that Over time, monument ecosystems have their populations and areas of infestation been altered by the occupation, can suddenly explode and development, and use of land around the correspondingly have rapidly increasing monument and by management practices, adverse impacts on ecosystems. Impacts such as fire prevention and bison would be minor to moderate, localized introduction into the monument. Habitat within widely distributed areas, short to loss and fragmentation have resulted in the long term and adverse, with the potential loss of species, the white- tailed prairie dog for the scope of adverse impacts increasing being the most recent example. Pinyon- over time. juniper woodland appears to have invaded Wildlife grasslands and shrublands, altering Wildlife movements between the ecosystem dynamics. These impacts would monument and the Colorado River and its continue. Under this alternative impacts riparian habitat are becoming increasingly would be long term, minor to moderate restricted by urban development between and adverse, with potential for the scope the river and monument boundaries. of adverse impacts to increase over time. Development has impinged on habitat that

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was contiguous on both sides of Species of Special Concern monument boundaries. There is some There are no actions in alternative A that incursion of dogs and cats into the directly affect species of special concern. monument from adjacent residential areas, Over time, expected increases in trail use and monument visitors do not always keep could result in increased impacts on pets on leash. Some visitors and species of special concern. Under this monument neighbors feed wildlife. alternative the impacts of continuing the Wildlife is killed by vehicle traffic on current course of action would be roadways. Uncontrolled climbing activity negligible, localized, long term, and can have adverse effects on cliff dwelling adverse. wildlife such as the peregrine falcon. Impacts are negligible to minor, local Cumulative Impacts within specific areas, long term, and The monument is a relatively small part of adverse. the canyon, mesa, and plateau ecosystem at the northern edge of the Uncompahgre Riparian Areas Plateau. This ecosystem is affected by land Riparian areas are ecologically important use within and outside its borders. The areas in the monument’s semidesert presence of the monument and adjacent environment and are used by people who public lands, including McInnis Canyons are drawn to the shade and occasional National Conservation Area, provide a water found there. Trails in the canyons great measure of ecosystem protection, follow or run parallel to riparian areas. As but the various public land uses also affect a result, hikers, horses, and backcountry the ecosystem. Most if not all of the public campers are prone to damage riparian lands are federal lands managed by the areas and interfere with associated wildlife Bureau of Land Management, Forest and ecological interactions. Impacts are Service, and National Park Service. Much negligible to minor, localized within of the ecosystem’s plateau section, riparian areas, long term, and adverse, centered on Glade Park, is privately with potential for the scope of impacts to owned agricultural land with a trend to increase over time. low- density residential development. The Threatened and Endangered Species ecosystem is bordered on the north by the Determination of Effect great arc of the increasingly urbanized There are no actions in alternative A that Grand Valley, with high- density directly affect the federally listed bald residential subdivisions immediately eagle and Uinta Basin hookless cactus. adjacent to the monument and Bureau of Over time, expected increases in trail use Land Management lands. with little monitoring or active Habitat loss and fragmentation has management could result in increased occurred on both public and private lands. impacts to these listed species. Under this It would continue on private lands within alternative the impacts of continuing the the ecosystem and adjacent to it in the current course of action would be Grand Valley. Public visitation to the negligible, localized, long- term and monument and to the National adverse. Adverse effects are not likely, and Conservation Area will increase. Impacts alternative A would have no effect on the associated with visitation would likewise federally listed bald eagle and Uinta Basin increase and require increased mitigation. hookless cactus. The invasion of nonnative plants would continue on private and public lands, but the trend is toward better management

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and control of invasive plants, which visitor use, resulting in compaction or should keep them at acceptable increasing the susceptibility of the soils to population levels. Past ecological impacts erosion and the invasion of nonnative within the monument have not been weed species. These impacts occur on adequately addressed and mitigated. trails; in areas adjacent to trails, roads, and Upslope groundwater use adjacent to the overlooks; during cross- country travel, monument has the potential to adversely including access to climbing areas; through affect wetlands, hanging gardens, and visitor created trail proliferation (social riparian areas, all of which are ecologically trails); at backcountry campsites; and critical habitats. Impacts to sensitive around developed areas. Natural species associated with visitation would regeneration of vegetation in impacted likewise increase and require increased soils is made difficult if not impossible, by mitigation. Without the guidance the dry, semidesert climate. Soils in provided by zoning and management developed areas, with their higher levels of prescriptions, resource problems would visitor use, receive a higher level of likely be addressed with more difficulty damage. Soils and biological soil crusts in and delay, resulting in adverse natural the wildland- urban interface area, with system impacts of a greater degree and higher levels of day use by local residents, scope. also receive a higher level of damage. Impact mitigation efforts, such as trail The cumulative impacts of public and maintenance, trail patrols, and ecological private land use on the larger canyon, restoration, are not adequate because mesa, and plateau ecosystem are negligible there is no focused monitoring program. to moderate, widespread, long term and In developed areas impacts would be adverse. The actions of the National Park minor to moderate, widespread, long term, Service under this alternative do not add and adverse. In the wildland- urban impacts that would increase cumulative interface area impacts would be moderate, impacts to a higher adverse level. widespread, long term, and adverse. In all Conclusion other areas impacts would be minor to Under this alternative, ecosystem moderate, localized, long term, and degradation would continue. During the adverse. projected fifteen- to twenty- year life of Cumulative Impacts this plan, it is not likely that ecological Visitation at the monument will continue systems or their components would be to increase, resulting in likely increased impaired, because the current levels of damage to biological soil crusts and soils. adverse impact within the monument do Invasion of nonnative plants will likely not appear to be that great. However, increase with the potential to adversely unexpected events and continuing decline affect soil ecosystems. This may occur in ecological systems in the surrounding even when invasive plants are mostly area would make it increasingly difficult to controlled. Extended periods of drought maintain the ecological integrity of the would increase the soil’s susceptibility to monument. deterioration and loss. Heavy episodic SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL rainfall and flash flooding can CRUSTS geometrically increase soil loss in The current patterns of monument disturbed soils. Soils are the foundation of management and visitor use would terrestrial life and ecological systems. If continue under this alternative. Soils and impacts are not adequately mitigated, it is biological soil crusts are disturbed by possible that over a sufficient time span

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the cumulative effect of unchecked soil negligible to minor, and adverse. Impacts degradation in tandem with other adverse on paleontological resources would be impacts to the ecological system could long term, negligible to moderate, and eventually result in unacceptable adverse. degradation of the monument’s ecological Cumulative Impacts systems and its assembly of life. This is not Local population growth and recreational likely to happen during the 15 to 20 year demand would bring more rock climbers life of this plan. Adequate mitigation can and likely result in increased damage to limit the degree and scope of adverse rock faces. Geological resources are not impacts. renewable resources in the conventional The cumulative impacts on soils and sense. Damage to rock faces and crack biological soil crusts are minor to systems generally remain beyond the moderate, localized to widespread, long lifetime of any one person. Paleontological term, and adverse. The actions of the resources are also not renewable. National Park Service under this Increased visitation would likely translate alternative do not add impacts that would into increased fossil theft because both increase cumulative impacts to a higher increase risk exposure. Preventive adverse level. mitigation could reduce the scope and degree of adverse impacts. Conclusion Under this alternative, soil and ecosystem The cumulative impacts on geological degradation would likely continue, but resources and paleontological rersources mitigation would likely reduce, and in would be negligible to moderate, long some locations eliminate, the degradation. term, and adverse. The actions of the There is some potential for soils to be National Park Service under this more adversely affected than under the alternative do not add impacts that would other alternatives. There would be no increase cumulative impacts to a higher impairment to soils, biological soil crusts, adverse level. or ecological systems and components Conclusion they support. Under this alternative, adverse impacts GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND would continue but could be mitigated by PALEONTOLOGY preventive measures. There would be no The current patterns of monument impairment of geological or management and visitor use would paleontological resources. continue under this alternative. Rock NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE climbing results in erosion of rock faces The current patterns of monument from the use of climbing equipment like management and visitor use would bolts and pitons. Impacts can be both continue under this alternative. The aesthetically adverse and physically natural soundscape is impacted by damaging to the rock. Although the fossils human- generated sounds in various ways of the monument are not in the highly to varying degrees in the monument. prized category, there is potential for loss Automobile traffic on monument roads of fossils by thievery and vandalism. A and neighboring roads has noise impacts systematic fossil inventory and monitoring in the Rim Rock Drive road corridor and program has not been established, and the in areas bordering on roads elsewhere. extent of risk exposure and fossil loss Noises from the Grand Valley (trains, cannot be measured. Impacts on highway traffic, air traffic, and industrial geological resources would be long term, noises) have impacts at monument

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overlooks, all of the wildland- urban Conclusion interface, and, to a lesser extent, in parts of Under this alternative, human sound all other areas. Noise impacts also impacts on the natural soundscape would originate in the monument’s developed continue and likely increase in some areas. areas, visitor center, maintenance area, Visitor use enjoyment would be more campgrounds, and picnic areas. The likely to decline. Some adverse impacts on wildland- urban interface is impacted by ecosystems would be likely. There would noise from the neighborhoods along the be no impairment of natural soundscapes. monument boundary, in addition to the VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY other sources mentioned. Hikers and rock climbers generate some noise impacts Conflicts would continue on Rim Rock (talking, shouting, use of camping and Drive between vehicles and bikes and climbing gear) in backcountry areas. between local through traffic and visitors Impacts would affect visitors and animal and bikes. Particularly on the eastern species to varying degrees. Impacts are segment from the east Glade Park cutoff to considered negligible to moderate, long the east entrance, accidents would be term, and adverse. likely to increase with rising local traffic and the growing popularity of biking the Cumulative Impacts drive. Commuters and commercial traffic Visitation at the monument will continue are very familiar with the road, are often in to increase, with a corresponding increase a hurry to get to their destination, may in noise intrusion. Noise levels are likely to exceed the speed limit, and are more likely increase in some areas of the monument as to get involved in an accident. The effects the result of continued residential and would be moderate to major, adverse, and commercial development on adjacent localized. lands. When experienced together, noise from the human soundscape, visibility There would continue to be visitor impairment from air pollution, high incidents, such as hypothermia, vehicle traffic, and similar intruding snakebites, minor injuries, and getting lost, factors would be more likely to decrease sometimes arising from uninformed and visitor use enjoyment and opportunities unprepared visitors. There would also be for enjoyment. The cumulative mix of continuing problems of after- hours noise impacts on wildlife with habitat parties, theft from parked vehicles, and fragmentation, human intrusion into vandalism. These impacts would be habitats, invasive species, light pollution, minor, localized, and adverse. and other adverse factors is difficult to Cumulative Impacts analyze without studies and impact Population growth of the Glade Park area modeling, but cumulative negative impacts would result in more local traffic on the are likely to be greater than the simple sum eastern segment of Rim Rock Drive, of individual impacts. adding to the potential for increased The cumulative impacts on the natural accidents and use conflicts discussed soundscape would be minor to moderate, above. long term, and adverse. The actions of the Conclusion National Park Service under this Generally, the monument would continue alternative do not add impacts that would to be a safe environment, but traffic increase cumulative impacts to a higher accidents on the eastern segment would adverse level. increase over time, and visitor incidents throughout the monument would

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increase. The impacts would be adverse, Both drivers and bicyclists who experience moderate, and long term. conflict between users will have a diminished opportunity for viewing, VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES overlooks, wayside exhibits, wildlife Visitor opportunities include recreation, watching, and so on. The effect would be information, education, outreach, short term and adverse, and the intensity wilderness values, and other opportunities would range from negligible to major, to connect to the meanings and depending on the individual. As long as significance of the monument’s resources. the annual Rim Rock Run continues, some The general patterns and levels of local and national visitors would continue visitation would remain the same in this to be turned away or delayed during the alternative. There would continue to be part of the day of the event, and the effects positive, long- term, and moderate to would be short term, adverse, and minor. major beneficial effects on visitor For the runners in the race, there would be understanding and appreciation from the beneficial, short- term, negligible effects. many opportunities to enjoy scenery, nature, solitude, history, and activities at Ongoing wear and tear on visitor facilities, Colorado National Monument. The trails, and condition of the backcountry existing visitor center would be combined with acts of vandalism would maintained, and outdated exhibits would diminish visitor enjoyment, be updated. Rim Rock Drive and its understanding, and appreciation as well as overlooks, the picnic areas, and the group wilderness values. Inadequate parking at and rustic campgrounds provide the perimeter trailheads and crowding in opportunities for experiences unmatched the lower canyons would get worse as outside of the monument. Local people local use grows. The effects would be value Book Cliffs and Devils Kitchen for adverse, long term, and minor to weddings, reunions, and sunrise services. moderate. When staffed, entrance stations provide The collection of entrance fees would be important visitor information about the continued. The impact to users is monument. negligible. Presently there is a lack of coordinated, Cumulative Impacts consistent information (which would Public lands in Grand Valley would continue under this alternative) about continue to provide an important public lands in the region, leading to recreational resource for local people. confusion about differing rules and BLM will continue to spread out much of regulations of the various federal agencies the demand and accommodate off- and limited understanding of the greater highway vehicles, mountain bikes, far Colorado Plateau. Inconsistent, scattered more horses, and many hikers. The NCA signs and the name “Colorado National also has a larger, more remote wilderness Monument” further obscure visitor area than the monument. The monument understanding. The public’s demand for would continue to provide hiking, education and outreach to schools, climbing, and backcountry opportunities, universities, and civic and community but would differ from the BLM in groups would continue to be unmet providing Rim Rock Drive and its because of limited programs to provide overlooks, picnic areas, campground, and these services. The affects would be a visitor center. The entire spectrum of adverse, minor to moderate, and long opportunities offered by the monument term. and the collective public lands presents

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beneficial, long- term, minor to moderate east Glade Park cutoff to the east entrance, impacts. there would be continued and increasing conflicts with tourists and bicyclists. They Conclusion could also be inconvenienced by the Rim Overall, the monument would continue to Rock Run as long as it continues, but that provide good opportunities for visitors to is only once a year for a few hours connect to the meanings and significance (negligible). A positive effect to offset of the monument’s resources that have a these impacts is that for Mesa County and beneficial, short- to long- term, moderate Glade Park the NPS provides maintenance to major impact. Under this alternative, and law enforcement for a commuter the quality could erode over time, route at no cost to the county. The net reducing the benefit to the minor to effects would be adverse, minor to moderate range. There would be no moderate, and intermittently short term impairment of visitor opportunities from (but to Glade Park residents, it would this alternative. affect every trip). MONUMENT NEIGHBORS The common border between NPS and The impact topic of monument neighbors BLM is primarily beneficial to both includes local management plans and agencies. Similar goals of resource other land managing agencies. Overall, the stewardship and provision of recreational presence of the monument would remain opportunities makes for good neighbors. valuable to adjacent residents, offering There are some differences of use open space, recreational access, wildlife permitted on BLM lands (grazing, dogs, viewing, and scenery. Local planning hunting, mountain bikes) that could cross documents recognize the values of the the boundary and negatively affect the monument, and intergovernmental monument. However, the overall impact agreements have been developed for of BLM as a neighbor to Colorado complementary planning. There are National Monument is beneficial, long positive relationships between staff and term, and moderate to major. the community, and among city, county, state, and federal agencies. These effects Cumulative Impacts would be beneficial, long term, and The extensive memorandums of moderate to major. understanding and agreements between all levels of government to cooperate in In the Redlands area, there would be planning would continue to be beneficial continued and increasing neighborhood to the entire Grand Valley. The net effect disturbance from nonlocals driving to to the quality of life for residents from trailheads, trespass, parking overflow planning and cooperation by the issues, and nighttime parties. There would monument and the greater trend for all also continue to be problems with levels of government to cooperate in unwanted wildlife encounters, potential planning is beneficial, long term, and wildfire, and flooding. Over time, the minor to moderate. ongoing decline of the bison fence with no planned replacement strategy would Conclusion worsen problems with trespass and Overall, the monument would continue to unwanted wildlife. These effects would be provide benefits to neighboring private localized, adverse, short term, and minor and federal land. The effects would be to moderate. beneficial, long term, and minor to moderate. For commuters and commercial traffic passing through the monument from the

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SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS MONUMENT OPERATIONS As described in the “methodologies” Under the “no action” alternative, it is section, visitor data and various indexes assumed that staff would continue to focus and assumptions were put into a money on the core mission of the monument. generation model, which is a tool to Modest increases in monument operations estimate how expenditures related to would be sought to improve interpretation Colorado National Monument from and resource protection. Basic functions tourism, the federal government, and such as law enforcement and general others benefit the local economy. maintenance of the monument’s Recreational visitation is steady at around infrastructure would remain high 295,000 per year, about 41 percent of the priorities. Programs that have a long- visitors are nonlocal, average daily range benefit of enriching visitors and expenditures per visitor are estimated at protecting resources such as education about $120.00, and the average length of and outreach to schools would continue to stay is estimated to be 2.5 hours. Direct be sought, but difficult to expand without sales expenditures used in the model an approved plan. Similarly, without an include the annual monument operating approved plan that identifies management budget, average annual repair and zones it would be increasingly difficult to rehabilitation projects, and annual sales by successfully get funding or partnerships the cooperating association. The money for future resource management generation model projects that the programs. The effects of the lack of a clear economic effects of visitor spending plan and management zones on multiplied through the local economy monument operations would be adverse, would be $7,202,000 in total sales, moderate, and long term. $433,000 in increased tax revenue, and 180 Volunteers and the Colorado National jobs. Additional benefits from $860,000 to Monument Association would remain $1,800,000 of construction would also be important in monument operations. multiplied through the economy. Further Programs to involve volunteers in unmeasured benefits to real estate values inventory, monitoring, interpretation and and other community values accrue from outreach, cultural resource data collection, the presence of Colorado National resource restoration, area or campground Monument and the National Park Service. hosting, trail patrol, light maintenance, Cumulative Impacts and other aspects of monument Colorado National Monument is not a operations would be continued. However, destination park like Sequoia or their effectiveness and ability to grow Yellowstone National Parks, but it is one would be hampered over time by the lack of the main tourist attractions of many in of a clear plan. The impacts of this the Grand Valley that together make alternative on the volunteer program tourism an important part of the local would be adverse, long term, and economy (roughly 2 percent of moderate. employment or about 1,100 jobs). Cumulative Impacts Conclusion The Grand Valley has a strong and Under alternative A, expenditures by growing population of skilled, older visitors and NPS operations would have a people with outside sources of income, minor, beneficial, long- term effect on the who tend to volunteer and will remain socioeconomic environment. important to the operation of the monument. Without a clear plan to focus these efforts, it will be increasingly difficult

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to leverage the most out of this adverse effects, including the decline of opportunity. the ecosystem (particularly more invasive plants, soil degradation), decline of Conclusion historic structures, and reduced visitor Lack of a clear plan and management enjoyment. This could be avoided if zones would lessen the effectiveness of adequate funding were provided. existing staff and volunteers over time. This would result in adverse, long- term, IRREVERSIBLE AND moderate impacts to the operation of IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS Colorado National Monument. OF RESOURCES UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS Irreversible impacts are those effects that cannot be changed over the long term or There would be unavoidable, adverse, are permanent. An irretrievable minor to major impacts to archeological commitment of resources refers to resources from natural events such as resources that, once removed, cannot be erosion, landslides, and rockfall, and from replaced. The loss of archeological human causes, such as trampling, theft, resources or historic structures described and vandalism. Human- caused impacts in the “Unavoidable Adverse Impacts” could be avoided altogether if people were section above would be irreversible and not allowed in the monument, but that irretrievable. would be contrary to the purpose of the monument. Unavoidable adverse impacts RELATIONSHIP OF SHORT- TERM could also occur to the historic road and USES AND LONG- TERM structures from landslides, erosion, or PRODUCTIVITY rockfall. Flash floods are unavoidable This section addresses the effects of the natural events and, were they to occur, short- term use of resources on the long- would cause adverse impacts to term productivity of resources. There neighboring landowners. would be no adverse effects on the The steady decline of resource biological or economic productivity management and maintenance in this associated with implementing this alternative would result in unavoidable alternative.

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IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE B As in alternative A, in this alternative, (PREFERRED) natural occurrences such as erosion and rockfall can also move, damage, or destroy ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES resources. The impacts from natural Similar to alternative A, in this alternative, processes are long term, localized, adverse, lithic scatters and other archeological and minor to major, depending on the site. resources are vulnerable to inadvertent The acquisition or transfer of additional trampling, moving of resources, or theft in land proposed in the boundary study areas where visitors are concentrated. would not affect known archeological Rock art is vulnerable to vandalism and resources. These properties are located at destruction. Converting routes to the trailheads of lower Monument Canyon designated trails in this alternative would and Liberty Cap. Prior to any proposed allow more visitors to come into contact construction at trailheads in this with sensitive sites on Black Ridge, alternative, the area would be surveyed Wedding Canyon, upper Ute Canyon, and and adverse effects on sites mitigated as along the Precambrian bench and could needed. result in additional vandalism. These impacts would be offset by careful trail As in alternative A, archeological resources location and a more focused program of would continue to have impacts from a monitoring and mitigation. The impacts variety of natural events and human would be adverse, localized, and range activities from both outside and within from minor to moderate, depending on Colorado National Monument. the type of impact. Additional designated trails could increase these threats to specific areas. However, As in alternative A, there are generally the strong mitigation through education fewer exposed resources subject to harm and outreach, site protection techniques, in the developed areas where sites have increased monitoring, and increased already been documented and mitigated, deterrence in this alternative would and there is more deterrence by the decrease the range of adverse impacts presence of staff and other visitors. Site- from minor- major to minor- moderate. specific impacts are localized, adverse, long term, and negligible to minor. Cumulative Impacts As in alternative A, the cumulative impacts In this alternative, as in alternative A, of all regional land use trends on monument operations have an affect on archeological resources are adverse, archeological resources. Adverse impacts widespread, and moderate to major. The occur from maintenance of roads, utilities, actions of the National Park Service under structures, and trails. In addition, adverse this alternative are not adding adverse impacts would occur from rehabilitation impacts that would increase the or replacement of facilities such as cumulative level of effect to a higher, Saddlhorn picnic area and campground adverse category. and the Devils Kitchen picnic area, and from minor new construction such as Conclusion kiosks at the entrance areas, new and Although major, adverse impacts to improved trailheads, upgrading routes to archeological resources would be possible, trails, and a comfort station at one such impacts would be less likely than trailhead. These impacts would be under alternative A because management localized, long term, and minor to zones focus monitoring and management moderate. actions to better protect these resources. There would be no impairment of

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archeological resources from this would be redesigned to improve visitor alternative. enjoyment. Some individual sites in the Saddlehorn campground would be HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE modified to accommodate recreational BUILT ENVIRONMENT vehicles, and loop C would be modified The historic character of the built from individual sites to an official group environment includes historic structures area. The historic comfort station would and cultural landscapes. Under this be maintained. Impacts would be minor, alternative, there would be more both beneficial and adverse, long term, programs, partnerships, and cooperative and localized. The continued use and efforts to effectively monitor, maintain, maintenance of these structures and and repair Rim Rock Drive, historic trails, landscapes would ensure their long- term historic structures, and historic protection. landscapes. Natural weathering, visitor use, and occasional vandalism (in this More use of historic trails where routes alternative visitors lingering along the road become designated trails and where new could cause some damage or vandalism) trailheads are established could cause would have negligible or minor adverse, damage from more visitor use, especially localized, long- term effects on the historic by horses (such as on the Black Ridge character of the built environment, but trail). This would be offset by more trail these would be offset by patrol, routine maintenance, and the affect would be repair, and maintenance. adverse, long term, and negligible. Minor modifications to the road and The acquisition or transfer of additional pullouts for increasing safety in this land proposed in the boundary study alternative on the east segment of Rim would not affect any historic structures or Rock Drive would have minor, adverse, landscapes. These properties are located long- term, localized impacts. Cultural at the trailheads of lower Monument resource management procedures and Canyon and Liberty Cap. guidelines would maintain the character- Natural weathering and human activities defining features of these resources so that will slowly erode the historic character of they meet the Secretary of Interior’s the built environment, but would be offset Standards for the Treatment of Historic by well- planned management that Properties. recognizes and protects character- Catastrophic natural events such as defining features. Programs would be erosion or landslides have the potential to leveraged in this alternative by cause a major, long- term, localized partnerships, interagency agreements, and adverse impact to the historic road and its volunteers to provide thorough structures, but such events cannot be monitoring, patrol, maintenance, repair, prevented. and rehabilitation. A greatly expanded education and outreach program would In this alternative, the former reduce visitor damage and vandalism. The superintendent’s house would be net effect on the long- term condition of rehabilitated and adaptively reused in a resources over time would be beneficial, manner that would protect its character- long term, and negligible to moderate. defining features. Cumulative Impacts Devils Kitchen picnic area would be Cumulative impacts would be similar to maintained to protect its historic those identified for alternative A, with character, and the Saddlehorn picnic area wear on historic road fabric and historic

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structures from increasing regional use BLM and other entities where habitats and and maintenance, but impacts would be ecosystems are contiguous on both side of lessened in this alternative by increased the monument boundary. The challenge to patrol, maintenance, and rehabilitation of monument management and the historic structures. In addition, community is to prevent further loss of improvement of the Saddlehorn picnic species and alteration of ecosystems and area would provide additional desirable where feasible to restore species and picnic facilities and would dissipate some ecosystems. Under this alternative impacts of the pressure on the Devils Kitchen area. would be long term, minor to moderate, Impacts to Devils Kitchen would be and adverse, but less pervasive than under beneficial, minor, and localized. alternative A. Conclusion Vegetation The character- defining features of historic In this analysis, impacts to vegetation are structures and landscapes would be good, directly correlated to the impacts of and their listing or eligibility for listing on invasive plants and the impacts sustained the National Register would remain intact. by riparian areas, soils, and biological soil Thus, there would be no impairment of crusts discussed below in this alternative. the historic character of the built Therefore, no additional discussion is environment from this alternative. given here. Impacts would be negligible to moderate, localized within widely NATURAL SYSTEMS AND distributed areas, short to long term, and PROCESSES adverse, with potential for the scope of Cooperative management of ecosystems adverse impacts to decrease over time. and ecosystem problems would be stressed under this alternative. The Invasive Plants spectrum of visitor use opportunities Under this alternative, there would be would increase, and the patterns and types some increased risk that invasive plants of use would change in some areas. could be spread farther along routes that Impacts are addressed at the ecosystem would be improved for hikers and horses. level and at ecosystem component levels However, the cooperative establishment involving vegetation, invasive plants, of invasive plant management areas and wildlife, and riparian areas. the coordinated planning and management for controlling invasive Ecological Systems plants would provide a more effective Over time, monument ecosystems have overall control program. Tamarisk and been altered by the occupation, Russian olive would continue to be development, and use of land around the controlled, with effectiveness and cost monument and by management practices reduction enhanced by the cooperative. such as fire prevention and bison Russian knapweed control would likewise introduction into the monument. Habitat be enhanced. Rapid flare- up of invasive loss and fragmentation have resulted in the plants and their associated adverse loss of species, the white- tailed prairie dog impacts would be curtailed or eliminated. being the most recent example. Pinyon- An early detection, prevention, and juniper woodland appears to have invaded monitoring program for new invasive grasslands and shrublands, altering plants would be put in place. Early ecosystem dynamics. There would be detection and prevention are more increased opportunities to correct these effective than any program for controlling problems through cooperative established invasions. Impacts would be management of ecological systems with negligible to minor, localized within

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widely distributed areas, short to long Riparian Areas term, and adverse, with potential for the Riparian areas are ecologically important scope of adverse impacts to decrease over areas in the monument’s semidesert time. environment and are used by people who are drawn to the shade and occasional Wildlife water found there. Trails in the canyons Wildlife interference would be similar to follow or run parallel to riparian areas. As that under alternative A, with a slight a result, hikers, horses, and backcountry increase in disturbance to wildlife because campers are likely to damage riparian of 1) the wide variety of visitor uses areas and interfere with associated wildlife envisioned along Rim Rock Drive; 2) the and ecological interactions. The allowance for dogs on trails in the establishment or improvement of Primitive/Transition to NCA Zone; and 3) trailheads and the conversion of travel the improvement of some trails resulting routes to improved, designated trails in the in additional hikers and horses in some wildland- urban interface and areas. Additional trail planning for semiprimitive zones could also increase rerouting existing trails and locating adverse impacts. Careful monitoring and improvements, along with monitoring to relocation as necessary would lessen maintain conditions in the management impacts. Additions and changes to the zones would help to lessen potential trail system are contingent on achieving impacts. desired conditions and avoiding or The movement of wildlife between the acceptably mitigating impacts to natural monument and the Colorado River and its systems and processes, including riparian riparian habitat are becoming increasingly areas. Impacts are negligible to minor, restricted by urban development between localized within riparian areas, long term, the river and monument boundaries. and adverse, with the potential to decrease Development has impinged on habitat that over time. was contiguous on both sides of Threatened and Endangered Species monument boundaries. There is some Determination of Effect incursion of dogs and cats into the Under this alternative, the realignment of monument from adjacent residential areas, trails and improvement of travel routes and monument visitors do not always keep have the potential to affect the federally pets on leash. Some visitors and listed bald eagle and Uinta Basin hookless monument neighbors feed wildlife. More cactus. As discussed in the mitigation cooperative management and section, detailed surveys would be communication with neighbors and conducted and trail locations and expanded visitor education under this schedules would be developed to avoid alternative would lessen potential impacts. disturbance to these species and their Wildlife is killed by vehicle traffic on habitat. Similar to alternatives A and C, roadways. Better monitoring and expected increases in trail use could result management of climbing activities under in increased impacts on threatened and this alternative would lessen the adverse endangered species. Visitor use and effects on cliff dwelling wildlife, such as associated impacts would be more closely the peregrine falcon. Impacts to wildlife monitored in the management zones in under this alternative are negligible to this alternative than in alternative A, and minor, local within specific areas, long surveys for these listed species would be term, and adverse. conducted in and around impact areas. A range of management actions has been

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identified should monitoring reveal species and communities would be impacts. Under this alternative the conducted in and around existing and impacts to threatened and endangered potential impact areas. Potential species could be negligible to minor, Conservation Areas (PCAs) would be localized, long term, and adverse. taken into account in this analysis, providing an ecological approach to Although it appears this alternative is not sensitive species preservation. The Devils likely to adversely affect the bald eagle and Kitchen PCA and the Fruita and Uinta Basin hookless cactus, that Monument Canyons PCAs are particularly determination cannot be made at the important because they overlay high concept stage presented in this plan. There visitor use backcountry areas. If is insufficient information about possible monitoring and inventory reveals trail alignments and the presence of the unacceptable impacts, a range of two species to adequately evaluate the management actions has been identified impacts this alternative would have on for each management zone. Under this either species. Our determination in alternative the impacts to species of special accordance with the Endangered Species concern could be negligible to minor, Act is that the realignment of trails and localized, long term, and adverse. improvement of travel routes under this alternative may affect the federally listed Although we believe this alternative would bald eagle and Uinta Basin hookless not significantly affect species of special cactus. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and concern, we cannot make a determination Wildlife Service will be resumed when more at the concept stage presented in this plan. detailed planning is initiated for trail At present, there is insufficient realignment and travel route improvements. information about possible trail Species of Special Concern alignments and the presence of the species Under this alternative, the realignment of of special concern to adequately evaluate trails and improvement of travel routes the impacts this alternative would have on have the potential to affect the species of the species. Consultation with the Colorado special concern identified in Chapter 3 Division of Wildlife and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program will be resumed (such as the peregrine falcon, desert when more detailed planning is initiated for bighorn sheep, Nevada onion, Eastwood trail realignment and travel route desert- parsley and longnose leopard improvements. lizard, and possibly some of the listed natural communities). As discussed in the Land Acquisition mitigation section, detailed surveys would The acquisition of parcels proposed in the be conducted and trail locations and boundary study (the trailheads at lower schedules would be developed to avoid or Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) adequately mitigate disturbance to these would not affect natural systems and species and their habitat, as well as the processes of the monument. There is listed natural communities. some concern about potential hazardous materials on the county parcel near As in alternatives A and C, expected Monument Canyon because of its past increases in trail use could result in history of use as a landfill, but the parcel increased impacts on species of special would not be accepted by NPS unless concern. Visitor use and associated further study and analysis or mitigation by impacts would be more closely monitored the county determined it to be free of in the management zones under this hazardous materials. alternative, and surveys for these sensitive

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Cumulative Impacts likewise increase and require increased The monument is a relatively small part of mitigation. Impacts to threatened and the canyon, mesa, and plateau ecosystem endangered species appear to be no greater at the northern edge of the Uncompahgre than negligible, but a final determination Plateau. This ecosystem is affected by land cannot be made until future planning is use within and outside its borders. The completed. presence of the monument and adjacent public lands, including McInnis Canyons With cooperative ecosystem management National Conservation Area, provide a a part of this alternative, resource great measure of ecosystem protection, problems would likely be addressed more but the various public land uses also affect effectively, resulting in an improvement in the ecosystem. Most if not all of the public the natural systems. lands are federal lands managed by the The cumulative impacts of public and Bureau of Land Management, Forest private land use on the larger canyon, Service, and National Park Service. Much mesa, and plateau ecosystem are negligible of the ecosystem’s plateau section, to moderate, widespread, long term, and centered on Glade Park, is privately adverse. The actions of the National Park owned agricultural land with a trend to Service under this alternative do not add low- density residential development. The impacts that would increase cumulative ecosystem is bordered on the north by the impacts to a higher adverse level. great arc of the increasingly urbanized Conclusion Grand Valley, with high- density Under this alternative, ecosystem integrity residential subdivisions immediately and stability would be somewhat adjacent to the monument and Bureau of enhanced. Establishing management zones Land Management lands. and monitoring to protect desired Habitat loss and fragmentation has conditions would result in more effective occurred on both public and private lands. ecosystem management. Because of the It would continue on private lands within trail realignment proposal, there is the ecosystem and adjacent to it in the potential for a negligible to minor increase Grand Valley. Public visitation to the in impacts to threatened and endangered monument and to the National species, species of special concern, and Conservation Area will increase. Impacts listed natural communities. On the other associated with visitation would likewise hand, there is also potential for this increase and require increased mitigation. proposed action to reduce the impacts on The invasion of nonnative plants would these sensitive species. Additions and continue on private and public lands, but changes to the trail system under this the trend is toward better management alternative are contingent on achieving and control of invasive plants, which desired conditions and avoiding or should keep them at acceptable acceptably mitigating impacts to natural population levels. Past ecological impacts systems and processes, including (but not within the monument have not been limited to) wetlands, riparian areas, adequately addressed and mitigated. threatened and endangered species, and Upslope groundwater use adjacent to the other sensitive species and habitats. monument has the potential to adversely With this alternative’s emphasis on affect wetlands, hanging gardens, and cooperative management of ecosystems riparian areas, all of which are ecologically and reaching out to the community, critical habitats. Impacts to sensitive ecological stewardship would be more species associated with visitation would likely to meet the challenges it faces than

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under the other alternatives. Adverse Land Acquisition impacts would continue, but they would The acquisition of parcels proposed in the be mitigated. There would be no boundary study (the trailheads at Lower impairment to ecological systems or their Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) components. would not affect soils or biological soil crusts of the monument. If construction at SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL the trailheads were expanded, an CRUSTS environmental assessment would be Under this alternative, visitor use conducted to provide a more detailed opportunities would increase, potentially analysis of impacts. increasing visitor use in some areas through trail improvements. This scenario Cumulative Impacts would increase adverse impacts to soils Visitation at the monument will continue and biological soil crusts, especially in to increase, resulting in likely increased areas opened up by improved trails and in damage to biological soil crusts and soils. areas with increased horse use. Soils and Invasion of nonnative plants will likely biological soil crusts are disturbed by increase with the potential to adversely visitor use, resulting in compaction or affect soil ecosystems. This may occur increasing the susceptibility of the soils to even when invasive plants are mostly erosion and the invasion of nonnative controlled. Extended periods of drought weed species. These impacts occur on would increase the soil’s susceptibility to trails; in areas adjacent to trails, roads, and deterioration and loss. Heavy episodic overlooks; during cross- country travel, rainfall and flash flooding can including access routes to climbing areas; geometrically increase soil loss in through visitor created trail proliferation disturbed soils. Soils are the foundation of (social trails); at backcountry campsites; terrestrial life and ecological systems. If and around developed areas. Natural human- use impacts are not adequately regeneration of vegetation in impacted mitigated, it is possible that over a soils is made difficult if not impossible, by sufficient time span the cumulative effect the dry, semidesert climate. This of soil degradation in tandem with other alternative would increase trampling of adverse impacts to the ecological system soils in developed areas. Within the could eventually result in unacceptable wildland- urban interface and degradation of the monument’s ecological semiprimitive zones, the establishment or systems and its assembly of life. This is not improvement of trailheads and the likely to happen during the 15 to 20 year conversion of travel routes to improved life of this plan. Adequate mitigation can designated trails could also increase limit the degree and scope of adverse adverse impacts to soils and biological soil impacts, and proposed mitigation would crusts and to some riparian areas. likely reduce and in some cases eliminate Increased horse use would add to adverse degradation. impacts, including increased trail erosion. The cumulative impacts on soils and Impact severity would be offset by various biological soil crusts are minor to mitigation actions, including additional moderate, localized to widespread, long planning for trail relocation and the term, and adverse. The actions of the location of trail improvements. Impacts to National Park Service under this soils and biological soil crusts would be alternative do not add impacts that would minor to moderate, localized, long term, increase cumulative impacts to a higher and adverse. adverse level.

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Conclusion conducted to provide a more detailed Under this alternative, soil and biological analysis of impacts. soil crust degradation would have the Cumulative Impacts potential to increase with increased use Local population growth and recreational and the conversion of hiking routes to demand would bring more rock climbers improved trails, but proposed mitigation and likely result in increased damage to would likely reduce, and in some locations rock faces. Geological resources are not eliminate, the degradation. The key to renewable resources in the conventional protecting monument soils is to protect sense. Damage to rock faces and crack biological soil crusts and native vegetation systems generally remain beyond the cover and mitigate damage to them. To lifetime of any one person. Paleontological adequately protect soils and biological soil resources are also not renewable. crusts, visitor use might be subject to Increased visitation and trail improvement limited controls, but not to the detriment will likely translate into increased fossil of visitors’ enjoyment of the monument. theft because both increase risk exposure. There would be no impairment to soils, Monitoring and management actions, such biological soil crusts, or ecological systems as climbing management or rerouting trails and components they support. could reduce the scope and degree of GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND adverse impacts. PALEONTOLOGY The cumulative impacts on geological Under this alternative, visitor- use resources and paleontological resources opportunities would increase, potentially would be negligible to moderate, long increasing visitor use in areas where travel term, and adverse. The actions of the routes are improved to trail status and National Park Service under this where improvements are made to alternative do not add impacts that would trailheads. Rock climbing results in increase cumulative impacts to a higher erosion of rock faces from the use of adverse level. climbing equipment like bolts and pitons. Impacts can be both aesthetically adverse Conclusion and physically damaging to the rock. Under this alternative, adverse impacts Although the fossils of the monument are would continue but would be mitigated by not in the highly prized category, there is preventive measures. There would be no potential for loss of fossils by thievery and impairment of geological or vandalism. Mitigation measures would paleontological resources. offset loss to some degree. Impacts on NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE geological resources would be long term, The spectrum of visitor- use opportunities negligible to minor, and adverse. Impacts would increase, and the patterns and types on paleontological resources would be of use would change in some areas under long term, minor to moderate, and this alternative. The natural soundscape is adverse. impacted by human- generated sounds in Land Acquisition various ways to varying degrees in the The acquisition of parcels proposed in the monument. Automobile traffic on boundary study (the trailheads at lower monument roads and neighboring roads Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) creates noise impacts in the Rim Rock would not affect geological resources or Drive road corridor and in areas bordering paleontological resources. If construction on roads in all other zones. Noises from at the trailheads were expanded, an the Grand Valley (trains, highway traffic, environmental assessment would be air traffic, and industrial noises) have

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impacts at monument overlooks, all of the impact modeling, but cumulative negative wildland- urban interface, and to a lesser impacts are more likely to be greater than extent in parts of all other zones. Noise the simple sum of individual impacts. impacts also originate in the monument’s These cumulative impacts could be developed areas, visitor center, contained or reduced by cooperative maintenance area, campgrounds, and monument and community involvement in picnic areas. The wildland- urban interface mitigation. zone is impacted by noise from the The cumulative impacts on the natural neighborhoods along the monument soundscape would be minor to moderate, boundary, in addition to the other sources long term, and adverse. The actions of the mentioned. Hikers and rock climbers National Park Service under this generate some noise impacts (talking, alternative do not add impacts that would shouting, use of camping and climbing increase cumulative impacts to a higher gear) in backcountry areas. Opportunities adverse level. for natural soundscapes would be created on Rim Rock Drive during bicycle or Conclusion walking events. That enhancement of the Under this alternative, human sound soundscape would be offset by new noise impacts on the natural soundscape would impacts from barking dogs in the continue and likely increase in some areas, transition zone and recreational vehicles in but with some prospect of effective the campground. Impacts would affect mitigation and new opportunities to visitors and animal species to varying experience natural soundscapes on Rim degrees. The acquisition of parcels Rock Drive. With monitoring and proposed in the boundary study (the management of desired conditions in trailheads at lower Liberty Cap and management zones, visitor use enjoyment Monument Canyon) would not affect the and the ecology of animal species would natural soundscape. Impacts are likely be less adversely affected. Changes considered negligible to moderate, long in the level and scope of human term, and adverse. soundscape impacts could be positively influenced by proactive and cooperative Cumulative Impacts measures, rather than relying on reactive Visitation at the monument will continue measures when problems arise. There to increase, with a corresponding increase would be no impairment to the natural in noise intrusion. Noise levels are likely to soundscape. increase in some areas of the monument as the result of continued residential and VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY commercial development on adjacent Visitor opportunities include recreation, lands. When experienced together, noise information, education, outreach, from the human soundscape, visibility wilderness values, and other opportunities impairment from air pollution, high to connect with the resources of Colorado vehicle traffic, and similar intruding National Monument. Under alternative B, factors would likely decrease visitor use conflicts on Rim Rock Drive between enjoyment and opportunities for vehicles and bikes and between local enjoyment. The cumulative mix of noise through traffic and visitors and bikes impacts on species and ecosystems would be reduced by a strong education (habitat fragmentation, human intrusion and safety message and sign program into habitats, invasive species, light promoting “share the road.” Local traffic pollution, and other adverse factors) is and bicycle use are likely to increase, but difficult to analyze without studies and an active effort to work with the various

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entities—who are primarily local—using The impacts would be beneficial, many channels of communication can be moderate, and long term. employed. The result of greater mutual VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES understanding and respect between users would lead to fewer conflicts, more Visitor opportunities include recreation, courteous behavior, and fewer accidents. information, education, outreach, Additional patrol would reduce problems wilderness values, and other opportunities of vehicles or bicycles disobeying laws and to connect to the meanings and result in fewer accidents. Additional significance of the monument’s resources. maintenance of the road would also Under alternative B, the general patterns improve safety. There could be a potential and levels of visitation would remain increase in accidents from greater similar to what occurs under alternative A. nonmotorized use of the western segment There would continue to be beneficial, of the drive, but this risk would be offset long- term, moderate to major beneficial by adequate staff. The net effects of this effects on visitor understanding and alternative on Rim Rock Drive road appreciation, as a result of their many accidents would be minor to moderate, opportunities to enjoy scenery, nature, beneficial, and long term. solitude, history, and activities at Colorado National Monument. Improved, up- to- A strong education and outreach program date exhibits and AV programs and under alternative B and important safety increased staff and volunteers at the visitor information at entrance kiosks and center would offer visitors more trailheads would reduce visitor incidents opportunities to connect to the meanings such as hypothermia, snakebites, minor and significance of the monument’s injuries, and getting lost. Additional resources. Rim Rock Drive and its programs would increase availability of overlooks, the picnic areas, and the group assistance and patrol to prevent problems and rustic campground provide and aid visitors. Additional law opportunities for experiences unmatched enforcement partnerships or positions outside of the monument. Improvements would also reduce the problem of after- to the rustic campground and picnic areas hours parties, theft from parked vehicles, would enhance local and national visitor and vandalism. These impacts would be enjoyment. Improved entrance kiosks minor, localized, and beneficial. would provide important visitor The acquisition of parcels proposed in the information about the monument even boundary study (the trailheads at lower when the entrance station is closed. The Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) impacts would be beneficial, long term, would not affect visitor safety. and moderate to major. Cumulative Impacts Consistent information about public lands Population growth of the Glade Park area in the region would be provided with the would result in more local traffic on the one- stop convenience of an interagency eastern segment of Rim Rock Drive, visitor center. This would result in greater adding to the potential for increased understanding about the full spectrum of accidents and use conflicts discussed opportunities, of differing rules and above. regulations between the two federal agencies, and of the Colorado Plateau Conclusion ecosystem. Improved, consistent, and Generally, the monument would continue coordinated signs would guide visitors to to be a safe environment, and visitor safety their desired destinations. Greatly would be improved under this alternative. expanded opportunities for education and

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outreach, including the conversion of an parcels proposed in the boundary study existing structure to a classroom, would (the trailheads at lower Liberty Cap and help meet the demands of schools, Monument Canyon) could make universities, and civic and community improvement of the trailheads more groups. The effects would be beneficial, feasible. Overall, improved trails in the long term, and moderate to major. Black Ridge area would offer new opportunities, including better horse Increased nonmotorized use of the access to one area, opportunities to walk western segment of Rim Rock Drive, with a dog, and a seamless connection to through means such as one- way lane with BLM lands. As more people use these one bike/walk lane and temporary newly designated routes, opportunities for closures to motorized use, would enhance solitude would diminish in those visitor opportunities by offering a greater corridors. Major rehabilitation of the variety of ways to connect with monument campground, picnic areas, entrances, resources and interact with staff. The trails, trailheads, and provision of an effects would be minor to moderately education center would improve visitor beneficial to participants. Other local or enjoyment and understanding. national visitors who would prefer Management zoning and more focused unhindered motorized access to the monitoring and management would western segment of Rim Rock Drive may protect the quality of backcountry have plans disrupted by temporary opportunities. The overall effects for closures or other restrictions. The impact visitor understanding and appreciation to these users would be short term, would be beneficial, moderate to major, adverse, and negligible to moderate, and long term. depending on the frequency and duration of the closures or restrictions. Fees would continue to be collected, and under this alternative, they could also be Conflicts between drivers and bicyclists collected for a longer season at the would be reduced by the creation of more entrance stations and at more locations, pullouts on the east side and the concerted such as perimeter trailheads. The main effort to provide “share the road” impact would be adverse to local users, but information to promote better the effect would be minor. understanding and appropriate behavior. This would increase the enjoyment of Cumulative Impacts viewing, overlooks, wayside exhibits, and Public lands in Grand Valley would wildlife watching for drivers and bicyclists continue to provide an important alike. The effects would be long term, recreational resource for local people. beneficial, and minor to moderate. BLM will continue to spread out much of the demand and accommodate off- There would be greater opportunities for highway vehicles, mountain bikes, far visitors to experience the backcountry of more horses, and many hikers. The NCA Colorado National Monument under this also has a larger, more remote wilderness alternative because of the increased area, which would offer greater number of designated trail routes and opportunities for solitude for those better information at the trailheads. This displaced by the increased use of would be especially beneficial to local designated routes in the monument. The users, and better information and trailhead monument would continue to provide parking would also better serve nonlocal hiking, climbing, and backcountry visitors who presently are largely unaware opportunities, but would differ from the of these opportunities. The acquisition of NCA in providing Rim Rock Drive and its

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overlooks, picnic areas, campground, and trespass, parking overflow issues, and a visitor center. The interagency visitor nighttime parties. These issues would be center would help visitors better reduced by building more defined understand, appreciate, and enjoy all trailhead parking, providing better public lands in the region. Expanded information and education for visitors, education and outreach, coordinated with and offering more frequent patrol. The BLM and others, would significantly acquisition of parcels proposed in the improve regional understanding, boundary study (the trailheads at lower appreciation, and protection of the Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) Colorado Plateau ecosystem. The effects could make improvement of the trailheads of the entire spectrum of visitor more feasible, but could also expand the opportunities offered in this alternative parking areas closer to private property. would be beneficial, long term, and Prior to any construction, an moderate to major. environmental assessment would examine these issues in more detail. The BLM might begin collecting user fees, which would further affect local users. There would also continue to be problems with unwanted wildlife encounters, Conclusion potential wildfire, and flooding, but they Overall, opportunities for visitor would be minimized by better opportunities to connect to the meanings communication with neighbors and and significance of the monument’s working together on planning and zoning. resources would be significantly improved If boundary fences were replaced, they through a variety of activities and greatly would be designed to be wildlife- friendly, expanded education and outreach. The to keep a distinct boundary, and to effects would be major, beneficial, and minimize trespass. These effects would be long term. There would be no impairment localized, adverse, short term, and minor. of visitor opportunities from this alternative. For commuters and commercial traffic passing through the monument from the MONUMENT NEIGHBORS east Glade Park cutoff to the east entrance, The impact topic of monument neighbors there would be reduced conflicts with includes local management plans and tourists and bicyclists from “share the other land managing agencies. Overall, the road” education efforts. Commuters presence of the monument would remain could be temporarily inconvenienced by valuable to adjacent residents, offering the Rim Rock Run for part of one day a open space, recreational access, wildlife year (as long as it continues), but other viewing, and scenery. Local planning nonmotorized activities would be located documents recognize the values of the on the west segment of Rim Rock Drive monument, and intergovernmental (beyond the cutoff). A positive effect for agreements have been developed for Mesa County and Glade Park is that the complementary planning. There are NPS provides maintenance and law positive relationships between staff and enforcement for a commuter route at no the community, and among city, county, cost to the county. The net effects would state, and federal agencies. These effects be adverse, minor, and intermittently short would be beneficial, long term, and term. moderate to major. The common border between NPS and In the Redlands area, there would be BLM is primarily beneficial to both continued neighborhood disturbance agencies. Similar goals of resource from nonlocals driving to trailheads,

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stewardship and provision of recreational remain around 295,000 per year, about 41 opportunities makes for good neighbors. percent of the visitors would be nonlocal, There are some differences of use average daily expenditures per visitor are permitted on BLM lands (grazing, dogs, estimated to be about $120.00, and the hunting, mountain bikes) that could cross average length of stay has been estimated the boundary and negatively affect the to increase to 3.0 hours, because there monument. The management zoning of would be additional special events and adjacent NPS land as “transition zones” partnership activities that might encourage explicitly seeks cooperative management visitors to stay longer. Direct sales and would further enhance management expenditures used in the model include relationships between the agencies. The the annual monument operating budget, transition to the NCA, with similar public average annual repair and rehabilitation uses and connected trails, and the projects, and annual sales by the interagency visitor center would further cooperating association. The money public goodwill by providing coordinated generation model projects that the government services. The overall impact economic effects of visitor spending of BLM as a neighbor to Colorado multiplied through the local economy National Monument would be beneficial, would be $10,531,000 in total sales, long term, and major. $633,000 in increased tax revenue, and 263 jobs. Additional benefits from $4,568,000– Cumulative Impact $6,055,000 of construction would also be As in alternative A, the extensive multiplied through the economy. Further memorandums of understanding and unmeasured benefits to real estate values agreements between all levels of and other community values would accrue government to cooperate in planning from the presence of Colorado National would continue to be beneficial to the Monument and the National Park Service. entire Grand Valley. The net effect to the Of the three alternatives, alternative B quality of life for residents, as a result of would have the greatest economic planning and cooperation by the benefits. monument and the greater trend for all levels of government to cooperate in The acquisition of parcels proposed in the planning is beneficial, long term, and boundary study (the trailheads at lower minor to moderate. Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) would not have any impact on local Conclusion property tax revenue, as all parcels are Overall, the monument would continue to currently public land. provide benefits to neighboring private and public land. The affects would be Cumulative Impacts beneficial, long term, and moderate. Colorado National Monument is not a destination park like Sequoia or SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS Yellowstone National Parks, but it is one As described in the “methodologies” of the main tourist attractions of many in section, visitor data and various indexes the Grand Valley that together make and assumptions were put into a money tourism an important part of the local generation model, which is a tool to economy (roughly 2 percent of estimate how expenditures related to employment or about 1,100 jobs). Colorado National Monument from tourism, the federal government, and Conclusion others benefit the local economy. In this Under alternative B, expenditures by alternative, recreational visitation would visitors and NPS operations would have a

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minor, beneficial, long- term effect on the keep supply abreast with demand and socioeconomic environment slightly benefit monument operations. greater than under alternatives A and C. Conclusion MONUMENT OPERATIONS A clear plan of action and increased staff Staff would be increased to a range of 19 to to implement those actions would result in 23 full- time positions to implement the highly effective monument operations and actions of alternative B. This would result coordination of partners and volunteers to in improvements to resource protection, protect resources and serve visitors. The law enforcement, interpretation and effects would be major, long term, and education, and administration. This beneficial. would lead to better services and UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS programs, such as developing an There would be unavoidable, adverse education and outreach program. minor to major impacts to archeological Expanded staff levels would be ready to resources from natural events such as face future changes. One position would erosion, landslides, and rockfall. There be dedicated to interagency volunteer would also be unavoidable adverse coordination, which would efficiently impacts ranging from minor to moderate leverage partnerships and volunteers to to archeological resources from human achieve the purposes of the monument. causes, such as trampling, theft, and Programs to involve volunteers in vandalism. Human- caused impacts could inventory, monitoring, interpretation and be avoided altogether if people were not outreach, cultural resource data collection, allowed in the monument, but that would resource restoration, area or campground be contrary to the purpose of the hosting, trail patrol, light maintenance, monument. Similarly, natural resources and other aspects of monument would be subject to unavoidable human- operations would be continued and caused impacts. Unavoidable adverse expanded. The acquisition of parcels impacts could also occur to the historic proposed in the boundary study (the road and structures from landslides, trailheads at lower Liberty Cap and erosion, or rockfall. Flash floods are Monument Canyon) would be beneficial unavoidable natural events, which, were to monument operations by simplifying they to occur, would cause adverse law enforcement and providing the impacts to neighboring landowners. opportunity to improve the trailheads. The affects on monument operations IRREVERSIBLE AND would be major, beneficial, and long term. IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES Cumulative Impacts There would continue to be a strong Irreversible impacts are those effects that demand for nonprofit organizations and cannot be changed over the long term or volunteers to be partners in managing all are permanent. An irretrievable federal lands, not just those of the NPS. commitment of resources refers to The Grand Valley has a strong and resources that, once removed, cannot be growing population of skilled, older replaced. The loss of archeological people with outside sources of income, resources or historic structures described who tend to volunteer and would likely be in the “Unavoidable Adverse Impacts” able to supply adequate volunteers. Even section above would be irreversible and with increasing demands, better irretrievable. organization and use of volunteers would

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RELATIONSHIP OF SHORT- TERM term productivity of resources. There USES AND LONG- TERM would be no adverse effects on the PRODUCTIVITY biological or economic productivity This section addresses the effects of the associated with implementing this short- term use of resources on the long- alternative.

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IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE C trails, and a comfort station at one trailhead. These impacts would be ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES localized, long term, and minor to Similar to alternative A, in this alternative, moderate. lithic scatters and other archeological resources are vulnerable to inadvertent As in alternative A, under this alternative, trampling, moving of resources, or theft in natural occurrences such as erosion and areas where visitors are concentrated. rockfall have the potential to move, Rock art is vulnerable to vandalism and damage, or destroy resources. The destruction. These problems are more impacts from natural processes are long likely to occur in the backcountry where term, localized, adverse, and minor to ranger patrols are limited. Vandalism is major, depending on the site. particularly a problem in areas along trails The acquisition or transfer of additional and routes served by perimeter trailheads land proposed in the boundary study adjacent to urbanization, where there are would not affect known archeological increasing numbers of people entering the resources. These properties are located at monument throughout the day and night. the lower trailheads of Monument Canyon These impacts would be lessened by a and Liberty Cap. Prior to any proposed more focused program of monitoring and construction at trailheads in this mitigation. The impacts would be adverse, alternative, the areas would be surveyed localized, and range from minor to and adverse effects on sites mitigated as moderate, depending on the site. needed. Closure of the South Broadway access As in alternative A, archeological resources would improve protection of artifacts and would continue to have impacts from a rock art in a specific area of the variety of natural events and human monument. The impact would be activities from both outside and within beneficial, localized, and minor. Colorado National Monument. As in alternative A, there are generally Additional designated trails could increase fewer exposed resources subject to harm these threats to specific areas. However, in the developed areas where sites have the strong mitigation through education already been documented and mitigated, and outreach, site protection techniques, and there is more deterrence by the increased monitoring, and increased presence of staff and other visitors. Site- deterrence proposed in this alternative specific impacts are adverse, long term, would decrease the range of adverse and range from minor to major, depending impacts from one of minor to major to one on the site. of minor to moderate. Although major, adverse impacts to archeological resources Under this alternative, as in alternative A, would be possible, such impacts would be monument operations have an effect on far less likely than under alternative A, archeological resources. Adverse impacts because management zones focus occur from maintenance of roads, utilities, monitoring and management actions to structures, and trails. In addition, adverse better protect these resources. impacts would occur from rehabilitation or replacement of facilities such as Cumulative Impacts Saddlhorn picnic area and campground As in alternative A, the cumulative impacts and the Devils Kitchen picnic area, and of all regional land use trends on from minor new construction such as archeological resources are adverse, kiosks at the entrance areas, new and widespread, and moderate to major. The improved trailheads, upgrading routes to actions of the National Park Service under

155 Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences – Alternative C this alternative would not add adverse continued use and maintenance of these impacts that would increase the structures and landscapes would ensure cumulative level of effect to a higher, their long- term protection. adverse category. The acquisition or transfer of additional Conclusion land proposed in the boundary study Although major, adverse impacts to would not affect any historic structures or archeological resources would be possible, landscapes. These properties are located such impacts would be far less likely than at the lower trailheads of Monument under alternative A, because management Canyon and Liberty Cap. zones focus monitoring and management Natural weathering and human activities actions to better protect these resources. will slowly erode the historic character of There would be no impairment of the built environment, but the degree of archeological resources from this erosion would be offset by well- planned alternative. management that recognizes and protects HISTORIC CHARACTER OF THE character- defining features. Programs BUILT ENVIRONMENT would be leveraged in this alternative by The historic character of the built partnerships, interagency agreements, and environment includes historic structures volunteers to provide thorough and cultural landscapes. Under this monitoring, patrol, maintenance, repair, alternative, there would be more and rehabilitation. A greatly expanded programs, partnerships, and cooperative education and outreach program would efforts to effectively monitor, maintain, reduce visitor damage and vandalism. The and repair Rim Rock Drive, historic trails, net effect on the long- term condition of historic structures, and historic resources over time would be beneficial, landscapes. Natural weathering, visitor long term, and negligible to minor. use, and occasional vandalism have Cumulative Impacts negligible or minor adverse, localized, Cumulative impacts would be similar to long- term effects on the historic character those described for alternative A, with of the built environment, but they are wear on historic road fabric and historic offset by patrol, routine repair, and structures from increasing regional use maintenance. Catastrophic natural events and maintenance, but impacts would be such as erosion or landslides have the lessened in this alternative by increased potential to cause a major, long- term, patrol, maintenance, and rehabilitation of localized adverse impact to the historic historic structures. In addition, road and its structures, but such events improvement of the Saddlehorn picnic cannot be prevented. area would provide additional desirable In this alternative, the Devils Kitchen picnic facilities and dissipate some of the picnic area would be maintained to protect pressure on Devils Kitchen area. Impacts its historic character, and the Saddlehorn to Devils Kitchen would be beneficial, picnic area would be redesigned to minor, and localized. improve visitor enjoyment. The Conclusion Saddlehorn campground would be The character- defining features of historic modified to accommodate more groups by structures and landscapes would be in replacing some of the individual sites. The good condition, and their listing or historic comfort station would be eligibility for listing on the National maintained. Impacts would be adverse, Register would remain intact. Thus, there minor, long term, and localized. The would be no impairment of the historic

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character of the built environment from adverse, with potential for the scope of this alternative. adverse impacts to decrease over time. NATURAL SYSTEMS AND Invasive Plants PROCESSES The cooperative establishment of invasive Emphasis on the preservation of plant management areas and the monument resources and values would be coordinated planning and management for stressed under this alternative, with little controlling invasive plants are more change in the spectrum of visitor use effective fiscally and more effective in opportunities and patterns. Impacts are achieving the program. Tamarisk and addressed at the ecosystem level and at Russian olive would continue to be ecosystem component levels involving controlled, with effectiveness and cost invasive plants, wildlife, and riparian areas. reduction enhanced by the cooperative. Russian knapweed control would likewise Ecological Systems be enhanced. Rapid flare- up of invasive Over time, monument ecosystems have plants and their associated adverse been altered by the occupation, impacts would be curtailed or eliminated. development, and use of land around the An early detection, prevention, and monument and by management practices, monitoring program for new invasive such as fire prevention and bison plants would be put in place. Early introduction into the monument. Habitat detection and prevention are more loss and fragmentation have resulted in the effective than any program for controlling loss of species, the white- tailed prairie dog established invasions. Impacts would be being the most recent example. Pinyon- negligible to minor, localized within juniper woodland appears to have invaded widely distributed areas, short to long grasslands and shrublands, altering term, and adverse, with potential for the ecosystem dynamics. There would be scope of adverse impacts to decrease over increased coordination with BLM and time. other entities in addressing critical resource issues. The challenge to Wildlife monument management and the The movement of wildlife between the community is to prevent further loss of monument and the Colorado River and its species and alteration of ecosystems and riparian habitat is becoming increasingly where feasible to restore species and restricted by urban development between ecosystems. Under this alternative impacts the river and monument boundaries. would be long term, minor to moderate, Development has impinged on habitat that and adverse, with potential for the scope was contiguous on both sides of of adverse impacts to be decreased over monument boundaries. There is some time. incursion of dogs and cats into the monument from adjacent residential areas, Vegetation and monument visitors do not always keep In this analysis, impacts to vegetation are pets on leash. Some visitors and directly correlated to the impacts of monument neighbors feed wildlife. invasive plants and the impacts sustained Wildlife is killed by vehicle traffic on by riparian areas, soils, and biological soil roadways. Expanded education and crusts discussed below in this alternative. outreach under this alternative would Therefore, no additional discussion is lessen potential impacts. Better given here. Impacts would be negligible to monitoring and management of climbing moderate, localized within widely activities under this alternative would distributed areas, short to long term, and lessen the adverse effects on cliff dwelling

157 Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences – Alternative C wildlife, such as the peregrine falcon. special concern. As in alternatives A and Impacts to wildlife under this alternative B, expected increases in trail use could are negligible to minor, local within sustain increased impacts on species of specific areas, long term, and adverse. special concern. Visitor use and associated impacts would be more closely monitored Riparian Areas in the management zones in this Riparian areas are ecologically important alternative than in alternative A, and areas in the monument’s semidesert surveys for these species would be environment and are used by people who conducted in and around impact areas. A are drawn to the shade and occasional range of management actions has been water found there. Trails in the canyons identified if monitoring reveals impacts. follow or run parallel to riparian areas. As a result, hikers, horses, and backcountry Potential Conservation Areas (PCAs) campers are likely to damage riparian would be taken into account in this areas and interfere with associated wildlife analysis, providing an ecological approach and ecological interactions. Monitoring to to sensitive species preservation. The maintain or achieve desired conditions in Devils Kitchen PCA and the Fruita and management zones would lessen these Monument Canyons PCAs are particularly impacts. Impacts are negligible to minor, important because they overlay high localized within riparian areas, long term, visitor use backcountry areas. Should and adverse, with potential for the scope monitoring and inventory reveal of adverse impacts to decrease over time. unacceptable impacts, a range of management actions has been identified Threatened and Endangered Species for each management zone. Under this Determination of Effect alternative the impacts to species of special As in Alternative A, there are no actions concern are negligible, localized, long that have the potential to affect the bald term, and adverse. eagle or the Uintah Basin hookless cactus. As in alternatives A and B, expected Land Acquisition increases in trail use could sustain The acquisition of parcels proposed in the increased impacts on federally listed boundary study (the trailheads at lower species. Visitor use and associated impacts Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) would be more closely monitored in the would not affect natural systems and management zones in this alternative than processes of the monument. There is in alternative A, and surveys for these some concern about potential hazardous listed species would be conducted in and materials on the county parcel near around impact areas. A range of Monument Canyon because of its past management actions has been identified if history of use as a landfill, but the parcel monitoring reveals impacts. Under this would not be accepted by NPS unless alternative, impacts to the bald eagle and further study and analysis or mitigation by the Uintah Basin hookless cactus would be the county determined it to be free of negligible, localized, long term, and hazardous materials. adverse. Adverse effects are not likely, and Cumulative Impacts this alternative would have no effect on The monument is a relatively small part of the federally listed bald eagle and Uinta the canyon, mesa, and plateau ecosystem Basin hookless cactus. at the northern edge of the Uncompahgre Species of Special Concern Plateau. This ecosystem is affected by land As in alternative A, there are no actions use within and outside its borders. The that have the potential to affect species of presence of the monument and adjacent

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public lands, including McInnis Canyons The cumulative impacts of public and National Conservation Area, provide a private land use on the larger canyon, great measure of ecosystem protection, mesa, and plateau ecosystem are negligible but the various public land uses also affect to moderate, widespread, long term, and the ecosystem. Most if not all of the public adverse. The actions of the National Park lands are federal lands managed by the Service under this alternative do not add Bureau of Land Management, Forest impacts that would increase cumulative Service, and National Park Service. Much impacts to a higher adverse level. of the ecosystem’s plateau section, Conclusion centered on Glade Park, is privately Under this alternative, ecosystem integrity owned agricultural land with a trend to and stability would be somewhat low- density residential development. The enhanced by the emphasis on preservation ecosystem is bordered on the north by the of monument resources and values and by great arc of the increasingly urbanized less change in the spectrum of visitor use Grand Valley, with high- density opportunities than in alternative B. residential subdivisions immediately Adverse impacts would continue, but they adjacent to the monument and Bureau of would likely be better mitigated. There Land Management lands. would be no impairment to ecological Habitat loss and fragmentation has systems or their components. occurred on both public and private lands. SOILS AND BIOLOGICAL SOIL It would continue on private lands within CRUSTS the ecosystem and adjacent to it in the Grand Valley. Public visitation to the Current patterns of visitor use would monument and to the National continue under this alternative. Soils and Conservation Area will increase. Impacts biological soil crusts are disturbed by associated with visitation would likewise visitor use, resulting in compaction or the increase and require increased mitigation. increase in susceptibility of the soils to The invasion of nonnative plants would erosion and the invasion of nonnative continue on private and public lands, but weed species. These impacts occur on the trend is toward better management trails; in areas adjacent to trails, roads, and and control of invasive plants, which overlooks; during cross- country travel, should keep them at acceptable including access routes to climbing areas; population levels. Past ecological impacts through visitor created trail proliferation within the monument have not been (social trails); at backcountry campsites; adequately addressed and mitigated. and around developed areas. Natural Upslope groundwater use adjacent to the regeneration of vegetation in impacted monument has the potential to adversely areas is made difficult if not impossible by affect wetlands, hanging gardens, and the dry, semidesert climate. Soils in riparian areas, all of which are ecologically developed areas, with their higher levels of critical habitats. Impacts to sensitive visitor use, receive a higher level of species associated with visitation would damage than in nondeveloped areas. Soils likewise increase and require increased and biological soil crusts in the wildland- mitigation. With the emphasis on urban interface zone, with higher levels of preservation of monument resources and day use by residents of the local area, values as a part of this alternative, resource receive a higher level of damage than the problems would likely be addressed more other nondeveloped zones. Impact effectively, resulting in an improvement in severity would be offset by various the natural systems. mitigation actions, such as increased monitoring to achieve or retain desired

159 Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences – Alternative C conditions. Impacts to soils and biological alternative do not add impacts that would soil crusts would be minor to moderate, increase cumulative impacts to a higher localized, long term, and adverse. adverse level. Land Acquisition Conclusion The acquisition of parcels proposed in the Under this alternative, soil and biological boundary study (the trailheads at lower soil crust degradation would tend to Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) increase with increased visitation, but would not affect soils or biological soil somewhat less than under alternative B, crusts of the monument. If construction at because this alternative has less change in the trailheads expanded, an environmental the spectrum of visitor use opportunities assessment would be conducted to than in alternative B. The key to protecting provide a more detailed analysis of monument soils is to protect biological soil impacts. crusts and native vegetation cover and mitigate damage to them. To adequately Cumulative Impacts protect soils and biological soil crusts, Visitation at the monument will continue visitor use might be subject to limited to increase, resulting in likely increased controls, but not to the detriment of damage to biological soil crusts and soils. visitors’ enjoyment of the monument. Invasion of nonnative plants will likely There would be no impairment to soils, increase with the potential to adversely biological soil crusts, or ecological systems affect soil ecosystems. This may occur and components they support. even when invasive plants are mostly controlled. Extended periods of drought GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND would increase the soil’s susceptibility to PALEONTOLOGY deterioration and loss. Heavy episodic Current patterns of visitor use would rainfall and flash flooding can continue under this alternative. Rock geometrically increase soil loss in climbing results in erosion of rock faces disturbed soils. Soils are the foundation of from the use of climbing equipment like terrestrial life and ecological systems. If bolts and pitons. Impacts can be both impacts are not adequately mitigated, it is aesthetically adverse and physically possible that over a sufficient time span damaging to the rock. Although the fossils the cumulative effect of unchecked soil of the monument are not in the highly degradation in tandem with other adverse prized category, there is potential for loss impacts to the ecological system could of fossils by thievery and vandalism. eventually result in unacceptable Mitigation measures would offset loss to degradation of the monument’s ecological some degree. Impacts on geological systems and its assembly of life. This is not resources would be long term, negligible likely to happen during the 15 to 20 year to minor, and adverse. Impacts on life of this plan. Adequate mitigation can paleontological resources would be long limit the degree and scope of adverse term, negligible to moderate, and adverse. impacts and proposed mitigation would likely reduce and in some locations Land Acquisition eliminate the degradation. The acquisition of parcels proposed in the boundary study (the trailheads at lower The cumulative impacts on soils and Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) biological soil crusts are minor to would not affect geological resources or moderate, localized to widespread, long paleontological resources. If construction term, and adverse. The actions of the at the trailheads were expanded, an National Park Service under this environmental assessment would be

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conducted to provide a more detailed urban interface zone, and to a lesser extent analysis of impacts. in parts of all other zones. Noise impacts also originate in the monument’s Cumulative Impacts developed areas, visitor center, Local population growth and recreational maintenance area, campgrounds, and demand would bring more rock climbers picnic areas. The wildland- urban interface and likely result in increased damage to zone is impacted by noise from the rock faces. Geological resources are not neighborhoods along the monument renewable resources in the conventional boundary, in addition to the other sources sense. Damage to rock faces and crack mentioned. Hikers and rock climbers systems generally remain beyond the generate some noise impacts (talking, lifetime of any one person. Paleontological shouting, use of camping and climbing resources are also not renewable. gear) in backcountry areas. There would Increased visitation will likely translate be a slight increase in noise at the enlarged into increased fossil theft because both group campground. Impacts would affect increase risk exposure. Monitoring and visitors and animal species to varying management actions, such as climbing degrees. The acquisition of parcels management or rerouting trails could proposed in the boundary study (the reduce the scope and degree of adverse trailheads at lower Liberty Cap and impacts. Monument Canyon) would not affect the The cumulative impacts on geological natural soundscape. Impacts are resources and paleontological resources considered negligible to moderate, long would be negligible to moderate, long term, and adverse. term, and adverse. The actions of the Cumulative Impacts National Park Service under this Visitation at the monument will continue alternative do not add impacts that would to increase, with a corresponding increase increase cumulative impacts to a higher in noise intrusion. Noise levels are likely to adverse level. increase in some areas of the monument as Conclusion the result of continued residential and Under this alternative, adverse impacts commercial development on adjacent would continue but would be mitigated by lands. When experienced together, noise preventive measures. There would be no from the human soundscape, visibility impairment of geological or impairment from air pollution, high paleontological resources. vehicle traffic, and similar intruding NATURAL SOUNDSCAPE factors would likely decrease visitor use enjoyment and opportunities for The current patterns of visitor use would enjoyment. The cumulative mix of noise continue under this alternative. The impacts on species and ecosystems natural soundscape is impacted by the (habitat fragmentation, human intrusion human- generated sounds in various ways into habitats, invasive species, light to varying degrees in the monument. pollution, and other adverse factors) is Automobile traffic on monument roads difficult to analyze without studies and and neighboring roads creates noise impact modeling, but cumulative negative impacts in the Rim Rock Drive road impacts are more likely to be greater than corridor and in areas bordering on roads the simple sum of individual impacts. in all other zones. Noises from the Grand Valley (trains, highway traffic, air traffic, The cumulative impacts on geological and industrial noises) have impacts at resources and paleontological resources monument overlooks, all of the wildland- would be negligible to moderate, long

161 Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences – Alternative C term, and adverse. The actions of the be moderate to major, beneficial, and long National Park Service under this term. alternative do not add impacts that would A strong education and outreach program increase cumulative impacts to a higher under alternative C and important safety adverse level. information at entrance kiosks and Conclusion trailheads would reduce visitor incidents Under this alternative, human sound such as hypothermia, snakebites, minor impacts on the natural soundscape would injuries, and getting lost. Additional continue and likely increase in some areas, programs would increase availability of but with some prospect of effective assistance and patrol to prevent problems mitigation. With mitigation, visitor use and aid visitors. Additional law enjoyment and the ecology of animal enforcement would also reduce problems species would likely be less adversely of after- hours parties, theft from parked affected. Changes in the level and scope of vehicles, and vandalism. These impacts human soundscape impacts could be would be minor, localized, and beneficial. positively influenced by proactive The acquisition of parcels proposed in the monitoring and management of desired boundary study (the trailheads at lower conditions in management zones, rather Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) than relying on reactive measures when would not affect visitor safety. problems arise. There would be no impairment to the natural soundscape. Cumulative Impacts Population growth of the Glade Park area VISITOR CONFLICTS AND SAFETY would result in more local traffic on the Under alternative C, conflicts on Rim eastern segment of Rim Rock Drive, Rock Drive between vehicles and bikes adding to the potential for increased and between local through traffic and accidents and use conflicts discussed visitors and bikes would be reduced by a above. strong education and safety message and sign program promoting the “share the Conclusion road” concept. Local traffic and bicycle Generally, the monument would continue use are likely to increase, but the active to be a safe environment and visitor safety effort in working with the various entities would be improved under this alternative. who are primarily local and many channels The impacts would be beneficial, of communication can be employed. moderate, and long term. Under this alternative, there would also be VISITOR OPPORTUNITIES stronger restrictions on bicycles (to the Visitor opportunities include recreation, extent consistent with the public right- of- information, education, outreach, way) on the eastern segment of the road. wilderness values, and other opportunities The result of greater mutual to connect to the meanings and understanding between users and more significance of the monument’s resources. restrictions on bikes would lead to fewer Under this alternative, the general patterns conflicts and fewer accidents. Increased and levels of visitation would remain patrol would reduce problems of vehicles similar to those described for alternative or bicycles disobeying laws and would A. There would continue to be positive, result in fewer accidents. Increased long- term, moderate to major beneficial maintenance of the road and the addition effects on visitor understanding and of a few pullouts would also improve appreciation, as a result of their many safety. The net effects of this alternative opportunities to enjoy scenery, nature, on Rim Rock Drive road accidents would

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solitude, history, and activities at Colorado bicyclists west of the east Glade Park National Monument. Improved, up- to- cutoff. The effects would be long term, date exhibits and AV programs and beneficial, and minor to moderate for increased staff and volunteers at the visitor these users. Many bicyclists who travel center would offer visitors opportunities through the monument would be severely to connect to the meanings and affected by possible restrictions or significance of the monument’s resources. closures on the east segment, and the Rim Rock Drive and its overlooks, the effects would be adverse, long term, and picnic areas, and the group and rustic moderate to major. Some local and campground provide opportunities for national visitors would continue to be experiences unmatched outside of the turned away or delayed during part of one monument. Improvements to the rustic day each year during the Rim Rock Run campground and picnic areas would (as long as it continues), and the effects enhance local and national visitor would be short term, adverse, and minor. enjoyment. Improved entrance kiosks For the runners in the race, there would be would provide important visitor beneficial, short- term, negligible effects. information about the monument even There would be improved opportunities when the entrance station is closed. The for visitors to experience the backcountry impacts would be beneficial, long term, of Colorado National Monument under and moderate to major. this alternative because of improved Consistent information about public lands trailheads and better information at the in the region would be provided through a trailheads. This would be especially coordinated network of existing visitor beneficial to local users, and better centers. This would result in greater information and trailhead parking would understanding of the full spectrum of also better serve nonlocal visitors who opportunities, of differing rules and presently are largely unaware of these regulations between the two federal opportunities. Better information and agencies, and of the Colorado Plateau trailheads would improve the experience, ecosystem. Improved, consistent, and but not significantly increase use. The coordinated signs would guide visitors to acquisition of parcels proposed in the their desired destinations, but not as boundary study (the trailheads at lower effectively as in alternative B. Greatly Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) expanded opportunities for education and could make improvement of the trailheads outreach would help meet the demands of more feasible. schools, universities, and civic and Opportunities for solitude would remain community groups. The effects would be high. Increased staff and funding in this beneficial, long term, and moderate to alternative would maintain visitor major. facilities, trails, and the backcountry in Conflicts between drivers and bicyclists good condition. The overall effects for would be reduced by more restrictions to visitor understanding and appreciation bicyclists on the east side (to the extent would be beneficial, moderate to major, consistent with the right- of- way) and the and long term. concerted effort to provide “share the Fees would continue to be collected, and road” information to promote better under this alternative, could also be understanding and appropriate behavior. collected for a longer season at the This would increase the enjoyment of entrance stations and at more locations, viewing, overlooks, wayside exhibits, and such as perimeter trailheads. The main wildlife watching for drivers, and for some

163 Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences – Alternative C impact would be adverse to local users, but other land managing agencies. Overall, the the effect would be minor. presence of the monument would remain valuable to adjacent residents, offering Cumulative Impacts open space, recreational access, wildlife Public lands in Grand Valley would viewing, and scenery. Local planning continue to provide an important documents recognize the values of the recreational resource for local people. monument, and intergovernmental BLM will continue to spread out much of agreements have been developed for the demand and accommodate off- complementary planning. There are highway vehicles, mountain bikes, far positive relationships between staff and more horses, and many hikers. The NCA the community and among city, county, also has a larger, more remote wilderness state, and federal agencies. These effects area than the monument has. The would be beneficial, long term, and monument would continue to provide moderate to major. hiking, climbing, and backcountry opportunities, but would differ from the In the Redlands area, there would be NCA in providing Rim Rock Drive and its continued neighborhood disturbance overlooks, picnic areas, campground, and from nonlocals driving to trailheads, a visitor center. The network of trespass, parking overflow issues, and coordinated visitor centers would help nighttime parties. These issues would be visitors better understand, appreciate, and reduced by providing more defined enjoy all public lands in the region. trailhead parking, better information and Expanded education and outreach, education for visitors, and more frequent coordinated with BLM and others, would patrol. The acquisition of parcels significantly improve regional proposed in the boundary study (the understanding, appreciation, and trailheads at lower Liberty Cap and protection of the Colorado Plateau Monument Canyon) could make ecosystem. The entire spectrum of visitor improvement of the trailheads more opportunities offered in this alternative feasible, but could also expand the parking would have beneficial, long- term, and areas closer to private property. Prior to moderate to major effects. any construction, an environmental assessment would examine these issues in The BLM could begin collecting user fees, more detail. which would further affect local users. There would also continue to be problems Conclusion with unwanted wildlife encounters, Overall, opportunities for visitors to potential wildfire, and flooding, but these connect to the meanings and significance would be minimized by better of the monument’s resources would be communication with neighbors and significantly improved through working together on planning and zoning. enhancement of the unique driving If boundary fences were replaced, they experience, protection of solitude, and would be designed to be wildlife- friendly, greatly expanded education and outreach. to keep a distinct boundary, and to The effects would be moderate to major, minimize trespass. These effects would be beneficial, and long term. There would be localized, adverse, short term, and minor. no impairment of visitor opportunities from this alternative. For commuters and commercial traffic passing through the monument from the MONUMENT NEIGHBORS east Glade Park cutoff to the east entrance, The impact topic of monument neighbors there would be reduced conflicts with includes local management plans and

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tourists and bicyclists as a result of “share Conclusion the road” education efforts, minor Overall, the monument would continue to improvements such as pullouts, and provide benefits to neighboring private stronger management of bicyclists (to the and public land. The effects would be extent consistent with the right- of- way). beneficial, long term, and moderate. Local traffic could be temporarily SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS inconvenienced by the Rim Rock Run as long as it continues, but that event only As described in the “methodologies” takes place once a year for a few hours section, visitor data and various indexes (negligible). A positive effect for Mesa and assumptions were put into a money County and Glade Park is that the NPS generation model, which is a tool to provides maintenance and law estimate how expenditures related to enforcement for a commuter route at no Colorado National Monument from cost to the county. The net effects would tourism, the federal government, and be adverse, minor, and intermittently short others benefit the local economy. In this term. alternative, recreational visitation would remain around 295,000 per year, about 41 The common border between NPS and percent of the visitors would be nonlocal, BLM is primarily beneficial to both average daily expenditures per visitor are agencies. Similar goals of resource estimated at about $120.00, and the stewardship and provision of recreational average length of stay would remain at opportunities makes for good neighbors. about 2.5 hours. Direct sales expenditures There are some differences of use used in the model include the annual permitted on BLM lands (grazing, dogs, monument operating budget, average hunting, mountain bikes) that could cross annual repair and rehabilitation projects, the boundary and negatively affect the and annual sales by the cooperating monument. Additional cooperative association. The money generation model management and interagency information projects that the economic effects of identified in this alternative would further visitor spending multiplied through the enhance management relationships local economy would be $8,947,000 in between the agencies. The overall impact total sales, $538,000 in increased tax of BLM as a neighbor to Colorado revenue, and 224 jobs. This represents an National Monument would be beneficial, increase over alternative A, but not as long term, and moderate to major. much as alternative B. Additional benefits Cumulative Impacts from $3,505,000 to $4,557,000 of As in alternative A, under this alternative, construction would also be multiplied the extensive memorandums of through the economy. Further understanding and agreements between all unmeasured benefits to real estate values levels of government to cooperate in and other community values would accrue planning would continue to be beneficial from the presence of Colorado National to the entire Grand Valley. The net effect Monument and the National Park Service. to the quality of life for residents from The acquisition of parcels proposed in the planning and cooperation by the boundary study (the trailheads at lower monument and the greater trend for all Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon) levels of government to cooperate in would not have any impact on local planning is beneficial, long term, and property tax revenue, as all parcels are minor to moderate. currently public land.

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Cumulative Impacts Cumulative Impacts Colorado National Monument is not a There would continue to be a strong destination park like Sequoia or demand for nonprofit organizations and Yellowstone National Parks, but it is one volunteers to be partners in managing all of the main tourist attractions of many in federal lands, not just NPS. The Grand the Grand Valley that together make Valley has a strong and growing tourism an important part of the local population of skilled, older people with economy (roughly 2 percent of outside sources of income, who tend to employment or about 1,100 jobs). volunteer and would likely be able to supply adequate volunteers. Even with Conclusion increasing demands, better organization Under alternative C, expenditures by and use of volunteers would keep supply visitors and NPS operations would have a ahead of demand and benefit monument minor, beneficial, long- term effect on the operations. socioeconomic environment slightly greater than under alternative A. Conclusion A clear plan of action and increased staff MONUMENT OPERATIONS to implement those actions would result in Staff would be increased to a range of 19 to highly effective monument operations and 20 full- time positions to implement the coordination of partners and volunteers to actions of alternative C. This would result protect resources and serve visitors. The in improvements to resource protection, effects would be major, long term, and law enforcement, interpretation and beneficial. education, and administration. This would lead to better services and UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS programs, such as an education and There would be unavoidable, adverse outreach program. Expanded staff levels minor to major impacts to archeological would be ready to face future changes. resources from natural events such as Programs to involve volunteers in erosion, landslides, and rockfall. There inventory, monitoring, interpretation and would also be unavoidable adverse outreach, cultural resource data collection, impacts ranging from minor to moderate resource restoration, area or campground to archeological resources from human hosting, trail patrol, light maintenance, causes such as trampling, theft, and and other aspects of monument vandalism. Human- caused impacts could operations would be continued and be avoided altogether if people were not expanded. The acquisition of parcels allowed in the monument, but that would proposed in the boundary study (the be contrary to the purpose of the trailheads at Lower Liberty Cap and monument. Unavoidable adverse impacts Monument Canyon) would be beneficial could also occur to the historic road and to monument operations by simplifying structures from landslides, erosion, or law enforcement and providing the rockfall. Flash floods are unavoidable opportunity to improve the trailheads. natural events, which, were they to occur, The affects on monument operations would cause adverse impacts to would be major, beneficial, and long term. neighboring landowners.

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IRREVERSIBLE AND RELATIONSHIP OF SHORT- TERM IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS USES AND LONG- TERM OF RESOURCES PRODUCTIVITY Irreversible impacts are those effects that This section addresses the effects of the cannot be changed over the long term or short- term use of resources on the long- are permanent. An irretrievable term productivity of resources. There commitment of resources refers to would be no adverse effects on the resources that, once removed, cannot be biological or economic productivity replaced. The loss of archeological associated with implementing this resources or historic structures described alternative. in the “Unavoidable Adverse Impacts” section above would be irreversible and irretrievable.

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Table 12: Summary of Impacts

Impact Topic Alternative A (no action) Alternative B (Preferred) Alternative C Archeological Loss of artifacts and damage/loss of rock Loss of artifacts and damage/loss of rock Loss of artifacts and damage/loss of Resources art by vandalism (-) art by vandalism (-) rock art by vandalism (-) More use in areas along additional Closure of South Broadway access will designated trails could increase improve protection of artifacts and rock damage/loss of artifacts and rock art (-) art (+) Mitigation through focused inventory, Mitigation through focused inventory, site-protection techniques, monitoring, site-protection techniques, monitoring, and education (+) and education (+) Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor to major to moderate to moderate Historic Resources Ongoing wear and tear leads to Increased maintenance and visitor Increased maintenance and visitor deterioration of historic structures (-) appreciation of historic structures appreciation of historic structures would minimize deterioration and would minimize deterioration and vandalism (+) vandalism (+) Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor Conclusion: Beneficial, long term, Conclusion: Beneficial, long term, negligible to moderate negligible to moderate Natural Systems and Ecosystem decline—habitat loss and Adverse ecosystem impacts, but: Adverse ecosystem impacts, but: Processes fragmentation (regional trend) (-) – Less pervasive with cooperative - Less pervasive with agency management (+) coordination (+) Major invasive plants controlled, but Invasive plants similar to alternative A, Invasive plants same as alternative B. (+) continuing threat on roadways, trails, plus: and boundary (-) - More effective control of threats through cooperative management (+)

Wildlife interference at urbanized Wildlife interference similar to Wildlife interference similar to boundary, developed areas, Rim Rock alternative A. alternative A.

Drive (-) -Slight increase in wildlife disturbance

along Rim Rock Drive because of variety of uses and in transition to NCA zone because of dogs (-) -Mitigation of wildlife disturbance at boundary because of cooperative management and better

communication with neighbors (+)

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Impact Topic Alternative A (no action) Alternative B (Preferred) Alternative C Natural Systems and Some damage to riparian areas from Riparian areas similar to alternative A, Riparian areas similar to alternative A, Processes (cont.) hikers, horses, and backcounty plus: with mitigation by increased camping (-) -More use in areas along additional monitoring and education (+) designated trails may increase damage to riparian areas (-) -Mitigation by increased survey, monitoring, education, and optimum trail routing/rerouting (+) Threatened and endangered species: Threatened and endangered species: Threatened and endangered species: negligible effect (-) -Some potential affect on bald eagle similar to alternative A, with mitigation Determination of effect: No effect. and Uinta Basin hookless cactus from by increased monitoring and education (+) increasing use and trail improvements may have negligible effect (-) Determination of effect: No effect. -Mitigation by consultation, survey, planning for optimum trail routing/rerouting, increased monitoring, and education(+) Determination of effect: May affect. Consultation with USFWS will be resumed when more detailed planning is initiated for trail realignment and travel route improvements. Species of special concern: Species of concern Species of concern: similar to negligible effect (-) -Some potential affect on species from alternative A, with mitigation by increasing use and trail improvements increased monitoring and education (+) may have negligible effect (-) -Mitigation by consultation, survey, planning for optimum trail routing/rerouting, increased monitoring, and education(+) Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor to moderate to moderate to moderate

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Impact Topic Alternative A (no action) Alternative B (Preferred) Alternative C

Soils and Biological Soil Soil compaction/erosion: localized in Soil degradation similar to alternative Soil degradation similar to alternative Crusts backcountry, widespread in developed A, plus: A, plus: areas (-) -More use in areas along additional - Mitigation by increased monitoring, designated trails could increase erosion, education, and maintenance (+) especially from horses (-) -Mitigation by planning to reroute trails and locate improvements, increased monitoring, more maintenance, education, and reduced social trails (+) Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor to moderate to moderate to moderate Geological Resources Climbers cause some erosion to rock Climbers similar to alternative A, Climbers similar to alternative B and Paleontological faces and leave equipment in cracks (-) mitigation from increased monitoring resources and management (+) Potential loss of paleontological Paleontology similar to alternative A, Paleontology similar to alternative A, specimens by vandalism (-) plus: plus: -More use in areas along additional - Some mitigation by increased survey, designated trails could increase monitoring, and education, and trail damage/loss of paleontological realignment (+) specimens (-) -Some mitigation by increased survey, monitoring, and education, and trail realignment (+) Conclusion: Adverse, long term, Conclusion: Adverse, long term, minor Conclusion: Adverse, long term, negligible to moderate to moderate negligible to moderate Natural Soundscape Train, aircraft, interstate highway, Similar to alternative A, plus: Similar to alternative A., plus: urban development, and Rim Rock Drive - Slight increase in transition zone -Slight increase in noise at enlarged noise interference (-) (dogs), RVs in campground (-) group campground (-) - Greater opportunities for natural

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Impact Topic Alternative A (no action) Alternative B (Preferred) Alternative C Natural Soundscape Conclusion: Adverse, long term, soundscapes on Rim Rock Drive during Conclusion: Adverse, long term, (cont.) negligible to moderate bicycle or walking events (+) negligible to moderate - Greater opportunities for cooperatively addressing the problem(+) Conclusion: Adverse, long term, negligible to moderate Visitor Conflicts and Increasing conflicts and safety hazards Continuing conflicts on Rim Rock Drive, Similar to alternative B, plus potential Safety for users of Rim Rock Drive, especially but stronger program of education and restrictions for bicycles on east segment on east segment to Glade Park (-) safety messages reduce accidents (+) further reduces accidents (+) Unprepared visitors enter backcountry, Increased education and information, Backcountry risk same as alternative B. increasing risk (-) e.g., trailheads, interagency information about backcountry hazards reduces risks (+) Conclusion: Adverse, long term, Conclusion: Beneficial, long term, Conclusion: Beneficial, long term, moderate moderate moderate Visitor Understanding Conflicts between users on Rim Rock Conflicts between users on Rim Rock Rim Rock Drive similar to alternative B, and Appreciation Drive diminish opportunities for Drive mitigated by expanded program plus: Rim Rock Drive understanding and appreciation (-) of education, and safety messages - Conflicts further reduced by improve opportunities for potential restrictions on bicycles on east understanding and appreciation (+) segment (+) Some visitors delayed or denied visit Special nonmotorized activities could Few road closures for nonmotorized during annual Rim Rock Run (-) delay or prevent other visitors’ access (- activities, few visitors delayed (-) ) Runners enjoy monument during Special nonmotorized activities for the People seeking venues other than annual Rim Rock Run (+) enjoyment of Rim Rock Drive enhance driving to enjoy the monument are opportunities for understanding and frustrated (-) appreciation (+) Visitor Understanding Opportunities for solitude erode over Monitoring and potential management Monitoring and potential management and Appreciation time with no monitoring or focused actions improve condition of wilderness actions improve condition of wilderness Wilderness Resources management (-) resources (+) resources (+) Some loss of solitude in backcountry areas where additional trails are designated (-)

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Impact Topic Alternative A (no action) Alternative B (Preferred) Alternative C Visitor Understanding Visitors enjoy campground location, Visitors enjoy location, rustic character Visitors enjoy location, rustic character and Appreciation rustic character (+) (+), plus: (+), plus: Camping and Picnicking - Opportunities for groups and RV - Opportunities for groups users improved (+) improved (+) - Some visitors could be turned away during peak times because of fewer individuals sites (-) Visitors enjoy picnic areas (+) Visitor enjoyment of picnic areas is Picnicking same as alternative B. greatly increased for local and nonlocal visitors (+) Visitor Understanding Lack of consistent interagency Consistency of information, one-stop Consistent information, more difficult and Appreciation information frustrates visitors (-) convenience (if you are near the stop) to coordinate information, more Interagency Information, (+) locations to get information (+) Education, and Outreach Inability to meet demand for education Expanded program will benefit Expanded program will benefit and outreach, lost opportunities (-) community and monument, classroom community (+) will further expand opportunities (+) Visitor Understanding Opportunities for variety of activities to Opportunities enhanced and expanded Opportunities enhanced for variety of and Appreciation enjoy monument and resources (+) for variety of activities to enjoy activities to enjoy monument resources General Summary monument resources (+) (+) Beneficial, short to long term, moderate Beneficial, short to long term, major. Beneficial, short to long term, to major moderate to major. Monument Neighbors The NPS maintains a commuter route, NPS maintenance, same as alternative NPS maintenance, same as alternative Commuters, Bicyclists, saving county money on road A. A. and BLM maintenance (+)

Local commuters frustrated by user Local commuters less frustrated on east Local commuters less frustrated on east

conflicts on east segment of Rim Rock segment by “share the road” program segment by “share the road” program Drive (-) reducing conflicts, expanded reducing conflicts, potential bicycle maintenance and patrol (+) restrictions, expanded maintenance and patrol (+)

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Impact Topic Alternative A (no action) Alternative B (Preferred) Alternative C Monument Neighbors Special nonmotorized activities on Rim Local bicycle users displaced if cycling Commuters, Bicyclists, Rock Drive enjoyed by many local restricted or banned from east segment and BLM (cont.) residents, improved opportunities for of Rim Rock Drive (-) local bicycle users (+) Cyclists, motorists, monument staff, BLM visitors and staff, and emergency response could be inconvenienced by one-way designations or other short- term closures (-) Mitigation by traffic studies to schedule events and activities to minimize disruptions (+) Natural and cultural resources on public Resources protected by shared Protection of resources by shared lands are protected by shared boundary boundary with BLM, improved through boundary same as alternative A (+) between BLM and NPS (+) cooperative management of adjacent land (+) Monument Neighbors Monument adjacent to residential Adjacent property similar to alternative Adjacent property similar to alternative Adjacent Residential property results in trespass, threat of A, plus: B (+) Property wildfire, unwanted wildlife encounters, - Additional use at improved trailheads and flash floods for neighbors (-) could increase problems (-) - Mitigated by larger and better maintained trailheads to control visitors, more patrol, information, and education (+) Monument adjacent to residential Residential property benefits similar to Residential property benefits similar to property also results in recreation alternative A, plus additional alternative B (+) opportunities, a scenic backdrop, designated trails and improved positive wildlife encounters, a trailheads provide better opportunities supplement to local law enforcement, close to home and minimize trespass (+) and improved property values for neighbors and businesses (+)

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Impact Topic Alternative A (no action) Alternative B (Preferred) Alternative C Monument Neighbors Overall, the monument provides Overall, the monument provides Overall, the monument provides Summary positive contributions to neighboring positive contributions to neighboring positive contributions to neighboring private and federal land (+) private and federal land (+) private and federal land (+) Beneficial, long term, and minor to Beneficial, long term, moderate Beneficial, long term, moderate moderate Visitation similar to alternative A, plus: Visitation similar to alternative A, plus: Socioeconomic Visitation expected to grow 10% in next - Special events and activities on Rim - More day users at perimeter Conditions 10–15 years (+) Rock Drive could encourage visitors to trailheads could also use local stay longer and use local businesses (+) businesses (+) - More day users at perimeter trailheads may also use local businesses (+) Money Generation Model projects Money Generation Model projects Money Generation Model projects economic effects of visitor spending, economic effects of visitor spending, economic effects of visitor spending, multiplied through economy, is $10.5 multiplied through economy, is $8.9 multiplied through economy, is $7.2 million in total sales (+) million in total sales (+) million in total sales (+) Conclusion: Beneficial, minor, long Conclusion: Beneficial, minor, long Conclusion: Beneficial, minor, long term term term Monument Operations Lack of clear plan and management Clear plan of action and increased staff Clear plan similar to alternative B zones would lessen the effectiveness of to implement those actions would result staff and volunteers over time (-) in highly effective monument operations and coordination of partners and volunteers(+) Conclusion: Adverse, long term, Conclusion: Beneficial, long term, Conclusion: Beneficial, long term, moderate major major

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CHAPTER 5: PLAN DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING PROCESS Public involvement, tribal consultation, and agency consultation is important OVERALL PLANNING PROCESS throughout the process and is discussed in The planning process began in the fall of more detail in the “Consultation and 2001 at a meeting with the staff of the Coordination” section of this chapter. monument to assemble a planning team and outline the project. The members of The process of selecting a preferred this interdisciplinary team are listed in the alternative is another important step in the “List of Preparers” section of this chapter. process described in this chapter. It is The chart below indicates some of the key followed by a bibliography and list of steps of the planning process. preparers.

Table 13: Overall Planning Process

Planning Step Methods Timeframe Scoping—gathering ideas and Federal Register notice, January–March 2002 concerns, confirm mission, newsletter, Web page, public purpose, and significance meetings, consultations with tribes and agencies Analyze comments, review Planning team research and April–May 2002 monument history and legislation workshops Confirm issues and opportunities, Federal Register notice, June–July 2002 goals; develop general alternative newsletter, Web page, public concepts meetings, consultations Analyze resources, refine Planning team research and August 2002–January 2003 alternatives, identify impacts workshops, consultation Selection of a preferred alternative Planning team workshop, February–May 2003 concurrence of NPS regional director Preparation and publication of Planning team June–December 2003 Draft GMP/EIS Ongoing public information Newsletter, Web site September 2003 Review of Draft GMP/EIS Federal Register notice, June–July 2004 newsletter, Web page, public meetings, consultations with tribes and agencies Analyze comments, make changes Planning team research and August–December, 2004 as appropriate workshops Review of Final GMP/EIS Federal Register notice, February–March 2005 newsletter, Web page, public meetings, consultations with tribes and agencies Prepare Record of Decision Planning team with approval of April 2005 NPS regional director

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CONSULTATION AND information sessions were held at the COORDINATION visitor center for general visitors. The Web site was updated to include both SUMMARY OF PUBLIC newsletters and a summary of public INVOLVEMENT comments from the scoping. A new Scoping began with a newsletter sent to a comment page was opened on the Web mailing list of some 220 individuals, site at this time. A total of 36 people organizations, and agencies in January attended the meetings, and a total of 20 2002. The newsletter introduced the comment forms, Web comments, or letters planning process and invited the public to were received. A summary of these mail back comments about the purpose comments was posted on the Web. The and significance of the monument and planning team used this information to comments about issues and opportunities. refine goals and develop more detailed At the same time, a Web site that provided alternatives to address the future of the general information about the monument monument. and the planning process was created, and The Draft General Management an online comment system was initiated. Plan/Environmental Impact Statement The Notice of Intent was published in the (DGMP/EIS) was available for review Federal Register on March 13, 2002 from April 26, 2003 through June 30, 2004. (unforeseen delays prevented publication A post card was sent to more than 675 before the newsletter and meetings), and individuals, agencies, and organizations the comment period was open until May 15 prior to the release of the draft document to allow for any further input. During the to determine if they were interested in scoping phase, three public meetings were receiving a paper plan, a CD- ROM, or held in the vicinity of the monument viewing it on the web. More than 110 (Fruita, Glade Park, and Grand Junction). copies were mailed, and copies were A total of 37 people attended the three available at local libraries and online. meetings, and a total of 21 comment forms, Press releases and post cards to the entire Web comments, or letters were received. mailing list announced the availability of The planning team used the comments of the plan and public meetings. Three the public to refine the list of issues and meetings were held June 15–17, 2004, in the opportunities addressed in this plan and to vicinity of the monument. Consultations refine the mission, purpose, and were held with two federal and one state significance, of the monument. agency during the same time period. A The second major phase of public total of seven written responses were involvement was initiated to confirm received, and total attendance at the issues, overall goals, and to solicit ideas meetings was 27 people. about conceptual alternatives. To In summarizing the overall public reaction encourage more participation, the mailing to the DGMP/EIS, the relatively light list was supplemented by the Bureau of response despite widespread availability of Land Management’s planning list and the document is assumed to indicate a low increased to more than 475 individuals, level of controversy. Among the total of 36 agencies, and organizations. The second respondents (27 people at meetings, seven newsletter was sent in June 2002, and a letters, and two additional agency second round of public meetings were consultations), only five stated a specific held at locations close to the monument— preference for an alternative. A total of Fruita, the Redlands area of Grand four respondents (including the City of Junction, and Glade Park. In addition, two Fruita, Mesa County, and the U.S. Fish

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and Wildlife Service) support Alternative Preservation Office and to the Advisory B, one individual supports Alternative C. Council on Historic Preservation to The major topics brought up include initiate consultation. bicycle–motor vehicle conflicts on Rim The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Rock Drive, rapid urbanization, trails Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the (their use, connection, and impacts), Colorado National Heritage Program were fences, boundary adjustments, the contacted early in the process to provide a transition zones, and dogs. list of threatened and endangered species, AGENCY CONSULTATION critical habitats, and species of concern. The primary agency consulted during this Lists were provided, and additional planning effort was the Bureau of Land consultation with the U.S. Fish and Management. The agency was beginning a Wildlife Service and the Colorado management plan for the adjacent Division of Wildlife focused analysis on McInnis Canyons National Conservation specific species (see the threatened and Area (NCA) about the same time the NPS endangered species and species of special began the general management plan. With concern sections in Chapter 3, impacts of the obvious shared geology, ecosystem, alternative B in Chapter 4, and related and regional population, it was felt that correspondence in Appendix E). coordination would result in more Consultation letters accompanied copies effective plans for both agencies and better of the draft plan that were sent to the stewardship of public lands. From the Colorado State Historic Preservation start the two agencies have coordinated Office and the Advisory Council on their planning efforts, including tribal Historic Preservation. No response was consultation and public involvement. received. Initial public scoping was held at similar times, and BLM and NPS staff participated Consultation was initiated with the in each other’s public meetings. BLM and Environmental Protection Agency in NPS sent a joint letter inviting tribal response to their written comments on the participation. BLM staff also participated public draft document. Consultation in the second set of NPS public meetings, helped focus on concern for impacts to and NPS staff participated in the ongoing riparian areas under alternative B resulting meetings of the BLM advisory council and from proposed trail realignment and working groups that helped with the improvement (see the mitigation measures development of the NCA plan. NPS and section in Chapter 2, riparian areas section BLM staff met several times during the in Chapter 4, and related correspondence process to identify common goals and in Appendix E). differences and to ensure that the plans TRIBAL CONSULTATION were complementary. Appendix F: At the beginning of the planning process, a “Coordination of BLM and NPS” joint letter to invite tribal participation was identifies management differences and developed by the National Park Service commonalities. (superintendent of Colorado National In accordance with 36 CFR 800 and the Monument) and the Bureau of Land Programmatic Agreement between the Management (manager of McInnis Advisory Council on Historic Canyons National Conservation Area – Preservation, the National Conference of NCA). While the agencies have differing State Historic Preservation Officers and missions, both are Department of the the National Park Service, a letter was sent Interior agencies managing federal lands to the Colorado State Historic on a contiguous area of the Colorado

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Plateau. The intent was to invite these meetings throughout 2002. The government- to- government consultation process is currently stopped. These in a manner that would be efficient and meetings, while valuable, did not address effective for the tribes, rather than create a specific planning issues at Colorado double set of consultations. The letter was National Monument. sent to the Northern Ute (Fort Duschesne, Superintendent Bruce Noble conducted Utah), Southern Ute (Ignacio, Colorado), GMP consultations with the Northern Ute and the Ute Mountain Ute (Towaoc, Tribal Council on October 13, 2004, the Colorado) tribes, which encompass the Southern Ute Tribal Council on October five Ute bands associated with monument 19, 2004, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal lands. The superintendent of the Council on December 13, 2004. The monument and the manager of the NCA Northern Ute and Southern Ute tribal met with the Northern Ute on July 31, councils both voted to support the plan’s 2002. The manager of the NCA presented preferred alternative. The Ute Mountain information about both projects to the Ute Tribal Council did not vote in support Southern Ute on September 26, 2002. of a specific alternative, but seemed to While there were no comments at that have a preference for Alternative C based time, contacts were identified. Joint on the feeling that it would provide a agency consultation has not been as greater level of protection for park effective as originally intended. resources. The consultations raised a During the planning process, the BLM and number of discussion points regarding NPS participated in an effort by the Utes artifacts in the Colorado National to execute a memorandum of Monument museum collection, the understanding among the three tribes and possible tribal connections to the BLM, the NPS, the U.S. Fish and archeological sites in the monument, and Wildlife Service, the Federal Highway about the need to survey for traditional Administration, and the U.S. Forest cultural properties in the future. Most Service to formalize the relationship importantly, these meetings provided an between the tribes and the Colorado opportunity to open the lines of federal agencies, to consolidate and communication between the monument coordinate projects and activities, improve and the tribes and to establish a federal- tribal relations, and to reduce foundation for discussing the type of duplication, time, and costs. Staff of relationship that should exist between all Colorado National Monument attended the parties in the future.

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LIST OF AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS CONTACTED OR WHO RECEIVED A COPY OF THE DRAFT PLAN American Indian Tribes Northern Ute, Fort Duschesne, UT Southern Ute, Ignacio, CO Ute Mountain Ute, Towaoc, CO Federal Agencies Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Lakewood, CO Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction, CO Bureau of Reclamation, Grand Junction, CO Federal Aviation Administration, Grand Junction, CO Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grand Junction, CO U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Denver, CO U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grand Junction, CO U.S. Forest Service, Grand Junction, CO, and Delta, CO U.S. Geological Survey, Grand Junction, CO U.S. Senators and Representatives Honorable Wayne Allard, U.S. Senate Honorable Scott McInnis, U.S. House of Representatives Honorable Ben Nighthorse-Campbell, U.S. Senate State Senators and Representatives Gayle Berry, State Representative District 55 Matt Smith, State Representative District 54 Ron Treck, State Senate District 7 State Agencies Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, Denver, CO Colorado Division of Wildlife, Grand Junction, CO Colorado Historical Society (State Historic Preservation Officer), Denver, CO Colorado State Forest Service, Grand Junction, CO Colorado State Parks, Clifton and Denver, CO Colorado State Welcome Center, Fruita, CO Local Governments City of Fruita, Fruita, CO City of Grand Junction, Grand Junction, CO City of Palisade, Palisade, CO Mesa County Government, Grand Junction, CO Mesa County School District, Grand Junction, CO Organizations Audubon Society—Grand Valley, Grand Junction, CO Canyonlands Field Institute, Moab, UT Club 20, Grand Junction, CO Colorado Environmental Coalition, Grand Junction, CO Colorado National Monument Association, Grand Junction, CO Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Ft. Collins, CO Colorado River Conservation District, Glenwood Springs, CO Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Cody, WY Fruita Tourism Advisory Council, Fruita, CO Glade Park Community Center, Glade Park, CO Glade Park Volunteer Fire Department, Glade Park, CO Grand Junction Air Center, Grand Junction, CO Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau, Grand Junction, CO Grand Valley Transit, Grand Valley, CO

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Mesa State College, Grand Junction, CO Museum of Western Colorado, Grand Junction, CO Partners, Grand Junction, CO Riverfront Commission, Grand Junction, CO The Nature Conservancy, Moab, UT Ute Water Conservation District, Grand Junction, CO Wilderness Society, Denver, CO Wildlife Management Institute, Ft. Collins, CO

SELECTION OF PREFERRED • Protect/improve natural resources ALTERNATIVE • Provide general recreational activities • Provide Rim Rock Drive opportunities An important step in the planning process • Education and outreach is the selection of a preferred alternative. • Protect public/employee health/safety The planning team evaluated the draft • Operational efficiency alternatives using a process called • Public understanding of the NPS “Choosing by Advantages” (CBA). This mission process is used extensively by government agencies and the private sector to make For each factor, the team identified the complex decisions. It identifies and advantages of an alternative based on compares the relative advantages of each specific characteristics or consequences of alternative and is based on values that are that alternative. Each advantage was given made explicit and are derived from the a point value that reflected its importance goals of the project, public comments, when compared with the advantages of the consultations, and laws and policies. Cost other alternatives. By adding up the is a consideration—cheapest is not always advantage scores for each alternative, the best, but the process helps identify the best team was able to determine which value for the money. The CBA process also alternative had the greatest total provides a systematic way to look at importance of advantages. Alternatives improving the preferred alternative by were then graphed to illustrate the best incorporating the important advantages of combination of greatest advantages for the other alternatives. least cost, or the best value. Process The three alternatives presented in the The CBA was conducted by members of general management plan were considered the planning team and included two NPS in this process: superintendents from other parks. The • Alternative A—continue existing process began with review of: 1) the management practices, resulting in purpose and significance of Colorado current resource conditions and visitor National Monument, 2) stakeholders and opportunities and the logical their points of view, 3) the alternatives and progression of known trends over time their differences, and 4) relevant laws, (no action) policies, or other constraints. Factors • Alternative B—weave Colorado were developed that reflect the values National Monument into the regional derived from this discussion. The factors ecosystem on the northeastern edge of were then used to compare the alternatives the Colorado Plateau by pursuing (not in priority order): common stewardship goals with • Protect archeology and historic government agencies, tribes, and resources communities. While managed as a unit of the national park system for all

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Americans, the monument’s undisturbed ecosystems on the importance to and long relationship northeastern edge of the Colorado with the Grand Valley would be Plateau. Land managing agencies recognized as a foundation for its would form partnerships to provide a future. full spectrum of resource conditions • Alternative C—Colorado National and visitor opportunities. Monument would be a benchmark of

Figure 5: Results of Choosing by Advantages

Advantages of Alternatives B and C

100

90 Alt. B 80

70 Alt. C

30 Importance of Advantages

0 Safety Mission Rim Rock Drive Rock Rim Natural Resources Natural Cultural Resources Cultural General Recreation Education / Outreach Operational Efficiency Factor

Results million). Alternative B has slightly greater Alternative A was determined to have no advantages over alternative C for general advantages over the other alternatives for recreational opportunities, Rim Rock any of these factors. The estimated total Drive activities, and the health, safety, and life- cycle cost (present worth of all welfare of visitors and employees. projected costs for the next 25 years) is Alternative C had only slightly fewer total between $16.0 million and $22.9 million. advantages than alternative B, with an Alternative B had the greatest total estimated life- cycle cost between $34.9 advantages, and also the greatest life- cycle million and $37.2 million. Alternative C cost (between $39.6 million and $45.7 has slightly greater advantages over

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Figure 6: Advantages and Costs

Advantages and Cost

400

350

300

250

Alt. B 200 Alt. A Alt. C 150 Total Importance of Advantages of Importance Total 100

0 $19.5 M $36.0 M $42.6 M Average Total Life Cycle Cost alternative B for protecting cultural identified. Therefore, the deciding factor resources, protecting and improving was the ability to leverage the support and natural resources, improving education funding to implement the plan. and outreach, and improving the Alternative B is the most likely to be understanding of the NPS mission. It is implemented, because it offers greater clear that the advantages of either flexibility, greater emphasis on alternatives B or C are so significantly partnerships, and fits trends in public land greater than alternative A (no action) that management. they would be worth the increase in Environmentally Preferred Alternative projected life- cycle cost. In no action, The environmentally preferred alternative some $20 million would be spent for no is determined by applying the criteria advantages, while the $35–$45 million suggested in the National Environmental spent in alternatives B or C would greatly Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), which is improve resource conditions, visitor guided by the Council on Environmental opportunities, education and outreach, Quality (CEQ). The CEQ provides and operational efficiency. direction that “the environmentally The magnitude of difference in advantages preferable alternative is the alternative that and cost between alternatives B and C is will promote the national environmental not significant enough to reveal a clear policy as expressed in NEPA’s Section choice. Both alternatives B and C depend 101,” which are used as the criteria in Table on adequate funding, especially for 14: operations, to provide the many benefits

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Table 14: Environmentally Preferred Alternative

Environmentally Preferred Criteria Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C (1) Fulfill the responsibilities of each Poor Best—most Very good generation as trustee of the likely to be environment for succeeding implemented generations and succeed (2) Assure for all Americans safe, Poor Best—offers Very good healthful, productive, and slightly better aesthetically and culturally pleasing safety surroundings (3) Attain the widest range of Poor Best—offers Very good beneficial uses of the environment most diverse without degradations, risk to health visitor or safety, or other undesirable and opportunities unintended consequences without degradation (4) Preserve important historic, Poor Very good Best—a little cultural, and natural aspects of our stronger in national heritage, and maintain, heritage wherever possible, an environment resource that supports diversity, and variety, protection of individual choice (5) Achieve a balance between Poor Best—most for Very good population and resource use that will growing permit high standards of living and a demands while wide sharing of life’s amenities protecting resources (6) Enhance the quality of Poor Very good Best—a little renewable resources and approach stronger in the maximum attainable recycling of heritage depletable resources resource protection

Alternative A least promotes the national 6). Overall, alternative B provides the environmental policy in these criteria. strongest representation of national Alternative B tops all other alternatives in environmental policy goals and is the criteria 1), 2), 3), and 5), while alternative C environmentally preferred alternative. might be slightly stronger in criteria 4) and

185 Chapter 5: Plan Development – Written Comments on the Draft GMP/EIS

WRITTEN COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT GMP/EIS In accordance with Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, all letters from federal, state, or local agencies and American Indian tribes, as well as all substantive public comments, must be reprinted in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Responses must be provided to substantive comments. Comments meet the CEQ definition of substantive if they: • Challenge accuracy of analysis • Dispute information accuracy • Suggest different viable alternatives • Provide new information that makes a change in the proposal

In other words, comments are substantive if they raise, debate, or question a point of fact or a point of policy. Comments in favor of or against the proposed action or alternatives, or comments that only agree or disagree with NPS policy, are not considered substantive.

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COMMENTS

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COMMENTS

2 3

188 Chapter 5: Plan Development – Written Comments on the Draft GMP/EIS

RESPONSES

1 The concept of widening rim rock drive for a continuous or 2 The NPS will work with all of the surrounding communities. extensive bike or pedestrian lane was considered early in the No change to text. planning process and dismissed. In an area of such steep terrain, the environmental impacts would be substantial. The road is on 3 The concept of alternative B, preferred, as illustrated on the the national register of historic places for its character, design, map, does indicate the development of three new trailheads workmanship, and materials. Adding continuous shoulders outside the monument adjacent to BLM trails that would be would adversely affect its reasons for being included on the connected to the monument. Additional text has been added to national register. Even if environmental impacts could be this section to describe these cooperatively developed mitigated and removal of the road from the national register was trailheads. determined to be acceptable, construction costs would likely be extremely high and unlikely to be obtained. Because of the 4 Most of the discussion of an interagency information center substantial impacts and costs, the idea was dismissed from has focused on the Fruita area. The text has been revised to further consideration. identify the western entrance to the monument as the general location, because such a center should be proximate to both Alternatives B and C propose that minor modifications may be Colorado National Monument and McInnis Canyons National made for safety and would be implemented through Section 106 Conservation Area. Revisions also note the initial information consultation. These were considered to be the realistic range of project at the Colorado Department of Transportation welcome alternatives. The action alternatives also propose reducing center in Fruita. The word “big” had been changed to bicycle- vehicle conflicts with increased education and “centralized” to better describe the need. awareness. The NPS believes the best long- term solution is the improvement of Little Park Road outside of the monument to 5 The NPS will work with all of the surrounding communities. alleviate some of the commuter traffic and better accommodate No change to text. bicycles utilizing the eastern segment of Rim Rock Drive. A section has been added to Chapter 2, “Alternatives Considered and Dismissed,” to explain why this alternative was not further analyzed. Additional discussion of Little Park Road has been added to desired conditions for Rim Rock Drive in all alternatives.

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COMMENTS RESPONSES Comments noted, but no response listed here because they do not meet the CEQ definition of “substantive.”

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COMMENTS

8 6

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COMMENTS

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RESPONSES

6 The NPS consulted further with the EPA regarding these identify all alternatives that were considered, ". . . concerns and has collected some of the recommended studies specifying the alternative or alternatives which were regarding impacts of recreation on nesting birds. Because the considered to be environmentally preferable." The general management plan addresses broad management environmentally preferable alternative is the alternative concepts and does not identify specific locations for these trails, that will promote the national environmental policy as the exact impacts remain difficult to quantify at this time. expressed in NEPA's Section 101. Ordinarily, this means Specific trail routes would be located during more detailed the alternative that causes the least damage to the planning that would tier off of this GMP and would include the biological and physical environment; it also means the appropriate environmental analysis. Trails would be analyzed as alternative which best protects, preserves, and enhances a system, both existing trails and proposed improvements to historic, cultural, and natural resources. trail routes, and would carefully locate or relocate treads away The NPS considers the full law to take precedence over the later from sensitive areas. The NPS has added a commitment to more interpretation contained in subsequent regulations such as the planning in alternative B. More information about how “40 Most Asked Questions.” The NPS has considered all six of monitoring would be phased into the various management the responsibilities to the Nation expressed in NEPA’s section zones, more mitigating measures for changes to the trail system, 101 (b): and a more specific approach to addressing carrying capacity has been added to the “Implementation” section at the end of In order to carry out the policy set forth in this chapter, it Chapter 2. is the continuing responsibility of the Federal Government to use all practicable means, consistent with other essential 7 The NPS respectfully disagrees with using only the “40 Most considerations of national policy, to improve and Asked Questions Concerning CEQ’s NEPA Regulations” coordinate Federal plans, functions, programs, and question 6, 1981. The first part of the citation above (which resources to the end that the Nation may— precedes the word “Ordinarily…”) has been left out. The full (1) fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee citation is: of the environment for succeeding generations; 6a. Environmentally Preferable Alternative. What is the (2) assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and meaning of the term "environmentally preferable esthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; alternative" as used in the regulations with reference to (3) attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the Records of Decision? How is the term "environment" used environment without degradation, risk to health or safety, in the phrase? or other undesirable and unintended consequences; A. Section 1505.2(b) requires that, in cases where an EIS has been prepared, the Record of Decision (ROD) must

193 Chapter 5: Plan Development – Written Comments on the Draft GMP/EIS

(4) preserve important historic, cultural, and natural Resource Challenge, in 2000, to establish science- based aspects of our national heritage, and maintain, wherever management in parks. It is establishing a vital signs monitoring possible, an environment which supports diversity and network, and Colorado National Monument is part of the variety of individual choice; Colorado Plateau network. Specific indicators and standards (5) achieve a balance between population and resource use for the monument are being developed through that process. A which will permit high standards of living and a wide paragraph has been added to Chapter 2: “The Plan—Overall sharing of life’s amenities; and Desired Conditions (Goals), Ecological Systems, Range of Actions,” and to Chapter 2: “The Plan—Mitigating Measures, (6) enhance the quality of renewable resources and Natural Systems and Processes.” approach the maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources. The general management plan action alternatives identify qualitative desired conditions for various management zones All six criteria have been listed out and used to determine the and identify potential indicators for monitoring and identify a environmentally preferred alternative in Table 14. Alternatives B range of management actions. A new section has been added and C rate substantially higher than the “no action” alternative regarding carrying capacity (in the “Implementation” Section at when the criteria above are applied. Alternatives B and C are the end of Chapter 2), which describes a tiered approach to very close in the level of impacts, and the NPS believes that the monitoring resources and visitor experiences. This general greater emphasis on partnerships in alternative B will lead to approach will help guide many of the specific indicators and more successful long- term achievement of national standards being developed through the vital signs monitoring environmental policy. The NPS will continue to identify network. alternative B as the environmentally preferred alternative. 9 The NPS does not have more specific data available at this 8 The NPS agrees that a strong monitoring and adaptive time to complete a more detailed impact analysis, nor does the management strategy is critical to protecting park resources and NPS know at this time the exact location of the proposed trail visitor experiences. However, this general management plan is modifications. The final plan has been modified to (1) clarify intended to provide broad management guidance and does not mitigating measures that will be taken prior to any physical go into the level of detail suggested here. A section at the improvement to trails or actions that would increase use, beginning of Chapter 2, “Overall Desired Conditions (Goals),” including inventory of riparian areas, environmental assessment “Ecological Systems,” identifies desired conditions for a number of specific routes, when identified, and routing trails away from of sensitive resources, and the range of actions identifies where sensitive areas; and (2) commit in the plan to a tiered approach the NPS intends to focus inventory and monitoring efforts. The to monitoring in the monument, as discussed in previous National Park Service began a nationwide program, the Natural responses.

194 Chapter 5: Plan Development – Written Comments on the Draft GMP/EIS

COMMENTS RESPONSE Comments noted, but no response listed here because they do not meet the CEQ definition of “substantive.”

195 Chapter 5: Plan Development – Written Comments on the Draft GMP/EIS

COMMENTS RESPONSE

10 Clarification about the desired conditions and how park resources and visitor experiences will be monitored has been added to the management zones, including the “transition to NCA” zone. NPS laws and policies must fully be met in all zones. The “transition to BLM” zone was dropped, as there was too little difference between that and the primitive zone. An elaboration on carrying capacity has been added to the “Implementation” section at the end of Chapter 2.

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COMMENTS RESPONSES

11 Relatively minor changes like this could be implemented 11 under the preferred alternative, which states that minor safety improvements may be made to address severe safety problems, 12 and would be implemented through Section 106 consultation. 12 As noted, one of the complications in widening Rim Rock Drive is the effect on the historic character and materials of the road. The road is on the National Register of Historic Places for its character, design, workmanship, and materials. Adding continuous shoulders would adversely affect its reasons for being included on the National Register. In an area of such steep terrain, the environmental impacts of widening the road would be substantial. Even if environmental impacts could be mitigated and removal of the road from the National Register was determined to be acceptable, construction costs would likely be extremely high and unlikely to be obtained in the next 15–20 years, the life of this plan. The concept of widening Rim Rock Drive was considered early in the planning process and dismissed from further consideration because of the considerable impacts and costs. Alternatives B and C propose that minor modifications may be made for safety and would be implemented through Section 106 consultation. These could include things such as minor pavement widening and appropriate restriping, as suggested in the letter. These were considered to be the realistic range of alternatives. The action alternatives also propose reducing bicycle–vehicle conflicts with increased education and awareness. The NPS believes the best long- term solution is the improvement of Little Park Road outside of the monument to alleviate some of the commuter traffic and better accommodate bicycles utilizing the eastern segment of Rim Rock Drive.

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RESPONSES

12 (cont.) A section has been added to Chapter 2, “Alternatives Considered and Dismissed,” to explain why a substantial amount of road widening was not further analyzed. Additional discussion of Little Park Road has been added to desired conditions for Rim Rock Drive in all alternatives.

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RESPONSES

13 The 1976 legislation has been added to Appendix A.

14 Research has shown that indeed these parcels are owned by the NPS but located outside of the authorized boundary. Appendix C: “Boundary Adjustments,” has been modified to propose that these parcels be included in a boundary adjustment.

201 Chapter 5: Plan Development – Bibliography

BIBLIOGRAPHY Andrews, Robert, and Robert Righter 1992 Colorado Birds: A Reference to Their Distribution and Habitat, Denver Museum of Natural History, Denver, Colorado. Baars, Donald L. 1998 The Mind- Boggling Scenario of the Colorado National Monument, Canyon Publishers, Grand Junction, Colorado. Bailey, Robert G. 1996 Ecosystem Geography, Springer- Verlag New York, Inc. New York, New York. Belnap, Jayne 1997 Cryptobiotic Soils: Holding the Place in Place. Climate Change and Impact of Land Use Web Conference. U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior. Global Change Research Web Page. http://geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/biology/crypto/ Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior 1998 Ruby Canyon/Black Ridge Integrated Resource Management Plan, Grand Junction District, Grand Junction Resource Area, Grand Junction, Colorado. 2000 State Director's Sensitive Species List; Information Bulletin No. CO- 2000- 014 (E- mail Transmission April 14, 2000, to Center and Field Office Managers), Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Office, Lakewood, Colorado. 2003 Internal Draft Management Situation Analysis for the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area and Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, Grand Junction Field Office, Grand Junction, Colorado. Center for Business and Economic Forecasting, Inc. 2001 Tourism Jobs Gain Ground in Colorado, 1999 Estimates of State and County Tourism Jobs. http://www.dlg.oem2.state.co.us/demog/Economy/IndustryData/Tourism/Tourism9 9.pdf City of Fruita, Colorado 2003 City of Fruita Home Page, http://www.fruita.org/cityhome.htm City of Grand Junction, Colorado. 2003 City of Grand Junction Home Page. http://www.ci.grandjct.co.us Colorado Air Quality Control Commission 1994 Colorado Ambient Air Quality Standards, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Colorado Department of Local Affairs 2003 Strengthening Colorado Communities. http://www.dola.state.co.us Colorado Division of Wildlife 2003a Natural Diversity Information Source: Wildlife Species. Web page: http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/wildlife.asp

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2003b Species Conservation: Colorado Listing of Endangered, Threatened and Wildlife Species of Special Concern. Web page: http://wildlife.state.co.us/species_cons/list.asp Colorado National Monument Association 2003a Colorado National Monument Association Home Page. http://www.coloradonma.org/bookstore.htm 2003b From the Past into the Future: Building Rim Rock Drive, available at Colorado National Monument. Colorado Natural Heritage Program 1999 Conservation Status Handbook; Colorado’s Animals, Plants and Plant Communities of Special Concern. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University. Fort Collins, Colorado. n.d. Statewide List of Tracked Species and Communities, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program Home Page. Fort Collins, Colorado. http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/ Colorado Rare Plant Technical Committee 1999 Colorado Rare Plant Field Guide, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University. Fort Collins, Colorado. Web page: http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/rareplants/cover.html Decker, Peter R. 2004 “The Utes Must Go”: American Expansion and the Removal of a People, Fulcrum Publishing. Ecological Society of America 2000 Ecosystem Services Fact Sheet, Ecological Society of America Web Page: Washington, DC. http://www.esa.org/education/edupdfs/ecosystemservices.pdf Ehrlich, Paul R., David S. Dobkin, and Daryl Wheye 1988 The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds, Simon and Schuster, New York, New York. Endangered Species Information System 1996 Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus, Fish and Wildlife Information Exchange, Virginia Tech University. Web page: http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/WWW/esis/ Graham, Van K. (Preparer) 1997 Desert Bighorn Sheep Plan: Black Ridge Herd Unit Revision, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area, Colorado National Monument. Grand Junction, Colorado. Grahame, John D., and Thomas D. Sisk, editors 2002 Canyons, Cultures, and Environmental Change: An Introduction to the Colorado Plateau, http://www.cpluhna.nau.edu Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau 2003 Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau Home Page, www.visitgrandjunction.com Grand Valley Audubon Society 1990 Birds of Colorado National Monument, Fruita, Colorado, Colorado National Monument Association, National Park Service. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological

203 Chapter 5: Plan Development – Bibliography

Resources Division, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page. Jamestown, North Dakota. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/othrdata/chekbird/r6/frutia.htm (Version 02DEC99) Houk, Rose 1987 A Guide to the Rimrock Drive, Colorado National Monument, Colorado National Monument Association, Fruita, Colorado. Lee, Dr. Marty, and Kameren Fuller 2003 Colorado National Monument Visitor Survey, Draft Final Report, prepared for the National Park Service by the School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. Lee, Dr. Marty, Andrew Stephens, and Kameren Fuller 2003 Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area User Study, prepared for the Bureau of Land Management by the School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. McNab, W. Henry, and Peter E. Avers (Compilers) 1994 Ecological Subregions of the United States, WO-WSA-5. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service Web Page. http://www.fs.fed.us/ Mesa County 2003 Mesa County, Colorado, Home Page. www.co.mesa.co.us Miller, Scott G., Richard L. Knight, and Clinton K. Miller 1998 Influence of Recreational Trails on Breeding Bird Communities, Ecological Applications, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp. 162–169. Miller, Scott G., John A. Wiens, N. Thompson Hobbs, and David M. Theobald 2003 Effects of Human Settlement on Bird Communities in Lowland and Riparian Areas of Colorado (USA), Ecological Applications, Volume 13, Issue 4, pp. 1041–1059. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior 1990 Resource/Boundary Evaluation for Lands Adjacent to Colorado National Monument, Copy available at NPS Denver Service Center Technical Information Center. 1997 Director’s Order 28, Cultural Resource Management Guideline. Copy available at NPS Denver Service Center Technical Information Center. 1999 Director's Order - 12, Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Decision Making. Copy available at NPS Denver Service Center Technical Information Center. 2000 Comprehensive Interpretive Plan, Colorado National Monument. Available at Colorado National Monument. 2001a The National Parks: Index 2002–2003, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 2001b National Park Service Management Policies, copy available at NPS Denver Service Center Technical Information Center. 2002a Geoindicators Scoping Report for Colorado National Monument (Draft), Geologic Resources Division, National Park Service, Lakewood, Colorado.

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2002b Plan for Natural Resources Monitoring, Northern Colorado Plateau Vital Signs Network and Prototype Cluster, Moab, Utah. 2003a Colorado National Monument, Archeological Sites Management Information System (AMIS), available at Colorado National Monument. 2003b Colorado National Monument, Automated National Catalog System (ANCS), available at Colorado National Monument. 2003c Colorado National Monument, List of Classified Structures (LCS), available at Colorado National Monument. 2003d Colorado National Monument, National Register Information System (NRIS), available at Colorado National Monument. 2003e Public Use Statistics. http://www2.nature.nps.gov/stats/ n.d.a Colorado National Monument Water Rights Docket #1 and Water Rights Docket #2. Water Resources Division, Fort Collins, Colorado. n.d.b Species Lists of Amphibians, Reptiles, Mammals, and Plants, Colorado National Monument (unpublished). NatureServe 2003 Online Encyclopedia of Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems of the U.S. and Canada, NatureServe ( a nonprofit conservation organization and network), Arlington, Virginia. Web page: http://www.natureserve.org/ Opler, Paul A. (Coordinator) 1999 Insects and Related Arthropods of North America, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Home Page. Jamestown, North Dakota. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/1999/insect/insect.htm (Version 26JUN2002). Parker, Troy Scott 2004 Natural Surface Trails by Design: Physical and Human Essentials of Sustainable, Enjoyable Trails, Natureshape LLC. Radle, Lyn ca. 1998 The Effect of Noise on Wildlife: A Literature Review (ca. 1998), World Forum for Acoustic Ecology, Web page at University of Oregon, Eugene Oregon. http://interact.uoregon.edu/MediaLit/wfae/home/index.html Reed, Alan D., and Michael D. Metcalf 1999 Colorado Prehistory: A Context for the Northern Colorado River Basin, Colorado Council of Archeologists, Denver. Rocchio, Joe, Georgia Doyle, Peggy Lyon, and Denise Culver 2002 Survey of Critical Wetlands and Riparian Areas in Mesa County, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University. Fort Collins, Colorado. Rogers, Elizabeth 2003 Prairie Dog Survey, Colorado National Monument (Unpublished Report).

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Schoch- Roberts, Lisa 1997 A Classic Western Quarrel: A History of the Road Controversy at Colorado National Monument, Cultural Resources Selection, No. 10, Intermountain Region, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Scott, Rebecca L, Vincent L. Santucci, and Tim Conners 2001 An Inventory of Paleontological Resources form the National Parks and Monuments in Colorado, in V. L. Santucci and L. McClelland, (editors), Proceedings of the 6th Fossil Conference, National Park Service Geologic Resources Division, Technical Report NPS/NRGRD/GRDTR- 01/01, pp. 178–202. Scott, Robert B., Anne E. Harding, William C. Hood, Rex D. Cole, Richard F. Livaccari, James B. Johnson, Ralph R. Shroba, and Robert P. Dickerson 2001 Geologic Map of Colorado National Monument and Adjacent Areas, Mesa County, Colorado, Geologic Investigations Series I- 2740, National Park Service and Colorado National Monument Association. U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior. Sonoran Institute 2002 Population, Employment, Earnings, and Personal Income Trends, Mesa County, Colorado, Sonoron Institute, Northwest Office, Bozeman, Montana. Southern Ute 2003 The Southern Ute Home Page. http://www.southern- ute.nsn.us/ Stein, Taylor V., and Martha E. Lee 1995 Ruby Canyon–Black Ridge User Study, prepared for the Bureau of Land Management by the School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona. Trails and Wildlife Taskforce, Colorado State Parks and Hellmund Associates 1998 Planning Trails with Wildlife in Mind, A Handbook for Trail Planners. http://parks.state.co.us/ Trimble, Stephen 1981 Rim of Time, the Canyons of Colorado National Monument, Colorado National Monument Association, Fruita, Colorado. Trujillo, Kelli C., and Margaret Imhof, and Zachary Walke. 2004 Report on 2004 Paleontological Survey and Inventory Management Plan, Colorado National Monument, Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, copy available at Colorado National Monument. Urban Wildlands Group, The and UCLA Institute of the Environment 2002 Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting, Conference Program and Abstracts, The Urban Wildlands Group Web page, Los Angeles, California. http://www.urbanwildlands.org/ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior 1997 A System for Mapping Riparian Areas in the Western United States, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory Center, National Wetlands Inventory Web Page. Saint Petersburg, Florida. http://wetlands.fws.gov/ 2002 DeBeque Phacelia, Candidate and Listing Priority Assignment Form. Grand Junction, Colorado.

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2003 Notice of Availability of the Post- Delisting Monitoring Plan for the American Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum), Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 232. Wednesday, December 3, 2003. Washington, DC. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Marine Fisheries Service 1998 Endangered Species Consultation Handbook, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Final Procedures for Conducting Section 7 Consultations and Conferences, March 1998. Ute Mountain Ute 1999 The Ute Mountain Ute Home Page. http://www.utemounainute.com/ Western Regional Climate Center n.d. Colorado National Monument Climate Summary–Station 051772 (1948–2001), Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Western Regional Climate Center Web Page. Reno Nevada. http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/ Wheeler, Ray 2003 The Colorado Plateau Region, Web pages adapted from: Wilderness at the Edge: A Citizen Proposal to Protect Utah's Canyons and Deserts, Utah Wilderness Coalition, Salt Lake City, 1990, pp. 97–104. http://www.cpluhna.nau.edu/Places/places.htm Woytek, Steven M. 1998 “John Otto: More Than a Misunderstood Visionary,” Journal of the Western Slope, Volume 13, Number 4, Grand Junction, Mesa State College Colorado.

207 Chapter 5: Plan Development – List of Preparers

LIST OF PREPARERS PREPARERS OF THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN Preparers of the document were involved in the consultations, public meetings, planning team meetings, development of alternatives, identification of impacts, and writing various sections of the plan. Additional specific impacts are identified below. Colorado National Monument Judi Lofland, (former) Museum Technician, General Cultural Resource Manager. Assisted with planning for, analysis of, and impacts to cultural resources. B.S. (Communication Education), 8 years with NPS, all at Colorado National Monument. Bruce Noble, Superintendent (starting June 2004). Participated in bringing the GMP from its draft to final stage, with particular emphasis on the response to public comments, tribal consultation, and final edits. B.A. and M.A. (History), 19 years with the National Park Service. Dave Price, Chief of Resources Management. Assisted with planning for, analysis of, and impacts to natural and cultural resources. B.S., M.A. (Environmental Education), 26 years with the National Park Service. John Tordoff, Facility Manager. Assisted with planning and analysis of facilities and infrastructure, development of cost estimates. B.S. (Civil Engineering), 21 years with the National Park Service. Palma Wilson, (former) Superintendent (January 2001 until May 2004). Contributed to all aspects of monument resource protection, visitor opportunities, and management aspects of the GMP and EIS. B.A. (Biology), 27 years with the National Park Service. Shirley Winterhalder, Administrative Officer. Assisted with administration and budget aspects of the plan and EIS. Employed with the National Park Service for the past 21 years, all in the Budget/Financial Management and Human Resource fields. Ron Young, Chief Ranger, Interpretation and Visitor Protection. Assisted with visitor opportunities and visitor safety aspects of the plan and EIS. B.S. (Biology), 30 years with the National Park Service. Intermountain Support Office, National Park Service Adrienne Anderson, Archeologist. Assisted with history, prehistory, and cultural resource aspects of the GMP and EIS. M.A., Ph.D. (Anthropology), 33 years with the National Park Service. Neil DeJong, Chief of Interpretation and Education. Assisted with visitor opportunity aspects throughout the GMP and EIS. B.A., M.S. (Conservation Education), 27 years with the National Park Service. Suzanne Stutzman, Landscape Architect/Planner. Served as job captain providing overall coordination of the project; writing major chapters of plan; analysis of impacts to visitors, socioeconomics, neighbors, monument operations; preparation of cost estimates. B.S., M.L.A. (Landscape Architecture), 27 years with the National Park Service.

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Contract to the National Park Service Linda Carlson, Editor (Contracted Services, Carlson Editing) Thomas C. Wylie, Natural Systems Program Services. Responsible for planning and analysis of natural resources, including impact analysis. B.A. (Botany), 35 years with the National Park Service (retired).

CONTRIBUTORS AND CONSULTANTS Other people contributed to the preparation of the general management plan or were consulted at various phases. NPS—Colorado National Monument Lisa Claussen, Biological Technician Todd Overbye, Office Administration Clerk Hank Schoch, (former) Chief Ranger Leslie Spomer, Automation Clerk NPS Intermountain Support Office, Denver Laurie Domler, Environmental Compliance Specialist Lori Kinser, Visual Information Specialist Ifer McCollom, Geographic Information Systems Specialist Cay Ogden, Wildlife Ecologist and Threatened and Endangered Species Coordinator James Sharum, Realty Specialist Chris Turk, Regional Environmental Quality Coordinator NPS—Peer Reviewers Chas Cartwright, Superintendent, Dinosaur National Monument, UT George Helfrich, Superintendent, Fort Laramie National Historic Site, WY Others Colorado Division of Wildlife Shaun Deeney, District Wildlife Manager National Park Service, Natural Resource Program Center, Washington Office (Denver/Fort Collins, Colorado) Air Resources Division Geologic Resources Division Natural Sounds Program Water Resources Division U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Field Office, Grand Junction, Colorado Gene Arnesen, Outdoor Recreation Planner Greg Gnesios, Manager (retired) Wade Johnson, Interpretive Specialist Catherine Robertson, Field Office Manager Jane Ross, Planner

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Denver, Colorado Brad Crowder, Ecosystems Protection and Remediation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Grand Junction, Colorado Terry Ireland, Fish and Wildlife Biologist Ellen Mayo, Botanist Louanne McMartin, Fish and Wildlife Biologist

210

Appendix A: Legislation

APPENDIXES

APPENDIX A: LEGISLATION

213 Appendix A: Legislation

214 Appendix A: Legislation

215 Appendix A: Legislation

216 Appendix A: Legislation

217 Appendix A: Legislation

218 Appendix A: Legislation

219 Appendix A: Legislation

220 Appendix A: Legislation

221 Appendix A: Legislation

90 Stat. 2732 Public Law 94- 578 – Oct. 21, 1976

Public Law 94- 578

94th Congress

An Act Oct. 21, 1976

[H.R. 13713] To provide for increases in appropriation ceilings and

National Park System. boundary changes in certain units of the National Park System, Appropriation ceilings and for other purposes. increase; boundary changes. Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress Assembled,

TITLE I – ACQUISITION CEILING INCREASES

(not applicable)

TITLE II – DEVELOPMENT CEILING INCREASES

(not applicable)

TITLE III – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 302. (a) The Secretary of the Interior is authorized Publications in Federal to designate by publication of a map or other boundary Register description in the Federal Register certain areas of scenic, historic, and geological significance including portions of No Thoroughfare Canyon and Red Canyon, but not to exceed two

thousand eight hundred acres, for addition to Colorado

Land acquisition. National Monument, Colorado. Within the areas so designated the Secretary may acquire lands and interest therein by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. Property so acquired and any Federal property so designated shall thereupon become part of the Colorado National Monument, subject to the laws and regulations applicable to the monument. Appropriation (b) There is authorized to be appropriated not to authorization. exceed $460,000 for the acquisition of lands and interests therein.

(other sections not applicable)

222 Appendix B: Laws and Policies

APPENDIX B: LAWS AND POLICIES GUIDING MANAGEMENT OF COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT Parkwide • National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (42 USC 4321) • National Park Service Management Policies, 2001 ° Foundation ° Park System Planning ° Land Protection ° Natural Resource Management ° Cultural Resource Management ° Wilderness Preservation and Management ° Interpretation and Education ° Use of the Parks ° Park Facilities ° Commercial Visitor Services • National Park Service Organic Act of 1916 (16 USC 1) • National Park Services Park Planning Guideline (Director’s Order 2, 1998) • National Parks and Recreation Act of November 10, 1978 (16 USC §1 et seq.) • Redwoods Act of March 27, 1978 (16 USC §§1a- 1, 79a- q) • 36 CFR 2.1 Preservation of Natural, Cultural, and Archeological Resources

Natural Resources • Aircraft Overflights Study Act of 1987 (PL 101- 91, 101 Stat. 674) • Analysis of Impacts on Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands in Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, E.S. 80- 3, 08/11/80, 45 FR 59189 • Bald and Golden Eagles Protection Act, as amended (16 USC 668- 668d) • Clean Air Act, as amended (42 USC §7401 et seq.) • Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 USC 1531- 1543) • Executive Order 11514: Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality, as amended by EO 11991, 40 CFR • Executive Order 11988: Floodplain Management, 42 FR 26951, 3 CFR 121 (Supp. 177) • Executive Order 11990: Protection of Wetlands, 42 FR 16961, # CFR 121 (Supp. 177) • Executive Order 13112: Invasive Species • Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), as amended (33 USC 1251) • Safe Drinking Water Act (42 USC 201) • Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act

Cultural Resources • Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s implementing regulations regarding the “Protection of Historic Properties” (36 CFR 800) • American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 (42 USC 1996) • Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 USC 470) • Executive Order 11593: Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, 3 CRF 1971 • Executive Order 13007, May 24, 1996, Indian Sacred Sites • Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 (25 USC 450- 451n, 455- 458e)

223 Appendix B: Laws and Policies

• Memorandum of Agreement among the NPS, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Council of State Historic Preservation Officers (1995) • Museum Properties Act of 1955 • National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 USC 470) • National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Management Guideline (Director’s Order 28, 1998) • National Park Service’s Museum Handbook • Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (25 USC 3001- 3013) • Presidential Memorandum of April 29, 1994, Government- to- Government Relations with Native American Tribal Governments • Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation

Wilderness Resources • National Park Services Reference Manual 41, Wilderness Preservation and Management (1999) • National Park Service’s Wilderness Preservation and Management Guideline (Director’s Order 41, 1999) • Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 USC §§ 1131- 1136)

Visitor Understanding and Appreciation • Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101) • Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) • National Park Service’s Wilderness Accessiblility for Park Visitors Guideline (Director’s Order 40, 2000) • Rehabilitation Act (29 USC 701 et seq.) • Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations

Facilities • Department of Interior regulations • Federal Employees and Facilities Act (5 U.S.C. 5911) • Government Furnished Housing Guidelines (DO- 36) • Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design (1993) • Office of Management and Budget Circulars A- 18, A- 25, and A- 45

Boundary Modifications • Public Law 101- 628, Section 1216 (1990)

224 Appendix B: Laws and Policies

Colorado National Monument “Memorandum Opinion and Order in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado,” 2 May 1986, Judge Richard P. Matsch, in John R Wilkenson v. Department of the Interior of the United States, et al. (Civil Action No. 81- M- 1825) and Board of County Commissioners of Mesa County, Colorado, et al., v. James Watt, et al. (Civil Action No. 82- M- 2171). “Ordered, adjudged, and decreed, that a public right- of- way exists in the portion of Rim Rock Drive extending from the East Entrance of Colorado National Monument to the Glade Park Cut- Off, connecting the DS Road in Glade Park with the Monument Road to Highway 340, and the use of that road for the purpose of continuous travel through the Monument is a nonrecreational use for which no entrance fee may be lawfully charged, and the defendants (NPS) are enjoined from charging any such fee or otherwise preventing such nonrecreational use of the roadways.”

225

Appendix C: Boundary Adjustments

APPENDIX C: BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS As part of the planning process, the NPS and Red Canyons, not to exceed 2,800 identifies and evaluates boundary acres. (See Appendix A: “Legislation”) adjustments that might be necessary or There are three types of adjustments desirable in order to carry out the proposed with both alternatives B and C: purposes of the park unit. In 1989, (1) resolve discrepancies with adjacent Congress directed the NPS to conduct a private landowners; (2) correct errors study of public lands adjacent to Colorado from past boundary adjustments that National Monument for possible inclusion inadvertently excluded NPS lands; and (3) within NPS boundaries. This expand the boundary at two locations to comprehensive study found that the allow acquisition of public land that could additional area met criteria for inclusion in be used to improve trailheads. the national park system (Resource/Boundary Evaluation for Lands There is a need to address a number of Adjacent to Colorado National Monument, minor discrepancies to the boundary with NPS 1990), however, legislation to expand adjacent private landowners. These Colorado National Monument to include include survey corrections, fence these lands was never enacted. The adjustments, clarification of adjacent BLM lands were later designated proclamations, and settling unclear title as Colorado Canyons National claims. They involve relatively minor Conservation Area (whose name was acreage immediately adjacent to the changed in January 2005 to McInnis monument, primarily along the urbanized Canyons National Conservation Area). northeastern edge of the monument. The NPS will continue to research the issues With the major boundary issue settled, this and address them with local landowners, examination of boundary adjustments is and if necessary, technical corrections focused on minor improvements to the legislation. monument. Colorado National Monument was established by Presidential There are two parcels of National Park Proclamation No. 1126, May 24, 1911, 37 Service land on the northeastern edge of Stat. 1681 (President William Howard the monument that were inadvertently Taft). The boundary included 13,833.06 excluded from the boundary between the acres. Land was added to the boundary by original 1911 Presidential Proclamation and Presidential Proclamation No. 2037, the subsequent Presidential Proclamations March 3, 1933, 47 Stat. 2563 (President of 1933 and 1959. They total about 44 acres Herbert Hoover). The boundary was and are managed and protected by the changed again by Presidential National Park Service. The boundary Proclamation No. 3307, August 7, 1959 would be revised through legislation to (President Dwight D. Eisenhower), this include the parcels. time to exclude lands. The excluded lands The third boundary adjustment involves remained within the Department of expanding the boundary through Interior (eventually BLM), however, two legislation that would permit the tracts excluded from the boundary acquisition of about 140 acres of public remained in NPS ownership. Congress land near existing trailheads. Both expanded the boundaries on October 21, alternatives B and C of this general 1976, in §302 of Public Law 94- 578. It management plan propose to acquire three authorized Colorado National Monument parcels of land on the perimeter of the to acquire areas of scenic, historic, and monument to improve access for visitors geologic significance in No Thoroughfare

227 Appendix C: Boundary Adjustments

and administration. Two parcels of BLM Mesa County is contiguous with NPS land land are adjacent to the monument on the and the BLM land adjacent to Monument urbanized northeast edge, but not Canyon. Acquisition of these parcels by contiguous with any other BLM land. the NPS would provide the opportunity to They are located at two of the most improve and slightly expand parking at popular lower perimeter trailheads— popular access points to the monument. Monument Canyon and Liberty Cap. In Acquisition of this parcel would be by fact, the parking for Lower Liberty Cap donation from the county or a third party, trail is located on one of the BLM parcels. such as a land trust. Conditions of The NPS would seek an administrative acceptance include resolution of potential transfer of these lands for monument hazardous materials issues. purposes. A third parcel belonging to

Table 15: Proposed Boundary Adjustments

Map Location Owner Acres Acquisition Method Number 1 Lower Liberty BLM 82.86 Fee simple by administrative Cap trailhead transfer 2 Lower NPS 3.52 Adjust boundary to include parcel Monument Canyon 3 Lower BLM 39.62 Adjust boundary to include parcel; Monument acquire in fee simple by Canyon trailhead administrative transfer 4 Lower Mesa 17.90 Adjust boundary to include parcel, Monument County acquire in fee simple by donation Canyon trailhead (by county or third party)* *conditions of acceptance include resolution of potential hazardous material issues 5 Lizzard Canyon NPS 40.00 Adjust boundary to include parcel not Northeastern NPS, Additional minor boundary mapped monument various adjustments as discrepancies are boundaries private resolved landowners

228 Appendix C: Boundary Adjustments

229 Appendix C: Boundary Adjustments

In accordance with NPS management • Other alternatives for management and policies, boundary adjustments which resource protection are not adequate. propose to acquire new land may be For the first criterion of feasibility to recommended to: administer, all three parcels are of a size • Protect significant resources and and configuration that would not add a values, or to enhance opportunities for burden to current staff to maintain and public enjoyment related to park protect. The National Park Service is purposes; currently maintaining and managing these • Address operational and management trailheads. Impacts of visitor use are issues, such as the need for access or already occurring in the neighborhood, the need for boundaries to correspond and improved facilities would likely to logical boundary delineations, such increase NPS management’s ability to as topographic or other natural mitigate noise and trespass associated with features or roads; or current use. There are concerns that the • Otherwise protect park resources that Mesa County parcel could contain are critical to fulfilling park purposes. hazardous substances because of its former use as a landfill. The NPS would Each of the three parcels meets the second not accept transfer of the property until criteria of addressing operational and thorough study and mitigation ensured management issues, specifically the need that the property did not contain any for access. Parking at the lower hazardous substances. The impacts are Monument Canyon and Liberty Cap analyzed in the “Environmental Impact” trailheads is currently very limited, and the section of the plan. general management plan proposes to The second criterion is that other make improvements such as more management alternatives are not adequate. organized and efficient delineation of Other alternatives could include: parking, slight expansion of capacity, better information kiosks, and a self- • Acquisition of less- than- fee real contained toilet at Monument Canyon. property interests, such as easements These changes would significantly or rights- of- way; and improve visitor opportunities to enjoy the • Cooperative approaches, such as spectacular canyons and formations of cooperative agreements, participation Colorado National Monument and in regional consortiums, local planning enhance NPS staff’s ability to manage and zoning processes, or other resources and protect visitors and measures that do not involve federal neighbors. acquisition of any interest in real property. All recommendations for boundary changes must meet the following two The purpose of acquiring these parcels is criteria: to make improvements and investment in • The added lands will be feasible to facilities to enhance visitor enjoyment. It administer, considering their size, is difficult to justify expenditure of federal configuration, and ownership, and money on less- than- fee real property hazardous substances, costs, the views interests or cooperative agreements. The of and impacts on local communities other methods of acquisition would not be and surrounding jurisdictions, and adequate to make these important other factors such as the presence of improvements to visitor enjoyment at the exotic species; and monument.

230 Appendix C: Boundary Adjustments

Conclusion inclusive of these changes, which involve a total of less than 200 acres. The NPS In alternatives B and C, The NPS will would then seek administrative transfer of pursue minor boundary adjustments to the two BLM parcels and would seek to resolve minor discrepancies with acquire the Mesa County parcel by neighbors, include NPS lands donation or third party (such as a land inadvertently excluded from the trust), provided it can be proven to be free boundary, and to allow for acquisition of of or mitigated from hazardous materials. three public parcels to improve trailheads at Lower Liberty Cap and Monument Canyon. The NPS will seek legislation

231 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

APPENDIX D: CULTURAL RESOURCES—LIST OF CLASSIFIED STRUCTURES

Table 16: List of Classified Structures at Colorado National Monument (November 2004)

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number Saddlehorn Caretaker's B01 6517 Rustic style rectangular, one-story red sandstone house Residence with divided light windows and gabled roof with wood shakes. The home has a sandstone fireplace. Saddlehorn Caretaker's B01.A 317638 Circular drive with sandstone curbing leading to B01 Residence Drive & Curbing Caretaker's Residence. Saddlehorn Caretaker's B02 6518 Square, one-story garage with red sandstone block walls, Garage gabled roof with cedar shakes, divided light windows and on northside double wood-paneled overhead door with 5 lights. Saddlehorn Comfort B03 100038 One-story rectangular sandstone comfort station w/ Station concrete foundation and gabled roof. The comfort station includes a concrete floor with 4 flush toilets on the women's side and 3 toilets and one urinal on the men's side. Saddlehorn Utility Area B04 52755 Rectangular (61'X33'), one-story open storage, red Road & Trails Shop sandstone structure with overhead doors and 9 light steel sash windows on gable end walls. Saltbox roof covered with cedar shingles. Saddlehorn Utility Area B05 51529 Rectangular, one-story, red sandstone block walls, gable Oil House roof w/cedar shingles, 6 light steel sash windows and 2 vertical wood plank doors . Saddlehorn Utility Area B05.A 317659 Sandstone island with walkway and curbing around oil Oil House Island & house B04. The island measures 30'-6" x 34'-6" square and Curbing has rounded off corners. Saddlehorn Utility Area B06 6522 Rectangular, one-story open storage, red sandstone Open Storage Building structure with 7 bays, overhead doors and 9 light steel sash windows on end walls. Saltbox roof covered with cedar shingles. Saddlehorn Utility Area B07 6519 Rectangular, one-story building, sandstone block walls, Building & Utilities Shop gable roof w/cedar shingles. Primary facade (SE) has one 8-light overhead garage door and one 15-light steel sash windows, four 12-light steel sash windows. Saddlehorn Utility Area B08 101770 Small covered fuel island. Concrete foundation with 2 Fuel Island sandstone columns supporting narrow rectangular gable roof, cedar shingles. 3 Fuel pumps. Visitor Center B41 52109 Visitor Center is a 3,000 sq. ft., 1-story rectangular building with basement. Faced with stone masonry on a poured concrete foundation. Partially, gabled roof of semi-monitor construction with clerestory windows facing southeast. Flagstone entrance and viewing area. Visitor Center Mather B41.A 317877 Located in the front of the Visitor Center, this feature is Plaque two-tiered, wet-laid sandstone plinth with bronze plaque commemorating Stephen Mather. The stone pedestal measures 13'6" L x 1'6" W x 2' H. Visitor Center Parking Lot, B41.B 317883 Primary parking area for the Colorado National Curbs, and Sidewalks Monument Visitor Center. The parking lot enters and exits onto Rim Rock Drive. The design consists of a slightly

232 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number curving site plan, integral curbing, and sidewalks.

Visitor Center Flagpole B41.C 317892 Brushed aluminum flagpole about 20 feet tall, mounted on a 5'-tall steel base structure. Visitor Center Overlook B41.D 317905 Overlook is accessed by a sidewalk starting at the Visitor and Walkway Center back porch. The sidewalk curves and is 6' wide. There are 4 sections of steps down to the overlook area. Devil's Kitchen Picnic B48 22605 One-story irregular shaped building with 2 wings Shelter protruding from central open section. The building has three distinct sections, each with its own brick fireplace. Walls and fireplaces of native red sandstone. Devil's Kitchen Parking B48.A 317928 Oval parking lot lined with sandstone curbing and center Lot and Sandstone island at the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. Curbing Book Cliff Overlook B51 52112 Fan-shaped, one-story structure overlooking the Bookcliffs. Walls are random coursed, ashlar laid sandstone with concrete mortar. Roof consists of five glue-lam beams projecting from the back wall and resting on the front walls with a asphalt roof on the front 50%. Bison Fence and Related FENCE-02 52744 7'4" woven wire fence supported by steel posts set in Features concrete footings. Topped with 3 strands of barbed wire. 1 vehicle gate. Extends for 7.3 miles along NE boundary of park. Rim Rock Drive Concrete M00.24 102319 M00.24 is a large culvert with concrete drop inlet and a Drop Inlet with CMP CMP with rock lain outlet. The inlet opening is 4' in diameter, and 10' deep. The outlet has a rock-lined diversion ditch. Fruita Reservoir Diversion M00.25 102320 M00.25 is a dual corrugated metal pipe culvert with two Ditch Dual Culverts three-foot diameter CMPs and a reinforced concrete headwall on both the inlet and outlet. It acted as a pressure relief point for the Fruita Canyon Reservoir north of the Rim Rock Road. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M00.55 102321 M00.55 drainage tunnel is a large, bored tunnel into solid Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet rock and accessed by a drop inlet with metal grate and dry-laid rock retaining wall. Opening is approximately 8' x 8' x 10' deep with a horizontal shaft that runs to daylight on the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M00.83 102322 M00.83 is both a guard wall and retaining wall. The rustic Wall w/ Guard Wall style feature consists of large, roughly quarried sandstone slabs and boulders laid horizontal. There is a 20'-long dry- laid retaining wall located below 99' of mortared guard wall. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M01.08 102326 M01.08 is an approximately 10' high and 136' long Wall w/ Guard Wall retaining wall and guard wall. It is constructed of irregular sized sandstone blocks with both dry-laid and wet-laid masonry. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M01.14B 102328 M01.14B is both a retaining wall and guard wall that is Wall w/ Guard Wall 136' long. It is constructed of irregular sized sandstone blocks with both dry-laid and wet-laid masonry. Rim Rock Drive Arched M01.77 52748 M01.77 is a single arched sandstone bridge at Balanced Stone Bridge Rock Turnout.

233 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number Rim Rock Drive Drainage M02.05 102331 M02.05 is a 2' X 3' drain portal bored vertically through Portal solid rock to carry water away from the road surface and into the canyon below. Erosion has made the opening larger than initial bore. There is an asphalt apron leading to the drain. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M02.09B 102334 M02.09B is both a retaining wall and guard wall that is and Guard Wall 50' long. It is constructed of wet-laid irregular sized sandstone blocks with a crenellated top. Rim Rock Drive Tunnel #1 M02.14 51534 M02.14, or Tunnel #1, is constructed through the solid sandstone canyon wall. The tunnel is arched and lined with gunite. The roadway through the tunnel is concrete with narrow concrete curbing flanking the roadway on each side. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M02.18 209057 M02.18 is located at the upper end of Tunnel #1 and Tunnel w/ Drop Inlets consists of two concrete drop inlets with metal grates flanking west tunnel portal. The two drains are connected by CMP leading to drainage tunnel. Rim Rock Drive Tunnel #2 M02.30 51536 M02.30, or Tunnel #2, measures 184' long and 26'-6" wide. The tunnel is blasted through solid sandstone and is unlined. The structure is arched and has a concrete roadway flanked by narrow concrete curbs. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M02.34A 209208 M02.34A consists of two concrete drop inlets with metal Tunnel w/ Drop Inlets grates at the north portal of Tunnel #2. The drains tie into drainage tunnel LCS ID# 102335 at M02.34B. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M02.34B 102335 M02.34B is a large drop inlet leading to a horizontal Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet drainage tunnel. There is a metal fence surrounding the inlet for safety purposes. Concrete drop inlets at M02.34A, LCS ID #209208 connect to this feature. Rim Rock Drive Guard M02.34C 102336 M02.34C is an irregular boulder guard wall with a small Wall w/ Retaining Wall retaining wall at the northern end. Retaining wall is 4' high. The random boulder guard wall is 286' long. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M02.50 209154 M02.50 is a dry-laid retaining wall with a wet-laid Wall w/ Stone Curbing sandstone stone curb at the Historic Trails Wayside. The pullout also has a concrete sidewalk and interpretative plaque. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M02.70 209059 M02.70 is a drainage tunnel with dry-laid stone diversion Tunnel with Diversion wall at inlet. Sandstone retaining wall measures Wall approximately 2' H x 8' L on inlet side. Rim Rock Drive Diversion M02.82A 102337 M02.82A is a diversion ditch with a rock floor and sides Ditch lined with rubble. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M02.92 102338 M02.92 is a wet-laid guard and retaining wall laid in an and Guard Wall ashlar pattern. There is a rock-lined drainage ditch leading to a drainage portal through the guard wall on one end. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M03.10B 102340 M03.10B is a dry-laid retaining wall with a wet-laid Wall w/ Guard Wall masonry guard. The sandstone blocks are irregular in shape. Rim Rock Drive Sandstone M03.45 102342 M03.45 Distant View Overlook has rustic style curbing Curbing composed of large, quarry-faced sandstone slabs and is 234' in length. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M03.57 102343 M03.57 is a wet-laid masonry guard wall with rectangular Guard Wall shaped sandstone blocks. The guard wall measures 2'

234 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number high by 361' long. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M03.72 102345 M03.72 is a wet-laid sandstone masonry guard wall. The Guard Wall wall is constructed of rectangular shaped sandstones of varying height. The wall is 2' H by 115' L.

Rim Rock Drive Masonry M03.79 209126 M03.79 is a sandstone masonry guard wall constructed of Guard Wall irregular shaped blocks. The wall measures approximately 2' H by 233' L and has two drainage portals. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M03.87 209128 M03.87 is drainage tunnel with horizontal shaft. The inlet Tunnel has a dry-laid masonry retaining wall, and the outlet is through a sandstone ledge on the mesa. The tunnel is located near the Fruita Canyon pullout. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M03.98 102355 M03.98 is a wet laid masonry guard wall constructed of Guard Wall irregular shaped sandstone blocks. The wall is approximately 2' H by 288' L. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M04.17 235079 M04.17 is a drainage tunnel with drop Inlet leading to a Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet horizontal shaft. Both the drop inlet and tunnel are mined into the sandstone. The Inlet has a metal safety grate constructed of drill bits. The grate is welded together in a grid pattern. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M04.47 102356 M04.47 is a concrete drop inlet with metal grate leading Tunnel w/ Concrete Drop to a drainage tunnel that runs under the road. The outlet Inlet has a dry-laid masonry headwall with sidewalls. The headwall is 7' H by 8' W, and the wingwalls are approximately 4' H and 12' L. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M04.60 102360 M04.60 is an ashlar retaining wall located below the road Wall and above the canyon wall. It is a dressed sandstone wall that is approximately 15' H and 140' L. It was built to support the roadbed. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M04.67 209131 M04.67 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet. Above the Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet inlet is a coursed wet-laid sandstone retaining wall, supported by a concrete beam and metal rails. There is a metal pipe grate over the inlet. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M04.68 102361 M04.68 is a dry-laid random coursed sandstone retaining Wall wall that supports the roadbed. It is located below the road and on the edge of the canyon rim. It is approximately 25' H and 100' L. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M04.85 102363 M04.85 is a wet-laid ashlar retaining wall that supports Wall the roadbed. It is located between the road and the canyon rim. The wall is approximately 10' H and 100' L. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M04.86 102370 M04.86 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet. There is a Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet large dry-laid sandstone rubble retaining wall above the inlet. The inlet has no metal grate, but does have a long handrail above the retaining wall. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M04.91 209142 M04.91 is a wet-laid masonry guard wall supported by Wall w/ Guard Wall intermittent sections of dry-laid masonry retaining walls. The wall is approximately 5' H by 521' L. The wall is constructed of large shaped sandstone blocks. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M04.99B 209168 M04.99B is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and metal Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet grate. The grate is constructed of metal piping laid out in a grid. There is an overflow CMP located on the left side of the inlet above the grate as you face the road.

235 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number Rim Rock Drive Retaining M05.05 209245 M05.05 is a wet-laid sandstone guard wall supported by a Wall w/ Guard Wall dry-laid retaining wall. The wall is approximately 8' H at the north end and 273' L. It is constructed of large shaped blocks. Rim Rock Drive CMP w/ M05.14 102371 M05.14 is a corrugated metal pipe with dry-laid headwalls Dry Laid Headwalls on both the inlet and outlet. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M05.44 102372 M05.44 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet bored Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet through solid rock. The inlet has a sandstone ashlar retaining wall. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M05.52 102373 M05.52 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and masonry Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M05.60 102374 M05.60 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and masonry Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The outlet is a horizontal shaft with a minor dry-laid masonry headwall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M05.63 102375 M05.63 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and retaining Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M05.79 102376 M05.79 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and wet-laid Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The outlet has a dry-laid headwall constructed of random sized sandstones. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M05.92 209672 M05.92 is a concrete drop inlet with metal rail grate. Inlet Tunnel w/ Concrete Drop connects to a horizontal drainage tunnel bored into the Inlet rock. The outlet drains out of the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Sandstone M06.05 102377 M06.05 is the shaped sandstone curbing at the Grandview Curbing Overlook Turnout. The wet-laid curbing follows the outline of the turnout. The curbing is approximately 1' W x 6" H and 310' L. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M06.13 102388 M06.13 is a wet-laid ashlar sandstone retaining wall with and Crenellated Guard a crenellated guard wall. Wall Rim Rock Drive Drainage M06.14 235080 M06.14 is a drainage tunnel with a concrete box drop Tunnel w/ Concrete Drop inlet with metal access hatch. The outlet is through the Inlet canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M06.19 235084 M06.19 is a drainage tunnel with a concrete box drop Tunnel w/ Concrete Drop inlet. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Inlet Rim Rock Drive Drainage M06.30 102389 M06.30 is a drainage tunnel with a drop inlet and Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet masonry retaining wall. The outlet is through canyon the wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M06.44 102390 M06.44 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and masonry Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M06.48 102392 M06.48 is a concrete retaining wall that supports a wet- Wall w/ Guard Wall laid sandstone masonry guard wall. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M06.57 102393 M06.57 is a wet-laid masonry guard wall. There is one Guard Wall drainage portal through the wall. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M06.63 102394 M06.63 is a wet-laid masonry guard wall constructed of Guard Wall dressed sandstone blocks. The wall is 2'W x 1'-6"H by 875'L. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M06.64 235085 M06.64 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet. The inlet is Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet 2'-6" in diameter and is covered by a large sandstone capstone. There is no safety grate.

236 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number Rim Rock Drive Retaining M06.91 102395 M06.91 is an irregular shaped sandstone retaining and and Guard Wall guard wall that supports fill for the road. The retaining and guard wall measures approximately 1'-6" H X 2' W and 161' L. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M07.05 102396 M07.05 is a drainage tunnel w/ drop inlet and wet-laid Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet sandstone retaining wall. The outlet is through a rock ledge and flanked by a dry laid retaining wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M07.31 102398 M07.31 is a drainage tunnel with a square concrete drop Tunnel w/ Concrete Drop inlet and metal safety grate. The bored tunnel leads to an Inlet outlet in the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive CMP w/ M07.46 102399 M07.46 is a large CMP with a wet-laid sandstone Headwall & Concrete headwall and metal safety grate. On the canyon side of Drop Inlet the road there is a concrete drop inlet with a metal grate that connects to the CMP. The outlet consists of the exposed CMP with stacked rocks surrounding it. Rim Rock Drive Diversion M07.50B 300495 M07.50B is a diversion ditch by Cleopatra's Couch Ditch formation at mileposts 7.50 to 7.70, above the road. The ditch is constructed of both wet laid and dry laid masonry and includes earthen berms. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M07.67 102400 M07.67 is a square concrete drop inlet leading to a Tunnel w/ Concrete Drop drainage tunnel. The tunnel outlet is through a rock Inlet ledge that opens into a large ravine. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M07.82 102401 M07.82 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and wet-laid Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet masonry retaining wall. The inlet has a metal safety grate made from drill bits. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M07.90 102405 M07.90 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and wet-laid Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The drop inlet leads to a large drainage tunnel that runs under the road. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M07.94 102406 M07.94 is a wet-laid guard wall at the Coke Ovens Guard Wall Overlook Turnout. There is an interpretative plaque built into the guard wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M08.03 102407 M08.03 is drainage tunnel with drop inlet. The outlet is a Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet large tunnel entrance at least 6'-7' H. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M08.15 102408 M08.15 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and a Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet combined masonry and concrete retaining wall located near the Monument Canyon Pullout and CCC Trail Trailhead. The inlet is covered by a heavy grate made of pipes. The outlet is a concrete headwall with metal shutter and flanking retaining walls. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M08.19 102409 M08.19 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and a Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet combined masonry and concrete retaining wall located near the Monument Canyon Pullout and CCC Trail Trailhead. Inlet is covered by a heavy grate made of metal angles. Outlet is a concrete headwall with metal shutter and flanking retaining walls. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M08.29 102411 M08.29 is a drainage tunnel with a large concrete apron Tunnel w/ Concrete Drop and retaining walls feeding into a square concrete drop Inlet inlet with a metal safety grate. The outlet is through a rock ledge near the canyon rim. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M08.60 102412 M08.60 is a concrete retaining wall supporting a wet-laid Wall w/ Guard Wall & masonry guard wall. The guard wall turns into the

237 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number Curb sandstone curbing at Artist's Point Pullout.

Rim Rock Drive Stone Box M08.86 102413 M08.86 is a stone box culvert built of dressed rectangular Culvert sandstone. The inlet headwall is wet-laid while the outlet headwall is dry-laid. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M09.10 102415 M09.10 is a drainage tunnel with a large concrete drop Tunnel w/ Concrete Drop inlet and metal safety fence on three sides of the Inlet opening. The outlet appears to be through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M09.81 102416 M09.81 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and retaining Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet wall. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Guard M09.91 102419 M09.91 consists of the guard wall and sandstone curbing Wall and Stone Curbing at the Highland View Pullout. A flagstone sidewalk follows the stone curbing and leads to the overlook. Rim Rock Drive CMP w/ M10.10A 235089 M10.10A is a CMP with a masonry retaining wall at the Masonry Retaining Wall outlet. The inlet is completely buried and the pipe filled with debris. The outlet is through a sandstone masonry retaining wall. Rim Rock Drive CMP w/ M10.10B 235090 M10.10B is a 3'-diameter CMP with concrete headwall. Concrete Headwall & The outlet does not have a headwall, but does have a Apron concrete apron that wraps up both sides of the CMP to retain the grade. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M10.78 102421 M10.78 is a wet-laid masonry box culvert built of coursed Box Culvert rectangular sandstone blocks. Both the inlet and outlet have masonry headwalls. The inlet has small wingwalls on both sides of headwall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M10.90 102435 M10.90 is a drainage tunnel with a horizontal shaft. Tunnel Rim Rock Drive Drainage M11.35 102436 M11.35 is a drainage tunnel with a masonry drop inlet. Tunnel w/ Stone Drop The outlet is through the canyon wall. Inlet Rim Rock Drive Drainage M11.50 102437 M11.50 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet. The outlet is Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet through the canyon wall. The inlet is covered by a safety grate built of metal pipes. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M11.59 102438 M11.59 is a drainage tunnel with a horizontal shaft. The Tunnel tunnel extends under the roadway. The opening to the tunnel is approximately 3' H x 3' W. The outlet is through a rock ledge. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M11.85A 235091 M11.85A is a masonry retaining wall located in the wash Retaining Wall in Wash on the left side of the road. The wall was designed to prevent runoff in the wash from undermining the road. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M12.16 102447 M12.16 is a drainage tunnel with a horizontal shaft. Both Tunnel the inlet and outlet are through sandstone ledges. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M12.50 102448 M12.50 is both a retaining wall and guard wall that is a Wall w/ Guard Wall total of 172' long. It is constructed of irregular sized sandstone blocks with both dry-laid and wet-laid masonry. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M12.56 102449 M12.56 is a masonry guard wall. The wall is 111' L and Guard Wall approximately 1'-4" to 2' H. It is constructed of wet-laid irregular sized sandstone blocks.

238 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number Rim Rock Drive Drainage M12.76 102450 M12.76 is a drainage tunnel with a horizontal shaft. The Tunnel tunnel inlet steps down to an approximately 9' H x 10' W opening in the sandstone. The tunnel runs under the road. The outlet is through a sandstone ledge. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M14.75 102451 M14.75 is a drainage tunnel with a masonry headwall at Tunnel the inlet. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M16.06 102478 M16.06 is a drainage tunnel with a large sandstone Tunnel retaining wall on the right side of the inlet. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Guard M16.09A 235092 M16.09A consists of guard wall, stone curbing, and stone Wall, Curbing and sidewalk at the Red Canyon Turnout. Sidewalk Rim Rock Drive Drainage M16.16 235093 M16.16 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and safety Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet grate. The outlet is on the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M16.27 235094 M16.27 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet, metal grate, Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet and masonry retaining wall. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M16.37 235095 M16.37 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and masonry Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The inlet has a metal safety grate. The outlet has a masonry sandstone wingwall and retaining wall on top of the opening. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M16.61 235096 M16.61 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and stone Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M16.80 235097 M16.80 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet. The outlet is Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M17.17 235098 M17.17 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and masonry Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The outlet is on the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M17.63 235099 M17.63 is a masonry retaining wall supporting the road Retaining Wall fill on the canyon rim. The wall is 47' L x 20' H and is made of coursed wet-laid sandstone blocks. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M17.70 235100 M17.70 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and retaining Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet wall. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M18.25 235101 M18.25 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and masonry Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M18.36 235102 M18.36 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and stone Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall. The outlet has a dry-laid sandstone retaining wall approximately 8' H x 12' L. Rim Rock Drive Masonry M18.45 235103 M18.45 is a masonry retaining wall on the canyon rim. Retaining Wall There are two distinct periods of construction based on the sizes of sandstone blocks from the left and right sides of the wall. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M18.48 235104 M18.48 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and retaining Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet wall. The outlet is through the canyon wall. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M18.58 235105 M18.58 is a masonry retaining and guard wall. The wet- and Guard Wall laid wall is 143' L x 2' H and is constructed of dressed sandstone blocks. There is a newer metal guardrail in front of the historic feature. Rim Rock Drive Drainage M18.59 235106 M18.59 is a drainage tunnel with drop inlet and stone Tunnel w/ Drop Inlet retaining wall at the East Glade Park Road Intersection. The outlet is through the canyon wall.

239 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number Rim Rock Drive Diversion M19.00 235107 M19.00 is a long diversion ditch constructed to direct Ditch water running off of slopes and prevent flooding and washouts. The ditch is approximately 5' W and is cut into the slope of the hill with the excavated material forming one side of the ditch on the downhill side. The floor of the ditch is rock. Rim Rock Drive Retaining M19.31 235108 M19.31 is a masonry retaining and guard wall. The wet- and Guard Wall laid wall is 491' L and an average of 5' H. There is a drop inlet with a metal safety grate on the uphill end of the wall. Rim Rock Drive CMP with M19.73 235109 M19.73 is a CMP with concrete headwall located at the Concrete Headwall Serpents Trail parking area. The outlet is an exposed pipe with dry stacked rocks. Rim Rock Drive CMP w/ M19.90A 235110 M19.90A is a CMP with large metal grate covering a Concrete and Stone Drop shallow concrete and stone drop box at mouth of Tunnel Inlet #3. The safety grate is constructed of metal bars. The outlet is an open CMP at cliff. Rim Rock Drive Tunnel #3 M19.90B 51537 M19.90B or Tunnel #3 is constructed through the solid sandstone canyon wall. The tunnel is arched and lined with gunite. The roadway through the tunnel is concrete with narrow concrete curbing flanking the roadway on each side. Rim Rock Drive Diversion M20.01B 235111 M20.01B is a diversion ditch at the south portal of Tunnel Ditch #3. The ditch consists of a rubble-lined portion against a sandstone outcrop, a CMP with masonry retaining wall and headwall under the road and a concrete-lined portion of ditch. Rim Rock Drive Dual CMP M22.13 235112 M22.13 is a dual CMP with masonry headwalls. with Masonry Headwalls Rim Rock Drive ROUTE-100 52103 Rim Rock Drive is a paved, two-lane, two-way, 22.42-mile- long highway that runs generally east west through Colorado National Monument. Rim Rock Drive includes the road, three tunnels, and numerous associated roadway features that were a part of the road design. Rim Rock Drive CMP w/ ROUTE-10- 235086 Type 8H-01 is a concrete drop inlet with metal grate Concrete Drop Inlet & 01 leading to a CMP. The CMP is located at the bottom of Headwall the concrete box and runs horizontally to the outlet with masonry headwall. See Documentation References for exact locations of batched features. Rim Rock Drive CMP w/ ROUTE-10- 235074 Type 8H-02 is a concrete drop inlet/recessed headwall Concrete Drop Inlet & 02 with CMP under road and masonry headwall at outlet. Headwall The typical outlet is constructed of wet-laid sandstone. See Documentation References for exact locations of batched features. Rim Rock Drive Tree Wells ROUTE-10- 102420 8H-03 is a series of sandstone tree wells located along Rim 03 Rock Drive in a variety of locations. The walls are made up of dry-laid, roughly dressed sandstones and surround native trees for protection. Rim Rock Drive Stone ROUTE-10- 102414 Type 8H-04 is a sandstone masonry headwall and drop Drop Inlet w/ CMP 04 inlet/recessed headwall with CMP. The CMP runs under the road surface and out either a dry- or wet-laid sandstone retaining wall. The outlet may have a sandstone spillway apron. See Documentation References

240 Appendix D: Cultural Resources – List of Classified Structures

Preferred Structure Structure LCS ID Short Physical Description Name Number for exact locations of batched features.

Rim Rock Drive CMP w/ ROUTE-10- 52118 Type 8H-05 is a wet- or dry-laid sandstone headwall with Masonry Headwalls 05 CMP and a wet- or dry-laid outlet headwall. The headwalls vary in width and height and may have sandstone wingwalls. This is the most common Rim Rock Road drainage feature. See Documentation References for exact locations of batched features. Rim Rock Drive Concrete ROUTE-10- 52746 Type 8H-06 is a concrete drop inlet with a metal safety Drop Inlets 06 grate. At the bottom of the concrete box is a small diameter CMP running horizontally to daylight. The outlet is typically the exposed CMP. See Documentation References for exact locations of batched features. Serpents Trail T01 6524 Approx. 1.6-mile portion of historic road, 11 ft. wide, surfaced w/crushed gravel. 21 dry-laid sandstone rubble retaining walls range from 12 to 153 ft in length. 1 mortared wall 50 ft. long, as are remnants of wooden culverts and evidence of original construction blasting. Canyon Rim Trail T05 317969 4'-wide trail from Visitor Center to Bookcliff Overlook. Galvanized steel railing along trail. Dry-laid sandstone retaining walls. One overlook at midpoint. Black Ridge Trail T06 317981 Trail is approximately 7 miles in length with various widths. Unpaved dirt trail with dry-laid stone walls—very informal in nature—and rubble fill. Trail follows natural topo.

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Appendix E: Consultation Letters

APPENDIX E: CONSULTATION LETTERS

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266 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

APPENDIX F: COORDINATION OF opportunities. It also identifies common BLM AND NPS opportunities, such as archeological surveys that span both areas. Table 17 was developed in 2003 during the planning efforts of the Bureau of Land This is a tool for managers in both Management and the National Park agencies to work together to solve mutual Service. It identifies the differences and problems, find efficiencies in cooperative commonalities for these two agencies activities, understand complementary managing public land in the same roles, serve the public more effectively, ecological and social region. It addresses and protect the greater ecosystem. natural resources, cultural resources, Managers of both agencies should visitor opportunities, and operations and periodically review the table together and compares recent visitor surveys. Some of identify specific actions that could be the differences are valuable—one agency undertaken in a joint or complementary provides for an activity or experience that manner, develop appropriate agreements, the other does not. Together, the federal and update the table. lands provide a spectrum of visitor

Table 17: BLM—NPS Differences and Commonalities (2003)

Colorado National Monument, McInnis Canyons NCA, and other adjoining BLM Lands

Topic BLM NPS Common Natural Resources Exotic plants Priority in canyons, Maintenance—stay Tamerisk coalition, river corridor later even both agencies face problem that extends outside of boundaries (grazing, private land), Western Colorado weed management; common staff, Western Colorado Conservation Corps (youth corps) continue coordination between agencies, jointly apply for funding, challenge cost share, set priorities, common inventories/mapping, common volunteers (future), education (future)

267 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common Wildlife Hunting, trapping, No hunting, limited CDOW, Fish and traditionally more habitat management Wildlife Service active habitat primarily manage; management common mandates for T & E, habitat management Common species: peregrine, elk, Gunnison sage grouse, bighorn sheep Similar goals of habitat management for fire, exotics, wildlife viewing Paleontological Significant resources Not much surveyed, Morrison formation resources identified—3 Dinosaur not much significant underlies both areas Diamond sites identified to date (interpretive paleo) Museum of Western Colorado provides curatorial storage, display, education, expertise Major interpretive Not major interpretive Part of interpretive theme; paleo accessible theme, paleo not very programs to visitors accessible to public Regional Totally dependent on No recreational paleontologist on staff outside research staff collection (NPS none, (no in-house staff) BLM interim closure and likely to continue closure in plan) Allow scientific collecting by permit; future—exchange research permits Fire Interagency fire Fire management Suppress in Black Ridge management/ management plan officer at DINO; area, interagency fuel buildup under way interagency fire agreements, annual management plan operating plan, mutual under way aid, both facing fuel- reduction programs, training (participate in each other’s programs), education, information Black Ridge is utility Likely use road as corridor, will suppress break point for wild in that area fire adjacent to NCA

268 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common Fuel reduction at Glade Dependent on BLM to Work cooperatively to Park “buffer”—by take lead in manage Glade Park Northwest Fuels suppression area on both sides of Management team boundary for fuel reduction Land/health Land/health assessment Inventory and Exchange of assessment almost finalized for monitoring network– information, future OR NCA (survey polygons inventory under way look for common Inventory and for vegetation, soils, T (Moab—northern monitoring monitoring & E, wildlife, watershed Colorado Plateau); opportunities, get land management) how baseline information health specialists

healthy compared to could be used in together with I & M potential. Wilderness monitoring and specialists; work is healthy, Rabbit potential actions; together on restoration Valley did not meet monitoring to be done projects to ensure standards; not collectively for several common goals complete for other parks to assess BLM land; NCA will use condition, individual a standard to monitor parks may monitor and adjust more as needed. management. Largely tied to grazing, done once; monitoring annually, extend beyond to recreation. Visual resources Have identified visual Have visual studies on Development and air resource management Black Ridge quality in the Grand classes at the NCA communication towers Valley affect visual resources Natural Occasional problems Air tour management Disruptive noise from Soundscape with helicopters flying plan in future (2007), interstate, aircraft, low over river including baseline data trains; NPS data and air tour management should include NCA Air quality Need information NPS had monitoring Climate, airshed; station—data, attainment? Threats including climate; poor will be common; share air quality days data with BLM; if (inversions) in Grand needed, a common Junction monitoring station could be established (e.g., Black Ridge)

269 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common Wilderness Resources 75,439 acres 13,842 acres Managed in designated 10/24/2000 recommended, 937 accordance with acres potential, not wilderness act; Black designated by Congress Ridge utility corridor separates two wilderness areas medium public low public knowledge knowledge (in (not in brochure) brochure) grazing where no grazing grandfathered dogs allowed no dogs some overnight use little overnight use No motorized use, no commercial activities except guides/outfitters horse use no permit system currently in place addressed in current management planning Cultural Resources Inventory and 15–20% archeology Historic structures— Shared monitoring surveyed, little good information, resources/human story; information on historic listing, register; Class 1 survey funded structures; archeologist Archeology—catching and under way (not on on area staff up ground —literature Archeologist in search) by BLM, Intermountain Region includes monument; opportunities to share research, education to protect; both need ethnographic information Collections Museum of Western Most at monument, Meet standard, Colorado some at WAAC; future accessibility to consolidation with researchers other agencies or NPS sites, paleo to Museum of Western Colorado Primary McDonald Creek Rim Rock Drive, historic Archeology lithic resources cultural resource area structures, corridors, scatters, rock shelters, (interpreted) —rock archeology sites rock art, art; Sieber Canyon studied

270 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common A few petroglyphs Common American Indian use, no known sacred sites Visitor Opportunities Interagency BLM office in Grand NPS will keep and Great interest (BLM, visitor Junction will continue improve existing visitor Fruita, others) in information center, also provides getting shared information on NCA; cost/grants for plan proposes to be interagency visitor partner in interagency center (esp. in Fruita) visitor center Public Lands Center in CDOT’s Colorado Visitor Center operational in 2004— electronic information center Education and Getting more funding Currently one seasonal Currently limited by outreach in FY 04; NCA has interpreter, ranger(s) budget, want to interpretive specialist, also, many volunteers; greatly expand in rangers do education; NPS program emphasis, action alternatives— Museum of Western part of “culture”; integral management Colorado cooperative Colorado National tool—opportunities for management Monument Association joint programs, agreement cooperating publications, joint association; outreach comprehensive plan/implementation; interpretive plan, e.g., BLM use of NPS CNMA curriculum plan amphitheater for evening programs, joint school programs (NPS having a lot of regional K–12 groups in spring, camping at Saddlehorn) Improved trail Discussed in detail for linkage/ specific areas. network Picnicking A few tables at Facilities—day use and Beer parties trailheads, Dinosaur group events hill—informal Camping Backcountry and Saddlehorn dispersed, a few campground (NPS designated primitive rustic), some sites backcountry, group use (especially schools, universities) Scenic driving/ Gravel roads/4WD or Paved historic road and overlooks high clearance overlooks

271 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common Road bicycling Some Yes—becoming premier activity, conflicts with other vehicles Mountain Yes—lots—Mack Ridge, No Biking on trails Kokopelli’s Trail OHVs Yes No Horses More opportunities Limited by terrain and Connecting trails trailheads proposed in Black Ridge area Dogs Allowed on trails under Not allowed on trails, Dogs proposed to be control, plan proposes plan proposes allowing allowed on leash on dogs on leash on trails dogs on leash in Black some connecting trails connecting to NPS land Ridge area only Climbing Not much, rock doesn’t More walls, more hold anchors as well, opportunities, popular longer access (4–5 mi.) for beginners Special recreation Incidental business Commercial climbers at permit for commercial permit for commercial both; becoming more popular, creating more resource impacts (social trails, hardware, effects on cliff-dwelling birds) Plan—monitor Potential NPS carefully, may need to management/restrict- manage use tion could displace climbers to NCA Special events Fat tire, equestrian Rim Rock Run, Both have increasing events, periodic commercial filming, demands; want to be adventure races, public new demands; plan respectful of regional lands day, and other proposes to have and national BLM-sponsored events, various events or constituency and new demands; plan will special non-auto-user resource protection. limit and manage days Need events events, esp. Mack coordination in entire Ridge Grand Valley (e.g., visitor bureau)— scheduling, clearinghouse. Geo-caching No No Abandonment of private property on public lands, disturbance of installation, disturbance of access— no; virtual (no actual cache) maybe OK; check Web

272 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common Operations American Complete planning Indian consultation, continue consultation joint consultation, encourage tribes to participate in area, bring their kids, elders, access, reconnect. Volunteer Paperwork assigned to Year-round volunteer Interagency coordinator individual, program is coordinator coordination for spread around (paperwork, list of specific projects (weed volunteers), divisions teams, trail teams), supervise clearing house for opportunities Volunteers Trail work (building Currently use for visitor Develop adopt-a-trail and maintenance), center, information, program, other cleanup, archeology, maintenance “adoption” programs, (campgrounds, trash increasing emphasis on pickup, painting signs), volunteers, resource management demographics of Grand (natural and cultural, Valley will supply e.g., geologists, skilled volunteers, need archeologists) to harness; interagency volunteer teams, e.g., trail crews, weed teams Law 1 dedicated law 3 permanent, 1 Joint agreement for enforcement enforcement officer; seasonal LE; concurrent emergency and mutual commission by CDOW; jurisdiction aid, should be proprietary jurisdiction reviewed—revise 1 additional law Memorandum of enforcement officer in Understanding Grand Junction Field (NPS/BLM); future Office common commission by USFWS, CDOW for both Search and Several heli-spots Helipad at Saddlehorn, Rely on Mesa County rescue, other landing sites as helicopter spots needed Solid waste Poop scoop system at Recycling at visitor Same overall goal of disposal Devils Canyon; trash center, picnic, pack it in/pack it out receptacles at Dinosaur campground; reduced (“leave no trace”) to Hill (urban setting) trash receptacles at degree practical in overlooks; plan front country and proposes dogs on trail backcountry in “transition” zone and will initiate poop scoop system at trailheads

273 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common Research Not as systematized, Service-wide on-line Exchange research permits reviewed by specialists, system permits, explore future Museum of Western joint system or link or Colorado common listing area- wide; interagency newsletter on research Geographic Fully operating Collateral duty, part- Both have need, Information program, full-time GIS time/temporary, common geographic Systems (GIS) manager support from multiple extent, data applies to sources (BLM, Mesa both areas; future joint County, NPS region) cooperative agreement to use Mesa State students Visitor Survey 2001–2002 2002–2003 Visitor Profile 7% senior (61+) 18% senior (62+) 92% adult (21–60) 63% adult (18–61) 1% children/youth (20 19% children/youth (17 & under) & under) 83% from Colorado 47% from Colorado 39% from Grand Valley 22% from Mesa County 75% repeat visitors 43% repeat visitors 98% white not avg. visit length 1–3 Hispanic hrs. 82% some college or 52% enter east (Grand higher Junction), 46% West mostly combination (Fruita) friends/family 18 to 34% also visited 1 5% families w/kids or more other national parks on this trip 48% 2 people/vehicle (ARCH, DINO, BLCA, CANY) 8% visited the NCA this trip Activities (in Hiking, mountain Stopping at overlooks, Hiking, watching order of most biking, wildlife driving through the wildlife, photography, frequent watching, monument, picnicking participation) photography, photography, stopping picnicking, viewing at visitor center, hiking, arches, rock art, and watching wildlife, dinosaur fossils picnicking

274 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common Most important Escaping everyday View canyons, other, Exercise experiences/ experiences, wilderness rock climb, show reasons to visit aesthetics, visiting friends and (in order of primitive/unconfined relatives, spend night most frequent recreation, frequent in campground, reason) exercise exercise, see what was here, use facilities, recreate Least important Group events, social Experience solitude, Most people don’t experiences interaction, learning visit cultural/historic come for the purpose resources, study of learning geology Misc. Benefits: Increased Most people did not quality of life, feel crowded, or that improved fitness, seeing other people freedom, overall had a negative effect. wellness 72% do not think the monument offers opportunities that are different than those provided on lands managed by state or other federal agencies. Visitor services/ Most prefer maps and Most prefer written Most people prefer information (in primitive signs, little on- materials, activities to written information order of site information or do on their own, many they can take with preference) assistance (frequent prefer ranger-led them visitor education and programs and visitor service patrols activities, museum undesirable) exhibits, and staffed information desk, some prefer video or computer programs, interactive exhibits, slide programs with lecture Overnight stays More than 50% stay 14% stay overnight overnight 21% in the NCA 87 % of overnight stay 14 % in motels in monument campground 9% public land outside NCA Dogs Miscellaneous 56% say don’t allow comments: 1 positive dogs about allowing dogs, 1 44% say allow dogs advocating leashes and waste cleanup 60% say if dogs allowed, only on specific or some trails

275 Appendix F: Coordination of BLM and NPS

Topic BLM NPS Common Regional Setting Visitor Use Estimated visitor use Recreational visits 2001 Mesa County population Projections 2001 about 50,000 about 240,000 doubled 1970–1999 Visitor use of Mack Recreational visits 25% Tourism accounts for 8% Ridge, Rabbit Valley increase from 1979– of direct basic areas tripled 1995–2001 1990, then steady to employment, of which 1999, 20% decline since 1/5th is provided by 1999 combined outdoor recreation and parks and monuments (1,100 jobs) Peak visitation Mack Peak visitation August, Ridge May, then Apr., then Sep., June, July, Mar., Oct., Sep. May Expect visitor use to Expect visitor use to Expect about 50,000 double by 2025 (up increase 10–20% by 2025 more visitors by 2025 50,000) (up to 60,000) Access Multiple, dispersed Primary access Rim Rock Fruita largely “gateway” access to perimeter Drive to both areas Access to Black Ridge Glade Park commuter Heavily used trailheads Canyons Wilderness route through near Fruita/Grand through monument monument Junction Planning Resource Management General Management Similar schedules Plan and Plan and Public meetings in the Environmental Impact Environmental Impact Grand Junction area Statement Statement Interagency

consultations Tribal consultation invitation Range of alternatives Required by enabling Required by NPS policy legislation Advisory Council No advisory council

276 Appendix G: Recommended Wilderness at Colorado National Monument

APPENDIX G: RECOMMENDED WILDERNESS AT COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT The Wilderness Act of 1964 (PL 88- 577) designated by Congress as "wilderness was enacted “To establish a National areas", and these shall be administered for Wilderness Preservation System for the the use and enjoyment of the American whole people, and for other purposes.” people in such manner as will leave them While there is no congressionally unimpaired for future use and enjoyment designated wilderness at Colorado as wilderness; and no Federal lands shall National Monument, there is an official be designated as "wilderness areas" except wilderness recommendation of 13,842 as provided for in this Act or by a acres, plus 937 acres of potential subsequent Act. wilderness. This means that the lands of Section 2 (c) of the Wilderness Act Colorado National Monument have provides a definition of Wilderness: been assessed, studied, and recommended by the NPS, then the A wilderness, in contrast with those areas secretary of Interior has recommended where man and his own works dominate these lands to the president, and the the landscape, is hereby recognized as an president has forwarded his/her area where the earth and its community recommendation to both houses of of life are untrammeled by man, where Congress. Congress never acted on that man himself is a visitor who does not remain. An area of wilderness is further bill, but the lands remain official defined to mean in this Act an area of recommended wilderness. In undeveloped Federal land retaining its accordance with NPS Management primeval character and influence, Polices 2001, the NPS will manage these without permanent improvements or lands to ensure their wilderness human habitation, which is protected and character is preserved. managed so as to preserve its natural The Purpose and Definition of conditions and which (1) generally Wilderness appears to have been affected primarily Section 2 (a) of the Wilderness act states by the forces of nature, with the imprint of the purpose of creating the National man's work substantially unnoticeable; (2) Wilderness Preservation System: has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of In order to assure that an increasing recreation; (3) has at least five thousand population, accompanied by expanding acres of land or is of sufficient size as to settlement and growing mechanization, make practicable its preservation and use does not occupy and modify all areas in an unimpaired condition; and (4) may within the United States and its also contain ecological, geological, or possessions, leaving no lands designated other features of scientific, educational, for preservation and protection in their scenic, or historical value. natural condition, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to secure for Wilderness in the National Park the American people of present and future Service generations the benefits of an enduring Why is wilderness designation resource of wilderness. For this purpose considered for units of the National there is hereby established a National Park System? The wild, undeveloped Wilderness Preservation System to be areas of Colorado National Monument composed of federally owned areas are currently managed as backcountry,

277 Appendix G: Recommended Wilderness at Colorado National Monument and no development, roads, or off- road been acquired and now qualifies as mechanized vehicular use is proposed in recommended wilderness. A right- of- the general management plan. However, way for a telecommunications line that this is only administrative protection, transverses recommended wilderness which is subject to administrative remains potential wilderness. If the change. On the other hand, designation right- of- way were discontinued, the of wilderness under the Wilderness Act potential wilderness would become part is a matter of law and can only be of recommended or designated changed by law. The Wilderness Act wilderness. protects designated wilderness areas The Wilderness Study and “for the permanent good of the whole Designation Process people.” If wilderness legislation were enacted for Colorado National The Wilderness Act of 1964 directed the Monument, Congress would be securing secretary of the Interior to review every “for the American people of present and roadless area of 5,000 contiguous acres future generations the benefits of an or more in units of the national park enduring resource of wilderness.” system within 10 years of the act, and report the recommendation to the Definitions president as to the suitability or Recommended Wilderness—the result of nonsuitability of each such area for a wilderness study process that has been preservation as wilderness. The forwarded by the Secretary to the president then advises the Speaker of President, and the President to Congress. the House and the president of the Colorado National Monument has Senate of his/her recommendation with recommended wilderness. respect to wilderness designation. Designated Wilderness—Congress has The NPS completed a Wilderness passed legislation that designates federal Recommendation for Colorado lands for inclusion in the National National Monument in May 1971. The Wilderness Preservation System. This study process examined alternatives and has not happened for Colorado included public hearings in the vicinity National Monument. of the monument in accordance with the Potential wilderness—a subset of either provisions of the Wilderness Act, and it category of wilderness. Potential recommended 7,700 acres of wilderness. wilderness is defined as lands that are It was supported by a final EIS on surrounded by or adjacent to lands October 4, 1973. Additional public proposed for wilderness designation but comment and hearings resulted in more that do not themselves qualify for changes. One change was to eliminate immediate designation due to temporary, the 1/8- mile administrative buffer nonconforming, or incompatible around the boundary and include those conditions such as a right- of- way or lands in the wilderness proposal. private ownership. When the non- Another change was to include conforming use is terminated, the land Monument Mesa because motorized use can become proposed or designated to Liberty Cap was discontinued. On wilderness. Colorado National January 12, 1976, the secretary Monument has potential wilderness. recommended an additional 2,600 acres Some of the potential wilderness be added to the original wilderness included private land, which has since proposal, for a total of 10,300 acres. The proposal was increased further when the

278 Appendix G: Recommended Wilderness at Colorado National Monument monument boundary was expanded to boundary adjustment near Monument include No Thoroughfare and Red Canyon trailhead. Canyons in 1976, and much of the new The National Park Service has land was recommended for wilderness. addressed its obligation to study and A draft bill was submitted to Congress make recommendations regarding May 11, 1978, to designate certain lands wilderness designation. Only Congress within the national park system as can designate wilderness. The National wilderness. Colorado National Park Service will further assist the Monument was included in the bill, Department and Congress in this which recommended 13,842 acres of process as requested. wilderness, plus 937 acres of potential Management of Recommended wilderness (map number 119- 20,006C Wilderness dated January 1978). The bill was never National Park Service Management passed. There have been subsequent Policies, 2001, apply to all categories of revisions proposed to the wilderness wilderness. The National Park Service recommendation, even a bill on the will take no action that would diminish Senate side in 1982, but they have never the wilderness suitability of an area moved as far as through the study and possessing wilderness characteristics designation process. The lands until the legislative process of wilderness identified in the 1978 bill remain the designation has been completed. Until official wilderness recommendation for that time, management decisions Colorado National Monument. pertaining to lands qualifying as During the study and designation wilderness will be made in expectation process, there were many revisions of eventual wilderness designation. This leading up to the official wilderness policy also applies to potential recommendation map. The 7,700- acre wilderness, requiring it to be managed as recommendation of 1971 included an wilderness to the extent that existing administrative zone of approximately nonconforming conditions allow. The 1/8- mile between the monument National Park Service will seek to boundary and recommended remove from potential wilderness the wilderness. After additional public temporary, nonconforming conditions hearings and input, the resulting official that preclude wilderness designation. 1978 map extended recommended Responsibility for wilderness wilderness to the boundary. It appears management is shared among the that the extension inadvertently placed director, the regional director, and the recommended wilderness on the monument superintendent. The Monument Canyon trailhead parking National Park Service strives for area, which was in existence at that time. consistency in wilderness management The situation needs to be remedied by objectives, techniques, and practices on revising the proposal (with appropriate an agency and interagency basis. The public involvement) and forwarding it management zoning in this GMP through the process, or changed acknowledges the recommended and legislatively at the time of passing a bill potential wilderness and will not to designate wilderness for the diminish or reduce the maximum monument, or by relocating parking on protection afforded to lands with the parcels identified for the proposed wilderness values. A wilderness /

279 Appendix G: Recommended Wilderness at Colorado National Monument backcountry management plan will be fully integrated with wilderness tiered off of the management zones in management, and natural processes the GMP to provide a more detailed (such as fire and erosion) will be guide to the preservation, management, allowed, insofar as possible, to shape and use of wilderness resources. The and control wilderness ecosystems. The plan will include specific indicators and principle of nondegradation will be standards to monitor and manage applied to wilderness management, and wilderness to achieve desired future Colorado National Monument’s conditions. Proposed actions having the proposed wilderness will be measured potential to affect wilderness resources and assessed against its own unimpaired will be evaluated in accordance with the standard. Cultural resources that have National Environmental Policy Act. been included within proposed wilderness will be protected and All management decisions affecting maintained according to pertinent laws wilderness must be consistent with the and policies governing cultural “minimum requirement” concept. This resources and using management concept set forth in the Wilderness Act methods that are consistent with is the basis for a documented process preservation of wilderness character used to determine whether exceptions and values. Fire management activities can be made to otherwise prohibited conducted in proposed wilderness will activities, “except as necessary to meet conform to the basic purposes of minimum requirements for wilderness. administration of the area.” The “minimum requirement” concept will be Interpretive and educational programs applied as a two- step process that will promote and perpetuate public determines: awareness and appreciation of wilderness resources. Visitor • whether the proposed management experiences identified in the desired action is appropriate or necessary conditions for management zones are of for administration of the area as a type and nature that ensure enjoyment wilderness and does not pose a and use of wilderness and leave it significant impact to wilderness unimpaired for future use and resources and character; and enjoyment as wilderness. Public use of • the techniques and types of motorized equipment or any form of equipment needed to ensure that mechanical transport (such as bicycles impact to wilderness resources and or hang gliders) is prohibited. character is minimized. Wilderness oriented commercial Colorado National Monument has a services that contribute to public minimum requirements analysis process education and visitor enjoyment of in place to evaluate administrative wilderness values or provide activities. opportunities for primitive and unconfined types of recreation may be One of the statutory purposes of authorized if they meet the “necessary wilderness includes scientific activities. and appropriate” criteria outline in These activities are encouraged and Chapter 2 of this GMP and with section permitted when they are consistent with 4 (d) (6) of the Wilderness Act. “Leave- the preservation of wilderness values. no- trace” principles and practices will Natural resource management will be be applied to all activities in wilderness,

280 Appendix G: Recommended Wilderness at Colorado National Monument including commercial operations. The Generally, agencies do not have to NPS will not sponsor or issue permits provide access that would result in a for special events to be conducted in fundamental alteration of wilderness wilderness if those events are character, but careful consideration of inconsistent with wilderness resources requests must be given. and character, or if they do not require a Trails are permitted within wilderness wilderness setting to occur. The NPS where they are determined to be will not issue permits for special events necessary for resource protection in wilderness that are commercial and/or for providing for visitor enterprises or for competitive events. enjoyment of wilderness. The The NPS has legal obligations to make identification, inventory, and proposed available equal opportunities for people changes to the trail system will be with disabilities in all programs and integral with wilderness/backcountry activities, including the opportunity to management planning. Additional participate in wilderness activities. detailed decisions regarding Management decisions responding to backcountry camping, permits, signs, requests for special consideration to and other aspects of wilderness provide wilderness use by persons with management will be made during future disabilities will balance the intent of backcountry/wilderness management applicable access and wilderness laws. planning.

281 Appendix G: Recommended Wilderness at Colorado National Monument

Official Recommended Wilderness Colorado National Monument 282 List of Acronyms Used in This Document

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN THIS DOCUMENT

BLM Bureau of Land Management CDOT Colorado Department of Transportation CDOW Colorado Division of Wildlife CEQ Council for Environmental Quality CFR Code of Federal Regulations EIS Environmental Impact Statement EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act GIS Geographic Information Systems GMP General Management Plan LCS List of Classified Structures NCA National Conservation Area NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NPS National Park Service PCA Potential Conservation Area SHPO State Historic Preservation Office T & E Threatened and Endangered Species USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

283

Index

INDEX agency consultation...... 177, 180 cultural landscapes...... 15, 33, 77, 79, 122, 130, 141, 156 air quality...... i, 15, 16, 30, 32, 35, 77, 103, 113, 202, 269 Department of Transportation ...... See Colorado Department of Transportation American Indian . 1, 15, 68, 77, 111, 181, 186, 223, 271, 273 Devils Kitchen.....iii, v, 23, 24, 48, 50, 55, 56, 61, 62, 65, archeological resources . i, iii, iv, 6, 33, 67, 68, 109, 121, 69, 79, 80, 88, 131, 136, 140, 141, 142, 144, 155, 156, 158, 122, 129, 130, 139, 140, 153, 155, 156, 166, 167 233 backcountry .....i, iii, iv, 4, 21, 35, 37, 40, 41, 42, 49, 56, disabilities ...... 16, 281, 224 60, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 101, 103, 129, 132, 133, 135, 136, 143, 144, 146, 148, 150, 155, 158, 159, 161, 163, 164, Division of Wildlife ...... See Colorado Division of 170, 171, 271, 273, 277, 280, 281 Wildlife bicycling ...... i, iii, iv, 23, 37, 43, 48, 49, 56, 60, 103, 104, driving . i, iii, iv, 14, 23, 37, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 55, 56, 272 59, 108, 137, 151, 164, 171, 271, 274 biological crusts ...... 69 east entrance... ii, iii, v, 23, 38, 50, 51, 57, 62, 65, 87, 135, 137, 151, 164 Black Ridge ....vii, 6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 50, 51, 62, 66, 79, 93, 107, 140, 141, 150, 202, 203, 206, 241, 268, 269, ecological systems .....i, iii, iv, 5, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 270, 272, 276 23, 30, 31, 37, 48, 55, 59, 83, 123, 131, 133, 134, 142, 146, 147, 157, 159, 160, 194 BLM National Conservation Area...... See McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area economy..... ii, iv, vi, 6, 107, 108, 127, 138, 152, 165, 166, 174, 202 boundary adjustments ...... iii, ii, iii, v, 16, 17, 179, 227, 228, 230, 231 education ... iii, iv, ii, iii, iv, v, 2, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 49, 51, Bureau of Land Management .. 1, 6, 9, 42, 74, 105, 106, 52, 56, 58, 60, 63, 68, 70, 73, 74, 126, 129, 136, 138, 107, 108, 110, 132, 145, 159, 178, 179, 181, 202, 204, 206, 140, 141, 143, 148, 149, 150, 151, 153, 155, 156, 157, 162, 209, 267, 283 163, 164, 165, 166, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 184, 189, campground...i, iii, v, 1, 23, 38, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 55, 198, 203, 267, 268, 270, 271, 275, 280 56, 58, 61, 65, 66, 71, 72, 103, 105, 108, 135, 136, 138, endangered species .. 14, 69, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 93, 124, 140, 141, 148, 149, 150, 151, 153, 155, 156, 161, 163, 164, 131, 143, 144, 145, 169, 179, 203, 207, 223, 283, See 166, 170, 172, 271, 273, 275 sensitive species: species of concern: species of camping .... i, iii, iv, v, 4, 14, 16, 21, 24, 35, 37, 40, 41, 45, special concern: threatened and endangered 49, 56, 60, 65, 104, 105, 108, 135, 148, 161, 169, 271, 281 species carrying capacity .....1, 16, 32, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, Environmentally Preferred Alternative ...... 184, 185 46, 68, 71, 72, 193, 194, 196 ethnographic resources...... i, 15, 111 City of Fruita...... 9, 106, 178, 181, 202 fire management ...... 15, 29, 32, 35, 108, 268 Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area ...1, fish.....67, 69, 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 93, 95, 106, 123, 124, 9, 94, 203, 204, 227, See McInnis Canyons Natioal 144, 178, 179, 180, 181, 203, 206, 207, 210, 268, 283 Conservation Area, floodplains...... viii, 77, 112, 113 Colorado Department of Transportation ...... 50, 105, 106, 189, 283 front country ...... 46, 70, 71, 273 Colorado Division of Wildlife ....32, 69, 88, 93, 94, 95, Fruita, City of ...... See City of Fruita 105, 123, 144, 179, 181, 202, 203, 209, 283 geologic resources ...... 96 Colorado Plateau .....iii, ii, xi, 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, Glade Park ... 5, 6, 11, 14, 15, 23, 34, 48, 50, 55, 70, 71, 79, 20, 23, 31, 34, 48, 68, 82, 95, 100, 123, 125, 136, 149, 83, 102, 105, 106, 107, 129, 130, 132, 135, 137, 145, 149, 151, 163, 164, 180, 182, 183, 194, 203, 205, 207, 269 151, 159, 162, 163, 164, 171, 178, 181, 225, 239, 269, 276 commercial services ...... 36, 38, 280 Grand Junction ....6, 9, 16, 65, 86, 91, 102, 103, 105, 106, consultation .... x, 43, 47, 65, 67, 68, 73, 84, 86, 87, 88, 107, 130, 178, 181, 182, 202, 203, 206, 207, 209, 210, 93, 106, 110, 123, 124, 127, 169, 177, 179, 180, 189, 198, 269, 271, 273, 274, 276 208, 243, 273, 276

285 Index historic structures ..23, 33, 46, 65, 68, 108, 130, 139, 141, neighbors.... 1, 15, 16, 17, 29, 32, 37, 50, 57, 61, 69, 71, 72, 142, 153, 156, 167, 168, 270 100, 105, 126, 127, 132, 137, 143, 151, 152, 157, 164, 165, 168, 173, 208, 230, 231 horse use ...... 18, 146, 270 night sky...... 32, 35, 77, 103, 114 impairment ..... 119, 120, 121, 131, 134, 135, 137, 140, 142, 146, 147, 148, 151, 156, 159, 160, 161, 162, 164 No Thoroughfare Canyon...48, 55, 86, 88, 94, 99, 107, 222 implementation ....viii, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 71, 193, 194, 196 Otto, John...... See John Otto incidental business permit ...... 272 paleontological resources .... iv, 18, 30, 40, 41, 42, 44, 47, 70, 96, 134, 147, 160, 161 interpretation...... 10, 12, 30, 33, 36, 38, 51, 52, 57, 58, 63, 108, 109, 138, 153, 166, 193 paleontology ...... 15, 18, 30, 72, 125 John Otto ...... 6, 9, 11, 12, 23, 78, 79, 83, 112, 207 paleontological resources...... 70, 77, 99, 112, 170 Liberty Cap...... iii, v, 48, 51, 55, 57, 64, 66, 140, 141, 144, parking...... 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 51, 57, 65, 66, 71, 136, 137, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 155, 156, 158, 160, 150, 151, 163, 164, 228, 230, 232, 233, 240, 279 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 228, 230, 231, 278 partnerships .... iii, iv, ii, iii, iv, 2, 34, 48, 49, 52, 55, 56, Lightscapes...... 77 58, 60, 63, 67, 68, 73, 110, 127, 138, 141, 149, 153, 156, 183, 184, 194 List of Classified Structures...... 79, 205, 232, 283 picnicking.. i, iii, iv, v, 14, 24, 35, 37, 45, 49, 56, 60, 104, Little Park Road..... 34, 49, 50, 56, 70, 93, 107, 130, 189, 274 198, 199 potential conservation areas ....69, 88, 94, 112, 144, 158 maintenance...i, 16, 23, 29, 34, 38, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 51, 52, 58, 63, 65, 67, 68, 70, 73, 108, 109, 129, 130, 131, public involvement ...1, 32, 65, 66, 73, 177, 178, 179, 279 133, 135, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 148, 149, 151, 153, region .... ii, iii, iv, v, 4, 5, 6, 14, 16, 30, 33, 34, 36, 38, 59, 155, 156, 161, 162, 165, 166, 168, 170, 172, 273 78, 83, 96, 102, 110, 123, 129, 136, 149, 151, 163, 164, management zones..... i, ii, iv, vi, 1, 11, 17, 29, 32, 37, 39, 267, 274 49, 50, 51, 55, 57, 59, 60, 61, 67, 71, 72, 73, 112, 138, Rim Rock Drive...iii, iv, i, ii, iii, iv, v, vii, 4, 6, 13, 14, 15, 139, 140, 143, 144, 145, 148, 155, 156, 158, 162, 174, 193, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 29, 30, 33, 34, 37, 39, 43, 44, 47, 194, 196, 280 48, 49, 55, 56, 59, 66, 68, 70, 71, 74, 78, 79, 80, 98, McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area .. 1, 6, 101, 103, 104, 108, 112, 130, 134, 135, 136, 141, 143, 147, 9, 18, 74, 102, 104, 107, 108, 120, 130, 132, 145, 159, 179, 148, 149, 150, 151, 156, 161, 162, 163, 164, 168, 170, 171, 189, 227 172, 173, 174, 179, 182, 183, 189, 198, 199, 203, 225, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 270, 276 Mesa County.... iii, v, 16, 64, 70, 84, 86, 87, 88, 96, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 120, 127, 137, 151, 165, 178, riparian ecosystems ...... 31, 39, 40, 41, 42 181, 204, 205, 206, 225, 228, 230, 231, 273, 274, 276 Saddlehorn area ...... 23, 38, 51, 57 Mesa State College...... 49, 56, 60, 182, 207 safety .... iv, ii, iii, iv, v, 16, 29, 34, 36, 43, 44, 45, 47, 50, mitigation...... iv, 32, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 113, 121, 124, 128, 51, 56, 57, 61, 68, 98, 100, 101, 109, 126, 141, 148, 149, 129, 132, 133, 134, 140, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 155, 162, 171, 182, 183, 185, 189, 193, 198, 208, 234, 235, 236, 158, 159, 160, 162, 169, 170, 179, 230 237, 238, 239, 240, 241 Monument Canyon ...iii, v, 9, 48, 50, 51, 55, 57, 62, 64, schools ...... 6, 35, 56, 65, 68, 103, 136, 138, 150, 163, 271 66, 84, 94, 140, 141, 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, sensitive species....69, 77, 88, 133, 144, 145, 158, 159, See 152, 153, 155, 156, 158, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, endangered species, species of concern, species 228, 230, 231, 237, 279 of special concern, threatened and endangered monument operations ..... iv, ii, iv, vi, 51, 58, 67, 71, 77, species 108, 119, 127, 128, 138, 140, 153, 155, 166, 174, 208 Serpents Trail...6, 19, 23, 48, 50, 55, 62, 79, 80, 109, 131, museum collections ...... 33, 77, 112 240, 241 National Conservation Area..... ii, 6, 15, 16, 33, 41, 48, skiing ...... 18, 40, 42, 45 65, 105, 132, 145, 159, 283, See McInnis Canyons soils....ii, iii, v, 13, 18, 30, 31, 32, 40, 41, 42, 43, 50, 57, 61, National Conservation Area, 65, 69, 72, 77, 81, 83, 87, 88, 90, 91, 92, 95, 96, 98, National Register...... 13, 23, 66, 67, 78, 79, 108, 121, 122, 114, 123, 124, 125, 131, 133, 134, 142, 146, 147, 157, 159, 123, 142, 156, 198, 205 160, 170, 202, 269

286 Index soundscape .... 32, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 70, 99, 100, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .... 67, 69, 81, 84, 86, 87, 125, 134, 135, 147, 148, 161, 162 88, 93, 95, 106, 123, 124, 144, 179, 180, 181, 206, 207, 210 South Broadway access...... iii, 51, 57, 62, 155, 168 U.S. Forest Service...... 65, 105, 106, 108, 180, 181 special status species ...... See endangered species, sensitive species, species of concern, species of universities...... 35, 56, 65, 67, 74, 109, 136, 150, 163, 271 special concern, threatened and endangered Utes...... 5, 6, 180, 203 species vegetation.... 19, 21, 24, 32, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, species of concern .... 19, 94, 169, 179, See endangered 65, 67, 71, 72, 77, 82, 95, 123, 131, 133, 142, 146, 147, species, sensitive species, species of special 157, 159, 160, 269 concern, threatened and endangered species visitation...... 44, 45, 46, 71, 102, 104, 109, 120, 132, 134, threatened and endangered species .....84, 88, 89, 123, 136, 138, 145, 147, 149, 152, 159, 160, 161, 162, 165, 276 132, 143, 158, 209, 283, See endangered species, sensitive species, species of concern, species of visitor center..... i, iii, iv, v, 23, 36, 37, 38, 46, 49, 51, 52, special concern 56, 57, 58, 63, 72, 74, 79, 80, 95, 103, 105, 108, 109, 112, 135, 136, 148, 149, 151, 152, 161, 163, 164, 178, 271, trailheads...i, iii, iv, v, 1, 15, 16, 36, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 273, 274 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 55, 57, 58, 62, 63, 66, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 103, 105, 106, 108, 129, 136, 137, 140, 141, 143, 144, visitor experience ...... 31, 40, 41, 42, 43, 72 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 155, 156, 158, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 171, 173, 174, 189, 227, 230, volunteers .... iv, ii, iii, 16, 33, 34, 38, 51, 56, 58, 63, 68, 231, 271, 272, 273, 276 69, 73, 108, 127, 138, 139, 141, 149, 153, 156, 163, 166, 174, 267, 271, 273 trails.... i, iii, iv, v, 1, 4, 6, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 32, 33, 36, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, water quality...... viii, 31, 40, 41, 42, 43, 67, 77, 112, 113 52, 57, 61, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 79, 103, water resources...... 77, 81, 205, 209 105, 107, 108, 112, 129, 130, 132, 133, 136, 140, 141, 143, 144, 146, 147, 150, 152, 155, 156, 158, 159, 161, 163, 168, west entrance ...... iii, 50, 62 169, 170, 171, 173, 179, 189, 193, 194, 204, 205, 206, wilderness i, viii, xi, 4, 6, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 232, 234, 272, 275, 281 35, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 47, 48, 51, 55, 57, 70, 73, 77, 102, transportation. 34, 44, 45, 46, 49, 51, 56, 57, 62, 71, 106, 104, 113, 126, 136, 148, 149, 150, 162, 164, 171, 182, 202, 120 207, 223, 224, 269, 270, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281

287

NPS D-77