final survey and assessment, - denver

February 4, 2016

Prepared for:

Denver Mountain Parks City and County of Denver Natural Areas Program

201 W Colfax, Department 605 Denver, CO 80202

Prepared by: Studio CPG

with:

FINALNatural Resource Survey and Assessment, Denver Mountain Parks’ Properties in

Jefferson County, Colorado

Natural Resources Survey and Assessment, Denver Mountain Parks

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i

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 1 METHODS ........................................................................................................................... 1

Desktop Assessment ...............................................................................................................................1 Field Assessment ....................................................................................................................................5

RESULTS ............................................................................................................................. 5 Genesee Park ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 O’Fallon Park ................................................................................................................................................... 14 Red Rocks Park ................................................................................................................................................ 14 Elephant Butte Tract ........................................................................................................................................ 14 Bergen Peak Tract ............................................................................................................................................ 14 Cub Creek Park ................................................................................................................................................ 14 Berrian Mountain Tract .................................................................................................................................... 15 Bell Park .......................................................................................................................................................... 15 Newton Park .................................................................................................................................................... 15 Dedisse Park .................................................................................................................................................... 15 Little Park ........................................................................................................................................................ 15 Pence Park ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 Corwina Park ................................................................................................................................................... 16 Birch Hill Tract ................................................................................................................................................ 16 Legault Mountain Tracts .................................................................................................................................. 16 Bear Creek Canyon Tract ................................................................................................................................. 16 Fillius Park ....................................................................................................................................................... 17 Deer Creek Tract .............................................................................................................................................. 17 Mount Falcon Tract .......................................................................................................................................... 17 Flying J. Ranch Tracts ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Mount Lindo Tract ........................................................................................................................................... 17 West Jefferson School Tract ............................................................................................................................ 17 Lookout Mountain Park ................................................................................................................................... 18 Stanley Park Tract ............................................................................................................................................ 18 Turkey Creek Park ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Katherine Craig Park ........................................................................................................................................ 18 Double Header Mountain Tract ....................................................................................................................... 18 Yeagge Peak Tract ........................................................................................................................................... 18 Fenders Tract ................................................................................................................................................... 18 North Turkey Creek Tract ................................................................................................................................ 18 Hobbs Peak Tract ............................................................................................................................................. 18 Strain Gulch Tract ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Bergen Park...................................................................................................................................................... 19 Starbuck Park ................................................................................................................................................... 19 Parmalee Gulch ................................................................................................................................................ 19 Colorow Point Park .......................................................................................................................................... 19

REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 20


ii

Tables

TABLE 1. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND CATEGORIES FOR PROPERTY RANKINGS, DENVER MOUNTAIN PARKS 4 TABLE 2. SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT RANKINGS FOR DENVER MOUNTAIN PARKS PROPERTIES, LISTED BY SIZE.

....................................................................................................................................................... 7 TABLE 3. SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT RANKINGS FOR DENVER MOUNTAIN PARKS PROPERTIES, LISTED BY RANK.

..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Figures

FIGURE 1. DENVER MOUNTAIN PARKS PROPERTIES IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO ............................. 13

Attachment

ATTACHMENT A: SIGNIFICANT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LISTED FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY (FROM CNHP 2012)

AND POTENTIALLY OCCURRING ON DENVER MOUNTAIN PARKS PROPERTIES. ............................ 21


iii

Acronyms

BLM Bureau of Land Management

CLO Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology

CNHP Colorado Natural Heritage Program

CPW Colorado Parks and Wildlife

DMP Denver Mountain Parks

E & E Ecology and Environment

GPS Global Positioning System

NAIP National Agriculture Imagery Program

NDIS Natural Diversity Information System

SBR Significant Biological Resource

JCOS Jefferson County Open Space

PCA Potential Conservation Area

SWReGap Southwestern Regional Gap Analysis Project

USFS U.S. Forest Service

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

Walsh Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC


iv

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1

Introduction Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC (Walsh) conducted a natural resources survey and assessment of 36 Denver Mountain Parks (DMP) properties in Jefferson County for the City and County of Denver Natural Areas Program. The first phase in 2014 comprised a desktop assessment of numerous geospatial datasets pertaining to each property. Based on analysis routines of the assembled database, property evaluation criteria and rankings developed from this analysis are intend to be the foundation for management decisions, grant applications, and other ongoing property evaluation needs.

The second phase of this project involved a field assessment and ground‐truthing of the desktop assessment for 20 of the 36 properties, as prioritized by DMP. This work was conducted during the spring, summer, and fall of 2015. The results of field efforts are incorporated as additions and revisions to the project database and herein.

One of the goals of this survey and assessment was to conduct the analyses using methods that mirror those used by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) to conduct surveys of Jefferson County Open Space properties in 2010/2011. We describe the methods used in the assessment and rankings, and the results for each property. The results section of this report includes a summary for each property. The summary field of the database integrates these descriptions as well.

Methods

Desktop Assessment

The project database and the desktop assessment integrate the following data sources:

Base aerial imagery from the National Agriculture Imagery Program National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) (U.S. Department of Agriculture 2011).

U.S. Geological Survey Topographic 7.5’ Quadrangle Maps.

Southwestern Regional Gap Analysis Project (SWReGap 2004), RS/GIS Laboratory, College of Natural Resources. 'PROVISIONAL' Digital Landcover Dataset for the Southwestern United States. Version 1.0 ‐ raster digital data, Utah State University.

U.S. U.S. Geological Survey, The National Map. 3DEP products and services: The National Map, 3D Elevation Program. (U.S. Geological Survey 2014a)

National Hydrography Dataset (U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Forest Service, and other Federal, State and local partners. USGS Reston, Virginia. Vector digital data (U.S. Geological Survey 2014b)

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Species by County Reports. (USFWS 2015).

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) list of State Threatened and Endangered species, and Species of Special Concern. (CPW 2015).


2

Survey of Critical Biological Resources, Jefferson County, Colorado, 2010‐2011 (CNHP 2012).

Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS) mapping of big game and other wildlife species’ distribution and migration corridors maintained by Colorado State University. (NDIS 2014)

Jefferson County Open Space Master Plan. (Geospatial Data: Jefferson County Open Space Lands, August 2014; Private Conservation Lands, October 2014).

Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas II (Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology 2011).

Ebird real‐time online checklist program (Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology (CLO) and National Audubon Society 2014).

Property characteristics that most contribute to natural biological resource conservation value were assessed for each property. These values were summarized, by category, to support construction of an aggregate ranking system for each property. These defining characteristics and category summaries are discussed below and summarized in Table 1. Exceptions to this categorization include the Genesee and Dedisse properties, discussed below under Size and Hydrology, respectively.

Size–is the area of a property, in acres. In general, property sizes range from 0.28 acres to 815 acres. The exception to this is Genesee Park, a 2,400‐acre property. Each property is assigned to one of five size categories (1 to 5), based on increments of 203 acres (Table 1). Genesee Park alone is assigned category 5 for size.

PercentAdjacentOpenLands– represents the degree to which an individual property is embedded, or adjacent to, other non‐developed lands. These adjacent open lands include Jefferson County Open Space, other City and County of Denver properties, and National Forests. This characteristic is calculated as the percent of the property boundary adjacent to other open lands. This value is assigned one of four categories (1 to 4), based on percent of adjacency with open lands (Table 1).

Topography – is a measure of a property’s steepness, represented by the percent of 10–meter square quadrats within the property that are 15 percent or greater in topography (Table 1). It is notable that only nine (9) properties had less than 75 percent slope.

NDIS–from the NDIS, described above. Assessed as the number of overlaps on a property with any of the following mapped species’ habitat elements: elk production area, severe winter range, winter concentration area, and winter range; mule deer migration pattern, concentrations area, severe winter range, winter concentration area, and winter range; black bear fall concentration, human conflict area, and summer concentration; lynx potential habitat; and Preble’s meadow jumping mouse overall range. These are assigned to one of four categories (Table 1) based on the degree of overlap.

SBR–Significant Biological Resources (SBR) include individual species and plant communities that estimates determine that they may occur in a property, based on the overlap of their


3

known habitat affinities and SWReGap mapped habitats present. These are a subset of those listed in the Jefferson County assessment of critical biological resources (CHNP 2012) (Table 2). We included all species listed under the Endangered Species Act, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Sensitive, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Sensitive, Colorado state‐listed species, and those species and plant communities listed by CHNP as having a state rank of S1, S2, or S3 (Attachment 1).

To determine the potential SBR value for each property, we determined the habitat association for all potential SBR from a literature review and our professional knowledge of the species and plant communities. We created a map of the SWReGap landcover descriptions (SWReGap 2004) present on each property, and searched each property on the map for the presence of the required habitat for each species from the list. All potentially present species are listed as such in the database in the SWReGAP vegetation community type field.

PCA–Potential Conservation Areas (PCAs) are taken from the Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) Master Plan (JCOS 2014). Potential Conservation Areas were delineated by CNHP to classify land areas that provide habitat and ecological functions upon which a particular species, group of species, or a natural area depends on for its ongoing existence. They are useful in conservation planning practices by land management agencies. Categories comprise values of 0 to 4, as follows: none (0); General Biodiversity Interest (1); Moderate Biodiversity Significance (2); High Biodiversity Significance (3); and Very High Biodiversity Significance (4). This value is applied when/if one of the PCAs overlaps onto the property.

Hydrology– is characterized by the miles of perennial streams on the property, plus 0.5 per mile of ephemeral or intermittent streams, plus one (1) for the presence of any number of water bodies. For example, Dedisse Park was assigned a 3 for the large number of water bodies present, in addition to the 1.9 miles of perennial stream and 0.6 miles (multiplied by 0.5) of ephemeral/intermittent stream on the property. The length of streams through standing water bodies was included in the calculation of perennial stream length. Any canal or irrigation channel present was included as an ephemeral or intermittent stream.


4

Table 1. Evaluation Criteria and Categories for Property Rankings, Denver Mountain Parks

Landscape Context All Other Categories

Characteristic Size Percent

Adjacent Open Lands

Topography NDIS SBR PCA Hydrology

Metric Acres

Percent of property

boundary that abuts Open

Lands

Percent of all 10‐m2 quadrats that are >15% topography

Number of NDIS

maps that overlap property

Number of SBR (species)

potentially present

Highest category value of any PCAs that overlap the

property

Miles of stream plus 1 for presence of water bodies

Range of Actual Values

0.28 – 815 [Genesee = 2,400]

0 – 98% 0 – 99 1 ‐12 10‐23 0 ‐ 4 0.22‐3.86 + 0.5 x (0.07‐8.53)

Ranking System and Categories

1: 1‐203 2: 204‐407 3: 408‐611 4: 612‐815 5: 816‐2,400

1: 0‐25 2: 26‐50 3: 51‐75 4: 76‐100

1: 0‐25 2: 26‐50 3: 51‐75 4: 76‐100

1: 1‐3 2: 4‐6 3: 7‐9

4: 10‐12

1: 10‐12 2: 13‐15 3: 16‐18 4: 19‐23

0=no overlap 1=General

Biodiversity (B5) 2=Moderate

Biodiversity (B4) 3=High Biodiversity

(B3) 4=Very High

Biodiversity (B2)

Miles of perennial + 0.5 x (miles of intermittent

and ephemeral) + 1 for presence of lake/pond; Dedisse gets miles + 3

End Product for Input into Ranking

Categories 1 – 5

Categories 1 – 4

Categories 1 – 4

Categories1 – 4

Categories 1 – 4

Categories 0 – 4

Categories 0 – 9


5

Field Assessment

Field assessments and ground truthing were conducted on 20 properties selected by DMP, from the 36 properties included in the first phase rankings. Two biologists visited each property for one hour up to a full day or more, depending on the property’s size and ease of access. They recorded the following characteristics:

Confirmation of the existing vegetation mapping from the desktop assessment;

Presence of weeds; and

Presence of SBRs, if encountered.

Results Thirty‐six (36) individual properties were assessed in the 2014 desktop study. The results of field assessments are incorporated in the database and in this report for the 20 parks that received subsequent field site visits. A category ranking of each characteristic was assigned; these were summed for a single rank for each property. These aggregate rank values range from a minimum of five (5), to the highest possible of 34, across all assessed properties. Ranking for particular characteristic, as well as the aggregate ranking of all characteristics combined, are summarized, by property, in Table 2. Table 2 also denotes which properties received site visits (Genesee Park through Flying J Ranch Tracts). Table 3 denotes the properties in a ranking from highest to lowest value.

In general, relatively few SBRs were noted during the site visits. This should not be considered a definitive determination of presence or absence. A greater level of effort and more intensive surveys would be required to reach definitive conclusions on these resources. Examples of ways to capture higher levels of SBR occurrence would include scheduling of site visits to capture the specific blooming time for plants or breeding season for birds and amphibians, as well as specific times of day when particular species are active such as dawn and dusk.

The following property summaries include additional information and characteristics noted for each property during the field assessments. These text descriptions are also included in the summary field of the assessment database, along with all property characteristic categories. Figure 1 illustrates the location and size of all assessed properties. Weed summaries are included for properties visited during the field assessments.

Genesee Park

Size, topography, NDIS, SBR, and hydrology are the primary influences on the park’s highest ranking among DMP properties. Adjacency and PCA have little to no influence. DMP’s largest park encompasses 2,413 acres. Two perennial streams (Beaver Brook and Bear Gulch) result in a strong influence on ranking from hydrology, with 7.69 miles of perennial and ephemeral/intermittent stream. Ponderosa pine and other coniferous woodlands dominate the park. This park provides a backcountry experience within the mountain park system and contains suitable habitat for SBR birds such as northern goshawk and northern pygmy‐owl. Several List B weed species were observed near the parking lot at Beaver Book trailhead. Weed


6

populations near trails appear minimal. Isolated patches of yellow toadflax, oxeye daisy, Canada thistle, and musk thistle occur in and around the trail system within the Park. The size of this park imparts an overwhelming influence on the park’s ranking, over twice as large as the next largest park – O’Fallon.


7

Table 2. Summary of Assessment Rankings for Denver Mountain Parks Properties, Listed by Size.

Location Property

Code

Size (acres)

Adjacency Topography NDIS SBR PCA HydrologyProperty

Rank

Site

Visit

Genesee Park M26 5 1 2 4 4 0 9 25 Y

O'Fallon Park M40 4 1 3 4 3 2 4 21 Y

Red Rocks Park M44 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 26 Y

Elephant Butte Tract M20 4 2 3 4 1 1 1 16 Y

Bergen Peak Tract M05 4 2 4 2 2 3 0 17 Y

Cub Creek Park M13 3 1 1 4 2 0 5 16 Y

Berrian Mountain Tract M06 3 1 2 2 1 2 2 13 Y

Bell Park M03 3 1 2 4 2 0 3 15 Y

Newton Park M38 3 1 2 2 2 3 1 14 Y

Dedisse Park M15 3 1 1 4 3 1 7 20 Y

Little Park M31 3 2 4 3 4 4 1 21 Y

Pence Park M42 2 2 3 3 2 0 1 13 Y


8


Location Property

Code

Size (acres)


Rank

Site

Visit

Corwina Park M11 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 18 Y

Birch Hill Tract M07 1 1 3 2 1 0 0 8 Y

Legault Mountain Tracts M30 1 2 2 1 1 2 0 9 Y

Bear Creek Canyon Tract M01 1 4 3 3 2 4 5 22 Y

Fillius Park M23 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 6 Y

Deer Creek Tract M16 1 3 2 3 3 4 2 18 Y

Mount Falcon Tract M34 1 2 3 2 2 0 0 10 Y

Flying J. Ranch Tracts M24 1 3 1 2 1 2 0 10 Y

Mount Lindo Tract M36 1 2 4 3 3 1 1 15 N

West Jefferson School Tract M53 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 7 N

Lookout Mountain Park M32 1 4 2 2 3 2 0 14 N

Stanley Park Tract M46 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 7 N

Turkey Creek Park M52 1 1 3 3 3 0 1 12 N


9


Location Property

Code

Size (acres)


Rank

Site

Visit

Katherine Craig Park M12 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 6 N

Double Header Mountain Tract

M17 1 3 2 1 1 2 0 10 N

Yeagge Peak Tract M55 1 1 4 1 1 0 0 8 N

Fenders Tract M22 1 2 3 3 1 1 0 11 N

North Turkey Creek Tract M39 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 7 N

Hobbs Peak Tract M29 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 6 N

Strain Gulch Tract M49 1 1 4 2 2 0 0 10 N

Bergen Park M04 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 6 N

Starbuck Park M48 1 1 3 3 1 0 0 9 N

Parmalee Gulch Tract M41 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 6 N

Colorow Point Park M10 1 3 2 2 1 2 0 11 N


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Table 3. Summary of Assessment Rankings for Denver Mountain Parks Properties, Listed by Rank.

Location Property

Code

Size (acres)


Rank

Site

Visit

Red Rocks Park M44 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 26 Y

Genesee Park M26 5 1 2 4 4 0 9 25 Y

Bear Creek Canyon Tract M01 1 4 3 3 2 4 5 22 Y

Little Park M31 3 2 4 3 4 4 1 21 Y

O'Fallon Park M40 4 1 3 4 3 2 4 21 Y

Dedisse Park M15 3 1 1 4 3 1 7 20 Y

Corwina Park M11 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 18 Y

Deer Creek Tract M16 1 3 2 3 3 4 2 18 Y

Bergen Peak Tract M05 4 2 4 2 2 3 0 17 Y

Cub Creek Park M13 3 1 1 4 2 0 5 16 Y

Elephant Butte Tract M20 4 2 3 4 1 1 1 16 Y

Bell Park M03 3 1 2 4 2 0 3 15 Y

Mount Lindo Tract M36 1 2 4 3 3 1 1 15 N


11


Location Property

Code

Size (acres)


Rank

Site

Visit

Lookout Mountain Park M32 1 4 2 2 3 2 0 14 N

Newton Park M38 3 1 2 2 2 3 1 14 Y

Berrian Mountain Tract M06 3 1 2 2 1 2 2 13 Y

Pence Park M42 2 2 3 3 2 0 1 13 Y

Turkey Creek Park M52 1 1 3 3 3 0 1 12 N

Colorow Point Park M10 1 3 2 2 1 2 0 11 N

Fenders Tract M22 1 2 3 3 1 1 0 11 N


M17 1 3 2 1 1 2 0 10 N

Flying J. Ranch Tracts M24 1 3 1 2 1 2 0 10 Y

Mount Falcon Tract M34 1 2 3 2 2 0 0 10 Y

Strain Gulch Tract M49 1 1 4 2 2 0 0 10 N

Legault Mountain Tracts M30 1 2 2 1 1 2 0 9 Y

Starbuck Park M48 1 1 3 3 1 0 0 9 N


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Location Property

Code

Size (acres)


Rank

Site

Visit

Birch Hill Tract M07 1 1 3 2 1 0 0 8 Y

Yeagge Peak Tract M55 1 1 4 1 1 0 0 8 N

North Turkey Creek Tract M39 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 7 N

Stanley Park Tract M46 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 7 N

West Jefferson School Tract M53 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 7 N

Bergen Park M04 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 6 N

Fillius Park M23 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 6 Y

Hobbs Peak Tract M29 1 1 2 1 1 0 0 6 N

Katherine Craig Park M12 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 6 N

Parmalee Gulch Tract M41 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 6 N

Figure 1Denver Mountain

Parks Properties inJefferson County, Colorado

BELLM03

CUB CREEKM13

DEDISSEM15

ELEPHANTBUTTE

M20

CORWINAM11

PENCEM42

LITTLEPARK

M31

BERRIANMOUNTAIN

M06

REDROCKS

M44

NEWTONM38

GENESEEM26

O'FALLONM40

FILLIUSM23

BERGENPEAK

M05

BERGENM04

FLYING J.RANCH

M24

LEGAULTMOUNTAIN

M30

DEERCREEK

M16

STRAINGULCH

M49

MOUNTFALCON

M34

BIRCHHILLM07

STANLEYM46

HOBBSPEAK

M29

PARMALEEGULCH

M41

TURKEYCREEK

M52

FENDERSM22

WEST JEFFERSONSCHOOL

M53

DOUBLE HEADERMOUNTAIN

M17

YEAGGEPEAK

M55

NORTH TURKEYCREEK

M39

MOUNTLINDO

M36

BEAR CREEKCANYON

M01

LOOKOUTMOUNTAIN

M32

STARBUCKM48

KATHERINECRAIG

M12

COLOROWPOINT

M10

APPLEWOOD

ASPENPARK

EASTPLEASANT

VIEW

EVERGREEN

GENESEE

GOLDEN

INDIANHILLS

KENCARYL

KITTREDGE

LAKEWOOD

MORRISON

WESTPLEASANT

VIEW

WHEATRIDGE

T3SR69WT3S

R70WT3S

R71WT3SR72W

T4SR69W

T4SR70W

T4SR71W

T4SR72W

T5SR69W

T5SR70W

T5SR71W

T5SR72W

T6SR69W

T6SR70WT6S

R71W

T6SR72W

T7SR69WT7S

R70WT7SR71WT7S

R72W

TRAPPERSGLEN PARK

KASSLERCENTER

OXBOW

GS LOT 2S1 T4 R72

CLEARCREEK HIGH

SCHOOL

ELMGREENPARK

PARCEL AELMGREEN

PARCEL BELMGREEN

PARCEL CELMGREEN

THEFOOTHILLS

OPEN SPACE

SOUTHVALLEYPARK

WOLFPARK

CAMPGEORGE

WEST

SOUTH HOGBACKOPEN SPACE

MARSHDALEPARK

SIXTHAVENUE

WEST PARK

WILLOWSPRINGS

OPEN SPACE

WEST RANCHOPEN SPACE

JCOS

JEFFERSONCOUNTY

FAIRGROUNDS

BUCHANANPARK

PROSPECT PARK

PARFETESTATES

KEN CARYL RANCHCOMMUNITY

CENTER

STAGECOACHPARK

GRAHAMPARK

ORCHARDSTREET PARK

APPLEWOODPARK

TANGLEWOODPARK

MAPLEGROVEPARK

LEWISMEADOWS

YOUNGFIELDSERVICE

KITTREDGEPARK

STAUNTONSTATE PARK

ARAPAHOENATIONALFOREST

EAGLERIDGE

GREENBELT

HUTCHINSONPARK

LOWERRAVINEPARK

SOUTH DINOSAUROPEN SPACE PARK

BEAR CREEKLAKE PARK

FOX HOLLOWGOLF COURSE

HOMESTEADGOLF COURSE

DISCOVERYPARK

THUNDER VALLEYMOTOCROSS PARK

NORTHDINOSAUR OPEN

SPACE PARK

WEAVERCREEKPARK

WEAVERHOLLOW PARK

PIKENATIONALFOREST

BEVERLYHEIGHTS

PARK

EVERGREENHIGH SCHOOLSOCCER FIELD

KENDALLVUEELEMENTARY

BETHELCOLLEGE

MOUNTLINDOPARK

DONKEY HILLGREENBELT

RIDGERECREATION

CENTER

ROBERT A EASTONREGIONAL PARK

WELCHESTERTREE

GRANT PARK

BELLOWSPARK

POWDERHORNPARK

TONY GRAMPSASMEMORIAL

SPORTS COMPLEX

POWDERHORNMEADOWS

GREENBELT

COUNTY WESTGREENBELT

TAMARISKOPEN SPACE

FORSBERGPARK

RAVINESOPEN SPACE

LAIR O THEBEAR PARK

MOUNTFALCON

PARK

FOOTHILLSPARK

SOUTH SIMMSSTREET PARK

KENTKNUTSON

PARK

WILLIAMFREDERICK

HAYDEN PARK

ESTATESPARK

UNIONSQUARE

PARK

HERITAGEDELLS PARK

ULYSSESPARK

BLUE STARMEMORIAL

PARK

MOUNTGALBRAITH

PARK

WINDYSADDLE

PARK

WEIRGULCH

GREENBELT

PETERSONPARK

ROONEY ROADREGIONAL SPORTS

COMPLEX

WESTBLADEPARK

LOOKOUTMOUNTAIN NATURE

PRESERVE

EAGLERIDGE

CLEARCREEK

CANYON

SOUTH TABLEMOUNTAIN PARK

NORTHTABLE

MOUNTAIN

NORTH TABLEMOUNTAIN

PARK

REYNOLDSPARK

BEAVER RANCHCOMMUNITY

PARK

DEER CREEKCANYON PARK

FLYING JRANCH PARK MEYER

RANCHPARK

HALMPARK

HILDEBRANDRANCH PARK

SGT TIMOTHY MMOSSBRUCKERMEMORIAL PARK

BELLEVIEWACRES PARK

BOBBY HYATT JRMEMORIAL PARK

SUNRISECREEKPARK

ALDERFER THREESISTERS PARK

ELK MOUNTAINOPEN SPACE

PARK

BEECHPARK

JACKSONPARK

JIM HOIDAMEMORIAL

PARK

GOLDENHEIGHTS

PARK

UNIONRIDGEPARK

APEX OPENSPACE PARK

DANIELSPARK

LIONSPARK

CHESTERPORTSMOUTH

PARK

VANOVERPARK TAFT

PARK

NEWLOVELANDMINE PARK

WHITE ASHMINE PARK

NORMAND PARK

CLEAR CREEKCANYON PARK

MEADOWSGOLF CLUB

GREEN MOUNTAINRECREATION

CENTER

JEFFERSON COUNTYGOVERNMENT

CENTER

APEXKINNEY

RUN

COYOTEGULCHPARK

DEWEY HABERMANMEMORIAL PARK

WRIGHTPARK

SOUTHRIDGEPARK

NORTHHOGBACK

OPEN SPACE

HIWANHOMESTEAD

MUSEUM

HACKBERRYHILL

PARFET

LAKOTAHILLS

MATTHEWSWINTERS PARK

BACHMAN

RIMROCKPARK

ILLINOISSTREET

PARK SOUTH

MCNABBPARK

MOUNTAINSIDEPARK

£¤40

£¤6

£¤285

£¤40

UV93

UV470

UV74

UV8

UV58

UV470

§̈¦70

MannReservoir

Hiwan Number6 Reservoir

Willow SpringsNumber 1Reservoir

Maple GroveReservoir

HineLake

BergenNumber 4Reservoir

SodaLakes

DukeLake

BergenEast

Reservoir

Ken CarylReservoir

Genesee SewageTreatmentReservoir

RollingReservoir

Bergen Number5 Reservoir

GoldenReservoir

Bergen WestReservoir

GaynoReservoir

Magic MountainReservoirNumber 1


SodaLakes


BearCreekLake

EvergreenLake

Last Resort Creek

North Clear Creek

Beaver Brook

Ward Canal

Cub Creek

Brush Creek

Shingle Creek

Blue Cree k

Rocky Mountain Ditch

Buffalo Creek

Agricultural Ditch

Bear Creek

Jones Creek

Elk Creek

Soda Creek

Dutch Creek

South TurkeyCreek

Maxwell Cree

k

North Turkey Creek

Casto Creek

Mount Vernon Creek

Deer Creek

North Fork Deer Creek

West Resort Creek

Green Creek

Black

Moun

tainCre

ek

SouthPla

tte

River

HorseCreek

Wilmot Creek

Mill Cree k

Little Cub Creek

South Fork Deer Creek

Elk CreekLit

t leDe

erCre

e k

BergenDitch

Turkey Creek

Plymouth Creek

Mason Creek

Chicken Creek

Welch Ditch

Troublesome Creek

Agricultural Ditc h

Clear Creek

Bergen Creek

Church Ditch

Bergen Ditch

ClearCreekCounty

DouglasCounty

ParkCounty

GilpinCounty

JeffersonCounty

470,000

470,000

475,000

475,000

480,000

480,000

485,000

485,000

4,370

,000

4,370

,000

4,375

,000

4,375

,000

4,380

,000

4,380

,000

4,385

,000

4,385

,000

4,390

,000

4,390

,000

4,395

,000

4,395

,000

4,400

,000

4,400

,000

105°10'W

105°10'W

105°15'W

105°15'W

105°20'W

105°20'W39

°45'N

39°4

5'N

39°4

0'N

39°4

0'N

39°3

5'N

39°3

5'N

39°3

0'N

39°3

0'N

0 1 2Milesµ

NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13NShaded Relief Base

U:\Pr

ojects

\WA0

0243

4_De

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DENVER MOUNTAIN PARKSJEFFERSON COUNTY, OPENCITY, OPEN SPACEOTHERArapahoe National ForestPRIVATE CONSERVATION

Potential Conservation Areas - CNHP,Biodiversity Significance Rank

4: Very High Biodiversity Significance (CNHP = B2)3: High Biodiversity Significance (CNHP = B3)2: Moderate Biodiversity Significance (CNHP = B4)1: General Biodiversity Interest (CNHP = B5)0 1 2

Kilometers


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O’Fallon Park

High scores for size, topography, and NDIS are primary influences on property ranking, whereas SBR has a moderate score, and PCA and hydrology have low scores. The park lies adjacent to two other parks, Corwina Park to the north, and Pence Park to the south. The park consists of extensive coniferous forests interspersed with shrublands and riparian areas. This park contains suitable habitat for SBR birds such as northern pygmy‐owl and Lewis’s woodpecker. An American three‐toed woodpecker was observed onsite. Weeds such as musk thistle, yellow toadflax, Dalmatian toadflax, houndstongue, leafy spurge, and Canada thistle occur in some areas; however, widespread populations were not observed.

Red Rocks Park

Size, NDIS, SBR and PCA are the primary influences on the park’s ranking with moderate influences from adjacency and hydrology. Over a third of the park lies within a PCA of very high biodiversity significance (CNHP B2), and over half of the park’s western boundary adjoins JCOS. Sandstone cliffs dominate the park, and there is a long extent of riparian habitat, both enhancing its potential for SBR habitat. Peregrine falcons (previously listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act) were observed on the cliffs. The park may provide habitat for prairie falcon and Lewis’s woodpecker. Weeds such as Dalmatian toadflax, scotch thistle, and Canada thistle occur in some areas. Poison hemlock is widespread.

Elephant Butte Tract

This tract represents high value for size, topography, and NDIS, and low for adjacency, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. A PCA of general biodiversity interest (B5) overlaps the eastern side of the property. The property borders JCOS to the east and a private conservation easement to the north. A ridge of rocky outcrops runs from the southwest to the northeast side and provides extensive bat habitat. Extensive mixed conifer forests cover the site. Musk thistle occurs in five‐ to ten‐meter diameter patches; however, weed populations are not widespread. Myrtle spurge populations exist near the summit.

Bergen Peak Tract

This tract represents high value for size and topography, and moderate for PCA. Lower values are recorded for adjacency, NDIS, and SBR, and hydrology was zero. A PCA of high biodiversity significance (B3) overlaps the majority of the tract. The park is adjacent to JCOS to the east. The park consists of extensive mixed coniferous forests. A juvenile Williamson’s sapsucker was observed indicating nesting in the tract and habitat for dusky grouse exists within the boundary. Weeds such as Dalmatian toadflax, leafy spurge, musk thistle, and Canada thistle occur; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.

Cub Creek Park

Values are high for NDIS and moderate for size, topography, and hydrology. Lower values are found for adjacency and SBR, with no PCA value. Cub Creek runs from the southwest corner to the north side. Mountain subdivisions border the north, south, and west sides. This park is adjacent to Bell Park to the east. The park consists of extensive mixed coniferous forests.


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Weeds such as orange hawkweed, diffuse knapweed, musk thistle, and Canada thistle occur in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.

Berrian Mountain Tract

Values are high for size and topography, and low for adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Subdivisions and development border the western and southern boundaries. Dense stands of lodgepole pine and mixed conifer woodlands cover the site. There is some evidence of a historic fire. An American three‐toed woodpecker was heard drumming during field surveys conducted in August. Weeds such as yellow toadflax, Canada thistle, and musk thistle occur in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread. Rock outcroppings along the trails provide bat roosting habitat.

Bell Park

Values are high for topography and NDIS, and moderate for size. Low values are recorded for adjacency, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Subdivisions occur on the north, east, and south sides and Bell Park is adjacent to Cub Creek Park to the west. The park is dominated by ponderosa pine woodland with smaller areas of mixed conifer. Weeds such as corn chamomile, yellow toadflax, and Canada thistle occur in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.

Newton Park

Values are high for size, topography, and PCA, and low for adjacency, NDIS, SBR, and hydrology. A PCA of high biodiversity significance (B3) overlaps portions of the eastern side. JCOS borders the southern boundary. Ponderosa pine woodlands dominate the park with smaller stands of mixed conifers. The park slopes down toward a riparian corridor along Casto Creek (offsite). Traffic along the creek corridor may affect wildlife use of the park. Weeds such as mayweed chamomile, yellow toadflax, and musk thistle occur; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.

Dedisse Park

High scores for NDIS and hydrology, and moderate scores for size, topography, and SBR are the primary influences on Dedisse Park. Adjacency and PCA have little influence. The park includes Evergreen Lake and is bisected by Bear Creek. These two aquatic features provide a strong positive influence on hydrology. Large coniferous forests dominate the western two‐thirds of the park. Bear Creek and Evergreen Lake within and adjacent to the park impart a major influence on the hydrological value of the property.

Little Park

Scores for topography, SBR, and PCA are high whereas size, adjacency, and NDIS have moderate values. Hydrology value is low. The western third of Little Park is included within a PCA of moderate biological significance (B4). The Little Park property is adjacent to JCOS on the east and northwest sides. The park has a mixture of coniferous woodlands and shrub‐covered hillsides. Weeds such as musk thistle, Dalmatian toadflax, and Canada thistle occur in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.


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Comprising only a short reach of Bear Creek results in a relatively low hydrologic score for Little Park. However, it is important to note that this reach of perennial creek, as well as two contributing ephemeral tributaries, are located at the very top of the Bear Creek watershed, an important position for resource management and conservation. The riparian area supports approximately six (6) acres of high value Rocky Mountain lower montane riparian woodland within the upper boundary of the park. This is an uncommon habitat within DMP.

Pence Park

Values are high for topography and NDIS and low for size, adjacency, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. O’Fallon Park borders the northern side. Subdivisions border the west and east sides. Extensive dense mixed conifer forests cover the site with smaller stands of ponderosa pine. Traffic along the eastern boundary may influence wildlife use. Musk thistle persists in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.

Corwina Park

Values are high for topography, and moderate for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, and PCA. Hydrologic values are low. The park has adjacency with JCOS on the northeast and O’Fallon Park and Pence Park to the south; this forms a large extent of contiguous properties. A PCA of moderate biological significance (B4) borders and slightly overlaps the southeastern corner. Extensive and dense coniferous forests cover the property. Weeds such as leafy spurge, musk thistle, Dalmatian toadflax, and Canada thistle continue to persist in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.

Birch Hill Tract

This tract has a high value for topography, and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Subdivisions border the southern side. Extensive ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests cover the site. Weeds such as spotted knapweed, musk thistle, and Canada thistle occur in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.

Legault Mountain Tracts

These three tracts have a high value for topography, and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. The western two parcels are adjacent to private conservation easements. Montane mixed conifer forests dominate all three parcels. Weeds such as Canada thistle, bull thistle, and musk thistle occur in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread. Overall, the area is quite wild and exhibits many native plants and favorable habitat for regional wildlife due to limited public access and use. Of note, habitat and evidence of American three‐toed woodpecker were observed.

Bear Creek Canyon Tract

Adjacency, topography, PCA, and hydrology are the primary influences on the park’s ranking, with NDIS having a moderate influence. Size and SBR are lower influences. The entirety of the tract is bordered to the north and south by JCOS. It lies within a PCA (B2). The entire length of the tract encompasses Bear Creek resulting in a strong influence on ranking from hydrology.


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The long extent of riparian habitat along the creek enhances the value of this property. Diffuse knapweed was observed along shoulder of the road but does not appear to be widespread.

Fillius Park

This is a small park with high value for topography and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Ponderosa pines are the dominant vegetation. Weeds such as Russian knapweed, Dalmatian toadflax, musk thistle, and Canada thistle persist in some areas. Weed treatment is recommended as a priority for this park.

Deer Creek Tract

Values are high for PCA and moderate for adjacency, topography, NDIS, and SBR. Size and hydrology are low. A PCA of very high biological significance (B3) overlaps the eastern third of the property. JCOS is adjacent to the park to the north and east. A very small park, Deer Creek Tract lies at the transition between foothills and plains with a diversity of vegetation communities. Traffic along the tract likely influences wildlife use. Weeds such as diffuse knapweed, musk thistle, and Canada thistle persist along the shoulder or the road; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread.

Mount Falcon Tract

This tract has a high value for topography, and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Adjacent to the north and west is JCOS. The site is a mosaic of ponderosa pine and mixed montane shrubland. Weeds such as Dalmatian toadflax and musk thistle occur in some areas; however, weed populations do not appear to be widespread. Of note, a common poorwill was observed during field surveys in August.

Flying J. Ranch Tracts

Values are high for adjacency and topography, and low for size, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. These two small parcels are bordered by JCOS. A PCA of moderate biodiversity significance (B4) covers the majority of the southern tract. Dense montane mixed coniferous cover both sites. Sign of American three‐toed woodpecker was noted within the tract boundary.

Mount Lindo Tract

This tract comprises two parcels bisected by U.S. 285. Values are high for topography, NDIS, and SBR, and low for size, adjacency, PCA, and hydrology. JCOS and other open space areas border the southern half of the property. Ponderosa pine and mixed conifers dominate the site along with stands of Gamble oak and scattered riparian vegetation.

West Jefferson School Tract

This is a small park contained within a subdivision and adjacent to the Town of Aspen Park. The tract has a high value for topography, and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. It is a small park contained within subdivisions. The majority of the park is dominated by mixed conifer woodland with some areas of ponderosa pine woodland.


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Lookout Mountain Park

Values are high for adjacency, topography, and SBR with lower values for size, NDIS, PCA, and hydrology. JCOS surrounds the park. A PCA of moderate biodiversity significance (B4) overlaps the property. The park consists of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests.

Stanley Park Tract

This is a small park contained within subdivisions. It has a high value for topography, and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. The majority of the park is covered in ponderosa pine woodlands with small areas of mixed conifer woodland.

Turkey Creek Park

Values are high for topography, NDIS, and SBR. Low values are noted for size, adjacency, PCA, and hydrology. Turkey Creek runs along the southern border. Highway 285 cuts through the center of the park, dividing the east and west sides. This small park is mostly ponderosa pine woodland and mixed conifer woodland, with patches of riparian habitat and wet meadow.

Katherine Craig Park

Low values are recorded for size, adjacency, topography, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. The park is sparsely vegetated with ponderosa pine.


Values are high for adjacency and topography, and low for size, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. JCOS borders the western and southern boundaries. This sparsely wooded site consists mostly of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer woodland.

Yeagge Peak Tract

This is a small park surrounded by sparsely developed areas. It has a high value for topography and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Mixed conifer woodlands cover the majority of the park.

Fenders Tract

Values are high for topography and NDIS and low for size, adjacency, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Subdivisions border the east and south sides. Extensive stands of Gamble oak cover two‐thirds of this small park, with the other third consisting of dry coniferous woodland.

North Turkey Creek Tract

This tract has a high value for topography and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. It is a small parcel with subdivisions on the west and a conservation easement on the east. Ponderosa pine and conifer woodlands cover the majority of the park.

Hobbs Peak Tract

This is a small park contained within subdivisions. This tract has a high value for topography, and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. A cliff outcrop dominates the property, and extensive conifer forests cover the site.


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Strain Gulch Tract

This is a very small park, with high value for topography, and low values for size, adjacency, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Coniferous woodlands and Gamble oak shrublands cover the site. The tract sits above a large quarry.

Bergen Park

This is a small park surrounded by residential and urban development. Low values are recorded for size, adjacency, topography, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Highly managed ponderosa pine woodland covers the park.

Starbuck Park

This is a very small south‐facing park overlooking Bear Creek. It has high values for topography and NDIS, and low values for size, adjacency, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. A mountain shrub vegetation community dominates the site.

Parmalee Gulch

This is a very small and relatively isolated park surrounded by mountain subdivisions. Low values are recorded for size, adjacency, topography, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. Ponderosa pines sparsely grow on the site.

Colorow Point Park

Values are high for adjacency and topography, and low for size, NDIS, SBR, PCA, and hydrology. The park comprises a very small overlook along Colorow Road.


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References

Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. 2011. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas II. Available: http://bird.atlasing.org/Atlas/CO/Main. Accessed December 2014.

Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). 2012. Survey of Critical Biological Resources, Jefferson County, Colorado, 2010‐2011.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). 2015. Species of Concern. Available: http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/ThreatenedEndangeredList/Pages/ListOfThreatenedAndEndangeredSpecies.aspx. Accessed December 2015.

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology (CLO) and National Audubon Society. 2014. Ebird real‐time online checklist program. Available: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/. Accessed December 2014.

Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS). 2014. 2014‐2019 Jefferson County Open Space Master Plan 2014‐2015. Available: http://jeffco.us/open‐space/plans/open‐space‐master‐plan/. Accessed December 2014.

Natural Diversity Information Source (NDIS). 2014. Available: http://ulpeis.anl.gov/documents/dpeis/references/pdfs/CPW_2011a.pdf. Accessed December 2014.

Southwestern Regional Gap (SWReGap). 2004. RS/GIS Laboratory, College of Natural Resources, Utah State University. 'PROVISIONAL' Digital Landcover Dataset for the Southwestern United States. Version 1.0 ‐ raster digital data. Available: http://earth.gis.usu.edu/swgap/. Accessed January 2015.

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2015. Species by County Reports. Available: http://www.fws.gov/mountain‐prairie/co.html. Accessed December 2015.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2011. National Agriculture Imagery Program National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP). Available: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/apfoapp?area=home&subject=prog&topic=nai. Accessed December 2014.

U.S. Geological Survey, The National Map. 2014a. 3DEP products and services: The National Map, 3D Elevation Program. Available: http://nationalmap.gov/3dep_prodserv.html. Accessed December 2014.

U.S. Geological Survey. 2014b. National Hydrography Dataset (U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Forest Service, and other Federal, State and local partners. USGS Reston, Virginia. Vector digital data. Available: \\igskbthifsfasd1\nvm_extracts\GDBExtractServer\Template\NHD_File_Template_High_931vjxx.gdb. Accessed December 2014.


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ATTACHMENT A: SIGNIFICANT BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES LISTED FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY (FROM CNHP 2012) AND POTENTIALLY OCCURRING ON DENVER MOUNTAIN PARKS PROPERTIES.

1

Significant Biological Resources Listed for Jefferson County (CNHP 2012) and Potentially Occurring on Denver Mountain Parks Properties

Common Name Scientific Name Global Rank

State Rank

Federal Rank

StateLast Date Observed

AMPHIBIANS

northern leopard frog Lithobates pipiens G5 S3 BLM/FS SC 2000

BIRDS

northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis G5 S3B BLM/FS 2010

prairie falcon Falco mexicanus G5 S4B,S4

N

American peregrine falcon Falco peregrines anatum G4T4 S2B FS SC 2010

northern pygmy‐owl Glaucidium gnoma G5 S3B 2011

bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus G5 S1B,S3

N BLM/FS ST 2011

Lewis’s woodpecker Melanerpes lewis G5 S2B FS 2011

ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla G4 S3B,S4

N 2010

INSECTS

arogos skipper Atrytone arogos G3 S2 2010

hops azure Celastrina humulus G2G3 S2 2011

Pawnee montane skipper Hesperia leonardus montana G4T1 S1 LT 2011

Ottoe skipper Hesperia ottoe G3G4 S2 FS 2010

MAMMALS

black‐tailed prairie dog Cynomys ludovicianus G4 S3 BLM/FS SC 2011

Preble’s meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius preblei G5T2 S1 LT ST 2011

2



State Rank

Federal Rank


PLANT COMMUNITIES

Thinleaf Alder / Mesic Forbs Riparian Shrubland

Alnus incana / Mesic Forbs Shrubland G3 S3

1996

Big Bluestem ‐ Little Bluestem Xeric Tallgrass Prairie

Andropogon gerardii ‐ Schizachyrium scoparium Western Great Plains Herbaceous Vegetation

G2? S2

2011

Big Bluestem ‐ Prairie Dropseed Xeric Tallgrass Prairie

Andropogon gerardii / Sporobolus heterolepis Western Foothills Herbaceous Vegetation

G2 S1

2011

Bluejoint Reedgrass Montane Wet Meadow

Calamagrostis canadensis Western Herbaceous Vegetation

G4 S4

2011

Nebraska Sedge Wet Meadow Carex nebrascensis Herbaceous Vegetation G4 S3 2011

Mountain Mahogany / Needle‐and‐Thread Grass Mixed Foothill Shrubland

Cercocarpus montanus / Hesperostipa comata Shrubland

G2 S2

2011

Parry's Oatgrass Montane Grassland

Danthonia parryi Herbaceous Vegetation G3 S3

2011

Needle‐and‐Thread Mixed Grass Prairie

Hesperostipa comata Colorado Front Range Herbaceous Vegetation

G1G2 S1S2

2011

Rocky Mountain Juniper / Mountain Mahogany Foothills Woodland / Scarp Woodland

Juniperus scopulorum / Cercocarpus montanus Woodland

G2 S2

2011

Blue Spruce / Thinleaf Alder Montane Riparian Forest

Picea pungens / Alnus incana Woodland GS S3

2011

Blue Spruce / Birch Montane Riparian Woodland

Picea pungens / Betula occidentalis Woodland G2 S2

2011

3



State Rank

Federal Rank


Limber Pine / Kinnikinnik Lower Montane Woodland

Pinus flexilis / Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi Woodland**

G4 S3

1992

Ponderosa pine / Thinleaf Alder Woodland

Pinus ponderosa / Alnus incana Woodland

G2 S2

1996

Ponderosa Pine / Kinnikinnik Lower Montane Forest

Pinus ponderosa / Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi Woodland

G4 S3

1992

Foothills Ponderosa Pine Scrub Woodlands Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus montanus / Andropogon gerardii Wooded Herbaceous Vegetation

G2 S2?

1992

Foothills Ponderosa Pine Scrub Woodlands Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus montanus Woodland

G4 S4

1992

Foothills Ponderosa Pine Savannas Pinus ponderosa / Leucopoa kingii Woodland

G3 S3

1992

Foothills Ponderosa Pine Savannas Pinus ponderosa / Muhlenbergia montana Woodland

G4G5 S2S3

1992

Foothills Ponderosa Pine Scrub Woodlands Pinus ponderosa / Quercus gambelii Woodland

G5 S4

1992

Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Thinleaf Alder Montane Riparian Forest

Populus angustifolia / Alnus incana Woodland

G3 S3

2011

Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Douglas Fir Montane Riparian Forest

Populus angustifolia / Pseudotsuga menziesii Woodland*

G3 S2

2011

Narrowleaf Cottonwood / Drummond Willow/ Rocky Mountain Maple Woodland

Populus angustifolia / Salix drummondiana / Acer glabrum Woodland*

G2? S1

2011

4



State Rank

Federal Rank


Quaking Aspen / Beaked Hazelnut Montane Riparian Forest

Populus tremuloides / Corylus cornuta Forest*

G3 S1

2011

Douglas Fir / Water Birch Montane Riparian Forest

Pseudotsuga menziesii / Betula occidentalis Woodland

G3? S3

2011

Douglas Fir / Geyer’s Sedge Lower Montane Forest

Pseudotsuga menziesii / Carex geyeri Forest

G4? S3

2011

Douglas Fir / Waxflower Lower Montane Forest

Pseudotsuga menziesii / Jamesia americana Forest

G3G4 S3

1992

Rocky Mountain Willow / Bluejoint Reedgrass Montane Willow Carr

Salix monticola / Calamagrostis canadensis Shrubland

G3 S3

2011

Rocky Mountain Willow / Beaked Sedge Montane Riparian Willow Carr

Salix monticola / Carex utriculata Shrubland

G3 S3

2011

Rocky Mountain Willow Montane Riparian Willow Carr

Salix monticola / Mesic Forbs Shrubland

G4 S3

1996

PLANTS

lavender hyssop Agastache foeniculum G4G5 S1 1878

dwarf wild indigo Amorpha nana G5 S2S3 2011

golden columbine Aquilegia chrysantha var. rydbergii* G4T1Q S1 BLM/FS 2011

Rocky Mountain columbine Aquilegia saximontana G3 S3 2011

forked three‐awn grass Aristida basiramea G5 S1 2010

Front Range milkvetch Astragalus sparsiflorus G2 S2 2010

openfield sedge Carex conoidea** G5 S1 2011

Peck's sedge Carex peckii* G4G5 S1 2011

Rocky Mountain sedge Carex saximontana G5 S1 2011

5



State Rank

Federal Rank


long‐beaked sedge Carex sprengelii G5? S2S3 2011

Torrey's sedge Carex torreyi G4 S1 2011

redstem springbeauty Claytonia rubra G5 S1 2010

yellow hawthorn Crataegus chrysocarpa G5 S1 2011

American yellow lady's slipper Cypripedium calceolus ssp. parviflorum G5 S2 FS 2011

Bicknell's northern cranesbill Geranium bicknellii G5 S2 2010

Front Range alumroot Heuchera hallii G3 S3 2011

variegated horsetail Hippochaete variegata G5 S1 2011

Vasey's rush Juncus vaseyi* G5? S1 2011

wood lily Lilium philadelphicum G5T5 S3/S4 2011

white adder's mouth Malaxis monophyllos ssp. brachypoda G4Q S1 FS 2011

Weber's monkeyflower Mimulus gemmiparus G1 S1 2011

jeweled blazingstar Nuttallia speciosa G3 S3 2011

Colorado butterfly plant Oenothera coloradensis ssp. coloradensis G3T2 S1 LT 2011

Rocky Mountain phacelia Phacelia denticulata* G3 SU 2011

Rydberg twinpod Physaria vitulifera G3 S3 2011

Twinpod hybrid Physaria x 11** G1Q S1 2010

Rocky Mountain polypody Polypodium saximontanum G3? S3? 2011

southern Rocky Mountain cinquefoil Potentilla ambigens G3 S1S2 2010

American current Ribes americanum G5 S2 1910

Weatherby's spikemoss Selaginella weatherbiana G3G4 S3S4 2011

blue‐eyed grass Sisyrinchium demissum G5 S2 1994

carrion flower Smilax lasioneura G5 S3S4 2011

6



State Rank

Federal Rank


Ute ladies’‐tresses Spiranthes diluvialis G2G3 S2 LT 2011

James' telesonix Telesonix jamesii G2 S2 2011

prairie violet Viola pedatifida G5 S2 2010

FUNGI

earthstar Mycenastrum corium ssp. ferrugineum** G1 S1 1998 Key: BLM=BLM Sensitive; FS=USFS Sensitive; LT=USFWS Threatened; SC=State Species of Special Concern; ST=State Threatened; *County Record; **State Record 1Newly identified hybrid species Physaria x1, genetically determined to be a cross between two Colorado endemic species, Rydberg twinpod(Physaria vitulifera) and Bell's twinpod (Physaria bellii) (Kothera et al. 2007, in CNHP 2012).

final survey and assessment, - denver

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