RUBY CANYON & BLACK RIDGE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN

PROJECT AREA DESCRIPTION replacing native species. In addition, The Ruby Canyon and Black Ridge increased recreational use has impacts on Ecosystem consists of Ruby Canyon and vegetation, wildlife, as well as on the the areas immediately north and south of experiences of visitors. it. The Canyon, characterized by steep red sandstone walls, is an approximately PROJECT DESCRIPTION 25-mile long section of the Colorado River Increasing recreational pressures, in Location: corridor in western Colorado (Mesa combination with BLM’s shift in man- Western Colorado County). The area north of the canyon agement focus from multiple use to consists of rolling high desert grass-shrub ecosystem management, led to this effort. lands. Development of the Ruby Canyon and Black Ridge ecosystem management plan Project size: The 74,000-acre Black Ridge Wilderness began in 1994 with the publication of a 118,700 acres Study Area is located south of the management summary, which illustrated canyon. This area is characterized by how different aspects of previous sheer-sided, red-rock canyons, sandstone management of Ruby Canyon are related. arches, caves, and granite outcrops with This publication was followed by the Initiator: spectacular waterfalls and pools. Located formation of an ad-hoc committee U.S. Bureau of between the canyons are rolling consisting of representatives of user Land Management sagebrush pinyon-juniper mesas. Several groups, local, state, and federal agencies, federally-listed threatened and grazing interests, environmental groups, endangered species occur in the project and community representatives. In area, including the bonytail chub, addition, technical committees were humpback chub, Colorado squawfish, formed, addressing either recreational razorback sucker, and American peregrine aspects or vegetation management. falcon. In addition, much waterfowl populates the river, particularly during the Based on the findings of the technical spring and fall. committees, the ad-hoc committee helped the BLM refine and develop possible Ninety percent of the planning area is management strategies for the area. It public land administered by the Bureau of also developed a vision document, Land Management (BLM). The other 10% expressing the overall goal of the effort: consists of private inholdings. The “The Ruby Canyon - Black Ridge area will dominant land uses are recreation, cattle continue to contribute to the current grazing (on a limited number of parcels), quality of life for the Grand Valley and will and education. be managed for an ideal balance of use and preservation.” ECOSYSTEM STRESSES Fire, a natural disturbance factor, has been The plan will incorporate a “Benefits suppressed, leading to increasingly dense Based Management” approach to pinyon-juniper stands. Survival of desert recreation management, which is big horn sheep may be reduced, because of their limited ability to traverse the pinyon-juniper areas. Exotic species such as salt cedar, knapweed, and cheat grass have altered plant composition, by

______233 Ecosystem Management in the United States: An Assessment of Current Experience

RUBY CANYON & BLACK RIDGE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE -- continued based on a visitor study conducted include the beginning of collabora- a problem. Scheduling a meeting between 1992 and 1994. It ensures tive public land management, as so that all partners can attend has that BLM provides those well as the realization that public been difficult. Obtaining consen- experiences most sought by visi- lands play a part in a commu nity’s sus from a large number of partners tors, rather than unwanted services quality of life. BLM has received is not easy. Different entities were or contrary settings. Vegetation valuable support for many not always willing to compromise management will be based on an management objectives. Some on their use of the natural ecological site inventory con- issues, however, have not been resources. Until a facilitator was ducted in 1993. resolved to everyone’s satis - brought in, little progress was faction, including mountain biking made. Strategies include the development in and access routes to the Black of partnerships, managing Ridge Wilderness Study Area, Contact information: recreational pressures, and vege- group size limitations for river Mr. Harley Metz tation management. In addition, floating in Ruby Canyon, and re- Grand Junction Resource Area some of the private inholdings will strictions on motorized use of the 2815 H Road acquired by the BLM either river in the Canyon. Grand Junction, CO 81506 through land exchange or pur- (970) 244-3076 chase. Monitoring will focus on Factors Facilitating Progress Fax: (970) 244-3083 measurable management objectives Several factors helped this project (e.g., wildlife, vegetative response, proceed. They include: a good visitor satisfaction). The ecological site inventory, a good management plan will be peri- visitor use survey, community- odically revised based on moni- based partnerships, willing part- toring results and public involve- ners, and a professional facilitator. ment. Obstacles to Progress PRESENT STATUS & The potential threat of a suit under OUTLOOK the Federal Advisory Committee Some of the most important out- Act (FACA) has been comes of the project to date

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