HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 08/28/2007 - SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE MANAGEMENT PLAN DATE: August 28, 2007 WORK SESSION ITEM
STAFF: John Stokes FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Soapstone Prairie Management Plan.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Is the Council generally comfortable with the proposed Management Plan?
2. Are there any critical problems or flaws?
BACKGROUND
Natural Areas Program staffhas completed the final draft ofthe Soapstone Prairie Management Plan.
The Plan will be administratively adopted sometime in October. The Plan has been developed over
many months with the input from the public, technical experts, and various agencies. The Plan's
framework consists of several elements, including:
1. Detailed descriptions of the natural and cultural attributes of the property;
2. Proposed management zones;
3. A conceptual design of the trail network; and,
4. A list of proposed visitor recreation activities.
The Plan has been developed in close coordination with Latimer County's management plan for the
adjoining Red Mountain Open Space. Regulations, management zones, and uses are, for the most
part, similar from property to property.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area consists of 18,728 acres, with the initial acquisition occurring in
2004. It is by far the largest property managed by the City's Natural Areas Program. This agenda
item summary will briefly review the planning process and some of the practical implications of the
Plan. For a highly detailed examination of these issues, please see the attached Plan, or view it
online at http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/pdf/ssn_mgmt_plan.pdf.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is, by itself, a spectacular natural area. It is home to over one
hundred bird species,elk, deer,badgers,prairie dogs;vibrant plant communities including globally
rare plants; world renowned cultural resources such as the Lindenmeier site; and fantastic scenic
vistas. What distinguishes Soapstone even further is its location in the heart of amountains-to-plains
landscape known as the Laramie Foothills. The Laramie Foothills are the focus of a successful
conservation effort undertaken by numerous organizations and individuals.
August 28, 2007 Page 2
Larimer County is one of the most important partners in the conservation partnership and has
conserved the 13,500-acre Red Mountain Open Space immediately to the west of Soapstone.
Larimer County and the City have worked together to harmonize their respective management plans.
Other important conservation efforts have been undertaken by private landowners, The Nature
Conservancy, Legacy Land Trust, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife. In all, the partners are
conserving approximately 50,000 acres of land that help link together a nearly 200,000-acre
mountains-to-plains wildlife corridor.
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program has used a careful,deliberate,and detailed planning
process to design a management plan for Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Extensive surveys of the
natural and cultural attributes of the property have been conducted. The survey results were used
to create management zone overlays that provide a framework for characterizing and determining
uses and management objectives in the respective zones. Great care has been taken not only to
protect the precious resources of Soapstone,but also to provide a wealth of opportunities for citizens
to experience the beauty, solitude,wildlife, and cultural resources of the site. During the collection
of data, and the design of the Management Plan, many technical experts as well as citizens were
consulted.
The City is grateful for all of the help and support it has received from its citizens, as well as other
agencies and professionals in fields as diverse as archeology and recreation. In cooperation with its
friends and partners, the City has created this initial Management Plan and its attendant objectives
and strategies. The Natural Areas Program uses an adaptive style of management; therefore the
Management Plan is intended to be a living document. Management of this site will change over
time as the community and the Program staff learns more about this magnificent property.
Planning Process: Conservation Targets, Visitor Use, and Management Zones
Natural Areas Program staff based much of its site management planning efforts on a system
developed by The Nature Conservancy and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. The system
requires the identification of what are known as "conservation targets." These are broad-scale
biological, aesthetic, cultural or geologic features of a landscape. In the case of Soapstone, seven
of these targets were identified including: shortgrass prairie; birds of prey; wetland and riparian
systems; rare and threatened plants; foothills shrublands; geologic features; cultural resources; and
view shed/sense of place. Within each of these targets,there are"nested targets,"such as burrowing
owls and swift foxes that occur in the shortgrass prairie. Nested targets are used to better identify
management approaches that benefit both the conservation target and nested target.
The next step in the planning process was to analyze visitor use. The goal of this analysis was to
help create a high quality, sustainable visitor and recreation experience, while also protecting the
site's ecological and cultural resources. The analysis was driven by several factors including
extensive public input, a review of recreation opportunities in the region, and management
considerations.
Finally, based on the conservation targets and visitor use analysis, a series of management zones
were created. Management zoning typically is used by land management agencies, including the
National Park Service and the United States Forest Service. The zones at Soapstone include:
developed areas(such as parking lots, trails, shelters); front country areas (where more people and
August 28, 2007 Page 3
infrastructure maybe located);backcountry areas where there are fewer people and limited facilities;
and primitive areas (where there are no improvements and limited access).
Throughout the process of identifying conservation targets, visitor use, and management zones,
extensive consultation occurred with the public, a technical advisory group (composed of natural
resource management experts, recreation groups, and individuals), and various agencies and
organizations.
Practical Implications
Based on the extensive planning process,staff is recommending a varietyofmanagement approaches
to the property. At the end of this document,a table is attached from the Plan that describes various
recreation activities and the recommended management approach. Again,for a detailed explanation
of these approaches, please see the draft Management Plan.
In addition to the management recommedations described in the attached table,the Plan recommends
keeping the property open from March 1 thru November 30th,seven days a week. This parallels the
recommendation for Red Mountain Open Space. The winter closure at Soapstone and Red Mountain
is intended to provide undisturbed, critical winter habitat to big game animals and other wildlife.
In addition,during the winter months winter recreation such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing
are very limited and roads are often impassable. This also is expected to be a season of low
visitation.
Conclusion
Soapstone Prairie has spectacular resources. It contains some of the finest natural and cultural
resources in the American west, and in the case of the Lindenmier site, in the world. Stewarding
these magnificent resources is both a challenge and wonderful opportunity for Fort Collins.
This draft Management Plan represents a"basics first'approach. In other words,the Plan seeks to
establish the initial direction of management, as well as establish a solid platform from which to
make future decisions. Based on this Plan,Natural Areas staff will develop improvements intended
to provide an outstanding visitor experience,while also stewarding the natural and cultural resources
of the site. After the property has been open for a while, the community can evaluate this initial
management approach and make changes as necessary. In fact, the Plan is organized to facilitate
adaptive mangement in the future as conditions change, whether those conditions are related to
visitor use or other factors, such as climate.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Soapstone Prairie Management Plan.
2. Recreation Activities and the Recommended Management Approach.
3. Power Point presentation.
FORT COLLINS NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM
SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE
NATURAL AREA
MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Executive Summary
The City of Fort Collins is fortunate to have one of the most successful municipal natural area
programs in the world. Building on a long tradition in Colorado of municipal governments
conserving important natural and cultural resources, Fort Collins has become a leader in
conserving and managing natural areas that are open to the public for a wide variety of outdoor
recreation opportunities . The motto of the City' s Natural Areas Program is "naturally yours ;" and
reflects the community' s commitment to caring for the natural and cultural resources of its
natural area system while providing high-quality, sustainable outdoor experiences .
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is, by itself, a spectacular natural area. It is home to over one
hundred and thirty bird species, elk, deer, badgers, prairie dogs ; vibrant plant communities -
including globally rare plants ; world renowned cultural resources such as the Lindenmeier
Archaeological Site; and, fantastic scenic vistas . What distinguishes Soapstone Prairie even
further is its location in the heart of a mountains-to-plains landscape known as the Laramie
Foothills . The Laramie Foothills are the locus of a successful conservation effort undertaken by
numerous organizations and individuals .
Larimer County is one of the most important partners in the conservation partnership — and
has conserved 13 , 500 acres of land known as Red Mountain Ranch immediately to the west of
Soapstone Prairie . The City and Larimer County have worked together closely to harmonize their
respective management plans . Other important conservation efforts have been undertaken by
private landowners, The Nature Conservancy, Legacy Land Trust, and the Colorado Division of
Wildlife . In all, the partners are conserving �50,000 acres of land that help link a nearly 200,000
acre mountains-to-plains corridor.
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program has adopted a careful, deliberate, and detailed
planning process to design a management plan for Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Extensive
surveys of the natural and cultural attributes of the property have been conducted. The survey
results were used to create management zone overlays that provide a framework for
characterizing and determining uses and management objectives in the respective zones . Great
care has been taken not only to protect the precious resources of Soapstone Prairie, but also to
provide a wealth of opportunities for citizens to experience the beauty, solitude, wildlife, and
cultural resources of the site . During the collection of data, and the design of the management
plan, many experts as well as citizens were consulted.
The City is grateful for all of the help and support it has received from its citizens, as well as
institutions and professionals in fields as diverse as archeology and recreation. In cooperation
with its friends and partners, the City has created this initial management plan and its attendant
objectives and strategies . Importantly, the management plan is a living document, and it is
entirely expected that as the community learns more about this magnificent property the City' s
management approach will be adjusted accordingly.
Soapstone Prairie is vibrant with life and possibilities . As a community, the City of Fort
Collins can be proud of its efforts to conserve Soapstone Prairie for now, and forever.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Ar •
Management1
Management decisions for Soapstone Prairie Natural Area are based on the concept of
maintaining and enhancing the living landscape, including its diversity of plants, animals, and
natural communities, as well as its world-class archaeological and cultural values . Emphasis is
placed on supporting habitat values that sustain the function, connectivity, and the spirit of the
regional mountains-to-plains ecological system and its inhabitants while providing a diversity of
high quality visitor experiences .
This vision includes :
• Safeguarding healthy habitats for wildlife and plant communities.
• Providing high quality, sustainable recreational opportunities for visitors.
• Protecting the integrity of cultural resources that provide glimpses into the past.
• Enhancing visitors ' understanding and appreciation of the natural and cultural resources
through education and interpretation.
• Continuing the "working landscape " providing agricultural production opportunities
that are practical and compatible with conservation goals.
ONE
The mission of the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is to protect and enhance
lands with existing or potential natural areas values, lands that serve as community
separators, agricultural lands, and lands with scenic values. Protection of natural
habitats and features is the highest priority, while providing for education and
recreation for the Fort Collins community.
City of Fort Collins Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan, 2004
Table of Contents
Chapter1 . Introduction and Background . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I
SiteSignificance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I
Process and Scope of Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Purchase and Interim Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
GeographicContext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
LandUse History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
PublicOutreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2. Physical Resources and Geology .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . . 6
Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Geology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Streamsand Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Minerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chapter 3. Vegetation and Ecological Systems.................................................................... 10
Plant Communities and Ecological Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Rare and Threatened Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Weeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 4. Wildlife Resources ............................................................................................... 19
Mammals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Amphibiansand Reptiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Potential Reintroductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter5. Cultural Resources .............................................................................................. 32
Lindenmeier Valley — the Paleo-Indian Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Prehistoric Discoveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
AmericanIndians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
HomesteadHistory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
RanchingHistory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Chapter 6. Resource Management of High Priority Conservation Targets ..................... 41
Shortgrass Prairie/Grasslands System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Birdsof Prey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Wetland/Riparian Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Foothills Shrublands System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Rare and Threatened Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Geological Features System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
CulturalResources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Viewshed / Sense of Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
i Table of Contents
Chapter7. Visitor Use ........................................................................................................... 60
Determining Visitor Experiences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Regional Analysis of Recreation Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Analysis of Visitor Experience Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Specific Visitor Experience Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
TrailSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
ManagingVisitor Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Chapter 8. Management Zones, Visitor Expectations and Carrying Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 85
DevelopedZone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
FrontcountryZone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
BackcountryZone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
PrimitiveZone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Chapter9. Education and Outreach ................................................................................... 92
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Proposed Education and Interpretive Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Suggested Education and Interpretive Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Chapter 10. Site Administration, Public Improvements and Site Security .................... 97
Existing Easements, Leases and Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Anticipated Public Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Visitor and Resource Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Maps
1 . Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
2 . Surrounding Lands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
3 . Ecological Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & . . m . M . M . M & . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & m . M . M . M . m . M . M . M & . . . . . . 105
4 . Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
5 . Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
6 . Conceptual Trail Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
7 . Management Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Appendices
1 . Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project through 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
2 . Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . & . . . . . . . . . III
3 . Public Tours Feedback Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
4 . Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
5 . Public Meeting Notes and Management Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
6 . Technical Advisory Group Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
7 . Plant Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
8 . Mammal Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9 . Bird Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
ii Table of Contents
1 '
Introduction and Background
A. Site Significance
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area encompasses 18, 728 acres of shortgrass prairie, foothills
shrublands, cliffs and rock outcrops, wetlands, springs, and prairie streams . This property
represents the largest land purchase within the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program and is
part of the Meadow Springs regional conservation focus area as identified in the 2004 Land
Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan. Soapstone Prairie is also an essential piece of the
Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains (LFMTP) Project, which, through numerous partnerships,
has created a nearly 200, 000-acre corridor of protected lands linking the Front Range and the
High Plains, thereby conserving a large working landscape and wildlife corridor. (See
Appendices 1 and 2, and Map 1 below for more LFMTP details) .
Map I * Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project (*see Map 1, page 103 for larger image)
5 • ' ' F plat '
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Soapstone Prairie ' s landscape rises from an elevation of 6,000 feet on the eastern edge to
7,200 feet, seven miles to the west. Larimer County' s Red Mountain Open Space adjoins
Soapstone Prairie ' s western boundary, and Cheyenne Ridge defines the property' s northern
border. Deep washes and arroyos cut dramatically to the south and east, trending downward from
the ridges and out towards the plains .
1 Chapter 1 — Introduction and Background
Abundant wildlife and plant life are found within this unique and biologically diverse site.
Research conducted by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program staff, Colorado Natural
Heritage Program, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and other organizations have noted that
Soapstone Prairie is home to globally rare ecosystems and prairie grasslands that offer high
quality, critical habitat for wildlife, including pronghorn, swift fox, black-tailed prairie dogs and
mule deer. Soapstone Prairie is also one of the last places in Colorado where elk still venture out
onto the plains . The land supports more than 130 species of birds, including nesting golden
eagles and burrowing owls, prairie falcons, ferruginous hawks, long-billed curlews and mountain
plovers . An amazing array of wetland and riparian systems, including marshes, seeps, springs
and streams support the federally threatened Colorado butterfly plant and other imperiled plant
species . Areas of gnarled and aged junipers, centuries-old ponderosa pines, and even a relict
stand of aspen are found in western sections of the property.
Culturally, Soapstone Prairie is rich in human history, dating back thousands of years . The
most significant cultural feature on Soapstone Prairie is the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site, a
National Historic Landmark. Recognized worldwide as one of the most well-preserved and
extensive Folsom occupations in the American West, the history of the Lindenmeier
Archaeological Site dates back over 12, 000 years . This site was excavated in the 1930 ' s by the
Smithsonian Institution and the Colorado Museum of Natural History (now known as the Denver
Museum of Nature and Science), and many of the artifacts collected at that time are archived and
on display at the City of Fort Collins Museum. The majority of the collection is at the
Smithsonian Institution, and a smaller collection is housed at the Denver Museum of Nature and
Science . In addition, archaeological surveys conducted in the summers of 2006 and 2007 by
researchers from Colorado State and Southern Methodist Universities documented numerous
sites of other cultural interest on the property.
B . Process and Scope of Management Plan
At Soapstone Prairie, conservation of natural and cultural resources is of highest priority, and
management decisions within this plan focus on stewardship of resources while providing high
quality, sustainable recreational opportunities . This management plan is a result of a multi-year
process that entailed:
♦ Developing baseline inventories of natural and cultural resources, including wildlife,
plant life, cultural sites and artifacts .
♦ Prioritizing resources of highest conservation concern.
♦ Determining potential threats and impacts to the resources and developing management
strategies to address .
♦ Analyzing recreational opportunities and visitor experiences .
♦ Developing the concept of management zones on the property, allowing for stewardship
of areas with similar resources .
♦ Determining carrying capacity and allowing for management adaptability as changes to
the resources occur over time.
♦ Understanding the unique security needs of the cultural and natural resources, and
developing a plan to meet those needs .
♦ Creating a timeline for public improvements to fulfill the visitor experience goals and to
properly steward the site consistent with the Natural Areas Program mission.
This management plan follows a similar path, detailing the results of each step of the planning
process .
2 Chapter I — Introduction and Background
C . Purchase and Interim Management
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program purchased Soapstone Prairie Natural Area in
2004 . At the time of the initial purchase, approximately 12 ,579 acres were deeded, and 3 , 873
acres were leased from the Colorado State Land Board. Additional purchases were completed in
2004-2006, totaling 18 ,728 acres for a combined purchase price of $ 11 ,056, 554 . A timeline of
purchases, trades and other Soapstone Prairie and Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project
activities is found in Appendix 2 .
Table 1 . 1 Soapstone Prairie Natural Area land acquisition history
Year (Previous) Owner # acres cost cost/acre
2004 Soapstone Grazing Assn 121579 $712801396 $ 579
Roman 1960 $ 111771439 $600
2005 Krafczik 316 $2759064 $ 870
2006 State Land Board 3 , 873 $2,323 ,656 $600
total 18,728 1190569554
Soapstone Prairie is scheduled to open for public use in 2009 . These projects have been, or
will be undertaken during the interim period:
♦ The Natural Areas Program entered into an interim lease agreement with the Folsom
Grazing Association through 2008 .
♦ A new fence was constructed along the Colorado/Wyoming border (2005 ).
♦ Baseline inventories for breeding birds under the direction of the Rocky Mountain Bird
Observatory, partially funded by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (2006, 2007).
♦ Baseline inventories for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, swift fox, and black-tailed prairie dogs
(2005 - ongoing) .
♦ Baseline vegetation studies, including rare plant inventories, conducted by the Colorado
Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) and Natural Areas Program staff (2004- 2007).
♦ A Class II Archaeological Survey conducted by the Laboratory of Public Archaeology,
Colorado State University, funded by the Colorado State Historic Fund and Quest
Archaeological Research Fund (2006, 2007) .
♦ The Soapstone Prairie Oral History project, an oral history program in partnership with the
Fort Collins Museum and funded by the U. S . National Parks Service ' s Preserve America
grants (2006, 2007) .
♦ Staff-led guided public tours attracted more than 1000 people (2005 -2007) . Tours are
scheduled to continue until the opening in 2009 .
♦ Volunteer opportunities related to archaeological surveys and weed removal, nearly 100
people participated in 2006 and 2007 .
♦ Development of a Colorado butterfly plant management plan, completed 2006 .
♦ Baseline inventories for butterflies and fish conducted by CNHP in 2007 .
D . Geographic Context
Soapstone Prairie is located in northern Larimer County, approximately 25 miles north of Fort
Collins, five miles west of Interstate 25 , and adjacent to the eastern border of Larimer County' s
Red Mountain Open Space . The City' s Meadow Springs Ranch (managed by City of Fort Collins
Utilities Department) borders the property to the south and east. Soapstone Grazing Association
owns ranch land to the north of Soapstone Prairie where the City holds deed restrictions on
approximately 3 ,000 acres to protect the viewshed to the north. The City is working to conserve
approximately 4, 500 acres to the south of Soapstone Prairie by purchasing conservation
easements . The City of Cheyenne owns property to the north of Red Mountain Open Space.
3 Chapter 1 — Introduction and Background
The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is coordinating with Larimer County Open
Lands Program on cross-boundary management issues between Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
and Red Mountain Open Space, including compatible regulations, visitor management, and
shared resources . In addition, trail designs will enable visitors to travel between properties and
eventually to the City of Cheyenne property (see Map 2 below) .
Map 2 * Geographic context (*see Map 2, page 104 for larger image)
• , • - . - . - . . • . • • •
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Colorado
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Larimer Courity ,
E . Land Use History
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is a landscape rich in a tapestry of human occupation for more
than 12,000 years . From big game hunters known as the Folsom people, to numerous American
Indian tribes, to contemporary cattle and sheep ranchers, the archaeological record and
associated artifacts demonstrate a wide and varied range of human presence and subsistence uses
on the property. In addition to the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site and other known sites,
studies conducted during the summers of 2006 and 2007 have revealed numerous additional sites
and features of cultural significance. These include possible Clovis sites (to 13 ,000 years ago),
numerous stone (tipi) rings, campsites dating 200- 10,000 years before present (B .P .), exposed
cooking sites on ancient flood plains and sheep camp rock cairns . Artifacts including bone and
stone tools, scrapers, spear points and arrowheads, were also discovered and documented.
Primary land uses in northern Colorado during the homesteading period were farming and
grazing. Most of the land within Soapstone Prairie has never been tilled, but ranching families
and livestock companies have grazed sheep and cattle here for over 100 years . Evidence still
exists of recent history, including portions of historic homesteads, ranches and their associated
buildings, and roads and trails . The deteriorating foundation of an old schoolhouse sits near
Soapstone Springs .
4 Chapter 1 — Introduction and Background
F . Public Outreach
The Natural Areas Program began introducing the public to Soapstone Prairie in 2005 . The
first step in the community outreach effort was to offer staff-led field trips beginning in May
2005 . More than 730 citizens attended and completed feedback forms concerning specific
management questions (Appendix 3 and 4) in 2005 and 2006 . Members of the Fort Collins
Audubon Society, Sierra Club, Fort Collins Senior Center, League of Women Voters, Fort
Collins Museum, Fort Collins City Council, Fort Collins Master Naturalists, Fort Collins
Volunteer Trail Hosts, Colorado Archaeological Society, Red Feather Historical Society, and
others also visited Soapstone Prairie during the same time period and provided similar input.
On June 9 , 2006, the Colorado Open Space Alliance held a workshop and field trip that
focused on management of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space . The
workshop, entitled "Conservation Planning at a Landscape Scale," addressed cultural resource
management, managing across boundaries, and managing natural areas and open space within
working landscapes . Representatives from the City of Boulder, City of Cheyenne, City of Fort
Collins, Arapahoe County, Boulder County, Jefferson County, Larimer County, Summit County,
and Colorado State University provided input on these issues.
In 2007, two public open houses, hosted by Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins,
were scheduled to solicit citizen input on the management of Red Mountain Open Space and
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. More than 200 people attended the first public open house, held
on January 24, 2007 . This meeting focused on educating the public about the significance of the
natural and cultural resources on the properties, and introduced the concept of management
zones for guiding protection of resources and compatible recreational opportunities . Comments
and feedback from public open houses are presented in Appendix 5 . The second meeting,
scheduled for August 16 , 2007 , will offer the attendees an opportunity to learn about, and
comment on, this management plan.
A Technical Advisory Group (TAG), comprised of representatives from NAP staff, user
groups, subject experts, partners, other agencies, and related experts from Larimer County and
City of Fort Collins staff was consulted on specific management issues, including resource
protection, recreation management, grazing, and education. The first TAG meeting was held
September 6, 2006, to solicit initial feedback on conceptual management approach. The second
meeting on June 26 , 2007 gathered input on specific concepts in the proposed management plan
including trail location, recreation plans, visitor management, and development plans (parking
area locations, kiosks etc) . See Appendix 6 for TAG member list.
Photographic Note : All images were supplied by City of Fort Collins staff,
research teams, or other public entities unless otherwise noted. Additional images
were supplied by individual photographers, whom we thank for their generosity
and support of the Natural Areas Program. Cover photo : Charlie Johnson.
5 Chapter 1 — Introduction and Background
1 '
Physical Resources and Geology
a di
-
Y1 •• � � 111, 4 � 11• `� • � J
3
f.
7
Sandstone cliffs, Joel Hayward
This chapter is based on a report prepared by Bruce A. Collins, Ph . D . , P . G . , C . P . G .
Geological & Natural Resources Consultant, Silt, Colorado. 1
A. Topography
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area lies just east of the boundary between two of North America' s
great regions : the Great Plains, and the Front Range of the Southern Rocky Mountains .
Moderately rugged hills and shallow canyons associated with the complex geology of this
great boundary are present in the western part of Soapstone Prairie, with the remainder
consisting of the more subdued and generally eastward-sloping grasslands. Topographical
landmarks local to Soapstone Prairie include Caveat Peak, Castle Rock, the Big Hole, Table
Mountain, and Spottlewood Canyon. Elevations range from a little less than 6 ,080 ft where
Spottlewood Creek crosses the southeast corner to 7,201 feet at the summit of a ridge above the
Big Hole, along the western edge, for a total relief on Soapstone Prairie of 1 , 121 feet.
B . Geology
The geology in Soapstone Prairie and the Laramie Foothills region includes rock formations
and unconsolidated deposits dating from the Precambrian era to the present, all strongly
influenced by the 300, 000, 000-year evolution of today' s Rocky Mountains . Soapstone Prairie
extends for eight miles from the eastern edge of a three-mile-wide band of folded and faulted
sedimentary rocks that represents the vast Rocky Mountains uplift, across the western margin of
the Denver Basin, an Upper Cretaceous-aged, downward-folding geologic structure extending
from the Arkansas River into Wyoming and from the Front Range mountain front east to
Colorado ' s eastern border.
Surface and near-surface bedrock of Soapstone Prairie is mapped as mostly the Oligocene
White River Group and the Miocene Ogallala Formation, with Miocene Arikaree Formation
found erratically between them. The Ogallala Formation is a reddish-brown to brown, poorly
sorted, medium- to coarse-grained sandstone and conglomerate and is present on most of the
northern third of Soapstone Prairie, except in the northeast corner. The White River Group,
6 Chapter 2 — Physical Resources
which consists of the Brule Formation and the underlying Chadron Formation, is present on most
of the central portion and eastern edge of the property, and the Arikaree Formation may be
present in the Soapstone Camp area (see Map 5 , page 106). The Brule is mostly pastel
multicolored mudstone with coarse reddish sandstone at the top, while the Ogallala is red,
purplish-red, or gray very coarse sandstone and conglomerate . Where present the Arikaree is
characterized by light-brown or gray siltstone to very fine-grained sandstone .
Other geologic formations exposed at the surface within the boundaries of the Soapstone
Prairie include :
♦ An element of the Mitten Black Shale Member is present along the south boundary of
Soapstone Prairie from west of Rawhide Creek east to Sand Creek. This member of the
Upper Cretaceous Pierre Shale is a dusky-yellow to light-olive-gray sandstone that
weathers dark yellowish brown and contains yellowish-orange ironstone or limestone
concretions .
♦ Several members of the Lower Cretaceous Dakota Group are mapped in the southwest
corner of the property. The Plainview Sandstone member of the South Platte Formation,
as well as the Lytle Formation, are exposed in the southwest corner as well as along the
southwestern edge, and both also underlie the rest of Soapstone Prairie. The
carbonaceous Plainview Sandstone is gray to light-brown and fine-grained, while the
Lytle Formation is a gray to light-brown, coarse-grained to conglomeratic sandstone with
varicolored non-carbonaceous mudstone beds .
♦ Also present in the southwest corner and beneath the remainder of Soapstone Prairie are
the middle shale and first sandstone members of the South Platte Formation. The middle
shale consists of dark gray carbonaceous shale, thin bentonite, and thin gray siltstone and
sandstone beds, while the first sandstone is gray to light-brown, well-sorted, fine- to
medium-grained sandstone .
♦ A few small exposures of the Smoky Hill Shale Member of the Upper Cretaceous Niobrara
Formation are present in the southwest corner of the property. The Smoky Hill consists of
a very fissile calcareous shale which is dark gray on fresh surfaces and weathers to light-
gray plates, and a distinctively yellowish-brown-weathering limestone .
♦ The Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation is present at the surface along the southwestern
edge and in the subsurface beneath Soapstone Prairie. It consists of green, red, yellow,
and white, blocky-weathering claystone and siltstone, interbedded gray limestone, and
gray, fine- to medium-grained sandstone . Also mapped on this part of Soapstone Prairie
is a small area of the Upper and Middle Jurassic Sundance Formation and Upper Triassic
Jelm Formation, both exposed more extensively further west. In all likelihood, only the
uppermost beds of the Sundance Formation, characterized by the flat- bedded light gray
fine-grained sandstone and gray clay shale of the Windy Hill Sandstone Member and the
flat-bedded, fine-grained, gray to white sandstone Pine Butte Member are actually
exposed. However, these members, as well as the Canyon Springs Sandstone Member of
the Sundance (orange-pink, or reddish-brown, fine- to medium-grained, crossbedded
calcareous sandstone) and the Red Draw Member of the Jelm Formation (orange-pink or
reddish-brown, fine-grained, crossbedded calcareous sandstone), underlie the entire
property at generally-increasing depth from west to east.
7 Chapter 2 — Physical Resources
• The L.R. Camp (see Map 5 , page 106) landslide, of Oligocene age, found in the southwest
corner of Soapstone Prairie, was formed by the eastward collapse of the first sandstone of
the South Platte Formation and resulted from post-Laramide uplift, erosion, and also
possibly wet climate conditions . The ancient landslide covers a thick sequence of Lower
to Upper Cretaceous rocks (between the Dakota Group and Pierre Shale), known as the
Colorado Group . These strata
consist of the siliceous Mowry
- now Shale; the Graneros Shale (a
dark-gray to grayish-black
siltstone and claystone); the
.. interlayered dark-gray limestone
and olive-gray calcareous silty
_ claystone and siltstone of the
.,. Greenhorn Limestone; and the
= � Carlile Shale, olive-gray silty
claystone and sandy siltstone.
Boulders above the L.R . Camp landslide
At depth under Soapstone Prairie but exposed in the canyons and hogbacks immediately west
is a sequence of mostly Late Paleozoic rocks totaling almost 2 ,000 feet in thickness . These
members include, from top (youngest) to the basement:
• The Lykins Formation of Lower Triassic and Upper Permian age is white to gray
limestone, red to purple siltstone and mudstone, and gray limestone and dolomite, with
minor gray sandstone . It also includes discontinuous but locally thick and pure gypsum
beds that have been mined in a number of locations in the region, as well as the Forelle
Limestone Member.
• The Lyons Sandstone of Lower Permian age is a buff sandstone grading into purplish-
gray siltstone north of Table Mountain.
• The Owl Canyon Formation, also Lower Permian, is mostly red siltstone and sandstone.
• The Lower Permian Ingleside Formation is pink quartzose sandstone interbedded with
gray limestone and dolomitic limestone ; locally thick and pure limestone beds have been
and are being mined extensively north and southeast of Livermore.
The Fountain Formation of Lower Permian and Upper Middle Pennsylvanian age is
reddish-brown to purplish-gray arkosic conglomerate and sandstone interbedded with
dark reddish-brown siltstone and shale, and minor thin limestone.
Soils cover the bedrock over most of Soapstone Prairie. In more rugged terrain, soils are
generally thin, rocky, and reflect the nature of near-surface rock types from which they are
derived. Alluvium (unconsolidated deposits of silt, sand, and gravel) in and marginal to valley
head and upper valley arroyos likewise reflect nearby source rocks and soils in composition, but
become mixed with material from other source areas with increasing distances downstream.
Soils on the plains portion of Soapstone Prairie contain a significant amount of loess, windblown
silt and fine sand derived largely from Pleistocene glacial action in the mountains to the west, as
well as the continental ice sheets in the more-distant upper Midwest to the north and northeast.
The structural geology of Soapstone Prairie is explained by modest post-Laramide folding of
Cretaceous rocks along the southwestern edge resulting in the L.R. Camp landslide, as the first
sandstone member of the South Platte Formation slid and ultimately collapsed down-dip to the
8 Chapter 2 — Physical Resources
east along its contact with underlying failing shales and other weaker rocks . Beneath the vast
majority of the rest of Soapstone Prairie sedimentary beds dip easterly at 12 ' or less, although
erratic dips up to 35 ' can be found in deformed units of the Pierre Shale. Evidence of plastic
deformation of the relatively-soft Pierre, resulting from rapid deep burial in the late Cretaceous
followed by subsequent Laramide uplift in the early Tertiary, is common at many localities along
the Front Range. There are no mapped faults or igneous intrusive or extrusive rocks on
Soapstone Prairie .
C . Streams and Springs
While there are several springs and flowing wells, there are no mapped permanent streams on
Soapstone Prairie . The several named intermittent drainages which originate or cross the natural
area and contribute to its geologic landscape include, from west to east, Sand Creek (west),
Rawhide Creek, Sand Creek (east), Spottlewood Creek, and Graves Creek (see Map 5 , page
106) . These and numerous unnamed intermittent and ephemeral drainages flow generally
southerly into larger streams that now feed numerous irrigation ponds and lakes in the area
between Buckeye and Fort Collins .
D . Minerals
While there is a modest possibility of oil and gas resources, particularly in Cretaceous rocks
beneath the eastern part, and a variety of surface materials including sand and gravel is present,
there are no known mineral resources of sufficient quality and extent to be of commercial
interest on or beneath Soapstone Prairie . While rocks that contain limestone, gypsum, and silica
sand resources that have been mined from several locations from the Owl Canyon area northwest
to near Livermore and on north to the Wyoming border to the west are present in the subsurface,
any such resources as these rocks may contain beneath Soapstone Prairie are too deep to be of
commercial interest.
Chapter 2 References
1 Collins, Bruce A. 2007 . Summary of the Geology of the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area,
Larimer County Colorado . 14 pp (citing Braddock and Cole, 1978 and Courtright and Braddock,
1989)
9 Chapter 2 — Physical Resources
1 '
Vegetation and Ecological Systems
In this chapter we describe the plant communities, major
ecological systems and rare and threatened plants on Soapstone
Prairie . Natural processes that maintain the high quality and the
potential impacts to these resources are also listed.
Management actions to steward these resources are described
in detail in Chapter 6 . See Appendix 7 for a list of known plant
species .
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP)
conducted biological surveys of Soapstone Prairie during the
summers of 1996 and 2004, identifying native plant
communities and ecological systems, and highlighting those of
greatest conservation concern. This work continued in 2006
and 2007 with Natural Areas Program (NAP) staff gathering
baseline vegetation information and conducting rare plant
Blazing star, Charlie Johnson surveys . Much of the following information is adapted from
those surveys and from subsequent collaboration with CNHP .
A. Plant Communities and Ecological Systems
The primary native plant communities and ecological systems can be described as :
Shortgrass prairie/grasslands.
* Foothills shrublands.
Wetlands and riparian areas.
• Geological features.
Map 3 * Ecological systems (*see Map 3, page 105 for larger image)
� , .
r
se s
A
Cedar Cany on o/%
A
6
J .N . [�^3^• C.^e•.�C• P•f
,p 1. ir,: i
i
..� �u K• Ra per: '[
tation Communities 8 Features Conceptual Trails
Foothills sholand — Hike Only
Shortgarass pairie/grasslands NlkefBike N 6 Nam
~lands Hike/BlkelEquestrlan ka
Aspen grove Entrance Road 1 (. fq'nf Port Calling
Ponderosa pines -
Proposed Parking Lots 0 025 05 1 1 .5 2
Breams/riparun Miles
10 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
The shortgrass prairie occurs in the flat and gently rolling terrain of the southern and eastern
portions of the property. This ecological system continues south and east throughout Meadow
Springs Ranch and neighboring private ranches . To the northwest on Soapstone Prairie is the
foothills shrublands, a system that connects with
An ecological system is the shrublands on Red Mountain Open Space to the
defined as the association or west and private ranchland to the north. Like the
network of living organisms, their shortgrass prairie/grasslands, the foothills
physical environment, and all shrublands system is most effective on a large scale,
their interrelationships, including such as is found at Soapstone Prairie. Wetlands
climate, elevation, disturbances, and riparian areas are interspersed within the
soils and water, in a particular grasslands and shrublands, and include Brannigan
unit of space. Also referred to as Springs, Jack Springs, Spottlewood Creek, Graves
an ecosystem. Creek, and Rawhide Creek, as well as scattered
seeps and springs throughout. Prominent geological
features are primarily found in the central portion of the property, generally at the interface
between prairie and shrublands systems (see Map 3 previous page).
1 . Shortgrass Prairie/Grasslands System
The shortgrass prairie/grasslands system occupies approximately 70% of the land area on
Soapstone Prairie . On a larger scale, the historic range of the shortgrass prairie extended
eastward from the Rocky Mountain foothills into the mid-western states of the Great Plains . At
Soapstone Prairie, the shortgrass prairie occurs primarily on flat to rolling terrain, and is
characterized by grama grasses
(Bouteloua spp. ) and buffalograss
(Bouteloua dactyloides). While the
majority of the shortgrass prairie on
Soapstone Prairie is intact and has never
been tilled, roughly half of the historic
shortgrass prairie has been converted to
rr< . other uses (tilled for agricultural
production or lost to urban
development) . Vast expanses of this
shortgrass prairie system still occur, but
Shortgrass prairie near foothills shrublands, large areas of shortgrass prairie in high
Rich Ernst quality condition, such as that found on
Soapstone Prairie and surrounding properties, are very rare near the Front Range. '
As an interconnected, or matrix ecological system, shortgrass prairie occurs at a very large
spatial scale. Because Soapstone Prairie is part of the Laramie Foothills Mountain to Plains
Project (a conservation effort by multiple partners who, together are working to conserve nearly
200, 000 acres in northern Colorado), this property is part of a series of regional systems that
support and complement each other ecologically.
As a matrix system, shortgrass prairie depends on a variety of natural processes to stay
healthy and biologically diverse. These processes include :
♦ Climate (including precipitation) .
♦ Grazing (naturally altering the composition and dominance of species).
♦ Fire (a somewhat less important process, primarily due to lack of fuel) .
11 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
A healthy shortgrass prairie can be impacted and weakened by external influences . At
Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to the ecosystem include :
♦ Human disturbance to wildlife (especially breeding birds and pronghorn).
♦ Incompatible grazing regime.
♦ Introduction/spread of weeds .
Note 1 : Conservation Status references
This plan refers to three primary organizations for discussing conservation status of
ecological systems, plant communities, vegetation and wildlife, referring to each
organization as relevant to the resource. These organizations are :
♦ Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP)
♦ Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW)
♦ Partners in Flight (PIF)
Each organization determines a specific conservation status within its own ranking
system. This chapter refers to the conservation status ranking system used by the CNHP, a
nonprofit organization at Colorado State University. CNHP, a member of the Natural
Heritage Network, tracks and ranks Colorado's rare and imperiled species and habitats .
CNHP ' s key to ecological system conservation status ranking
G= on a Global scale, S= Statewide
1 = Critically imperiled because of rarity or because of some biological factor that makes
it vulnerable to extinction
2= Imperiled (see 41 for causes)
3 = Vulnerable through its range, or found locally in a restricted range
4= Apparently secure though it might be quite rare in parts of its range
5 = Demonstrably secure though it may be quite rare in parts of its range
U= Unknown status
Three rare plant communities within this system have been identified by CNHP . 1
Table 3. 1 Rare plant communities within the shortgrass prairie/grasslands system
Rare plant community Conservation Status (CNHP)
Blue grama/ buffalograss Common across its range; imperiled in Colorado (G4 ; S29)
Bouteloua gracilis/ Bouteloua dactyloides
Needle-and-thread grass/ blue grama Critically imperiled globally; critically imperiled in
Hesperostipa comata/ Bouteloua gracilis Colorado (G1 ,G2 ; S1 ,S2)
Winterfat /western wheatgrass/ blue grama Common across its range; unknown in Colorado
Krascheninnikovia lanata/ Pascopyrum smithii/ (G4 ; SU)
Bouteloua gracilis
2. Foothills Shrublands System
The foothills shrublands system on Soapstone Prairie is a mosaic of mountain mahogany
shrublands and mixed grass prairie. It covers the rolling hills west of the shortgrass prairie
grasslands . This system is considered a "large-patch" system, meaning it is most successful on a
large scale, on undivided landscapes . Foothills shrublands are distributed along the northern
Colorado Front Range in areas with rocky subsoils and dry conditions which limit tree growth.
Areas within the mosaic with deeper soils have a greater percentage of mixed grasses .
12 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
Mountain mahogany shrublands are plentiful in their range, and thus aren ' t often recognized
as significant by Front Range residents . However, it is very rare on a global scale - this
shrublands system is strictly limited to the Front Range in Colorado and adjacent Wyoming. In
addition, the mixed grass prairie system (a mixture of tall grass species from the eastern plains
and short grass species from the high western plains) is one of the most disturbed grassland
systems — an estimated 75 % of the region where this system occurs has been heavily altered, and
only a few remnant patches have escaped conversion to agriculture . The shrublands system on
Soapstone Prairie is considered of exemplary quality, primarily because of its relatively weed-
free condition and total acreage . Other mountain mahogany shrublands in the Front Range area
are degraded and infested with weeds .
Natural processes that maintain and enhance this system include :
* Disturbance, such as fire, to aid reproduction of mountain mahogany, either helping
seeds to sprout or encouraging root crown
sprouting. Natural processes are events,
Grazing. actions or conditions that occur or
• Climate, especially drought. exist without human interference .
These processes are necessary to
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to this enhance and maintain the quality of
system include : the ecological system.
* Recreation and other human disturbance. A Soapstone Prairie is
♦ Incompatible grazing regime. As
and becomes used by
Introduction/spread of weeds . visitors and grazing cooperators,
threats and impacts to these
systems need to be monitored and
evaluated on an ongoing basis .
Six rare plant communities have been identified within the foothills shrublands system .
Table 3. 2 Rare plant communities within the foothills shrublands system
Rare plant community Conservation Status (CNHP)
Mountain mahogany/ New Mexico feathergrass Imperiled globally and in Colorado (G2,G3 ; S2,S3)
Cercocarpus montanus/ Hesperostipa neomexicana
Mountain mahogany/ needle-and-thread grass Imperiled globally and in Colorado (G2 ; S2)
Cercocarpus montanus/ Hesperostipa comata
Mountain mahogany/ Scribner's needlegrass Vulnerable throughout is range, both globally and in
Cercocarpus montanus/Acnatherum scribneri Colorado (G3 ; S3)
Mountain mahogany/ mountain muhly Imperiled in Colorado (GU; S2)
Cercocarpus montanus/ Muhlenbergia montana
Mountain mahogany/ streamside wild rye Unknown vulnerability globally; vulnerable in
Cercocarpus montanus/ Elymus lanceolatus ssp. Colorado (GU; S3)
lanceolatus)
Fourwing saltbush/ blue grama Vulnerable throughout its range (G3 ; S3)
Atriplex canescens/ Bouteloua gracilis
13 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
3. Wetland and Riparian Systems
Prairie wetland systems are found throughout Soapstone Prairie, and include spring seeps
(which are periodically dry), springs (which have a more persistent source of water), and other
small wetlands that are fed by groundwater sources . The largest wetlands on Soapstone Prairie
are Brannigan Springs and Jack Springs, both of which have been identified as Potential
Potential Conservation Areas Conservation Areas . There are also
Places on the landscape dominated by native numerous small springs scattered
vegetation with potential for supporting high throughout Soapstone Prairie closely
quality natural areas and unique natural features . connected with locations of cultural
These areas may provide critical ecological
resources, revealing the importance of
services such as maintaining water quality and water to human occupation of the area. In
quantity, soil development and stabilization, the northeast portion, wetlands provide
pollination of cropland, wildlife travel corridors, habitat for the rare Colorado butterfly
stopover sites for migratory birds, sources of Plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp.
genetic diversity and floodwater retention. The coloradensis) (Federally Threatened),
actual ecological value of these areas can only be Rocky Mountain blazing star (Liatris
truly ascertained through on-the-ground ligulistylis), and pale blue-eyed grass
biological surveys . (Sisyrinchium pallidum), as well as some
species of grassland birds that are not
normally seen in this area (e . g. savannah
sparrows) . Jack Springs is likely to support the northern leopard frog (currently petitioned for
federal listing), based on documented occurrence in the same wetland system on neighboring
Meadow Springs Ranch, but additional surveys are needed.
Riparian areas on Soapstone Prairie include Growing in a low-lying area within an
Rawhide Creek, Sand Creek, Spottlewood arroyo near the center of the property is a
Creek and Graves Creek. These are intermittent relict grove of aspen trees . The age and
streams, often sparsely vegetated, dry sand origin of this stand is unknown, but it is
washes with sporadic areas of surface water, unusual to find aspen at this altitude
occasionally supporting a variety of plants that (6,300 ' ) and latitude. Subsurface moisture
grow in moister conditions, including three is apparent, and new shoots are continuing
species of cottonwood trees . to emerge and grow. Numerous bird
species, including great-horned owls, use
The current condition of the wetland and these trees for shelter.
riparian systems on Soapstone Prairie is good.
Since this property is at the top of its watershed,
there are no barriers to natural processes, either
onsite or upstream. The railroad grade at the =
southern property boundary is likely to be
impounding water and increasing the size of the
- e
wetlands at Jack Springs .
Natural processes that maintain wetland and
riparian systems include :
Climate, especially precipitation.
Grazing.
14 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to wetland and riparian systems include :
♦ Incompatible grazing regime.
♦ Introduction/spread of weeds .
♦ Impacts from recreation.
Six rare plant communities have been identified within the wetland and riparian systems .
Table 3. 3 Rare plant communities within the wetland and riparian systems
Rare plant communityConservation Status (CNHP)
Clustered sedge wetland (Carex praegracilis) Vulnerable globally; imperiled in Colorado (G3 ,G4; S2)
Nebraska sedge wetland (Carex nebrascensis) Vulnerable in Colorado (G4 ; S3)
Baltic rush wetland (Juncus articus ssp. littoralis) Demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure (G5 ; S5)
Analogue sedge wetland (Carex simulata) Apparently secure globally; vulnerable in Colorado (G4 ; S3)
Beaked sedge wetland (Carex utriculata) Rare in parts of its range (G3 ; S3)
Brookgrass/ monkey flower wetland Vulnerable in Colorado (GU; S3)
(Catabrosa aquatica/ Mimulus spp)
4. Geological Features System
Geological features include cliffs, arroyos, canyons, shale barrens, and rock outcrops . The
most prominent geological features on
Soapstone Prairie occur at the interface
between the foothills shrublands system and
the shortgrass prairie/grasslands system.
Vegetation is typically sparse and often
restricted to shelves, cracks and crevices in the
V ' rock. Due to this lack of vegetation, these
systems are naturally protected from fire, and
invasion of weeds is limited due to the harsh
growing conditions .
Sandstone cliffs on Soapstone Prairie
Two more intensely vegetated areas of note within this system include Cedar Canyon in the
western portion of Soapstone Prairie, and a group of ponderosa pines in the southwest portion of
the property.
a . Cedar Canyon is approximately two miles long
and ranges in elevation from 6,600 feet to 7,000 feet.
Numerous seasonal springs and seeps provide moisture in
the lower sections of the canyon, and these areas provide
habitat for small populations of Rocky Mountain maple
(Acer glabrum), red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea.
sericea), whitestem goosebrry (Ribes inerme), hops
(Humulus lupulus), paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) and
green gentian (Frasera speciosa) . Rocky Mountain
junipers (Juniperus scopulorum) and ponderosa pines
(Pious ponderosa) populate the drier and rockier walls of
the canyon, providing important habitat for migrating and
breeding warblers and butterflies .
Long-eared owl in Cedar Canyon,
Joel Hayward
15 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
b. An isolated, nearly pure stand of ponderosa pines populates the east-facing, rocky
hillsides of the Tree Pasture in the southwest portion of the property. The trees appear to be
confined to a fine, gray shale underlying red
sandstone, and occur at the ecotone between
ponderosa pine woodland and shortgrass
�. prairie . In 2005 , twelve trees were cored
revealing pith dates ranging from 1462 to
1902, with the majority of the pith samples
dating to the 1700 ' s to mid 1800 ' s .2
Understory vegetation within this stand
includes skunkbrush (Rhus trilobata),
sandcherry (Punus pumila var. besseyi) and
prairie golden banner (Thermopsis
rhombifolia).
Several ponderosa pines on site were dated to the
15`h century
Natural processes that affect the geological features at Soapstone Prairie include :
♦ Climate (especially drought) .
♦ Erosion caused by wind and heavy rains/flooding .
The greatest threats to this system are :
♦ Incompatible grazing.
♦ Recreation impacts related to poor trail placement and increased erosion.
B . Rare and Threatened Plants
1 . Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis)
Soapstone Prairie is home to the Colorado butterfly
plant, a federally listed Threatened species under the
Endangered Species Act since 2000 . This subspecies is
also considered imperiled globally, and is among the most ► :
threatened plants in the state of Colorado . Colorado
butterfly plant is a short-lived perennial herb found only in
southeastern Wyoming, western Nebraska, and �.
northeastern Colorado . Narrow green leaves form at the
base, and when in bloom, it reaches 20-32 inches tall. The
four-petaled white, airy flowers turn pinkish-red with age.
Each plant may live up to five years, but blooms only
once, sets seed and then dies .
Colorado butterfly plant grows in moister areas
surrounded by mixed grass prairie or in areas between Colorado butterfly plant
streams and prairie, at elevations of 5 , 800 feet to 6,200
feet. On Soapstone Prairie, the Colorado butterfly plant occurs in wet meadows in the
northeastern portion of the property. This population is considered in very good condition; in
2006 , more than 11 .000 blooming plants were found occupying 650 acres . Since not all plants
are in bloom the same year, NAP staff estimated a total population of approximately 35 , 000 —
47,000 plants .
16 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
2. Rocky Mountain blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis)
Rocky Mountain blazing star is a common species across its
range, but based on current known distribution, it appears to be
quite rare in Colorado . Only 11 occurrences have been documented
in the state, and most of those records provide only very general
information. Only five occurrences have been seen since the early
1900s — all on publicly owned land along the Front Range. Rocky
Mountain blazing star is a clump-forming perennial with narrow,
strap-like leaves and 8- 12" tall spikes of rose-purple flowers that
appear in late summer that are attractive to hummingbirds and
butterflies . This species occurs in specific wet meadow habitats
that are not very common, and may be highly susceptible to loss as
a result of residential development, associated fire suppression,
Rocky Mountain blazing star altered hydrology, and other causes of wetland loss .
3 . Pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum)
Very little is known about this locally abundant, yet globally
imperiled member of the iris family. Worldwide, it is found in a narrow
band from central northern Colorado into south-central Wyoming,
preferring poorly-drained meadows with standing water early in the
growing season. There are over 39 populations in Colorado currently
known in existence (three documented in Larimer County), but their
habitats are potentially threatened by alterations to wetland water
sources . This species is distinguished from other blue-eyed grasses by its
pale blue flowers growing atop 10- 12" tall stems with olive-green, grass-
like foliage . Pale blue-eyed grass
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to rare and threatened plants include :
♦ Incompatible grazing regime.
♦ Introduction/spread of weeds .
♦ Weed control methods .
♦ Change in hydrology due to loss of ground water or changes in surface flow .
There are three threatened and imperiled plants within the wetland and riparian systems .
Table 3. 4 Threatened and imperiled plants within the wetland and riparian systems
Ecosystem Rare Plant Conservation Status (CNHP)
North American Arid Colorado butterfly plant Federally threatened (G3 ; S 1)
West Emergent Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis
Marsh Rocky Mountain blazing star Critically imperiled in Colorado (G5?; S 1 ,52)
Liatris ligulistylis
Pale blue-eyed grass Imperiled globally (G2 ; S2)
Sisyrinchium pallidum
17 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
C . Weeds
Because the land at Soapstone Prairie has been so carefully managed by previous owners,
weed problems are currently relatively minor. Surveys conducted in 2006 by NAP staff
identified nine Category B species (managed to contain the spread of infestations) and seven
Category C species (managed where deemed appropriate by county weed districts) as identified
by the Colorado Noxious Weed Act. No category "A" species (managed for eradication) have
been found, but monitoring for these species is a priority and will continue on an ongoing basis .
Table 3. 5 Colorado Noxious Weeds found at Soapstone Prairie
Category "B" species Category "C" species
Hoary cress (Cardaria draba) Common burdock (Arctium minus)
Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus)
Redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium) Perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis)
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Common mullein ( Verbascum thapsus)
Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)
Chapter 3 References
1 Grunau, L. , S . Neid, and R. Rondeau. 2006 . Preliminary management plan outline for
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Unpublished report prepared for City of Fort Collins Natural
Areas Program. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins,
CO . 46pp
2 Huckaby, L. S . 2005 . Ponderosa pine ages at Soapstone Prairie. 9pp .
Additional Resources
Doyle, G.A. , Neid, S . L . , and R. J. Rondeau. 2005 . Survey of critical biological resources
Larimer County, Colorado 2004 . Colorado Natural Heritage Program. 367pp
Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds . 1993 +_ Flora of North America North of
Mexico . 12+ vols . New York and Oxford. (Online at : www. efloras . org)
Kettler, S . , J . Sanderson, S . Spackman, K. Fayette, C . Pague, D . Clark, and A. Hicks . 1996 .
Significant Plant, Animal, and Wetland Resources of Larimer County and Their Conservation.
Colorado Natural Heritage Program. 293pp
USDA, NRCS . 2007 . The PLANTS Database, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA
70874-4490 USA. (Online at: http ://plants .usda.gov)
18 Chapter 3 — Vegetation Resources
� ' I
Wildlife Resources
Soapstone Prairie supports a full suite of wildlife species typically found within the foothills
and plains of Colorado . Examples of significant species that are
known to occur on Soapstone Prairie include mule deer, American
elk, pronghorn, swift fox, black-tailed prairie dog, golden eagle,
ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl, a diverse community of shrubland
birds, and many grassland birds. In addition, Soapstone Prairie
provides important breeding habitat for large ungulates, birds of prey
and songbirds, and critical wintering habitat for pronghorn. In
planning for visitor use on Soapstone Prairie, it will be important to
balance the needs of the wildlife with the timing and location(s) of
recreation.
The following sections describe the most significant species
known to occur on the property, and the conditions or events which
may have impact upon those populations . Much of this chapter is
adapted from the 2004 report from the Colorado Natural Heritage
Swainson 's hawk, Program and the Soapstone Ranch Avian Inventory and Monitoring :
Jeff Jones Year 1 Report, January 2007 from the Rocky Mountain Bird
Observatory.
Note 2 : Conservation Status references
In addition to the Colorado Natural Heritage Program ranking system (see page 12),
this Plan also references the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), which tracks
Federal and State Threatened and Endangered wildlife species, and maintains lists of
species of conservation concern . Species selection is based on quality of habitat, and
population densities and population trends . The CDOW also manages habitat and species
conservation status through recovery and conservation plans .
The CDOW status codes are as follows :
♦ FE = Federally Endangered
♦ FT = Federally Threatened
♦ SE = State Endangered
♦ ST = State Threatened
♦ SC = State Special Concern (not a statutory category) .
♦ Colorado ' s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy and Wildlife Action
Plans (2006) 1 further categorizes species into Tier 1 and Tier 2 Species of
Greatest Conservation Need.
19 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
Map 4 Important wildlife habitats (*see Map 4 on page 106 for larger image)
ti
y .
oven's Longspur Concentration Area Conceptual Trails N
ountain Plover General Locations — Hike Only
Burrowing Owl General Locations Hike/Bike wE NatUra
— Prairie Dog Colonies Hike/&ke/Equestrian s Cityof Port Collins Areas
Progr
Entrance Road 0 02505 1 1 -5 2
Proposed Parking Lots Draft July 2007
A. Mammals
Soapstone Prairie ' s diverse and high quality ecological systems and abundant water sources
offer superior habitat for migrating and resident mammals, including American elk, mule deer,
pronghorn, black-tailed prairie dogs, coyotes, swift fox, and more. Since 2006, spotlight surveys,
remote cameras and visual observations by staff and others have helped to determine mammal
populations on the property. Staff will continue to collect information regarding mammal
populations — Appendix 8 lists known and potential mammal species on the property.
1 . Species of Greatest Conservation Need
According to the CDOW and CNHP, the two mammal species found on Soapstone Prairie of
greatest conservation concern are black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) and swift fox
(Vulpes velox) .
a. Black-tailed prairie dog
Black-tailed prairie dogs are considered by many to be a keystone species in prairie
ecosystems with many other wildlife species found in association with the colonies . In Colorado,
this species is listed as a species State Special Concern and Tier 1 Species of Greatest
Conservation Need. ' In 2006, Soapstone Prairie supported approximately 534 acres of occupied
20 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
prairie dog colonies, primarily in the Jack Springs pasture. Change in distribution from 2004
through 2006 indicates this species is expanding on the property.
Even though extensive surveys for all wildlife types have not
been completed, several species often found in association with
large prairie dog colonies have been found. These include
burrowing owls and mountain plover. Rocky Mountain Bird
Observatory research in 2006 also found McCown ' s longspurs to
be especially abundant on prairie dog towns . In addition, prairie
dogs are a significant food resource for ferruginous hawks. All of
these birds are of State Special Concern.
Black-tailed prairie dog, Joel Hayward
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to black-tailed prairie dog communities are :
♦ Sylvatic plague (naturally occurring) .
♦ Boundary issues with neighbors .
♦ Weed control measures .
b. Swift fox
According to CNHP, this species is considered vulnerable across its range (G3 ) and in
Colorado (S3 ) and the CDOW lists swift fox as a Tier I Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
Swift fox inhabit shortgrass prairies with dens on slopes, ridges, or flat areas that offer good
views of surrounding land. Dens are used year-round for protection in inclement weather and
predator evasion, in addition to rearing of
young. Swift fox and swift fox dens have been
documented on Soapstone Prairie .
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats
to swift fox populations are difficult to
quantify but may include :
♦ Human disturbance that affects / {
movement corridors .
♦ Human disturbance that affects den
sites .
♦ Possible disease transmission such as
canine distemper and rabies from swiftfox, Bruce Gill
domestic dogs .2
♦ Predation by coyotes .
♦ Reduced numbers if red fox populations expand into the area, or if coyote abundance
increases .
21 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
2. Big Game
a. Pronghorn
Historically, pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) were considerably more abundant than they
are today. Pronghorn are an indicator of
overall prairie health, and presence of
pronghorn on Soapstone Prairie is visible
indication that the native prairie ecosystem
_ is intact and functioning. In addition,
pronghorn are among the most easily
observed and recognizable animals on site .
Soapstone Prairie falls within a pronghorn
concentration area, and provides critical
winter range during severe weather.
Pronghorn in winter
b. Mule deer and American elk
Mule deer and American elk routinely occupy Soapstone Prairie, especially the shrublands
and drainages in the western portion of the property, though specific densities and critical range
need further investigation. The mountain mahogany shrublands appear to offer high quality
calving habitat for elk, but whether or not there are specific calving areas on Soapstone Prairie
needs to be confirmed.
This is one of the last
places in Colorado where
American elk, a prairie
species, still wander onto
the plains . Deer and elk that
inhabit Soapstone Prairie
are part of larger
populations that occupy
connected habitats in the
surrounding landscape
(e. g. , Red Mountain Open
Space and other adjacent
public and private lands) .
American elk, Dale Greer
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to big game (deer, elk, and pronghorn) are :
♦ Human disturbance during calving season.
♦ Human disturbance during critical winter periods .
♦ Loss of movement corridors from development of the property as a City-owned natural
area.
22 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
3 . Bats
Very little is currently known about bat populations on Soapstone Prairie, though hoary bat
(Lasiurus cinereus) and long-eared myotis (Myotis evotis) have been documented on the
property. Soapstone Prairie is relatively limited in terms of potential roosting and feeding areas,
but bats are likely to occur around rock outcrops and cliffs and in areas where there are trees .
There are no bats of conservation concern known on the property. Common species of bats
likely to inhabit the area tend to roost singly rather than in groups, especially in areas where there
are no caves or mines, so it is unlikely that communal roosting or hibernation sites would occur.
In the absence of communal roosting sites or hibernation sites, there is little concern for adverse
impacts to bats from anticipated future management on Soapstone Prairie.
4. Small mammals
Very little is currently known about small mammal populations on Soapstone Prairie; no
small mammals of conservation concern have been documented on the property. The olive-
backed pocket mouse (Perognathus fasciatus) is the only small mammal species tracked by
Colorado Natural Heritage Program that may occur on the property. The olive-backed pocket
mouse inhabits shortgrass, mixed grass, and shrublands/mixed grass steppe habitats . hi addition,
there are many common species of small mammals that typically inhabit the types of habitats
found on Soapstone Prairie, and the site presumably supports many of them. Impacts to small
mammals are not likely to occur from anticipated future management plan implementation.
S. Carnivores
Coyotes, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, and other species have been sighted at Soapstone
Prairie . It is highly probable that some or all of these species utilize the property as part of a
larger home range and travel between Soapstone Prairie, Red Mountain Open Space and other
surrounding lands .
Threats to carnivores on Soapstone Prairie include :
• Human disturbance.
* Impacts to movement corridors .
• Changes in prey populations .
B . Birds
Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory documented 113 species of birds on Soapstone Prairie
between May and June of 2006 ; 17 additional species were
added to this list after the 2007 field season.
The large numbers of avian species indicate a robust and
� nearly intact bird community exists on the property.
Management of Soapstone Prairie will strive to maintain
this level of diversity through a combination of habitat and
{{ recreation management. A complete list of avian species
can be found in Appendix 9 .
Loggerhead shrike, Jeff Jones
23 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
Soapstone Prairie is expected to be very popular with birders . Highest priority destinations
will likely be prairie dog towns (mountain plover), wetlands (savannah sparrows), the Roman
Pasture area (migrants), and canyons (owls) . Guided tours will be offered to trail-less areas
during non-breeding season. Trails through critical breeding areas will be closed seasonally to
reduce human impact.
Note 3 : Conservation Status references
Partners in Flight (PIF) is an international, cooperative effort focusing on most landbirds
and other bird species requiring terrestrial habitats and which migrate or travel between North
and South America. The central premise of PIF is that the resources of public and private
organizations of both continents must be combined, coordinated, and increased in order to
achieve success in conserving bird populations in this hemisphere.
PIF rankings are based on six species assessment factors : population size, breeding and
non-breeding distribution, threats to breeding and non-breeding conditions, and population
trends . The two primary rankings are :
♦ RC : species of Regional Concern
♦ CC : species of Continental Concern
1 . Grasslands Ecosystem Birds
Soapstone Prairie supports many grasslands and prairie bird species, including: burrowing
owl, mountain plover, McCown ' s longspur, chestnut-collared longspur, long-billed curlew,
horned lark, lark bunting, grasshopper sparrow, and loggerhead shrike. In addition, Cassin ' s
sparrow, though not yet documented on the property, is potentially present.
Historically, the native shortgrass landscape was a series of habitat patches created by grazing
animals and ranged from extensive disturbance to areas of infrequent or no grazing. 3 As such,
shortgrass prairie bird communities require a mosaic of grass heights, from very short grass with
a high percent of bare ground, to taller grass with more structure, including some shrubs . Of the
prairie birds documented at Soapstone Prairie, those of highest conservation priority (mountain
plover, burrowing owl, and McCown ' s longspur) require sites within the shortgrass prairie
created through heavy grazing pressure and high levels of surface disturbance. 3
Active prairie dog colonies create important habitat for several species of grassland birds . The
same three species of highest conservation priority have been found to be especially abundant on
prairie dog towns found on Soapstone Prairie . The grazing and surface disturbance created by
active prairie dog towns creates habitat suitable for these species .
The other species of conservation concern found on Soapstone Prairie are adapted to moderate
and light grazing regimes . Management of this group of species will focus on using grazing
management techniques (through selected species) to create a shortgrass landscape similar to that
found historically.
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to grasslands birds include :
♦ Grazing regimes that destroy or fail to create habitat mosaics historically found within the
shortgrass prairie.
♦ Human activity (presence during critical periods) .
♦ Weeds .
24 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
2. Shrublands, Wetlands and Riparian Ecosystem Birds
By the end of 2006 , Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory had not yet conducted transect
research in the shrublands or western riparian systems . Initial observations suggest that these
ecosystems support a diverse bird community, and could represent habitat types (high quality
shrublands/grassland interface) that are otherwise lost on the Front Range .
♦ Brewer' s sparrows, normally a sagebrush migrant species, are unique for this
area, found in the interface between the mountain mahogany shrublands and
shortgrass prairie/grasslands on Soapstone Prairie. This species has
declined by more than 50% over 30 years, potentially due to loss of
shrub/grass interface and sagebrush habitats .
♦ Junipers and pine in canyon areas are important for Virginia' s
warblers and long-eared owls .
♦ Chokecherry habitat in drainages on Soapstone Prairie is
!1k important for McGillivray' s warblers .
♦ Yellow warblers and yellow-breasted chats, as well as
Prairie falcon, Tony Leukering many migrants, are found in areas that support
willows and accompanying plant communities .
Yellow warblers are tied exclusively to this type of vegetation.
♦ Washes out of foothills and into grasslands with sumac shrubs support green-tailed
towhees . Soapstone Prairie represents the eastern edge of its geographic range.
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to shrublands birds are :
♦ Human disturbance from dispersed recreation (this may have a much greater impact than
on-trail recreational use) .
♦ Human disturbance during nesting period (mid-May to mid-July).
♦ A possible increase in brown-headed cowbird abundance associated with equestrian use.
Table 4. 1 Conservation status of significant grasslands and shrublands bird species (see Appendix 9 for complete
species list)
Common Name CDOW Status PIF Designation
Mountain plover Greatest Conservation Need not listed
Common nighthawk not listed Regional Concern
Burrowing owl Greatest Conservation Need Regional Concern
Red-headed woodpecker not listed Continental Concern , Regional Concern
Loggerhead shrike Greatest Conservation Need Regional Concern
Brewer's sparrow Greatest Conservation Need Continental Concern , Regional Concern
Lark sparrow not listed Regional Concern
Lark bunting Greatest Conservation Need Continental Concern , Regional Concern
Vesper sparrow Greatest Conservation Need not listed
Savannah sparrow not listed not listed
Grasshopper sparrow Greatest Conservation Need Regional Concern
McCown's longspur Greatest Conservation Need Continental Concern
Chestnut-collared longspur Greatest Conservation Need Regional Concern
Virginia' s warbler not listed not listed
25 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
Table 4. 2 Conservation status of significant wetland and riparian ecosystems bird species (see Appendix 9 for
complete species list)
Common Name CDOVV tatum PIF Desig
Northern harrier Greatest Conservation Need Regional Concern
Short-eared owl Greatest Conservation Need Continental Concern
Long-billed curlew Greatest Conservation Need not listed
Yellow warbler not listed Regional Concern
Yellow-breasted chat not listed not listed
3. Birds of Prey
Birds of prey include raptors such as eagles, hawks and falcons, as well as owls and
harriers . Nesting birds of prey on Soapstone Prairie include golden eagle, ferruginous hawk,
Swainson ' s hawk, red-tailed hawk, prairie falcon and American kestrel. Other raptor species
have been sighted on site during the breeding and nesting season, but no nests have been found.
Birds of prey play an important role in the ecological processes at Soapstone Prairie, feeding
on many of the small to mid-sized mammals, rodents, snakes, and larger insects such as
grasshoppers . Many raptor populations are declining regionally, in part due to disturbance,
habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and direct mortality from poisoning and prey reduction. '
Birds of prey also often need large foraging areas of high quality habitat such as that found on
Soapstone Prairie .
Table 4. 3 Conservation status of sign icant raptor species (see Appendix 9 for complete species list)
MP Common Name CDOW Status ' IW PIF Designation a
Swainson's hawk Greatest Conservation Need Continental Concern
Ferruginous hawk Greatest Conservation Need Regional Concern
Golden eagle Greatest Conservation Need not listed
Peregrine falcon Greatest Conservation Need not listed
Prairie falcon Greatest Conservation Need Regional Concern
Northern harrier Greatest Conservation Need Regional Concern
a. Golden eagles
Golden eagles are the largest nesting raptor species on Soapstone Prairie and are listed as a
Tier 1 species of Greatest Conservation Need in Colorado . ' Two large golden eagle nests are
situated on the south-facing cliffs at the
shrublands/grasslands interface. These nests have been
active since the purchase of the property, and evidence
suggests the nests were active several years prior to the
City' s acquisition. Golden eagle populations are
relatively stable in Colorado, but threats to their survival,
i such as poisoning, prey reduction (through rodent
control), habitat loss and collisions with vehicles and
power lines are increasing in occurrence. '
' b. Ferruginous hawks
Ferruginous hawks are also a CDOW Tier 1
Species of Greatest Conservation Need and a PIF species
of Regional Concern. Their population status is low but
Ferruginous hawk nest in cottonwood relatively stable . ' These large hawks require open
26 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
country for foraging, especially prairies, plains and badlands . Prairie dogs are their primary food
source but they also feed on small mammals such as rabbits and ground squirrels . In Colorado,
ferruginous hawk nests are usually built in trees near streams or on steep slopes .
A large ferruginous hawk nest, located in a tree in an upper tributary of Sand Creek, has been
used for many years . A second nest is located along the southern boundary, just west of Upper
Jack Springs .
c. Other Hawks, Falcons and Harriers
At least two red-tailed hawk nests have been documented on Soapstone Prairie .
Swainson ' s hawks and northern harriers have been observed hunting in the eastern portion of the
property. Prairie falcons, American kestrels, sharp-shinned and Cooper' s hawks have also been
documented on the site . Peregrine falcons have been observed twice on the western rim of the
property. s
d. Owls
Several species of owls were observed or heard during the 2006 RMBO bird survey, but
nesting sites have yet to be documented. These species include barn owl, great horned owl, long-
eared owl, short-eared owl and burrowing owl (detailed in the Grassland birds section - see
previous .)
The greatest threats to birds of prey at Soapstone Prairie are :
♦ Human activity near nesting and foraging areas .
♦ Activities associated with visitor facilities (trails, parking areas, etc .).
C . Insects
In general, little is known about the status and distribution of invertebrate wildlife when
compared to vertebrate communities . This trend is true for Soapstone Prairie.
1 , Butterflies
Butterfly surveys were conducted on Soapstone Prairie in May and June of 2004 by the
Colorado Natural Heritage Program.6 Eighteen common
species were documented, and represent all habitat types
present on the property. No rare butterflies or species of
conservation concern were found. Climatic conditions in 2004
,. were uncommonly dry due to several years of drought and may
have depressed butterfly diversity and abundance compared to
what would be expected given the diversity of the area.
Additional surveys were conducted in 2007 in an effort to
better define the butterfly and moth community of Soapstone
Prairie . Habitat priorities for future surveys are wetland areas,
Juniper hairstreak on yarrow dry arroyos and exposed ridges in grassy areas .
27 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
Ten species of rare or imperiled butterfly species could potentially inhabit Soapstone Prairie .
Table 4. 4 Potential butterfly species
Common name Scientific name CNHP Conservation status gUrHabitat notes
Colorado blue Euphilotes rita Vulnerable to imperiled across Transition zone prairies-, habitat
coloradensis its range; imperiled in Colorado is threatened
(TH3 ; S2)
Smokey-eyed Satyrodese eurydic Common to vulnerable across its Sedge meadows/ marshes in
brown fumosa range; critically imperiled in prairies
Colorado (T3T4; S1 )
Mottled dusky Erynnis martialis Vulnerable to common across its Shrubby foothills
wing range; vulnerable to imperiled in
Colorado (G3G4 ; S2S3)
Two-banded Pyrgus ruralis Secure across its range -, Forest clearings and meadows
skipper vulnerable in Colorado along streams
(G5 ; S3)
Simius roadside Amblyscirtes Common across its range; Short and mixed grass, shaley
skipper simius vulnerable in Colorado (G4 ; S3) prairies, hillsides, and grassy
openings in pinon juniper
Arogos skipper Atrytone arogos Vulnerable across its range; Moist, sloping prairie meadows
imperiled in Colorado (G3 ; S2) in foothills canyons and ridges
Dusted skipper Atrytonopsis Common to secure across its Transition zones, open dry
hianna range; imperiled in Colorado fields, open woodland, and
(G4G5 ; S2) prairie gulches
Two-spotted Euphyes bimacula Common across its range -, Sedge meadows
skipper imperiled in Colorado (G4; S2)
Crossline skipper Polites origenes Secure across its range; Grasslands, sandy barrens,
vulnerable in Colorado (G5 ; S3) canyon openings near plains,
swales and grassy meadows
adjoining foothills
Rhesus skipper Polites rhesus Common across its range -, Short and mixed grass prairie
vulnerable to imperiled in
Colorado (G4; S2S3)
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threat to insect populations could include routine weed and
pest control.
D . Amphibians an Reptiles
Very little is known about the amphibian and reptile
populations on Soapstone Prairie. A field inventory will
v , . be conducted to support analysis of current status and
future impacts to amphibian and reptile species .
Soapstone Prairie is likely to support the northern
vt ".,�.+ v leopard frog (currently petitioned for federal listing),
based on documented occurrence of this species in the
Jack Springs wetland system on neighboring Meadow
Springs Ranch.
Bull snake in aggressive pose
28 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
Primary concerns for potential threats to amphibians at Soapstone Prairie include :
♦ Weeds and weed control in wetland habitats .
♦ Reduced water quality and altered vegetation related to incompatible cattle grazing.
♦ Chytrid fungus if Northern leopard frogs are documented.
There is little concern for adverse impacts to reptiles from anticipated future management.
Rattlesnakes, documented on the site, could pose a concern to recreational users .
E . Fish
Spottlewood Creek and Graves Creek both have a persistent water supply through much of
the year, and fish surveys are scheduled to be completed during the summer of 2007 . Prairie
wetlands and riparian systems are declining regionally, and the CDOW rates eastern plains
streams as habitats of high priority for conservation. 3 At least four species of native fish are
possible in the riparian system on Soapstone Prairie.
Table 4. 5 Potential native fish species that could be found in Spottlewood Creek and Graves Creek
Common name Scientific name CNHP status CDOW status
Iowa Darter Etheostoma exile Globally secure, vulnerable
throughout Colorado (G5 ; S3)
Plains Topminnow Fundulus sciadicus Apparently secure globally and
statewide, though may be quite
rare in parts of its range (G4 ; S4)
Brassy Minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni Globally secure, vulnerable State threatened
throughout Colorado (G5 ; S3 )
Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus Globally secure; imperiled in State threatened
Colorado (G5 ; S2 )
F . Potential Reintroductions
Some native prairie wildlife that were historically present on or near Soapstone Prairie no
longer exist on the site . These include the black-footed ferret, American bison, and plains sharp-
tailed grouse. It may be possible to reintroduce any or all of these species to the area. The
Colorado Division of Wildlife is responsible for wildlife species in the state and any
reintroductions would be conducted in coordination with them.
1 . Black footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)
Black-footed ferrets are listed as Endangered under
the Federal Endangered Species Act. Recovery efforts
by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and U. S . Fish and
Wildlife Service are focused primarily on captive
rearing and reintroductions into native habitats . Any
reintroduction efforts will be conducted in cooperation
with the CDOW and USFWS . The size of ferret habitat
on Soapstone Prairie may not be sufficient as a stand-
alone property for supporting ferrets, but other
Black footed ferret opportunities may exist for black-footed ferret release
within the context of the larger scale landscape. The
29 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
Natural Areas Program will continue to work with the CDOW and USFWS to explore those
possibilities .
2. American bison (Bos bison)
The American bison was historically one of the principle native grazers that maintained the
shortgrass prairie ecosystem. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, wild populations of this
species have been virtually eliminated in the
U. S . Domestic cattle are now the primary
source of large scale grazing in grassland
systems . It may be possible to more closely
approximate historic prairie animal
communities on Soapstone Prairie by
changing the grazing regime from a cattle-
based operation to a bison-based operation.
The property is not large enough to support
a free-ranging bison herd, but a small herd
could exist as a managed population in a
designated portion of the natural area. Bison
3 . Plains sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesii)
Plains sharp-tailed grouse once occurred throughout the northern plains of Colorado .
Populations have decreased precipitously since the late 1800s, and there are currently only a few
sites remaining in Colorado where these birds occur (most populations are transplants by
Colorado Division of Wildlife) . The plains sharp-tailed grouse is listed as Endangered in
Colorado by the CDOW. CNHP lists this species as Apparently Globally Secure (G4) but
Critically Imperiled Statewide (S 1 ) . Plains sharp-tailed grouse formerly nested over much of the
northern two-thirds of the eastern prairie, but the present population consists of only a few
hundred birds in Douglas and Weld counties .
This species requires structurally diverse habitat, with open areas suitable for lek sites (areas
of courtship), a mixture of taller and shorter grasses, and abundant shrubs, and Soapstone Prairie
offers suitable habitat. The primary issue with transplanting plains sharp-tailed grouse to the site
is the distance to the nearest population (in Weld County). Additional consultation with CDOW
will be a priority.
Chapter 4 References
1 Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2006 . Colorado ' s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation
Strategy and Wildlife Action Plans . Denver, CO . 328 pp . (online at:
http ://wildlife . state . co .us/NR/rdonlyres/D26A4806- 8776-4460-83 I E-
AA654EC 7DDED/0/C W C S—FinalReport2006 .pdf)
2 Sime, C . A. 1999 . Domestic Dogs in Wildlife Habitats . Pages 8 . 1 - 8 . 17 in G. Joslin and H.
Youmans, coordinators . Effects of recreation on Rocky Mountain wildlife : A Review for
Montana. Committee on effects of Recreation on Wildlife, Montana Chapter of The Wildlife
Society. 307pp .
30 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
2 Samson, F .B . and F . L. Knopf 1996 . Prairie conservation : preserving North America' s most
endangered ecosystem. Edited by Fred B . Samson and Fritz L. Knopf. Island Press 339 pp.
4 Rich, T. D . , C . J . Beardmore, H. Berlanga, P . J . Blancher, M. S . W. Bradstreet, G. S .
Butcher, D . W. Demarest, E. H. Dunn, W. C . Hunter, E. E. Inigo-Elias, J. A. Kennedy, A. M.
Martell, A. O . Panjabi, D . N. Pashley, K. V. Rosenberg, C . M. Rustay, J. S . Wendt, T. C . Will.
2004 . Partners in Flight North American Landbird Conservation Plan. Cornell Lab of
Ornithology. Ithaca, NY. (online at: www.partnersinflight.org/cont_plan/ )
5 Sparks, R.A. , A. O . Panjabi, and D.J. Hanni. 2006 . Soapstone Avian Inventory and
Monitoring : Year 1 . Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Technical Report #M-Soapstone06-01 .
3 8pp .
6 Doyle, G.A. , Neid, S . L . , and R. J. Rondeau. 2005 . Survey of critical biological resources
Larimer County, Colorado 2004 . Colorado Natural Heritage Program 367pp .
Additional Resources
Hickman, S . 1990 . Evidence of edge species ' attraction to nature trails within deciduous
forests . Natural Areas Journal 10 : 3 -5
Hillman, C .N. and T. W. Clark. 1980 . Mustela nigripes. American Societyo
Mammalogists . Mammalian species no . 126 . pp 1 -3 .
Luce, R. J. 2006 . Areas where habitat characteristics could be evaluated to identify potential
black-footed ferret reintroduction sites and develop conservation partnerships . hi Recovery of the
black-footed ferret : progress and continuing challenges . Proceedings of the symposium on the
status of the black-footed ferret and its habitat, Fort Collins, CO, January 28 -29, 2004, J.E.
Roelle, B .J . Miller, J . L. Godbey, and D . E . Biggins, eds. U. S . Geological Survey Scientific
Investigations Report 2005 -5293 .
31 Chapter 4 — Wildlife Resources
1 '
Cultural Resources
The human history of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and the surrounding area transcends the
past 12,000 years, beginning with the Clovis (up to approximately 13 ,000 years ago) and Folsom
periods (to approximately 12,000 years ago) Over the millennia, people have had a presence
upon the land and have utilized its abundant natural resources almost continuously since those
earliest times . More recent occupants of the site include American Indian tribes, homesteaders
and ranchers . Soapstone Prairie is filled with evidence of many of these people, and protection
and interpretation of its cultural resources are a primary focus of this management plan.
A. The Lindenmeier Valley - The Paleo -Indian Period
(12 , 000 - 8 , 500 years Before Present [B . P . ] )
* a
Lo
The Lindenmeier Valley
The Lindenmeier Archaeological Site sits in the central portion of the Soapstone Prairie
property near a tributary of the Rawhide Creek. It is an integral component of the larger
archaeological story encompassing the entire Lindenmeier Valley. The area is named for
William Lindenmeier, Jr. , who owned the property when the first Folsom points were discovered
on site in 1924 by local artifact collectors . The Lindenmeier Archaeological Site was excavated
by the Smithsonian Institution and the Colorado Museum of Natural History (now known as the
Denver Museum of Nature and Science) from 1934- 1940 . Their extensive excavations covered
more than 1 , 800 square meters, produced more than 5 ,000 lithic (stone) artifacts, numerous bone
tools, more than 46 ,000 pieces of debitage (waste flakes), and between 10,000 and 20,000 animal
bones . ' Tiny decorative beads and etched bone disks discovered here are some of the earliest and
best evidence of decoration in the North America, and these artifacts date back to a culture living
more than 11 ,000 years ago . While the majority of the artifacts are in repository at the
Smithsonian Institution ' s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D. C . , many of
these artifacts are archived at the Fort Collins Museum. A smaller collection is housed at the
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
32 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
Few people have had access to the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site since 1940, but new
discoveries were made at and near the site during the summer of 2006 when the Laboratory of
Public Archaeology (LOPA) conducted a Class II (surface reconnaissance only) archaeological
survey. The report documents LOPA ' s findings on the property, including dozens of additional
sites of interest with quantitative analyses of many recovered artifacts .2 The report concludes
with recommendations for sites encountered, prioritizing each by sensitivity to impacts, research
potential and interpretation values . These recommendations are incorporated into all aspects of
this management plan.
The Lindenmeier Archaeological Site is a National Historic Landmark, and is also designated
on the National Register of Historic Places . Because the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site is an
internationally recognized archaeological site, it is the most culturally significant area on
Soapstone Prairie and will require concentrated management planning and resources to preserve,
protect and interpret.
Map 5 * Special features on Soapstone Prairie (see Map 5 on page 107 for larger image)
SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE
�yon Pastur 7 East Canyon Pastur State Line Pasture
Castle Rock CanrpMeadow Pasture HQ Pasture
• `• r ( Graves Camp
Branni mp
Soapstone CIL
oma
• astur
Soapstone Springs I
• u
LP Camp i
0 an ranni Pas r
LR Pasture , g Jack Springs Pasture
Owl. ' 4 Upper Jack Springs Camp
Tree Pasture
Jack Springs Camp
• 1 ,
\Abrren Livestock Camps _". 0 025 0.5 1 1
!� Pasture Boundaries W �> E Miles Nalura
Lindenmeier Valley s Draft July 2007 Citvot Port Collins f�YeaS
Prog
33 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
B . Prehistoric discoveries ( 8 , 000 - 5oo BP)
The 2006 LOPA inventory surveyed a total of 4, 868 acres, approximately 25 % of the total
area of Soapstone Prairie . Many additional sites of interest were discovered on the property, such
as campsites containing early pottery and earthen ovens and hearths used in the processing of
plants .2 On-going research is further clarifying the temporal sequence of the prehistoric
occupations of Soapstone Prairie. Temporally diagnostic stone tools, as well as charcoal from
ancient fire pits, are being used to construct this sequence.
C . American Indians
Throughout northern Larimer County, archaeological and historic sites have been studied that
can be attributed to numerous American Indian tribes including the Apache,
Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Kiowa, Lakota, Pawnee, Shoshone,
and Ute . At this time, features on Soapstone Prairie have no direct ties to
specific Indian tribes or nations . The Soapstone Prairie Oral History Project
(conducted through a partnership of the Natural Areas Program and the Fort
Collins Museum) interviewed six members of five American Indian tribes in
2006, and plans to conduct additional tribal interviews in 2007 .
During 2006, LOPA located and surveyed more than 80 stone circles (rings of stones
embedded in the soil) on the property and recovered numerous associated lithic artifacts . These
cultural features and
artifacts appear to be
associated with
occupation that 4000
years .
Stone ring near
Soapstone Springs
D . Homestead history
After the Homestead Act of 1862, Euro-Americans soon began settling the area.
Homesteaders in northern Larimer County often subsisted on food produced through dryland
farming, sheep and cattle grazing and other agricultural pursuits . Because of numerous hardships
(e. g. drought, the Depression), many homesteaders were unsuccessful during the 1920 ' s — 1930 ' s
in these various pursuits on Soapstone Prairie and found it necessary to sell their interests and
move elsewhere . Several foundations and remnants of buildings left from the homesteading era
exist on the property, though further research and documentation are required to identify the
former occupants .
The Soapstone Prairie Oral History Project is helping to provide the needed research and
documentation required to identify occupants of these homesteads, further strengthening the
area ' s historical richness . At least 50 interviews with local ranchers, American Indian elders,
historians and others who have connections to Soapstone Prairie and the surrounding landscape
34 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
will have been conducted between 2006 and 2008 . Funding was made available, in part, through
the U. S . National Park Service ' s Preserve America Program. The results of this work will be
made available through the Fort Collins Museum.
1 . Bear/Roman property
The Bear family homesteaded a section
(640 acres - the Roman Pasture) in the = ,; ,
center of what is now Soapstone Prairie in
the early 1900 ' s . The Bears were well
known in the area, and supplied labor and
horse power to the Smithsonian Institution ' s
Lindenmeier excavations in the 1930 ' s . The
original homestead was dugout, with another .
building later constructed and used as a ;. . ._
residence and the local dance hall. The
Roman family bought the property from the t
Bears in 1961 where they grazed cattle on
their section until 2004 . The constructed a Structures on the Bear/Roman property
small dwelling on the foundation of the Bear
residence/dance hall, and used it primarily
for hunting or recreating purposes . They also constructed a garage and numerous outbuildings .
All electrical power was supplied by a wind charger and a gas generator, and water was obtained
from an active spring. Displayed in and on the ground above the dwelling in a fenced area is a
collection of antique glass bottles collected and placed there by Keith Roman ' s mother. There
are also other collections of cultural artifacts (e. g. lithic debitage and tools) and eco-artifacts (e. g.
rocks) found on the near the dwelling and in the lower pasture.
2. Soapstone Springs School foundation
Adjacent to Soapstone Springs sits the foundation of the Soapstone Springs School. The school
was active during the local homestead
era and was likely decommissioned
during the rural school consolidations
in the 1920 ' s . The remnants of a
school desk leg and several other
artifacts were found on this site during
n the LOPA 2006 archaeological survey.
Soapstone Springs schoolhouse.foundation
35 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
3. Soapstone Springs springhouse
This corrugated metal structure was probably built during the Warren Livestock era to
protect Soapstone Springs from decimation by cattle. The
spring produces water throughout most of the summer except
in the driest years . A small door allows access, and two tin
beverage cans, modified as drinking cups, hang from a hook
inside the door.
� r
Soapstone Springs springhouse
4. Welch dugout
This dugout, once the home of the Welch
family, is built into a hillside above a spring-fed
drainage that is a tributary of Sand Creek. It is
believed that the original floor was dirt. Two
other structures, perhaps small livestock pens,
are near the dugout.
Welch dugout .�
5. Stone building
This two-room stone building was most likely a residence, occupied perhaps near the turn of
the last century. Much of the building is still standing, though the mortar of locally native
materials is disintegrating and the building is deteriorating. A second foundation sits to the south
of the main building, and an
apparent root cellar is in the
trees just to the southwest of
the main building. Many
historic artifacts, such as
broken glass, horse combs,
T square nails, a barrel ring and
�� more, are scattered within the
vicinity of the house. There is
also an abundance of
.-� prehistoric lithic artifacts found
within close proximity to the
building, and other sites in the
general location.
Foundation of stone building
36 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
6. "Lindenmeier " homestead
This cluster of features includes what appears to be another stone house, a corral enclosure, a
series of water troughs for livestock, a stone-walled dugout, and a barrel-enclosed spring head. It
is not known who occupied this site, but it was likely homesteaded during the late 1800 ' s to early
1900 ' s . It is anecdotally reported to be the home of William Lindenmeier, Jr. before he moved to
Fort Collins, but a records search has yet to be conducted.
Water troughs at
"Lindenmeier " homestead
•Tim` ' - V
Stone foundation of "Lindenmeier " homestead
7. Taulman homestead
The Taulman homestead foundation stands on the hillside northeast of the proposed public
entrance . It may have been built in the 1920 ' s . The Taulmans were relatives of the Krafcziks
from whom the City purchased this portion of the Soapstone Prairie property.
8. Guy homestead The Ed Guy homestead foundation is
just north of the proposed entrance along
County Road 15 . It is reported that this
was a 2- story home, and was the first
home in the region to have carbide lights .
a
A possible grave is on the site, likely of a
small child. Stone remains of a second ;
structure, possible root cellar and animal
closures are also apparent here . t
Guy homestead
37 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
E . Ranching History
The grasslands and shrublands of Soapstone Prairie have been used as grazing land by
ranching families for over 100 years . The high quality condition of these ecosystems illustrates
the role that private landowners play in maintaining important habitats for wildlife. Part of the
property was held by the Warren Livestock Co . , a sheep and cattle company headquartered near
Cheyenne, Wyoming, from the early 1900 ' s until 1965 . The owners prior to the City of Fort
Collins ' purchase (the 20 members of the Soapstone Grazing Association [SGA] ), ran cattle
seasonally on the property for 40 years, from 1965 -2004. After the sale, ten of the SGA members
formed the Folsom Grazing Association, which will continue cattle grazing on the property
through 2008 .
1 . Graves Camp
Several ranch-related buildings, primarily from the Warren Livestock era, are in various
stages of use or deterioration near Graves Creek at the locked, eastern entrance of the property.
The home is currently occupied by the livestock manager of the Folsom Grazing Association.
Several penciled messages from the 1920 ' s- 1940 ' s are still visible on the corrugated metal walls .
Ranch buildings near Graves Creek
2. Jack Springs Camp
A collapsed livestock building, likely used from the early 1920 ' s into the 1960 ' s, sits to the
north of Jack Springs .2 A wide variety of historic artifacts were documented on this site,
including cans, wire, latches, hinges and a 1919 wheat penny.
Collapsed livestock building at
Jack Springs Camp
3 . Brannigan Springs Camp
A large collapsed pole barn structure,
probably used during the Warren Livestock era,
is all that' s left of this historic camp . A variety
of debris, including square nails, aqua glass,
cans and unidentified metal scraps were
documented here.
Collapsed pole barn near Brannigan Springs
38 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
4. Upper Jack Springs Camp
w A small, faded red corrugated metal structure is located at what is
historically known as Upper Jack Springs Camp. This single-room
building contains a wooden table and wooden chair, and looks to
have been inhabited during the Warren Livestock era. A single,
three-paned window faces east, and the entrance is protected with a
small covered alcove.
Metal building at Upper
.Tack SnrinQs Camn
5. Castle Rock Camp
Three features, including a small building, a
collapsed structure, and what appears to be a small
corral, make up the remnants of Castle Rock Camp near
the northern border of the property. Discarded items, *
including numerous metal cans, interior shelving, a bed
frame and table attached to the walls give the
appearance that this was inhabited over a relatively long '
time period, likely during the Warren Livestock era. '
yi
Castle Rock Camp building
6. Rock cairns
Organized piles of rocks (cairns), sometimes
referred to as a "Stone Johnny," are located
throughout the property and were likely constructed
to aid in navigation by sheepherders in the early to
mid 1900 ' s . The largest cairn sits north of the
_ — building at Upper Jack Springs (4) on the point of a
- flat bench overlooking Sand Creek and Upper Jack
Springs Camp. It measures 2 . 7 meters high, 2 . 3
meters wide and consists of at least 800 rocks, all of
which appear to have been obtained in the immediate
r ' vicinity.2 It can be seen for several kilometers in all
directions .
Rock cairn near Upper Jack Springs Camp
39 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
7. Stage routes and railroads
Wells Fargo ran a stage route from Cheyenne to Denver from approximately 1866- 1877, with
a "swing station" for switching out horses at Round Butte just south of the property on Round
Butte and Meadow Springs Ranches .3 The Colorado Central Railroad followed the stage route
from Fort Collins to Cheyenne through Round Butte and Jack Springs until 1890 . Homesteaders
and ranchers on Soapstone Prairie were later serviced by the Denver Pacific Railroad through the
Norfolk station near Carr. The old railroad grade is visible south of Jack Springs on the Meadow
Springs property.
The abundance of historic and prehistoric cultural resources on Soapstone Prairie will add to the
total visitor experience to the property. All management actions will strive to preserve, protect, and
interpret these resources .
At Soapstone Prairie, the greatest threats to cultural resources are :
♦ Erosion and damage related to cattle use.
♦ Natural processes, such as wind and water erosion.
♦ Human disturbance, especially artifact collecting.
Chapter 5 References
1 Wilmsen, E. , and F .H.H. Roberts, Jr. 1978. Lindenmeier, 1934-1974: Concluding Report on
Investigations. Smithsonian Contributions to Anthropology 24, Smithsonian Institution Press,
Washington. 187pp
2 LaBelle, Jason and Brian, N. Andrews . 2006 . Class II Archaeological Survey of the Soapstone
Prairie Natural Area, Larimer County, Colorado. LOPA Archaeology Report 07-02, Laboratory of
Public Archaeology, Department of Anthropology, Colorado State University. 218 pp
3 Baker, Richard S . , Summer. 1975 . Overland Stage Routes and Stations in Larimer County, Fort
Collins Chronicle, V. 1 , No . 2 .
Additional resources
Gilmore, Kevin P . , Marcia Tate, Mark L. Chenault, Bonnie Clark, Terri McBride, and Margaret
Wood. 1999 . Colorado Prehistory: A Context for the Platte River Basin, Colorado Council for
Professional Archaeologists, Denver. 403pp
Burris, Lucy. 2006 . People of the Poudre, An Ethnohistory of the Cache la Poudre River
National Heritage Area AD 1500-1880. 105pp
40 Chapter 5 — Cultural Resources
1 1
Resource Management
of High Priority Conservation Targets
Conservation targets represent natural and cultural resources of the highest conservation
value on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Selection of these conservation targets is based on a
variety of attributes, including :
♦ Ecological systems or species that are in need of conservation.
♦ Ability to contribute toward the conservation of habitat, species or cultural resources .
♦ Key cultural and scenic resources .
Identifying conservation targets, or goals, helps the Natural Areas Program (NAP) staff to
better define and guide management decisions . These targets will allow staff to :
♦ Evaluate current conditions .
♦ Identify potential threats to natural and cultural resources .
♦ Measure effectiveness of management practices .
♦ Evaluate conservation success and adapt management actions to address negative impacts .
This chapter describes Soapstone Prairie Natural Area ' s :
♦ High priority conservation targets .
♦ Potential impacts to these targets .
♦ Projected potential management actions to maintain and/or improve the targets .
In addition to conservation targets, nested targets help to provide a measurable goal. Nested
targets are a species or system that occurs on the landscape within the conservation target.
Management plans that conserve primary conservation targets should also conserve nested
targets . '
Nested targets ,
♦ Require similar ecological processes to the primary conservation target.
♦ Have similar threats to the primary conservation target.
♦ Require similar management strategies .
Conservation targets were selected through a planning process facilitated by the Colorado
Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) that included staff from NAP along with various natural and
cultural resource professionals conducting baseline inventories on Soapstone Prairie. Results of
this process :
■ Identified species, ecological systems, and cultural resources that warrant focused
conservation attention.
■ Evaluated biological integrity of significant ecological systems and species of concern,
and factors that may affect viability.
■ Defined management issues and desired uses for the property.
■ Explored the relationship(s) among significant biological and cultural resources and
potential impacts from various uses .
41 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
■ Delineated geographic zones that describe where conservation, recreation, and/or
production uses are most compatible and appropriate.
Eight targets have been identified as the highest conservation priority at Soapstone Prairie .
Table 6. 1 Conservation targets and nested targets of highest priority
Conservation target Nested targets Conservation Concerns
Shortgrass Prairie/ • Grasslands birds (burrowing owl, • Rangewide, roughly half of the
Grasslands System McCown ' s longspur, mountain historic shortgrass prairie has been
plover) converted to other uses, but vast
Black-tailed prairie dog community expanses of this system still occur.
Pronghorn
• Swift fox
Birds of Prey • Golden eagle • Human encroachmen
Ferruginous hawk
Wetlands/ Riparian • Seeps, springs & streams • Relatively uncommon in shortgrass
System • Northern leopard frog (potential) habitats
• Native fish • Important wildlife habitats
• Connection to cultural and
archaeological resources.
Rare and Threatened • Colorado butterfly plant • Habitat loss
Plants • Rocky Mountain blazing star • Declining populations
• Pale blue-eyed grass
Foothills Shrublands • Mountain mahogany/needle-and- + Limited global distribution
System thread community 4 Relatively weed-free condition
Mountain mahogany/streamside + Habitat fragmentation
wild rye community
Geological Features • Loss of unique habitat
Cultural Resources • Lindenmeier Valley and other
Native American sites illustrate long
history of human presence on
Soapstone Prairie
Viewshed/ • One of the last places in the Front
Sense of Place Range with large undeveloped
landscapes and scenic views.
42 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
A. Conservation Target : Shortgrass Prairie/Grasslands System
Soapstone Prairie is found within an ecologically intact shortgrass prairie landscape with
direct connection to shortgrass prairie on Meadow Springs Ranch, Bernard Ranch Conservation
Easement, Round Butte Ranch Conservation Easement, Red Mountain Open Space, and other
private lands located adjacent to the north owned by Duck Creek Grazing Association and
Soapstone Grazing Association.
Table 6. 2 Conservation targets, nested targets andpotential impacts in the shortgrass prairie/grasslands system
Conservation target Nested targets Potential impacts
Shortgrass prairie/ • Grasslands birds (burrowing owl, • Human disturbance to wildlife .
grasslands system McCown ' s longspur, mountain + Incompatible grazing regime.
plover) ♦ Introduction/spread of weeds.
• Black-tailed prairie dog community • Loss of movement corridors from
• Pronghorn development of the property as a
♦ Swift fox City-owned natural area.
The shortgrass prairie community on Soapstone
Prairie totals approximately 13 ,000 acres located in
the flat and gently rolling terrain of the southern and
- eastern portions of the property (see Map 3 ). Current
�: vegetation condition of the shortgrass prairie within
Soapstone Prairie is very good and includes structural
patchiness at a variety of scales (from bare ground to
mixed taller grass/shrub patches), with a healthy forb
component, high quality winter browse, and a mix of
native grasses.
Shortgrass prairie
Wildlife communities are well represented here due, in part, to the scale and quality of intact
shortgrass prairie on and surrounding Soapstone Prairie. The following nested targets represent
the highest priority conservation concerns in the shortgrass prairie.
1 . Shortgrass prairie/grasslands system nested target: Prairie grassland birds
As discussed in Chapter 3 , the native shortgrass landscape historically
was a series of habitat patches created by grazing animals and ranged
from extensive disturbance to areas of infrequent or no grazing.2 As
such, shortgrass prairie bird communities require a mosaic of grass
heights, from very short grass with a high percent of bare ground, to
taller grass with more structure, including some shrubs .
Of the prairie birds documented at Soapstone Prairie, those of
highest conservation priority: "
♦ McCown ' s longspur Horned lark, Joel Hayward
♦ mountain plover
♦ burrowing owl
43 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
require sites within the shortgrass prairie created through heavy grazing (here by prairie dogs)
and high levels of surface disturbance 2 . The other species of conservation concern found on
Soapstone Prairie are adapted to moderate and light grazing pressure.
These three species are especially abundant on prairie dog towns within Soapstone Prairie .
The grazing and surface disturbance created by active prairie dog towns creates habitat suitable
for these species . Allowing prairie dog colonies to move, expand, and/or contract over time helps
create and maintain habitat mosaics defined by a high percent of bare ground, structurally very
short grass, and relatively high forb component.
Management of the shortgrass prairie for grassland birds will focus on maintaining
habitat mosaics, with emphasis on creating a large area of habitat that meets the needs of
prairie grassland birds .
The eastern region of the property within and surrounding the large black-tailed prairie dog
colony will be the initial focus of this management practice (see Maps 3 and 4) . However, as the
prairie dog colony moves, expands, or contracts, this focus area may change. Livestock grazing
will be used to expand this low-structure vegetation, as needed outside of the prairie dog
colonies . As the prairie dog colonies expand, adjustments to livestock grazing will be made to
prevent overuse of the grassland resource.
To meet the habitat needs of other grassland birds, grass heights representing mid- to taller
structural habitat will be provided outside of the prairie dog colonies . Prescriptive livestock
grazing will provide grassland structural variability through regulated grazing levels . Cattle are
currently used for grazing management, but reintroducing native and historic animals such as
bison or sheep may provide additional grazing opportunities .
Recreation-related disturbance, such as visitor use of trails, and infrastructure placement
such as parking areas, roads, and trail alignments are possible sources of impacts .
Placement of these public facilities will be based in part on:
♦ Breeding bird distribution and abundance .
♦ Location of wildlife movement corridors .
♦ Location of important ecological features (e .g. raptor nests, den sites, wetland and riparian
areas, rare plant communities) .
Recreational use of trails and related impacts to grasslands birds are difficult to define as few
studies have occurred within grasslands . Given this lack of information, trails will be closed
seasonally in the areas utilized by, and managed for, the nested target species (McCown ' s
longspur, mountain plover and burrowing owl) . To better understand recreation impacts to
nesting grassland birds, point counts will continue to be collected in future years for comparison
to 2006 data and to data collected on a broader scale (i. e . Partners in Flight Bird Conservation
Region 18) . Modifications to management practices will be based on these results, local
abundance and distribution relative to trail alignments.
44 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
During the 2006 RMBO survey, the following grasslands bird nests were documented during
the course of the nesting season. Nest success is monitored as it provides earlier and better
indicators of impacts from outside sources . A sufficient number of nests were found for two
species (horned lark and McCown ' s longspur) to calculate daily survival and nest success rates .
Additional monitoring efforts will focus on changes in nest success and daily survival rates,
and changes in baseline data will be used to adjust trail placement or seasonal closures, as
needed.
a. Prairie grassland birds detail: McCown ' s longspur >-
McCown ' s longspur was found to be one of the most
widespread and abundant breeding bird species found at
Soapstone Prairie . Density estimates across all areas surveyed
p Y Y
indicated 0 . 67 birds per hectare with the highest densities ( 1 . 61
birds/hectare) being found on the eastern edge of the property
within the Jack Springs pasture. This portion of the property
also contains the largest black-tailed prairie dog colony on
Soapstone Prairie (see Map 4) .
McCown 's longspur,
Joel Hayward
Table 6. 3 Conservation status and management actions for McCown 's longspur
(see Chapter 4 for references)
CDOW Partners In Flight Population status Potential management actions
conservation status conservation status and trends 395
AL
Tier 1 Species of Species of Low, with Maintain a viable black-tailed prairie
Greatest Conservation Continental Concern unknown trends dog colony within the flat terrain.
Need statewide • Maintain short, sparsely vegetated
habitat through grazing.
• Seasonal closures (April 1 -July 15).
b. Prairie grassland birds detail: mountain plover
A total of six mountain plovers were found in the extreme
southeastern portion of Soapstone Prairie within the black-tailed
prairie dog complex in 2006 .3 Habitat within this area is typical of
the flat landscapes, with very short, sparse vegetation and a
relatively high amount of bare ground. Mountain plover are also
noted as being strongly associated with prairie dog towns in portions
of its range, an association that is supported by its distribution on
Soapstone Prairie.
Monitoring will occur as needed to prevent overgrazing of the
shortgrass . Due to high site fidelity, known nesting areas will be
Mountain plover, protected from disturbance such as roads, trails, etc . Any new nests
Joel Hayward discovered in future years will be protected through seasonal
closures if needed.
Table 6. 4 Conservation status and management actions for mountain plover (see Chapter 4 for references)
CDOW Partners In Flight Population status Potential management actions
conservation status conservation status and trends 3,5
di
Tier 1 Species of not listed Low, declining Maintain a viable black-tailed prairie
Greatest Conservation 1 . 5% annually dog colony within the flat terrain.
Need statewide + Maintain short, sparsely vegetated
habitat through grazing.
• Seasonal closures (April 1 -July 15).
45 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
c. Prairie grassland birds detail: western burrowing owl
A total of six western burrowing owls were documented in
2006 .3 � Distribution was within the shortgrass prairie within Jack
Springs, Brannigan, and the Tree Pastures (see Maps 4 and 5) .
Burrowing owls are typically found in close association with
active black-tailed prairie dog colonies . On Soapstone Prairie,
four of six reports occurred within active prairie dog colonies .
This owl also prefers grassland of short structure typical of
grazed grasslands, so a reduction in grazing may have negative
impacts to this species . Burrowing owls also tend to frequent
prairie dog colony margins,
so buffer zones (see table A buffer zone is an area
below) will be applied to around an important feature
Western burrowing owl, colony perimeters for where access and/or
Jeff Jones development is prohibited.
greatest conservation efforts .
Some buffers maybe
seasonal (e. g. occupied nest
or den sites).
Table 6. 5 Conservation status and management actions for western burrowing owl (see Chapter 4 for references)
CDOW Partners In Flight Population Potential management actions
conservation status conservation status status and
trends 3s
EM
Tier 1 Species of Species of Regional Medium, • Maintain a viable black-tailed prairie dog
Greatest Concern relatively stable colony within the flat terrain.
Conservation Need, statewide + Maintain short, sparsely vegetated habitat
State Threatened through grazing.
• Apply prairie dog colony perimeter buffer
zone of 75 yards (April 1 — August 15).4
No prairie dog population or colony
control between March 1 and October 31 .4
2. Shortgrass prairie/grasslands system nested target: Black-tailed prairie dog
community
The black-tailed prairie dog as a keystone species has been widely debated, however it is
generally accepted that the black-tailed prairie dog plays an important role in grassland systems
Several species of wildlife, including mountain plover, western burrowing owl, ferruginous
hawk, golden eagle, swift fox, horned lark, deer mouse, and
grasshopper mouse are strongly associated with prairie dog
colonies . 6 While not all taxonomic groups have been
surveyed on Soapstone Prairie, the close association of
several of the avian species found and swift fox is well
documented. Maintaining a viable black-tailed prairie dog
population is vital to maintaining a functional shortgrass
prairie and associated wildlife community.
Approximately 600 acres of active black-tailed prairie
dog colonies existed on Soapstone Prairie in 2006 (see Map Black-tailed prairie dog, Joel Hayward
4) . Management efforts will allow prairie dog colonies to
move, expand, and/or contract over time with an eventual
46 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
goal of creating a large, well-functioning complex of active black-tailed prairie dog colonies on
Soapstone Prairie and the adjacent properties . Expansion of prairie dogs on Soapstone Prairie
will rely on natural movement and expansion of the existing colony, or from naturally dispersing
animals from the surrounding landscape . Other management actions will follow those outlined in
the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program Wildlife Management Guidelines .
Vegetation monitoring began in 2006 and will continue in an effort to track changes that
occur within the prairie dog colonies . This information will be used to adjust stocking density
for livestock grazing and to determine vegetation cover within the black-tailed prairie dog
colony. Prairie dog control (lethal and non lethal) may be utilized to reduce population densities
in an effort to prevent soil loss within the core of the colonies, to reduce the expansion of the
colony if acreage goals are met, or to address concerns of adjacent landowners. If opportunity
exists, the Natural Areas Program will pursue management agreements with neighbors to allow
for the expansion of prairie dog colonies onto adjoining properties .
Natural dispersal from established colonies, either from within Soapstone Prairie, or from
adjacent properties, will be used for recolonization in the event the entire population of black-
tailed prairie dogs is lost to an outbreak of sylvatic plague.
Table 6. 6 Potential impacts and management actions for black-tailed prairie dog communities
Potential impact Potential management actions
Sylvatic plague (naturally occurring) Monitor for new colonies established by
dispersing individuals.
Monitor to determine if colonies are sufficiently
isolated.
If conditions allow, dust burrows with approved
pesticides to control fleas on colonies not infected
with plague.
Boundary issues with neighbors • Lethal and non lethal control.
• Management agreements to allow for the
expansion onto adjacent private lands
3. Shortgrass prairie/grasslands system nested target: Pronghorn
Soapstone Prairie is located in a critical wintering area for pronghorn, as defined by the
Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) . Ground
counts conducted by NAP staff indicate Jack
Springs and Brannigan units most heavily used of
all pastures in the winter months, with counts
ranging from 300-450 animals (see Map 5) .
Pronghorn movement corridors can be impacted
from some types of livestock fencing. Pronghorn
typically do not jump over fences and need
sufficient space ( 15"- 18 ") between the bottom wire
and the ground to pass underneath the fence. Fence
Male pronghorn types that are conducive to pronghorn movement
are wire strand (barbed or smooth) but not woven
wire fence . Several miles of existing fence on Soapstone Prairie may restrict pronghorn
movement - these will be modified to meet both fence type and spacing requirements . Fence
modification will focus initially on highest pronghorn use areas and phase in lower use areas
over time . All new fences will be constructed to allow for passage by pronghorn. An added
47 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
benefit of protecting movement corridors is that swift fox will be able to move across Soapstone
Prairie and onto other habitats on adjacent properties.
Table 6. 7 Potential impacts and management actions for pronghorn
Potential impact Potential management actions
Recreation use during the winter months • Seasonal closure of Jack Springs Unit, and if
needed, Brannigan Unit. (November 1 to March 1 ) .
Loss of movement corridors from development • Modify existing fences.
of the property as a City-owned natural area. + New fences to be conducive to pronghorn
movement.
* Avoid placement of facilities in movement
corridors.
4. Shortgrass prairie system nested target: Swift fox
Swift fox have been documented within the shortgrass prairie on Soapstone Prairie and on
shortgrass prairie conserved through conservation easements on adjacent lands . Documentation
includes sightings of individuals, family groups, and occupied den sites . Impacts to swift fox
from development and recreation activities on
Soapstone Prairie are difficult to quantify but may
include impacts to movement corridors and den
sites . Other canines, such as coyote and red fox,
are known to be major predators of swift fox and
increased populations of these other canine
.` species may reduce swift fox abundance. Impacts
from domestic dogs are unknown, but possible
threats include predation, and evidence suggests
they may be a transmission source for canine
Swiftfox pups nursing, Bruce Gill distemper and rabies . '
Table 6. 8 Potential impacts and management actions for swift fox
Potential im ac lRotential management actions
Disease transmission such as rabies and canine • Prohibit domestic dogs from Soapstone Prairie.
distemper
Increased predation by coyotes and red fox • Reduce population size of coyote and red fox if
needed.
Loss of movement corridors and den sites from • Avoid placement of facilities in movement
development of the property as a City-owned corridors.
natural area. • Protect known den sites from development and
recreation activities.
48 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
Key Management Actions for Shortgrass Prairie/Grasslands
Conservation Targets
• Manage habitat at large scales to accommodate spatial needs of species .
• Allow prairie dog colonies to move, expand, and/or contract over time .
• Use prescriptive grazing to provide structural components created through
heavy, moderate, or no grazing.
• Provide grass heights representing mid- to taller structural habitat outside of
the prairie dog colonies to meet the habitat needs of other grassland birds
• Locate parking areas, trails, and other public facilities to minimize impacts to
nested targets, wildlife movement corridors and other ecologically sensitive
areas .
• Avoid impacts to nesting birds April 1 -July 15 through seasonal closure of
trails .
• Continue to monitor nesting success, nesting density, and species use, and
adjust management actions as needed.
• Modify or remove fences to allow for wildlife passage.
• Prohibit domestic dog use of Soapstone Prairie.
B . Conservation Target : Birds of Prey
Soapstone Prairie provides important foraging and nesting habitat for more than 16 species of
birds of prey, including golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, prairie falcons, Swainson ' s and red-
tailed hawks, great-horned owls, long- and short-eared owls, and northern harriers . Efforts will
be made to protect nests from disturbance and to provide large blocks of habitat for foraging.
Table 6. 9 Potential impacts and management actions for nesting and foraging birds of prey
Nested targets C inn-Concern Potential impacts Potential management
actions
Golden eagle • Tier 1 Species of Greatest • Human encroachment • Follow buffer zone
Ferruginous hawk Conservation Need (CDOW) guidelines. a
• Loss of habitat + Allow prairie dog colonies to
Easily disturbed during expand naturally
nesting 4 Avoid impacts to foraging
habitat with proper placement
of recreation facilities.
1 . Birds of Prey Nested Target: Golden eagles
Golden eagles are listed as a Tier 1 Species of Greatest
Conservation Need (CDOW) . The greatest threats to golden eagles
are poisoning (directly, and indirectly through rodent control), loss
of habitat, and collisions with or electrocutions through power
lines . 5
Two golden eagle nests are located on the south-facing
sandstone cliffs in the center of the property, approximately one
half mile north of Soapstone Ranch Road. The area has had little
human occupancy historically, and the impacts of recreation-
related development may affect breeding, nesting and/or brooding
Golden eagle on prey
49 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
cycles . Craig recommends a buffer zone of up to one mile from nest sites, with seasonal
restrictions to human encroachment from December 15 to July 15 .4
2. Binds of Prey Nested Target: Ferruginous hawks
Ferruginous hawk populations in Colorado are low,
and the greatest threats to their success include habitat
degradation, invasive or exotic species altering or
competing for habitat, low reproductive rate, and
indirect mortality from pesticide applications . s They
are listed as a Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation
Need (CDOW) and a species of Regional Concern
(PIF) .
LW The ferruginous hawk nest in a cottonwood tree
approximately one-third mile south of the Brannigan
Pasture Road has been active in recent years, and birds
have been seen hunting within the prairie dog colonies
further east. There are several other possible nest sites,
Ferruginous hawk, Dave Rintoul as well. Care will need to be taken with impacts of
human activity, because ferruginous hawks are
especially prone to nest abandonment during incubation period if disturbed.4
Table 6. 10 Recommended buffers for birds of prey species found on Soapstone Prairie 4
Species esting/ JW Nesting/ Nest period amSensitive period
incubation brooding (optimal)
Golden eagle 1 . 0 mi 1 .0 mi 1 . 0 mi December 15 to July 15
Ferruginous 0 . 5 mi 0. 5 mi 0. 5 mi February 1 to July 15
hawk
Red-tailed 448-553 yd 428-604 yd 0.34 mi February 15 to July 15
hawk
Swainson' s 171 -203 yd 309-382 yd 0.22 mi April 1 to July 15
hawk
Prairie falcon 546- 1093 yd 1093 yd 0.62 mi N/A
Key Management Actions for Birds of Prey Conservation Targets
♦ Maintain appropriate buffer zones around nest sites during sensitive times of
year.
♦ Continue to search out and document new nest sites .
♦ Close trails seasonally where new nests occur.
♦ Minimize impacts to foraging habitats .
50 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
C . Conservation Target : Wetlands/Riparian Systems
According to the 2006 CDOW Colorado Comprehensive Wildlife Plan, streams and rivers of
the eastern plains (a key habitat in Colorado)
are in relatively poor condition and continuing
to decline in quality. 5 Several riparian
systems are found on Soapstone Prairie;
named streams (from west to east) include
Sand Creek (west), Rawhide Creek, Wire
Draw, Sand Creek (east), Spottlewood Creek
and Graves Creek. Graves, Spottlewood, and
Rawhide Creek tend to flow more frequently
and have more areas of surface water than
other drainages on the property. Numerous,
Graves Creek unnamed intermittent and ephemeral
drainages occur on the property and flow
generally toward the south. These creeks support hydric plants and sporadic cottonwood stands .
The wetland system includes seeps, numerous springs and other small wetlands supported by
groundwater discharge.
Table 6. 11 Conservation targets, nested targets and potential impacts in the wetlands/riparian systems
Conservation target Nested targets IL Conservation Concerns
Wetlands/ Riparian • Northern leopard frog (potential) • Eastern plains wetlands and
System • Native fish streams are in poor condition overall.
• Overall, considered as system that
is declining in quality.
Soapstone Prairie is located near the top of the watershed for each of these major drainages,
and the current condition of the riparian and wetland systems is good. The relative location in the
watershed has produced few impacts and barriers to the natural watershed process onsite or
upstream of the property. Current impacts to the wetlands and riparian systems include :
The existing road though Jack Springs is likely increasing the amount of water impounded
and thus increasing the size of the wetland.
• Graves Creek is impounded near the ranch headquarters, and overflow is returned to the
stream.
Road crossings occur on all major drainages (water is not impounded) .
Few exotic plants (weeds) classified by the State of Colorado as Category B and higher have
been noted during baseline inventory work. However, given the high soil moisture within these
habitats, wetlands and riparian areas may be easily invaded by exotic plants and this invasion
may threaten species composition of native plant communities .
Livestock grazing has impacted wetland and riparian areas on Soapstone Prairie. Stock tanks
are used to distribute cattle across the grasslands, but wetlands and riparian areas are not
excluded from cattle grazing. Surface water found in wetlands and riparian areas are utilized for
cattle watering sites, and many have been developed to capture water and pipe to livestock
watering tanks . Stream banks have evidence of overuse by cattle and some wetlands have similar
impacts .
Due to the ecological sensitivity and the close association of cultural and archaeological sites
to water sources, management actions will help reduce the chance of invasive plant introduction
51 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
into these habitats, protect cultural sites, and allow wildlife access to these important habitats and
water sources .
Table 6. 12 Potential impacts and management actions for wetland/riparian systems
Potential impact Potential management actions aM
Introduction/spread of weeds • Vegetation monitoring.
* Immediate action upon discovery of invasive plants.
Incompatible grazing regime * Shorter grazing seasons.
• Increased recovery times.
• Reduction in stocking densities.
• Exclusion of natural water features from grazing.
• Change grazing animal from cattle to bison or sheep.
• Increase use of stock tanks to manage livestock
movement and grazing.
Impacts from recreation management • Few or no trails or other public developments in or
near areas classified as wetlands, seeps, springs, and
riparian areas.
1 . Wetlands/Riparian Ecological Systems Nested target: Northern leopard frog
The northern leopard frog is listed as a species of concern in Colorado, in part due to
population declines experienced by this species . Habitat for this species includes wet meadows
and the banks and shallows of marshes, ponds, glacial kettle ponds, beaver ponds, lakes,
reservoirs, streams, and irrigation ditches . $ Jack Springs is likely to support the northern leopard
frog, based on documented occurrence of this species in the same wetland system on the adjacent
Meadow Springs Ranch.
Table 6. 13 Potential impacts and management actions for northern leopard frog
Potential impact Potential management actin
Incompatible grazing • Reduce grazing impacts .
* Reduce grazing in wetlands and streams.
• Promote stream bank vegetation.
Weed control • Closely monitor vegetation.
2. Wetlands/Riparian Ecological Systems Nested target: Native fish
At least four species of native fish are possible to exist in the riparian system on Soapstone
Prairie . These species are generally found in streams with cool, clear water with vegetated stream
banks and some shading by tree and shrub canopy. $ Status of these species on Soapstone Prairie
is unknown; however, brassy minnow have been known to occur in the lower sections of
Spottlewood Creek.
52 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
Four species of fish of conservation concern are potential inhabitants of the creeks on the
eastern portion of Soapstone Prairie .
Table 6. 14 Potential native fish species that could be found in Spottlewood Creek and Graves Creek
Common name Scientific name CNHP status CDOW statu
Iowa Darter Etheostoma exile Globally secure; vulnerable Tier 2 Species of
throughout Colorado (G5 ; S3) Greatest Conservation
Need
Plains Topminnow Fundulus sciadicus Apparently secure globally and
statewide, thought may be quite
rare in parts of its range (G4; S4)
Brassy Minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni Globally secure; vulnerable State Threatened
throughout Colorado (G5 ; S3)
Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus Globally secure; imperiled in State Threatened
Colorado (G5 ; S2 )
Table 6. 15 Potential impacts and management actions for possible native fish species
Potential im ac otential management actions
Incompatible grazing ♦ Reduce grazing impacts.
♦ Reduce grazing in riparian and wetland habitats.
♦ Reduce sedimentation of streams.
♦ Promote tree and shrub establishment along
stream banks.
Weed control ♦ Closely monitor vegetation.
♦ Careful selection of herbicide and application (as
needed).
Key Management Actions for Wetlands/Riparian Systems Conservation
Targets
♦ Reduce livestock use and access to streams and wetlands .
♦ Manage invasive plants through integrated weed management techniques.
♦ Avoid creating barriers to natural hydrologic flows .
♦ Avoid placing trails and facilities in close proximity to wetlands/riparian features .
♦ Provide wildlife access to water sources .
♦ Limit public access to allow wildlife use and to protect cultural resources .
53 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
D . Conservation Target : Foothills Shrublands System
As discussed in Chapter Three, the foothills shrublands system on Soapstone Prairie is of
exemplary quality based in part on :
♦ Absence of Category B or higher invasive weeds .
♦ Dominance of native species .
♦ High species richness .
♦ Presence of rare plant communities .
♦ Overall size (>5000 acres) . This system is most successful on a large scale, on
undivided landscapes .
It ' s also important to note this community is connected to foothills shrubland communities of
equal quality on Red Mountain Open Space and private land to the north and southwest. These
factors combined make this plant community one of the highest ecological values on Soapstone
Prairie .
Table 6. 16 Conservation targets, nested targets andpotential impacts in the foothills shrublands system
Conservation target Nested targets Conservation Concerns
Foothills Shrublands • Mountain mahogany/needle-and- • Global distribution of these plant
system thread community (Cercocarpus associations is limited to the Front
montanus/ Hesperostipa comata) Range in Colorado and adjacent
♦ Mountain mahogany/streamside Wyoming.
wild rye community (Cercocarpus ♦ Land use changes and system
montanus/ Elymus lanceolatus ssp. fragmentation.
lanceolatus)
Management of this habitat type includes :
♦ Grazing practices that maintain the natural integrity of species composition.
♦ Control of invasive exotics .
Fire is a naturally occurring event in these systems and may be prescribed as a tool for
mountain mahogany reproduction (via seeds or regrowth from roots), to create openings in this
dense canopy and increase forage quality. However, the full effects of prescribed or naturally
occurring fire are not completely understood and concerns exist if such a disturbance will
increase the incursion of weedy species into these relatively excellent condition shrubland
communities . If fire is determined a necessary prescription to meet a management goal, or if a
naturally occurring fire moves through the mountain mahogany shrublands, vegetation will be
monitored to determine what effects occur and any invasive species incursion will be treated.
Grazing will also be used to maintain this system, however not as extensively as in the
shortgrass prairie. Livestock used for grazing may change from cattle to sheep or bison as
management practices are refined.
Currently, invasive exotics (weeds) are minimal in cover, though Dalmatian toadflax occurs
in isolated patches and cheatgrass is found at the periphery of the shrublands . If Dalmatian
toadflax or cheatgrass increases in abundance or distribution, or if new invasive plants are
introduced into this system, the quality of rare plant communities may become degraded. If rare
foothills butterflies are present, alteration in vegetation could be problematic, since butterflies are
often highly adapted to particular plant species .
American elk and mule deer make use of this community type on Soapstone Prairie and Red
Mountain Open Space. Movement corridors exist between the properties but are limited due to
the natural geologic features of the Big Hole and management efforts will maintain these
54 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
corridors . Not only will elk and mule deer benefit from these management actions, larger
carnivores that are found on occasion at Soapstone Prairie, such as black bear, bobcat, and
mountain lion, will utilize these corridors .
Key Management Actions for Foothills Shrublands Conservation Targets
♦ Maintain taller vegetation structure through light grazing as needed.
♦ Trails will avoid the highest valued plant communities .
♦ Invasive plant control will focus along trails to help prevent expansion.
♦ Trails will be limited to on-trail, hiking and bicycling only.
♦ Equestrian use will not be allowed within most of this area due to the
concern of weed seed introduction and movement along trails
♦ Vegetation monitoring will evaluate invasive weed movement along trails
♦ Immediate actions to reduce or eliminate invasive plants will be taken upon
discovery.
♦ If invasive plants become extensive, trails may be closed permanently and
restored.
♦ New trails and facilities will not create wildlife movement barriers .
♦ Any existing fence identified as barriers to movement will be removed.
♦ Seasonal closures may be implemented if elk calving is found to occur on
Soapstone Prairie .
E . Conservation Target : Rare and Threatened Plants
The highest priority rare and threatened plants on Soapstone Prairie are Colorado Butterfly
plant (federally listed as a Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 2000) and
Rocky Mountain blazing star.
Table 6. 17 Conservation targets of rare and threatened plants
Conservation target Nested targets Conservation Concern
Rare and threatened • Colorado butterfly plant • Population trend
plants ♦ Rocky Mountain blazing star ♦ Limited distribution
1 . Rave and Threatened Plants Nested Target: Colorado butterfly plant
Soapstone Prairie has one of the largest known populations of Colorado butterfly plant
(Gaura neomexicana ssp . coloradensis) in the world, with a calculated population of
approximately 35 ,000 - 47,000 plants. The known population occurs in wet meadows along in
the northeast portion of the property (see Map 3 ) . Habitat for this plant is found in other portions
of Soapstone Prairie but no known population occurs . Managing the current population is of
highest priority.
Colorado butterfly plant is thought to be naturally rare and has very specific habitat
requirements . This population has flourished in a small pasture that typically supported short
term, early summer and late fall grazing, a regime unique to this small pasture and not typical
within other areas of suitable habitat.
Concerns for future adverse impacts to this plant include
♦ Introduction and/or spread of invasive weeds into existing habitat.
♦ Incompatible grazing regime.
55 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
Two issues make weed control problematic : invasive weeds appear to have a competitive
advantage for space and resources, and Colorado butterfly plant is highly susceptible to most
common herbicides . Currently, Canada thistle is found within the known population.
Management staff has conducted, and will continue to conduct, selective herbicide applications
to reduce the population of this invasive plant.
Incompatible grazing is also problematic in two ways . First, grazing during the flowering
stage may reduce the number of flowers that successfully produce seed, and secondly, a degree
of grazing is necessary to maintain the open habitat surrounding the plants needed for seed
establishment. Grazing management will use historical grazing patterns within the current
population as a guide for management of this species . In addition, as opportunities arise,
modification to the overall grazing plan will attempt to replicate this pattern outside of the
current population within potential habitat areas .
2. Rare and Threatened Plants Nested Target: Rocky Mountain blazing star
Rocky Mountain blazing star (Liatris ligulistylis) is a common species across its range, but
only 11 occurrences have been documented in Colorado . Of these, five occurrences have been
seen since the early 1900s and all have been from publicly owned land along the Front Range .
Like the butterfly plant, this species occurs in wet meadow habitats and may be highly
susceptible to habitat degradation. In addition, habitat for this species is very susceptible to weed
infestations, especially Canada thistle.
Management strategies designed to protect the Colorado butterfly plant will also conserve this
species .
Table 6. 18 Potential impacts and management actions Colorado butterfly plant and Rocky Mountain blazing star.
Potential impact Potential management actions
Introduction and/or spread of invasive weeds • Selected herbicide application to eliminate known
areas of Canada thistle.
Monitor for population degradation.
Incompatible grazing regime • Grazing will occur prior to and/or after flower
production.
Grazing will be sufficient to create open soils for
seed germination.
Recreation development • No trails in occupied habitat; access by guided
tours only.
56 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
F . Conservation Target : Geological Features System
The most prominent geological features on Soapstone Prairie are the cliffs at the interface
between the foothills shrublands system and the shortgrass prairie system. This area supports
nesting golden eagles . Prairie falcons are also known to use this area, but nest locations have not
been documented (additional field work is planned for 2007). Numerous sensitive cultural
resources, including the Lindenmeier Site, are located within this system.
Table 6. 19 Potential impacts and management actions of geological features
Potential impact Potential management actions
Human disturbance to nesting birds of Permanent closure of sensitive areas.
prey and unique cultural resources • Trails will be placed as described in shortgrass section
and in Craig.4
Erosion • Enforcement of on-trail only recreation.
Trails and facilities will avoid fragile soils associated with
these features.
G. Conservation Target : Cultural Resources
Cultural resources on Soapstone Prairie are abundant and located throughout the entire
property. Some of these sites date back to more than 12,000 years, including possible Clovis
sites, along with buried sites of unknown age, an abundance of American Indian surface sites,
homestead-era foundations, historic ranches and associated buildings, and roads and trails . Of all
these cultural resources, the Lindenmeier Valley containing the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site
is the highest priority for protection and preservation.
A significant number of visitors will want to see the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site and
should be able to view the area without adverse impact via specially designated trails . There is
little evidence remaining of the Smithsonian ' s National Museum of Natural History and the
Denver Museum of Natural History' s excavation; focused education and interpretation will be
required to help people understand the significance of the area. The most significant current
impact is erosion related to cattle use . Tour vans bringing groups to the site since 2005 have
increased erosion on the site and impacted a road that is to be decommissioned. Mitigation may
be needed in places where damage is obvious . Providing access to the area via the north edge of
the valley (where artifacts are not exposed) will help avoid additional impacts .
Many natural springs align with existing main roads. All of these springs are known to have,
or are expected to have, cultural sites associated with them. Many are not pristine and are already
impacted.
Because there is a market for the types of artifacts found on Soapstone Prairie, security of
archaeological and cultural resources is of utmost concern. Management strategies that influence
and control visitor behavior (e . g. , access, education/interpretation, and enforcement) will be
implemented.
57 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
Table 6. 20 Potential impacts and management actions of cultural resources.
Potential impacts Potential management actions
Damage to Lindenmcicr Valley • Provide access via north edge of valley.
• Modify grazing practices in area.
Loss of artifacts from collection, theft and • Collect "at risk" artifacts.
vandalism • Establish a site security system/plan.
Use trail system to avoid archaeologically sensitive areas.
Monitor the site through a partnership with an
archaeological group (e.g. Colorado Archaeological
Society) and trained volunteers.
Implement a focused educational/interpretive plan.
Visitor access • Provide view access of Lindenmeier Archaeological Site
via trail system from north edge only.
H . Conservation Target : Viewshed/Sense of Place
Soapstone Prairie is located within a landscape that for many millennia has offered humans a
sense of place . Although the evidence of human occupation is minimal and most likely buried, in
ruins, or unpaved, the property offers views from several elevated points that reveal a landscape
practically uninterrupted by human constructs (e . g . buildings, paved roads or trails, power lines,
water storage tanks) . Soapstone Prairie is one of the last remaining places on Colorado ' s Front
Range where these views are available to residents and visitors, both now and in the future.
Expansive views are available in all directions from Soapstone Prairie, but to the south lies a
vast, level terrain at elevations below that of the property. This creates a wide-open viewshed
across private lands from Soapstone Prairie to Fort Collins . Future development associated with
these private properties will have negative impacts within the viewshed, thereby creating the
need for the Natural Areas Program to continue pursuing conservation easements . Acquisition of
significant conservation easements will help to reduce the number, and manage the location of,
potential residences and other types of development. All land purchases through these easements
are by a willing seller. Please refer to Map 2 for efforts to date.
Table 6. 21 Potential impacts and management actions of the viewshed/sense of place. .
Potential impacts Potential management actions
Public improvements (parking areas, vault • Use natural terrain to "hide."
toilets, roads, trails, shelters) • Use natural colors and materials .
• Build shorter-statured structures.
Development to south • Pursue conservations easements through willing
landowners.
Chapter 6 References
1 Grunau, L. , J. Sovell, and R. Rondeau. 2006 . Assessment of Conservation Targets,
Viability, and Impacts to Biological Diversity on the Lowry Range. Colorado Natural Heritage
Program 91pp .
2 Samson, F .B . and F .L. Knopf 1996 . Prairie conservation: preserving North America' s most
endangered ecosystem. Edited by Fred B . Samson and Fritz.L. Knopf. Island Press. 339 pp .
58 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
3 Sparks, R.A. , A. O. Panjabi, and D .J. Hanni. 2006 . Soapstone Avian Inventory and
Monitoring : Year 1 . Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory. Technical Report #M-Soapstone06-01 .
3 8pp .
4 Craig, G. R. 2002 . Recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions for Colorado
raptors . 7 pages .
5 Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2006 . Colorado ' s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation
Strategy and Wildlife Action Plans . Denver, CO . 328 pp . (online at:
http ://wildlife . state .co .us/NR/rdonlyres/D26A4806- 8776-4460-831 E-
AA654EC 7DDED/0/C WC S—FinalReport2006 .pdf)
6 Colorado Division of Wildlife . 2003 . Conservation Plan for Grassland Species in Colorado .
205 pp .
7 Sime, C . A. 1999 . Domestic Dogs in Wildlife Habitats . Pages 8 . 1 -8 . 17 in G. Joslin and H .
Youmans, coordinators . Effects of recreation on Rocky Mountain wildlife : A Review for
Montana. Committee on effects of Recreation on Wildlife, Montana Chapter of The Wildlife
Society. 307pp .
8 Colorado Division of Wildlife, Natural Diversity Information Source. (online at:
http ://ndis .nrel. colostate. edu/index.htm )
Additional resources
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Wildlife Management Guidelines . 2007 . 114pp. (Online at
http ://www. fcgov. com/naturalareas/wildlife-guidelines .php)
Dechant, J. A. , M . L. Sondreal, D . H. Johnson, L. D. Igl, C . M. Goldade, P . A. Rabie, and B .
R. Euliss . 1999 (revised 2002) . Effects of management practices on grassland birds : Burrowing
Owl. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND. 33 pp .
Dechant, J. A. , M . L. Sondreal, D . H. Johnson, L. D. Igl, C . M. Goldade, P . A. Rabie, and B .
R. Euliss . 1999 (revised 2002) . Effects of management practices on grassland birds : McCown ' s
Longspur. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, ND. 13 pp .
59 Chapter 6 — Resource Management
1 '
Visitor Use
The goal for visitor use at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is to provide a variety of
recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities consistent with the :
Natural Areas Program' s mission.
• Carrying capacity of the site.
Natural Areas Program' s capacity to deliver a safe, high quality visitor
experience.
Soapstone Prairie is the second large-scale, regional natural area acquired by the City of Fort
Collins Natural Areas Program, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area located in the Masonville area being
the first. It is the Natural Areas Program' s goal at Soapstone Prairie to provide a high
quality visitor and recreation experience while simultaneously protecting the site' s
significant ecological and cultural resources.
This management plan for Soapstone Prairie incorporates the concept of carrying capacity,
which includes not only the number of visitors, but also the desired condition of the site ' s
natural, cultural, and scenic resources and a visitor experience consistent with overall
management objectives for the site . The concept is aligned with the Natural Areas Program ' s
mission statement found at the beginning of this document.
In the following sections, appropriate recreation uses for Soapstone Prairie are determined
through several analyses . This chapter also recommends a conceptual design for a trail system as
well as methods for visitor management. All recreational uses are evaluated in a context of.
* Providing and balancing a high quality visitor experience.
* The Natural Areas Program ' s capacity to manage the recreational uses .
• The ability to protect the site ' s resources .
In addition, visitor uses and recreation will be monitored and adapted to changing conditions
over time as necessary.
A. Determining Visitor Experiences
1 . Public Input
Staff conducted 93 public tours to Soapstone
Prairie during 2005 (47) and 2006 (46). While each
of the field trips had slightly different itineraries,
' the same management issues were discussed and
evaluated through a participant feedback
questionnaire . This "non-scientific survey" was
completed by 733 individuals who participated in
µK - the Natural Area Program ' s public tours. The
ro
summarized results were as follows . See Appendix
4 for response details.
60 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
Question 1 : Over the next two years we will be preparing management plans for the
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and the Red Mountain Open Space. Please share with us how
you feel we should prioritize our efforts.
72% rated natural resource protection as the 41 priority.
53 % rated human history/cultural protection as the 92 priority.
40% rated recreational opportunities as the #3 priority.
52% rated protecting the ranching tradition as the #4 priority.
Question 2: What types of non-motorized recreation would you like to see available here?
(these answers were written in).
Hiking (60%), horseback riding (50%), biking (46%), interpretive walks (9%), camping (7%),
cross country skiing (4%), bird watching (4%), no dogs ( 1 %).
Question 3: Which types of trails do you prefer?
Participants were asked to choose from a combination of mixed- and/or single-use trails .
Mixed-use trails : Most preferred mixed-use trails (various combinations of hiking, bicycling
and horseback riding), but most preferred horseback riding to be separate from bicycling (87%) .
Out of the 4 combinations, trails permitting horseback riding and hiking together were the most
preferred (28%) . 25 % preferred to see all user groups on the same trails .
Single-use trails : 42% preferred separate trails for hiking, 32% preferred separate trails for
biking and 36% preferred separate trails for horseback riding.
Limited visitation with few or no trails : 10% preferred.
Question 4: Is limited, permit-only, designated backcountry camping an appropriate use
here?
57% said yes .
20% said no .
22% were not sure .
Question 5: Is limited hunting an appropriate use here?
28% said yes .
52% said no .
18% were not sure .
Question 6: Is it appropriate to seasonally close areas due to sensitive wildlife activities
such as nesting, denning or calving?
92% said yes .
3 % said no .
4% were not sure .
Question 7. Is it appropriate to seasonally close areas due to sensitive plants/plant
communities ?
70% said yes .
11 % said no .
14% were not sure .
61 Chapter 7 - Visitor Use
Question 8a: Is grazing by domesticated cattle an appropriate use at Soapstone Prairie and
Red Mountain when used for vegetation management goals ?
85 % said yes .
6% said no .
9% were not sure .
Question 8b: Is grazing by domesticated cattle an appropriate use at Soapstone Prairie and
Red Mountain when used to maintain a ranching tradition ?
57% said yes .
18% said no .
25 % were not sure .
Question 9: During the course of a year, how many times are you likely to visit these areas
after they are open to the public?
Respondents indicated they would visit Soapstone Prairie and Red Mountain an average of
3 . 7 times per year.
Question 10: Please rank the following biological and cultural features in order of
importance for protection.
92% rated the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site as a high priority.
85 % rated wildlife nesting, denning and calving sites as a high priority.
81 % rated the rock cliffs/eagle nests as a high priority.
77% rated wildlife migration corridors as a high priority.
65 % rated sensitive ecosystems as a high priority.
63 % rated the tipi rings as a high priority.
42% rated the historic camp sites as a high priority.
38% rated the homestead sites as a high priority.
23 % rated the prairie dog colonies as a high priority.
14% rated the ranch buildings as a high priority.
Question 11 : What educational topics would you like to see on interpretive signs and
brochures ?
Question 13: What topics would you like to see emphasized by naturalists on future visits to
these areas ?
Questions 11 and 13 had very similar responses . The compiled topics listed were :
animalsibirds, archaeology, "Big Hole", cultural history, ecology, geology, Lindenmeier, plant
identification, ranching, responsible visitation /use and site plans .
Question 12 asked about distribution of information and site interpretation.
46% felt it was more appropriate to have an equal balance of brochures and signs .
27% felt it was appropriate to have more information on brochures .
24% felt it was appropriate to have more information on signs .
Question 14: Do you feel you have a good understanding of where funding to protect these
properties came from ?
95 % said yes .
5 % said no .
62 Chapter 7 - Visitor Use
Question 15: What did you find most interesting on the field trip ? (compiled)
These subjects were listed by participants : ability to see before high use by public, "Big
Hole", diversity, "everything", geology, human history, Lindenmeier, nature/ecology,
partnerships, protection of undeveloped area, site planning, vastness, views/beauty.
Question 16: What part of the field trip was the least interesting?
Most respondents replied, "It was all interesting. "
Question 17: Would you recommend this field trip to others ? Why?
96% said yes .
Question 18: How did you find out about this field trip ?
37% found out through a newspaper or magazine.
25 % found out by word-of-mouth.
Question 19: Would you like to provide a quote about your experiences today for future
publications ?
231 participants provided quotes or comments — see Appendix 4 .
63 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
B . Regional Analysis of Recreation Opportunities
A staff survey of regional recreation availability looked at the combined opportunities offered
by federal, state, and county parks and open lands, and city natural areas, parks and trails . The
purpose was to determine which types of recreation are either widely available or not available
or have limited availability on a regional basis . Recreational offerings at Soapstone Prairie could
add additional opportunities when the recreation type is consistent with protection of the
resources and management objectives . The summary table is shown below.
Table 7. 1 Regional recreation destinations and activities
M
C Cz tL
� on o
3 p on U on o . " on
S"r N
dUH dUwr� U U
Federal Lands
Pawnee National X X X X X X X X X X X
Grassland
Rocky Mountain NP X X X X X X X X X X X
Roosevelt NF X X X X X X X X X X X X
State Lands
Lory State Park X X X X X X X X X X X
Boyd Lake SP X X X X X X X X X X
Larimer Count Lands M.
Fossil Creek X X X X X X
Reservoir
Horsetooth X X X X X X X X X X
Mountain Park
Horsetooth X X X X X X X X X X X X
Reservoir
Devil's Backbone X X X X X X X X
Open Space
Rimrock Open X X X X
Space
City of Fort Collins Lands
Bobcat Ridge NA X X X X X X X
Coyote Ridge NA X X X X X X X X
Foothills NAs X X X X X X X
City Parks and X X X X X X X X X
Trails
TOTALS 14 8 12 11 14 10 L2,, 12 11 7 4 4 4 5
This survey indicates that opportunities and facilities for hiking, dog walking, mountain
biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, nature walks, ADA compliant trails and facilities,
and picnicking are widely available. Rock climbing, hunting, backcountry and campground
camping, are less available within the region. Each activity is explored in more depth further in
this chapter.
Recommended visitor uses at Soapstone Prairie include : hiking, walking, running,
mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, interpretive walks, an ADA
compliant trail and facilities, and picnicking. Future possibilities for backcountry
camping and recreational hunting will be analyzed and considered.
64 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
C . Analyses of Visitor Experience Opportunities
1 . Trails - Hiking, Walking, Running
Pedestrian use on open space lands is a staple recreation, and many natural areas are
designated as "on-trail only" to help protect sensitive resources . Because of its large size,
sensitive ecosystems, critical wildlife habitats, important cultural and archaeological sites, and
easily eroded geological features, Soapstone Prairie will also be designated as an "on-trail only"
natural area. In addition, on-trail only use allows for cultural resources to remain in place and for
the unique opportunity to interpret these features within the landscape in which they occur.
With 18 , 728 acres, Soapstone Prairie will provide opportunities for many miles of trails :
♦ Through a diversity of habitats .
♦ With expansive and striking viewsheds .
♦ Within view of cultural sites .
Opportunities for off-trail use of Soapstone Prairie will be offered as part of the Natural Areas
Program education and interpretation activities .
Table 7. 2 Trails: hiking, walkin , running
Opportunities ♦ Shortgrass and foothills shrublands areas offer ample opportunities for
hiking, walking and running. Certain portions of an existing road network
will become part of the trails.
Constraints ♦ Existing roads in some areas are in poor condition and are eroding.
These require erosion control if they remain open or restoration if they are
closed.
High Quality ♦ Trails at Soapstone Prairie will to provide diverse terrain, long trail
Visitor Experience loops, diverse trail types, and various levels of difficulty. Combined with
numerous scenic vistas and destination sites, this natural area offers a
premier trail experience. Managing visitor behavior through "share the
trail," "trail yield" etiquette, and routine patrol should limit the number of
negative interactions .
Ability to ♦ Managed on-trail use that avoids sensitive cultural and ecological areas
Protect Resources can ensure a high level of resource protection. Trail layout must be
designed to minimize impacts to target plant communities and cultural
resources. The location, amount and timing of trail use must be evaluated
to protect nesting birds of prey and grassland birds, calving deer and elk,
important wintering areas, rare plants and plant communities, moth and
butterfly habitat, and other similar conservation targets. Monitoring trails
in areas with high cultural resource density after spring run-off and the
summer rainy seasons can help protect resources that wash-out onto trails .
Capacity to Manage ♦ Pedestrian use on an established trail system with anticipated level of
compliance offers little enforcement challenge to ranger staff.
Recommended ♦ Designate Soapstone Prairie as an on-trail only area.
Actions ♦ Design trails that visitors can use to access vistas, rare plant
communities, and cultural sites as appropriate and as management
constraints allow.
♦ Design methods to integrate trail systems within existing cattle
pastures. This may include using cattle guards, spring-loaded
pedestrian gates, or separated uses temporarily. Interpretive signs
could assist.
65 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
2. Trails Leashed Dog Walking
Dog walking is one of the most popular types of recreational use in City of Fort Collins
natural areas, especially within the urban area. With limited exceptions, most natural areas and
trails are available for leashed dog walking. There are 31 natural areas that allow leashed dog
walking out of the 35 open to the public. Out of approximately 45 miles of trails on City of Fort
Collins natural areas properties, nearly 36 miles are available for leashed dog walking.
Unfortunately, dogs off leash remain the Natural Areas Program ' s number one visitor
compliance issue. Conflicts between dogs and other visitors are a continual source of citizen
complaints . Similarly, domestic dogs ' impacts to wildlife include both direct displacement (e . g.
chasing wildlife) to indirect displacement in that wildlife avoid areas t that have been marked by
domestic dogs .
Table 7. 3 Trails: leashed dog walking
Opportunities • Both shortgrass prairie and foothills shrublands areas offer ample
opportunities for dog walking. An existing road network is in place that
could form a basis for portions of the trail layout.
Constraints ♦ There is an active grazing lease on site; potential dog/cattle interactions
could occur.
♦ Rangers have limited ability to comprehensively enforce on-leash
regulations, especially in backcountry areas .
♦ Enforcing the leash law has been problematic system-wide.
♦ Dogs off leash are a threat to the natural resources being protected and
the quality of other visitor' s experiences.
• Wildlife is a threat or a hazard to off-leash dogs.
High Quality ♦ Natural areas regulations and city code require that dogs be leashed in
Visitor Experience all natural areas. A limited ability to patrol the entire property may result
in low levels of compliance especially in areas out of visual range of
parking areas .
♦ Dogs off leash have caused negative dog/human interactions in other
natural areas.
Resource Protection ♦ Limited or prohibited dog use of the area would ensure protection of
sensitive biological resources (deer, elk, pronghorn, nesting birds, etc.) .
♦ Dog waste degrades resources and is a human health hazard.
Capacity to Manage ♦ Ranger staff has limited capacity to enforce leash code on this property.
Recommended ♦ Prohibit domestic dogs at this sensitive natural area.
Action
66 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
3. Trails - Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is one of the more popular recreational activities in the City' s natural areas .
The 2003 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan conducted by Colorado State
Parks a notes that :
• Nearly 10% of Coloradoans took a bicycle vacation in the last 12 months.
• 69% of Colorado households own at least one bicycle, with an average ownership of 2 . 7
• Bicycling in Colorado : (both off road and on road)
- 1995 : 960,000 participants
- 2003 : 1 , 510,000 participants
Table 7. 4 Trails: mountain biking
Opportunities + Both shortgrass prairie and foothills shrublands areas offer ample
j 4 opportunity.
Constraints W Existing roads are in poor condition and are eroding. Mountain biking
MW considerably increases erosion.
• Mountain bikes present more safety issues (speed, lack of control, etc.)
than other trail uses. Separating users (i. e. multi-use trail and
pedestrian/horse only trail) decreases the potential for user conflicts and
increases visitor safety.
High Quality • Soapstone Prairie may provide long trails, diverse terrain, trail types,
Visitor Experience and levels of difficulty. Combined with numerous scenic vistas and
destination sites, this natural area offers a premier mountain biking
experience. Managing visitor behavior through "share the trail" and "trail
yield" etiquette, and routine ranger and trail host patrols should limit the
number of negative interactions.
Ability to :ensanaged, on-trail mountain biking on a planned trail system that avoids
Protect Resources itive ecological areas can achieve a high level of resource protection.
qI The location, amount and timing of trail use must be evaluated to protect
nesting birds of prey and grassland birds, calving deer and elk, important
wintering areas, rare plants and plant communities, moth and butterfly
habitat, and other similar conservation targets .
• Monitoring trails in areas with high cultural resource density after
spring run-off and the summer rainy seasons can help protect resources
that wash-out onto trails .
Capacity to Manage • Mountain biking on an established trail system with a high level of
compliance offers little enforcement challenge to ranger staff. It is
anticipated that some illegal, downhill use will occur and require
enforcement action.
• Routine trail maintenance will be required.
Recommended • Mountain biking will be designated as an on-trail only activity to
Action increase user safety and prevent resource damage.
67 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
4. Trails - Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is available on many of the City' s natural areas, although few areas receive
heavy use . Soapstone Prairie is likely to become a destination for local equestrian enthusiasts . In
Northern Colorado there are five equestrian recreational trail-riding associations with a total of
over 340 members, and two distance-riding associations . As with most trail systems, equestrians
will need to share the trail with pedestrians and mountain bicyclists unless separate, designated
trails can be developed.
Table 7. 5 Trails: horseback riding
Opportunities • Nearly 30 square miles of prairie grasslands and rolling foothills could
provide much needed, close-to-town equestrian opportunities .
Constraints • To preserve sensitive resources, all trailers will be required to be
parked in designated parking areas . The number of parking spaces
available for horse trailer parking will limit the number of riders .
• Access to the site for the local community along county roads is
limited.
High Quality • Soapstone Prairie may provide diverse terrain, trail types, and levels of
Visitor Experience difficulty. Combined with numerous scenic vistas and destination sites,
this natural area offers a premier horseback riding experience. Managing
visitor behavior through "share the trail," "trail yield" etiquette, and
routine patrols should limit the number of negative interactions .
Ability to • Managed on-trail use on a planned trail system that avoids sensitive
Protect Resources ecological areas can achieve a high level of resource protection. Trail
layout must be designed to minimize impacts to target plant
communities.
• The location, amount and timing of trail use must be evaluated to
protect nesting birds of prey and grassland birds, calving deer and elk,
important wintering areas, rare plants and plant communities, moth and
butterfly habitat, and other similar conservation targets.
• The distribution of weed seed will increase due to horse manure on and
along trails.
• Monitoring trails in areas with high cultural resource density after
spring run-off and the summer rainy seasons can help protect resources
that wash-out onto trails .
Capacity to Manage + Use on an established trail system with anticipated level of compliance
offers little enforcement challenge to Ranger staff.
Recommended • Horseback riding will be designated as on-trail only in order to
re Actions pvent resource damage.
♦ Horses will not be allowed in areas of rare or sensitive plant
communities to protect against weed seed dispersal, and only
portions of the foothills shrublands system will be accessible by
horse.
♦ Implement the 12-heartbeat rule to reduce trail impact (no more
than 6 people and 6 animals in a group - see page 77).
68 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
5. Trails — Equestrian carriage driving
Carriage driving is an activity not available on any City of Fort Collins natural area. Horse-
drawn carriages are treated the same as motorized vehicles and allowed on roads in Larimer
County if a yield sign is displayed on the back of the buggy. This activity is also allowable on
U. S . Forest Service two-track road systems including the nearby Pawnee Grasslands . In Northern
Colorado there are three carriage driving clubs with a total membership of over 200 .
Table 7. 6 Trails: equestrian carriage driving
Opportunities • Both shortgrass prairie and foothills shrublands areas offer ample
Iopportunities for carriage driving. An existing road network is in place
that could form a basis for portions of the trail layout.
Constraints • By regulation, the number of parking spaces available for horse trailer
parking will limit the number of riders .
♦ Existing roads are in poor condition and are eroding. Carriage use may
exacerbate the condition.
• Trails will be narrower than what is required for this activity.
♦ Many existing roads were built to sustain very low use and would need
substantial improvements to support this activity.
• Carriage use presents more safety issues (speed, size, etc.) than other
trail uses and creates conflicts with other trail users.
• Opportunity exists off-site along all county roads .
High Quality • Soapstone Prairie may provide long trails, diverse terrain, trail types,
Visitor Experience and levels of difficulty. Combined with numerous scenic vistas and
destination sites, this natural area offers a premier experience.
Ability to + Managed on-trail use on a planned trail system that avoids sensitive
Protect Resources ecological areas can achieve a high level of resource protection. Trail
layout must be designed to minimize impacts to target plant communities.
The location, amount and timing of trail use must be evaluated to protect
nesting birds of prey and grassland birds, calving deer and elk, important
wintering areas, rare plants and plant communities, moth and butterfly
habitat, and other similar conservation targets. The distribution of weed
seed will increase due to horse manure on and along trails .
Capacity to Manage • Increases in infrastructure (increased parking, wide trails, ranch road
improvements) to support this activity increases ecological impacts and
development and maintenance costs.
• Conflicts with other trail users difficult to address due to size of carriage
and the inability to of carriages to pass other users within the established
trail.
Recommended * Prohibit use of carriages on Soapstone Prairie except along roads
Action open to public vehicle use.
69 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
6. Trails — Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliancy
The Natural Areas Program is committed to providing a high quality appropriate recreation
experience for visitors of varying abilities . System-wide, the Natural Areas Program offers
diverse trails with a diversity of surfaces and levels of difficulty.
Table 7. 7 Trails: ADA compliancy
Opportunities • Portions of Soapstone Prairie provide good opportunity for an all-access
trail with scenic views, varied terrain and interesting destinations.
Constraints # The foothills shrublands area has extremely steep slopes ; grades would
91 not meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. The best location
for an all-access trail is in the area of the main parking area.
High Quality • Proper design, with the Lindenmeier Valley as an interesting
Visitor Experience destination, along with ample scenic vistas combine to provide an all-
access trail that delivers a high quality visitor experience .
Ability to • Managed on-trail use on a planned all-access trail that avoids sensitive
Protect Resource ecological areas can achieve a high level of resource protection. Trail
layout must be designed to minimize impacts to target plant communities.
The proposed location of an all-access trail has little impact on nesting
birds of prey and songbirds, calving deer and elk, important wildlife
wintering areas, moth and butterfly habitat, and other similar conservation
targets .
Capacity to Manage • An all-access trail needs to be carefully designed to ensure ADA
compliance.
Recommended • Build an all-access portion of the trail from the parking area to an
Actions overlook of the Lindenmeier Valley.
• Trail features could include a picnic shelter and self-guided
interpretive features.
70 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
7. Picnic Areas
Many of the responses and comments that were received as part of public outreach efforts
indicated a desire to create picnic opportunities at Soapstone Prairie. Typically the City' s Parks
department has constructed and maintained picnic shelters. However, as the number of regional
natural areas expands and these sites become destinations, it is desirable to develop picnic
shelters near the parking areas and picnic waysides along the trail system.
Table 7. 8 Picnic areas
Opportunities • Opportunities to develop picnic shelters near parking areas and
wayside areas along trails for picnicking are abundant. Waysides could
consist of a short spur off the main trail to a seating area (fabricated
benches, or made of rocks, logs or natural materials), and appropriate
signage. There is opportunity for a picnic shelter in proximity to the
parking areas or along the all-access trail.
Constraints • Shelter and tables will require routine maintenance and trash
management.
High Quality • Wayside areas along trails and a picnic shelter will provide a high
Visitor Experience quality visitor experience for visitors, including those that cannot walk
into the steeper terrain. Design, capacity, and level of maintenance will
strongly influence the visitor experience in the picnic shelter area.
Ability to • Any picnic area will need to be monitored to ensure litter and food
Protect Resources scraps do not attract wildlife. Careful consideration must be given to
placement of the picnic shelter so that it doesn't impact scenic views .
Social trails in and around the picnic areas may occur.
Capacity to Manage • Ranger and maintenance staff must monitor wayside picnic areas and
the picnic shelter. Routine cleaning and trash removal required at the
shelter.
Recommended • Plan and build wayside picnic areas in trail design.
Actions • Include Leave No Trace information in education efforts.
Use wildlife safe trash receptacles.
♦ Determine location of picnic shelter in proximity to the North
parking area or along the all-access portion of the trail.
71 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
8. Wildlife Watching
Birding and wildlife watching are a staple recreation activity on City natural areas .
Although there is abundant opportunity for these activities in the region, public feedback
indicated that Soapstone Prairie would be a choice destination for birders and wildlife watchers .
Statewide, birding and wildlife-viewing activities have significant recreational and economic
impacts . In 2001 , 1 . 6 million U. S . residents (not including visitors from other countries), 16
years and older observed or photographed wildlife in Colorado . z
In 2001 , more than 25 % of Colorado ' s residents, ages 16 and older participated in some
form of birding. More than 1 million birders (individuals who have taken a trip a mile or more
from home for the primary purpose of observing birds) participated in the activity in Colorado . 3
Of these,
♦ 74% were Colorado residents
♦ 61 % birded in open fields
♦ 83 % visited public lands
♦ 70% observed song birds
♦ 68% observed birds of prey.
Table 7. 9 Wildlife watching
Opportunities ♦ A large variety of wildlife have been documented including deer, elk,
pronghorn, swift fox, mountain lion, black bear, nesting birds of prey, and
over 100 species of birds.
Constraints • The main constraints are the extent of access and level of visitor use. A
trail system accessing a variety of habitats throughout the property will
permit enhanced viewing opportunities . Heavy visitor use during critical
seasons and songbird nesting season could, however, have the potential to
disturb wildlife unless managed through establishing safe viewing
locations, limiting times, or imposing seasonal closures.
High Quality ♦ The size of the property, when considered with adjoining protected land
Visitor Experience and the variety of ecotones present, provide for a high quality wildlife
watching experience.
Ability to ♦ Wildlife watching and birding are recreation activities at the core of the
Protect Resources Natural Areas Program' s mission. These activities are anticipated to have
minimal impact on biological resources at normal levels of use.
Modifying the times and locations wildlife can be viewed will be strong
tools to ensure that wildlife and plant communities are not disturbed.
Existing Natural Areas regulations protects against disturbing wildlife .
Wildlife watching must be restricted to open areas, except on guided
interpretive walks .
Capacity to Manage ♦ Wildlife watching is a generally safe activity. Additional ranger patrols
may be required during times of seasonal closures, songbird nesting, or
critical winter seasons to ensure resources protection.
Recommended ♦ Provide regular guided wildlife watching field trips, including trips
Actions to areas not open to the public.
♦ Provide wildlife watching educational products.
72 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
9. Interpretive Walks
Education is a primary focus of the Natural Areas Program. The program has an active
volunteer Master Naturalist Program in addition to staff-led interpretive programs . Soapstone
Prairie abounds with opportunities for both natural and cultural history walks .
Table 7. 10 Interpretive walks
Opportunities • The Natural Areas Program has an active education staff and more than
110 volunteer Master Naturalists. The wide diversity of wildlife and plant
communities, combined with interesting topography, geology, scenery,
and human history of the site provide a variety of themes and topics for
interpretive walks and educational activities.
Constraints 41 + The site' s topography and size may limit the accessibility to some of the
rarest and most interesting landscapes and features.
High Quality • The diversity of natural and cultural history features, together with a
Visitor Experience well-designed trails stem provides the highest qualityvisitor experience.
Ability to + Interpretive walks will occur on the same trails available for wildlife
Protect Resources viewing as well as off-trail in areas not typically open to public use.
Interpretive walks are anticipated to have minimal impact on biological
resources at normal levels of use. Modifying the times and locations that
wildlife can be viewed will ensure wildlife and plant communities are not
disturbed. Natural Areas regulations protect against disturbing or
harassing wildlife.
Capacity to Manage • Education staff has the capacity to plan, advertise and deliver
programming at this site. The availability of Master Naturalists may be
limited during the spring as program demand is high at this time; the
desire to lead field trips at Soapstone Prairie is also high, however.
Recommended • Conduct regular guided field trips, including to areas closed to the
Actions public.
• Provide self-guided learning experiences through a variety of
educational products.
73 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
10. Rock Climbing
The regional recreation analysis shows that the number of areas open for rock climbing is
limited and declining. Preliminary evaluations and site visits with local rock climbing
representatives indicate that rock climbing and bouldering opportunities are limited on Soapstone
Prairie . Access to known sites is difficult and at long distances from planned trails and parking
areas . These sites also serve as important areas for wildlife movement corridors, and provide
important habitat for native plant and wildlife species .
Table 7. 11 Rock climbing
Opportunities • There is one identified rock climbing site at Soapstone Prairie .
Constraints * There has not been a complete inventory, though the geology at
Soapstone Prairie is limited for rock climbing. Some rock formations
along the eastern edge of the Big Hole are suitable for rock climbing
(bouldering) . These formations also contain sensitive habitat for birds of
prey, birds, snakes and mammals and are within important wildlife
movement corridors. At the bases of these formations are rare and
sensitive plants.
• Distance to known formations from planned parking areas and trails is
mid significant.
High Quality • Sites are good quality (pitch, hardness of rock, suitable anchors, etc.) .
Visitor Experience
Ability to • Some areas should be considered off-limits to rock climbing since
Protect Resources significant biological resources (nesting birds of prey and rare plants)
have been documented for these areas .
• Access trails would interfere with wildlife movement corridors.
Capacity to Manage I * Ranger staff have not been trained or equipped to deal with managing
rock climbing areas.
Recommended • Prohibit rock climbing to protect sensitive ecological and cultural
Actions resources.
74 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
11 . Hunting
Any hunting that is considered for Soapstone Prairie needs to contribute to and be compatible
with the ecological and recreation objectives for the property.
Table 7. 12 Hunting
Opportunities • Game species such as deer, elk, and pronghorn inhabit Soapstone
Prairie.
* Soapstone Prairie is adjacent to Red Mountain Open Space and private
lands which permit hunting.
Constraints • Pronghorn are the most common big game species on Soapstone Prairie,
but this species is easily displaced by disturbance. Management plans
have been developed to minimize impacts to pronghorn once Soapstone
INPrairie is open for public use. The effectiveness of these plans will not be
evaluated until 2010 . Once that evaluation takes place, hunting
opportunities can be addressed.
High Quality • Game species are common at Soapstone Prairie. There has been active
Visitor Experience hunting on the property in the past.
Resource Protection • Hunting as a sport is generally a low impact activity and an activity
historically used in this landscape to manage wildlife populations.
Capacity to Manage I • Rangers are unarmed. Enforcement activities or field situations would
pose a threat to officer safety and place the rangers at a serious
disadvantage.
♦ The Natural Areas Program has not previously managed hunting on any
of its natural areas.
• Any hunting activities would be conducted and enforced in conjunction
with the CDOW.
Recommended • Analyze and consider possibilities for recreational hunting in the
Actions future.
L * Hunting at this site may be an appropriate recreation and/or
ecosystem management tool. Any consideration of hunting will
strongly emphasize wildlife and vegetation management, visitor
safety, the safety of the City' s rangers, and the City' s ability to
enforce hunting regulations.
75 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
12. Backcountry Camping
Public feedback indicates a desire for limited, designated-site, backcountry camping.
Opportunities for backcountry camping are regionally limited to federal lands and Lory State
Park.
Table 7. 13 Backcountry camping
Opportunities • Soapstone Prairie is well-suited for designated backcountry camping.
Constraints * Infrastructure, regulations and a permit system needs to be developed.
Human waste is a major issue. Attracting wildlife such as bears could
become an issue.
High Quality * Soapstone Prairie offers opportunities for overnight getaways close to
Visitor Experience urban areas .
Ability to • Designated camping sites need to be in areas that do not impact
Protect Resources protected resources . Open fires would not be permitted.
♦ For visitor safety reasons, campsites should be closed during fire bans
and during hunting season due to the close proximity of the national
forest where hunting is permitted. Campsites require close monitoring to
ensure that regulations are adhered to and so that garbage does not
accumulate and attract wildlife.
Capacity to Manage • The Natural Areas Program has not permitted or managed this use
previously. A permit system needs to be administered. Designated
camping sites need to include tent platforms and a plan for dealing with
human waste. Natural sources of water for use by campers are limited and
would require purification.
* Leave No Trace principles would be emphasized.
Recommended Complete a feasibility plan including addressing management
Action issues, measuring public demand, and identifying potential
campsites.
76 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
The following table offers an overview of the potential recreational activities, issues that have
been considered and management status as discussed earlier in this plan.
Table 7. 14 Recreational activities, considerations and current status.
Recreational Activity Considerations Current Status
1 . Trails — Hiking, • On-trail only. >35 miles of trails open to
Walking, Running • Trails designed to access sites of hiking, biking and walking
interest while protecting natural
and resources .
• Limit groups to 12 hikers , walkers
or runners.
2 . Trails — Leashed • Potential conflicts with wildlife. Domestic dogs will be
dog walking • Enforcement of leash law difficult. prohibited
3 . Trails — • On-trail only to prevent resource >30 miles of trails open to
Mountain biking damage and increase user safety. mountain biking
• Limit groups to 12 bikers .
4 . Trails — • On-trail only. >25 miles of trails open to
Horseback riding • Horses restricted from sensitive horseback riding
plant communities to protect
against weed dispersal .
• Limit groups to 6 riders + 6 horses
( 12-heartbeat rule) .
5 . Trails — • Increased infrastructure costs . Use of carriages will be
Equestrian carriage • Potential conflicts with other prohibited, except along roads
driving users. open to public vehicle use.
6 . Trails — ADA • Much of Soapstone Prairie has • An accessible trail from
compliancy rugged terrain; providing parking area to Lindenmeier
accessible trails may cause Valley overlook will be
extensive resource damage. provided.
• Accessible trails will be
provided to picnic shelters,
vault toilets and scenic
overlooks .
7 . Picnic areas • Leave No Trace information will Picnic areas and shelters will
be available . be designed along trails and
• Wildlife safe trash receptacles . near parking areas .
• Locations will need to be carefully
selected to avoid scenic impacts .
8 . Wildlife • Extent of access and level of Guided wildlife watching trips
watching visitor use; areas may be will be provided by Natural
seasonally closed due to wildlife Areas Program staff and
activities . wildlife watching educational
products will be developed.
77 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
9 . Interpretive • Staff or Master Naturalist availability. Guided field trips will be
walks provided by Natural Areas
Program staff and Master
Naturalists and educational
products will be developed
for self-guided learning.
10 . Rock climbing • Limited availability of suitable Currently rock climbing will
climbing sites . be prohibited; visitor
• Known formations are also avian demand will be evaluated in
nesting locations and known wildlife the future.
corridors .
• Distance to known formations from
parking areas is significant.
11 . Hunting • Hunting will be allowed on adjacent Currently hunting will be
Red Mountain Open Space and private prohibited. Once the
lands . property is open to the
• Natural Areas Program staff has not public, Natural Areas
had an opportunity to evaluate animal Program staff will monitor
distribution and displacement with the distribution of game
recreational use of the property. animals and work with the
• Any consideration of hunting will Colorado Division of
emphasize wildlife and vegetation Wildlife and the public to
management, visitor safety, safety of determine if hunting is
the City' s rangers, and the City' s appropriate.
ability to enforce hunting regulations .
12 . Backcountry • Infrastructure, regulations, and a Backcountry camping will
camping permit system need to be developed. be considered for future
• Campsites will need to be located to availability after a feasibility
have minimal impact to resources . analysis is completed which
• Leave No Trace principles will be addresses public demand,
emphasized. resource protection, potential
campsites, and a permitting
system.
78 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
D . Specific Visitor Experience Goals
As stated in the beginning of this chapter, it is the Natural Areas Program ' s goal at Soapstone
Prairie to provide a high quality visitor and recreation experience while simultaneously
protecting the site ' s significant ecological and cultural resources . This fine balance of recreation
and conservation will be achieved with thoughtful planning, and careful implementation of
recreation facilities design.
1 . Trails
Goal: Provide a sustainable trail system to a variety of users while maintaining a high quality
visitor experience and protecting the natural and cultural resources.
• Employ best management practices and designs that offer scenic vistas , and that are
sustainable .
• Design trails to minimize negative interactions between trail users .
• Design trail layout to access scenic and cultural vistas .
• Develop a trail system that provides opportunities for solitude.
• Develop the trail to include a series of short and long loops across diverse terrain.
• Design trails to minimize the opportunity for visitors to create unwanted social trails .
• Create an accessible (American Disabilities Act compliant) trail opportunity with scenic
views, interpretive features and an interesting destination.
• Implement the " 12-heartbeat rule" to reduce trail impact and to help manage visitor
behavior through "share the trail" and "trail yield" etiquette .
The "heartbeat rule" refers, literally, to the number of hearts . For
instance,
6 riders + 6 horses = 12 heartbeats
8 hikers in a group = 8 heartbeats
This system is often used by wilderness and other land managers to
reduce group sizes, thus reducing impacts to the natural resources .
2. Picnic Areas
Goal: Create opportunities for picnicking.
• Establish wayside areas along trails for picnics .
• Locate and build picnic shelter(s) to include tables and benches . Prohibit use of
barbeques to limit the risk of wildfire and to reduce attracting wildlife.
• Minimize trash/wildlife interactions by highlighting Leave No Trace ethics such as "pack
it in, pack it out" and using bear- and wind-proof trash cans.
3. Wildlife Watching
Goal: Provide ample wildlife watching opportunities.
• Manage all plant communities to enhance wildlife habitat and diversity.
• Provide regular guided wildlife watching field trips .
• Provide wildlife watching destinations as appropriate.
• Provide wildlife watching information in education products .
79 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
4. Interpretive Walks
Goal: Provide a variety of meaningful educational experiences for all visitors.
• Establish a regular schedule of guided public field trips with a wide variety of themes and
topics .
• Provide self-guided learning experiences through a variety of educational products .
S. Hunting
Goal: Provide a recreational opportunity that is historic to the area.
• Determine abundance and distribution of big game wildlife species (elk, mule deer,
pronghorn) after Soapstone Prairie opens to public use.
• Determine the feasibility of mixing limited hunting with other recreation and
management goals, such as grazing.
6. Backcountry Camping
Goal: Provide designated Backcountry camping opportunities on a trial-basis and as
institutional capacity allows.
• Determine feasibility by identifying management issues, public demand after the initial
opening, and potential campsites .
i
I _
Bird watching near trees on Roman Pasture
80 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
E . Trail System
The following map indicates the conceptual trails plan at full build out, including a total of 39
miles of public access trails . Hiking opportunities will be available on all trails, mountain biking
will be available on all but the trails close-in to the main parking area, and equestrians will have
access to most trails in the southern two-thirds of the property. Trails will be phased in over time.
Map 6 * Conceptual trail plan (see Map 6 on page 108 for larger image)
Ilk
� . .
1 All
2.
1 . 2 0 .9
0. 2
Aik 1 . 9
Lindenmeier valley Overlook 0 .6
/ 6.5
0 . 7 1.1 -
t� 0. 5 1 .
3.6 '.
2 . 1
1 .4 2. 5
° Trail Intersections
Hike Only
W E
Hike/Bike Proposed Parking LotsV Natura
s Areas
Hiker Bike/Equestrian
o ty°ram Progr
Entrance Road a
ly 2007
Numbers indicate distance.
F . Managing Visitor Use
The mission of the Natural Areas Program states in part that management actions will attempt
to balance conservation needs with recreation and education. Several types of management
actions will be implemented in an effort to achieve this balance. These include limiting operating
hours, seasonal trail closures and seasonal property closures .
1 . Schedule of Operation
a. Open Periods
Soapstone Prairie will be open to public use every day from dawn to dusk, and from
March 1 — November 30 each year.
b. Property and Trail Closures
Seasonal closures and limited recreation areas may be necessary for reducing the impact of
recreation on certain wildlife species and cultural resources. The Natural Areas Program will
81 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
monitor the amount and locations of visitor use, timing issues, visitor behavior, types of uses and
visitor expectations .
The trail system and designated visitor use areas are located to provide safe use and high
quality visitor experience while ensuring sustainability of the resources . Some trails may cross
or come near areas identified as sensitive or potentially sensitive. Best management practices
will be used to ensure the sustainability of long-term recreational use without damage to the
resources . For instance, some trails may have seasonal closures and some trails will be
designated for certain uses only, such as foot traffic .
. Seasonal Closures
The Jack Springs Unit on the eastern side of Soapstone Prairie will be closed to public use
during the nesting and brood-rearing season for grassland birds ; from April 1 — July 15 of each
year.
- Winter Closure
Soapstone Prairie will be closed to public use from December I — end of February of each
year. This closure corresponds to relatively low levels of public visitation while allowing wildlife
to endure critical winter periods without disturbance from recreation activities . Few winter
recreation opportunities exist on Soapstone Prairie (cross country skiing, snow shoeing, etc. )
given the limited amount of snow cover due to low precipitation and wind- scouring. In addition,
the need for road maintenance related to blowing snow will be eliminated with this closure .
- Temporary Closures
Trail closures may be necessary as changes occur in distribution of some wildlife species .
Examples include new locations for raptor nesting sites or swift fox den sites . Temporary
closures may occur with limited public notification and will be marked clearly on trailhead
kiosks and at the affected portion of the trail and posted on the Natural Areas Program website.
Table 7. 14 Schedule of operation, sunrise to sunset
What 0 0 0 0 0 W—h—ere
Daily, dawn to dusk Open March 1 — November 30 All trails, except for seasonal closures
Seasonal closure Closed April 1 — July 15 Trails within Jack Springs Unit
Winter closure Closed December 1 — end February All trails
Temporary closures Closed As needed Where needed
2. Law Enforcement
Law enforcement actions adhere to guidelines and objectives established in the Natural Areas
Program (NAP) and Trails Ranger Manual. NAP and Trails Ranger personnel will provide
primary law enforcement responsibilities, including patrolling, educating the public about rules,
regulations and resource management, issuing warnings and/or citations, monitoring site
conditions for misuse and maintenance needs, and calling for assistance in situations requiring
emergency response.
Rangers have a limited commission to enforce NAP regulations and City of Fort Collins code.
Rangers are unarmed and are not equipped to deal with certain situations . In situations involving
criminal activities, rangers will call for appropriate authority. Colorado Division of Wildlife will
handle situations involving illegal hunting. All other criminal activities will be handled by the
Larimer County Sheriff' s Office.
82 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
The on-site ranger will be responsible for the primary patrol and enforcement responsibilities
at Soapstone Prairie. All other NAP and Trails Ranger personnel will provide a secondary role in
enforcement activities . Ranger trucks, all-terrain-vehicles will not be used to patrol the site, but
motorized vehicles may be used only for management, maintenance and emergency situations .
3. Emergency Response Plan
Soapstone Prairie has extensive backcountry. This, combined with the property' s relatively
large size and remote location, warrants an emergency response plan to ensure visitor safety and
site protection.
Emergency response may involve several agencies and fire protection districts . For all
emergencies, 911 will be the primary contact number. Emergency dispatch will send the
appropriate response, as determined by the nature of the emergency. Callers should provide the
physical address for 3700 Soapstone Road, Wellington CO. A list of responding agencies is
provided below:
AMBULANCE / FIRE / POLICE
Any Emergency 911
Larimer County Sheriff' s Office (LCSO) 970-416- 1985
City of Fort Collins Police Services 970-221 -6545
Larimer County Emergency Services (LCES) 970-498-5301
Natural Areas and Trails Rangers 970-416-2147
FIRE
Any Fire 911
Wellington Fire 970-568-3232
WILDLIFE and NATURAL RESOURCES
Colorado Division of Wildlife 970-461 -4003
Fort Collins NAP on-duty Ranger 970-416-2147
Larimer County Parks and Open Space 970-679-4570
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Emergency 911
Larimer County Health Department 970-498-6775
City of Fort Collins Natural Resource Dept 970-224-6179
HOSPITALS
Poudre Valley Hospital (Fort Collins) 970-495 - 7000
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (Cheyenne) 307- 634-2273
a. Vehicle Access
There are two vehicle entrances into Soapstone Prairie. The east entrance is along a private
road and the address is 3700 Soapstone Road. The south entrance can be accessed by driving
north on North County Road 15 to the entrance gate .
Soapstone Prairie is able to accommodate air and vehicle evacuations should medical
emergencies arise. Responding agencies may include Larimer County Sheriff' s Office, Larimer
County Emergency Services, and Natural Areas Rangers. First Responders include Wellington
Rural Fire District, Poudre Valley Hospital, Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) and AMR
83 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
Ambulance in Cheyenne . First Aid supplies and equipment will be cached in a storage area
located near the entrance or parking area. The storage area will be available to Natural Areas
employees and emergency crews .
b. Wildfire
Wildfire operations fall under the jurisdiction of the Wellington Rural Fire District. All
wildfires at Soapstone Prairie will be suppressed. PRPA has an automatic aid agreement with
Wellington Fire and would be dispatched to all calls at Soapstone Prairie Monday through
Thursday from 6 : 30 am to 5 : 00 pm. Outside of that, PRPA rescue response would require a
special call . Natural Areas Program Fire Crew, Larimer County Emergency Services, and Poudre
Fire Authority may provide assistance as requested.
c. Air Support (Flight for Life and Helitack)
Soapstone Prairie will have emergency accesses from the air that will be suited for air
operations related to medical evacuations (Flight for Life) and wildland fire operations
(Helitack) . Water sources will be identified with GPS coordinates and provided to responders .
Chapter 7 References
1 Easley, Tom and Newman, Wendy. 2003 . Colorado ' s Outdoor Recreation Future : Strategies
for Colorado ' s Outdoor Heritage, Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Denver.
258 pp . (Online at: http ://parks . state. co .us/Trails/LWCF/SCORPPlan/)
2 U. S . Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and U. S . Department of
Commerce, U. S . Census Bureau. 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-
Associated Recreation. 86 pp . (Online at : http ://www.census. gov/prod/2002pubs/fhw0l -co.pdf)
3 Genevieve Pullis La Rouche. 2001 . Birding in the United States : a Demographic and
Economic Analysis Addendum to the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife -
Associated Recreation, Report 22001 - 1 , U. S . Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Aid,
pages 9, 11 , 12 . (Online at: http ://federalaid. fws. gov/surveys/surveys .html)
84 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
1 i
Management Zones, Visitor Expectations and
Carrying Capacity
Soapstone Prairie ' s diverse ecological and cultural resources are spread across the landscape,
but in many instances are clumped in distribution. Because of this "clumping," management
delineations for recreation, visitor use, and conservation of Soapstone Prairie will be developed
through the use of "management zones," a concept used by many public and private entities for
land management. Dividing large properties into management zones allows appropriate
stewardship for areas with similar resources while providing a wide range of visitor experiences .
Management zones support the design of a comprehensive development plan for this unique and
extensive site, and specifically address the conservation target issues discussed in Chapter 6 .
Soapstone Prairie will be divided into four management zones ; each zone is defined by
similar ecological or cultural resources for which there are related visitor expectations,
management needs, and levels and types of development. The zones with greater levels of
development (Developed and Frontcountry Zones) focus more heavily on creating positive
visitor experiences ; the less developed zones (Backcountry and Primitive Zones) place higher
priority on cultural and ecological resources .
The table below illustrates the levels of visitor impacts and experiences that can be expected
within each management zone on Soapstone Prairie .
Table 8. 1 Progression of management zone objectives
W
esource Visitor Level of
Condition Experience Development
Developed Modified High Use Developed
Frontcountry
Backcountry
Primitive Pristine Restricted None
85 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
Map 7* Proposed management zones (* see Map 7 on page 109 for larger image)
SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE NATURAL AREA: MANAGEMENT ZONES
U i
- Developed Hike Only W ' E
— Access Hike/Bike �;� Natura
Frontcountry Hrke/Bike/Equestrian Areas
CitVof Port Collins p�.o��.
M
ckcountry � Enhance Road 0 0.25 0. 1 1 .5 2mitive Draft July 2007
e/Seasonal Closure Proposed Parking Lo
The following pages describe in greater depth the goals, resource conditions, visitor
expectations, facilities, carrying capacity and management actions for the four management
zones of Soapstone Prairie. The colors of the Zone description boxes correspond with those on
Map 7 above and on page 108 .
A. Developed Zone
♦ Developed to accommodate a high level of visitor use.
♦ Evidence of human alteration will be common.
♦ Included in this zone will be trails designed for ADA accessibility and shorter, less
physically demanding trails.
Developed Zone : Resource Conditions
♦ Natural processes such as erosion, flooding, and grazing will be limited or controlled.
♦ Native plant species dominate, but some non-native or invasive plants may be present.
♦ Wildlife communities are diverse and provide excellent viewing opportunities .
♦ Native plant communities will be restored through extensive control of invasive plants .
♦ Areas impacted by human alteration will be restored.
♦ Grasslands will be managed primarily through the use of prescriptive grazing and
mowing.
86 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
• Some roads occur within this zone, and will be used by management staff, livestock
grazing cooperators and permitted researchers .
• Most cultural resources will be removed from site or tested by archaeologists .
Management actions to address resource condition changes in the Developed Zone may
include :
• Expanding efforts to inform visitors of the on-trail only designation.
♦ Increasing education efforts to reduce impacts to resources .
• Closing social trails .
♦ Increasing invasive plant control.
• Increasing efforts at trailheads to define trail use regulations
♦ Increasing education regarding invasive plant control and impacts from social trail use.
• Limiting use by modifying parking capacity.
♦ Increasing law enforcement presence if needed.
Developed Zone : Visitor Expectations
• Limited opportunities for solitude.
• Visual and auditory impacts from other humans .
• High quality plant communities, but habitats will be fragmented by human alterations .
• Some opportunities for wildlife viewing and good views of the surrounding landscape.
• Appropriate activities include on-trail hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling.
• Very little, to a modest level of time and energy needed for visitor experiences .
Developed Zone : Facilities
• Facilities will include access roads, parking areas, trailheads, well-defined natural and
hard surface trails, interpretive and regulation signs, benches, kiosks, and observation
areas as appropriate.
• Biological, cultural, geological, and/or other resources may require protection and
management, but are not easily disturbed by regulated public use.
Developed Zone : Carrying Capacity Issues Carrying Capacity refers to the
• Gather visitor information (number and type and level of human use that can be
occurrence of visitors, types of recreation
group sizes, visitor satisfaction, etc . ) through accommodated while sustaining
conservation objectives and visitor
trail counts, trail inspections, and
questionnaires gathered at parking areas and opportunities . It is not based on visitor
trailheads ; determine changes in that days or limiting the number of people
information over time. visiting the natural area, but is a
♦ Inspect trails to determine if impacts from high process involving monitoring,
use are occurring. evaluating, and managing visitor use,
♦ Inspect areas along established trails for and adapting management as needed
evidence of dispersed use or social trails . to protect and conserve visitor and
♦ Monitor resource values for changes in resource values .
distribution of invasive plants along established or social trails, changes in wildlife
distribution, and/or impacts to geological or archaeological resources .
87 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
B . Frontcountry Zone
♦ Includes portions of Soapstone Prairie that contain native plant communities,
abundant wildlife, cultural, geological, and/or other resources that require
protection, but are found in locations that can be managed through regulated
public use.
♦ Evidence of human alteration is present and management activities will be more
intensive.
Frontcountry Zone : Resource Condition
♦ Erosion, flooding, and grazing allowed within portions of the zone.
♦ Restoration efforts will be visible in areas along trails and within the viewshed.
♦ Native plant species dominate, but some non-native or invasive plants may be present.
♦ Wildlife communities are diverse and provide excellent viewing opportunities .
♦ Restore native plant communities through extensive control of invasive plants and
reseeding.
♦ Grasslands will be managed primarily through prescriptive grazing.
♦ Some roads occur within this zone and will be used by management staff, livestock
grazing cooperators and permitted researchers .
♦ Protect cultural resources , either in place, or remove for protection (depends on the
sensitivity of the site) .
Management actions to address resource condition changes in the Frontcountry Zone
may include .
♦ Expanding efforts to inform visitors to stay on established trails .
♦ Increasing education efforts to reduce impacts to resources .
♦ Trail closures .
♦ Limiting use.
♦ Increasing presence of law enforcement staff.
♦ Modifying management zone boundaries .
Frontcountry Zone : Visitor Expectations
♦ Modest opportunities for solitude .
♦ Visual and auditory impacts from other visitors, restoration efforts, and from human use
(current and past use) of the landscape.
♦ Presence of prescriptive livestock grazing activities and restoration activities .
♦ High quality plant communities, wildlife viewing, and excellent views of the Front Range .
♦ Other trail users, restoration efforts, and multiple recreation activities (hiking, bicycling,
horseback riding) along trails .
♦ Appropriate activities include on-trail hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling.
♦ A relatively high level of time and energy needed for visitor experiences.
Management actions to address changes in visitor experiences in the Frontcountry Zone
may include .
♦ Modifying grazing and restoration practices .
♦ Limiting use by modifying parking capacity.
88 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
Frontcountry Zone : Facilities
• Well-defined natural surface trails, signs, benches, and observation areas as appropriate.
• Biological, cultural, geological, and/or other resources may require protection and
management, but are not easily disturbed by regulated public use.
• Signs as needed along trails to direct and inform visitors of regulation changes .
• Signs and displays for public interpretation of cultural and natural features .
Frontcountry Zone : Carrying Capacity Issues
• Gather visitor information (number and occurrence of visitors, types of recreation, group
sizes, visitor satisfaction, etc . ) through trail counts , trail inspections, and questionnaires
gathered at parking areas and trailheads ; determine changes in information over time.
♦ Inspect sensitive areas such as cultural sites for footprints and other signs of visitor use.
• Inspect areas along established trails for evidence of dispersed use or social trails .
♦ Monitor for changes in distribution of invasive plants along established or social trails,
changes in wildlife distribution, and/or impacts to geological or archaeological resources .
C . Backcountry Zone
♦ This zone is representative of native plant and animal communities that are found
throughout Soapstone Prairie.
• Natural and cultural resources are considered sensitive but are located in areas
where impacts from recreation are more limited or can be managed and
protected.
Backcountry Zone : Resource Condition
♦ Erosion, flooding, and grazing allowed with as little human influence as possible.
• Rare plant communities, rare plants, wetlands, riparian systems, important wildlife habitat,
cultural resources, and/or unique geologic features occur in this zone - management
efforts will focus on protecting and conserving these features of the property.
• Invasive plant control will take place in all habitats as needed.
• Grasslands will be managed through the use of management efforts designed to mimic
natural processes such as fire and grazing.
• Some roads occur within this zone but will be used on a limited basis by management
staff, livestock grazing cooperators and permitted researchers .
• Cultural resources will be protected in place.
Management actions to address changes in resource conditions in the Backcountry Zone
may include .
♦ Expanding efforts to inform visitors to stay on established trails .
♦ Increasing education efforts to reduce impacts to resources .
♦ Trail closures .
♦ Establishing a permit system.
♦ Limiting use.
♦ Increasing presence of law enforcement staff.
89 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
Backcountry Zone : Visitor Expectations
♦ Greater opportunities for solitude .
♦ Little or no visual and auditory impact from human disturbance.
♦ High quality plant communities, wildlife viewing, and excellent views of the Front Range.
♦ Appropriate activities include walking or hiking, on-trail only.
♦ Visitors must be willing to commit a relatively high level of time and energy within this
zone.
Management actions to address changes in visitor experiences in the Backcountry Zone
may include .
♦ Establishing a permit system.
♦ Limiting use.
Backcountry Zone : Facilities
♦ Facilities include narrow, natural surface trails .
♦ No parking areas, restrooms, kiosks or other public improvements .
♦ Trail systems will be used to access this zone .
♦ Information will be placed at trailheads and signs may be placed along the trails at the
boundary of this zone indicating changes in trail use regulations .
Backcountry Zone : Carrying Capacity Issues
♦ Gather visitor information (number and occurrence of visitors, types of recreation, group
sizes, visitor satisfaction, etc . ) through trail counts , trail inspections, and questionnaires
gathered at parking areas and trailheads ; determine changes in information over time.
♦ Inspect sensitive areas such as cultural sites for footprints and other signs of visitor use.
♦ Inspect areas along established trails for evidence of dispersed use or social trails .
♦ Monitor resource values for changes in distribution of invasive plants along established or
social trails, changes in wildlife distribution, and/or impacts to geological or
archaeological resources .
♦ Determine changes in visitor experience through visitor information.
D . Primitive Zone
♦ Represents the portion of Soapstone Prairie with the greatest resource values,
least human influence, or represents areas of sensitive resources that may be
impacted by recreation. Visitors to Soapstone Prairie will be allowed into this
management zone only during guided tours .
♦ Research can be conducted by permit.
Primitive Zone : Resource Conditions
♦ Erosion, flooding, and grazing allowed with as little human influence as possible.
♦ Rare plant communities, rare plants, wetlands, riparian systems, important wildlife habitat,
cultural resources, and/or unique geologic features occur in this zone.
♦ Focus is on protecting and conserving these features of the property.
♦ Control invasive plants in all habitats as needed.
♦ Grasslands will be managed through the use of management practices designed to mimic
natural events such as fire and grazing.
90 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
• Some roads occur within this zone but will be used on a limited basis by management
staff and livestock grazing cooperators .
• Cultural resources will be protected in place.
Changes in resource conditions in the Primitive Zone may include :
♦ Expansion of invasive plants in areas visited.
• Impacts to native vegetation.
♦ Evidence of trails developing.
• Changes in wildlife distribution.
Management actions to address resource changes in the Primitive Zone may include :
♦ Reducing tours, both in number of tours and number of people per tour.
• Changing tour locations and access routes .
♦ If wildlife impacts are seasonal in nature, tour dates may be changed accordingly.
Primitive Zone : Visitor Expectations
• Access limited to guided tours or research conducted under a Natural Areas Program
permit.
• No trails or other facilities are found within this zone.
♦ High quality plant communities, wildlife viewing, and opportunities to see cultural
artifacts in place .
♦ High levels of solitude and hiking opportunities crossing natural landscapes developed
with little human influence .
• Visitors must be willing to commit a relatively high level of time and energy within this
zone.
Primitive Zone : Facilities
• No constructed trails, parking areas, or other amenities typically found on natural areas .
• Existing roads will remain in place and receive limited or no use by management staff and
grazing cooperators .
Primitive Zone : Carrying Capacity Issues
• No unguided visitation is allowed within the zone.
♦ Impacts from guided tours will be monitored.
• Visitor information will be gathered and analyzed for trends of use.
91 Chapter 7 — Visitor Use
� 1
Education and Public Outreach
A. Introduction
The mission of the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Education Program is to .
• Increase the public ' s awareness of natural and cultural resource areas.
♦ Promote understanding of natural systems and cultural resource protection.
• Foster each individual ' s realization of the importance and meaning that natural
places and cultural resources add to our lives .
The education program accomplishes this by providing diverse materials on a variety
of topics concerning natural areas and cultural resources ; by actively providing
experiential and participatory learning situations ; and by personal outreach by trained
volunteer naturalists.
Educational and outreach opportunities are many and varied at Soapstone Prairie. The
variation in terrain, diversity of habitats, open vistas, unique geology and bountiful cultural
history provides endless subject matter for presentations by volunteer naturalists and staff
educators as well as
interpretive displays and
features on the sites .
-� The Natural Areas
- Program ' s education
component integrates
education with
appropriate recreation to
enhance visitors '
experiences . Bird
watching, plant
identification, reflecting,
Guided tour summer, 2006 looking at scenery,
attending a guided nature
walk, hiking, horseback riding and biking allows citizens to explore and discover natural areas in
a relaxed setting. Interpretive features, print material and personal communication by
interpreters via guided field trips and presentations will help citizens understand the complexity
of Soapstone Prairie ' s ecology, the long cultural history of the area, and some of the challenging
management issues . Management issues to be addressed may include on-going ranching
activities including grazing by domestic animals, prairie dog management, seasonal closures, and
strategies to prevent weeds and preserve the native vegetation communities .
A strong emphasis in the education and outreach efforts will be placed on Leave No Trace
ethics that help inform visitors about the impacts of their actions on the land, on wildlife, and on
other users . These will help the visitor learn to recreate on the land in a sustainable low-impact
fashion.
The visitor learning and education experience concerning Soapstone Prairie may begin even
before reaching the natural area. Initial concepts for this include educational activities, exhibits,
print and electronic media regarding Soapstone Prairie and the entire Laramie Foothills
92 Chapter 9 — Education and Public Outreach
Mountains to Plains Project at strategic locations in Fort Collins (e. g. Fort Collins
Museum/discovery Science Center) and on the web .
IP Overall Interpretive Theme
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is a large landscape with complex relationships between
the land, the wildlife, and the people occurring over many millennia.
B . Objectives
Through interpretive panels, brochures and other print media, waysides, and other educational
features, programs, presentations and personal contacts with education personnel, visitors to
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area should :
• Feel a sense of anticipation and welcome upon entering the site and a sense of
responsibility and stewardship toward Soapstone Prairie.
• Be aware of specific management issues involving visitors including carrying capacity,
multi- and single-use trails, management zones, resource protections and seasonal
closures .
• Willingly conduct themselves so that the resources are not damaged by understanding the
area ' s regulations, the principles of Leave No Trace and by demonstrating appropriate
behavior.
• Understand the variety of visitor experiences provided at this natural area.
• Be oriented on the site and easily recognize designated trails and closed areas .
• Understand the potential risks of visiting this natural area (e. g. rattlesnakes ; steep rocky
trails ; long, exposed distances ; exposure to weather extremes).
• Recognize that this area is managed to conserve the natural and cultural resources and to
provide appropriate recreation and education opportunities .
• Learn some of the ecology of the shortgrass prairie, the foothills shrublands , cliffs ,
wetlands and springs and the influences of geology upon them.
• Appreciate the international cultural significance of the site.
• Know some of the prehistory and history including archaeological significance, and the
American Indian, homesteading, and ranching heritages .
• Appreciate the international cultural significance of the site.
C . Proposed Education & Interpretive Products
All education products will be dynamic, accurate and designed to engage a wide range of ages
and abilities that enable visitors to use different senses and preferential learning styles . Education
products will be interactive where possible and make use of up-to-date technologies . Exhibits
will be inviting, drawing in visitors with dynamic illustrations, easy-to-read active voice text,
multi-media and three dimensions as appropriate, thereby allowing visitors to learn through
exploration.
1 . Entrance Station and Road Signs
In order to prevent a wasted trip and/or a bottleneck at the property boundary, visitors will be
informed of specific conditions (trail closures, specific-use areas) before they reach the property
boundaries of Soapstone Prairie . In addition to signs on NCR 15 , an entrance station will be
93 Chapter 9 — Education and Public Outreach
designed and placed in such a manner that visitors will receive information and make decisions
about their visit before they arrive on the site. The entrance station may be staffed by Volunteer
Trail Hosts or Master Naturalists on weekends or other busy days .
2. On-site interpretive panels and features
Interpretive features will be designed to be unobtrusive and fit into the landscape. This
objective will be balanced with the goal of providing visitors with a clear orientation to the site
and the regulations for use, while providing for group gathering areas, places for picnicking, and
overlooks for enjoying the views .
3 . Off-site interpretive panels and features
Permanent exhibits at the Fort Collins Museum/Discovery Science Center and other strategic
locations will allow visitors to begin their experience even before arriving at Soapstone Prairie.
A variety of print media and personal communication (some in partnership with the Fort Collins
Museum/Discovery Science Center and Parks Departments, and Larimer County Parks and Open
Lands) are planned. The visitor will be equipped with realistic expectations, primed with
knowledge and a piqued sense of anticipation before venturing to Soapstone Prairie.
4. Self-guided interpretive information
This may involve numbered posts or other unobtrusive structures, or may use web- and GPS -
based technologies that allow the visitor to learn more in-depth information about Soapstone
Prairie . This type of information is conducive to frequent updates and changing information to
keep repeat visitors interested.
5. Kiosks with orientation panels, bulletin boards and brochure racks
These structures will be located at each parking area in a manner that provides all visitors the
opportunity to read the information, become oriented to the site, and learn more about the
Natural Areas Program. The kiosks will house interpretive panels that welcome and orient
visitors and inform them of the regulations and risks . The kiosks will also house bulletin boards
that allow staff to inform visitors of upcoming programs and events, wildlife sightings,
additional safety information, and other topical subjects. The brochure holders will have
information concerning the Natural Areas Program, pertinent topics to this site and general
information of interest to the visitors.
6. Site-specific brochure
The brochure will incorporate a trail map with distances and permitted uses and major
landscape features . The brochure will be designed so visitors can carry it with them and refer to
it while visiting the site.
7. Animal species checklists
These will be developed over a period of several years as more surveys are completed, but
initially a bird list will be developed. These checklists enable some visitors to more fully explore
the diversity of wildlife at Soapstone Prairie and more fully appreciate the dwindling habitat of
this type along the Front Range.
94 Chapter 9 — Education and Public Outreach
8. Plant species brochure
This will also be developed over a period of several years as more surveys are completed.
Proposed categories may be trees, shrubs, grasses, forbs and succulents . Plant lists help the
visitor learn what to expect at the site and to appreciate the large diversity of plants and their
habitats at Soapstone Prairie .
D . Suggested Education and Interpretive Topics
Public tour surveys (summers 2005 and 2006) asked visitors " What topics would you like to
see on education and interpretive signs ? " The most requested education topics at Soapstone
Prairie were animals (especially birds), archaeology (specifically the Lindenmeier Valley),
plants/wildflowers, ecology, geology, historical features and the ranching/homesteading heritage .
Management issues to be addressed may include on-going grazing by domestic animals, prairie
dogs, seasonal closures and weed prevention strategies .
The following list of topics serves as guidelines for interpretation. Several topics may be
incorporated into a single product.
1 . Birds of Soapstone Prairie
In addition to a species list, guided tours to the shortgrass
prairie ecosystem, volunteer bird surveys and bird walks will
occur during certain seasons and areas .
2. Other animals of Soapstone Prairie
While birds are ubiquitous, large and small mammals,
insects and herptiles all play important ecological roles.
3. Geology of the Laramie Foothills
Geologic influences including the effects of erosion and
deposition strongly influences the ecology and landscape that
we see today.
4. Ecology of the sandstone cliffs
Guided binding trips are popular at
A dominant feature of the site, the cliffs are used by many natural areas
nesting raptors and served as a landmark for many peoples
over long periods of time .
5. Ecology of the shortgrass prairie
This high quality prairie habitat supports a diverse assemblage of declining prairie birds
(several of high conservation significance), a robust prairie dog animal community, and critical
winter range and concentration area for pronghorn . This is also one of the last places in
Colorado where elk still venture out onto the plains . This area is subject to seasonal closures (in
addition to entire site closures) thus it' s important for the visitor to understand sensitive wildlife
species such as burrowing owls, mountain plover, prairie dogs and pronghorn, and the role of
grazing in maintaining this rare ecosystem.
95 Chapter 9 — Education and Public Outreach
6. Ecology of the foothills shrublands community
The mountain mahogany/needle-and-thread plant community is a globally rare system and is
significant for its extremely high quality condition — a sharp contrast to the weed-infested
shrublands typical of other areas along the Front Range at similar elevations . It provides unique
and vanishing habitat for butterfly and bird communities, as well as elk calving areas . This area
is closed to horses due to its sensitivity and importance as a wildlife migratory corridor and
habitat.
7. Cultural History of Soapstone Prairie
This vast subject will emphasize the archaeological significance of the Lindenmeier
Archaeological Site and more recent use by American Indians . There are remnants of
homesteading and ranching on the property and these will be included, as appropriate .
96 Chapter 9 — Education and Public Outreach
Site Administration, Public Improvements and
Site Security
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is the second "regional" and largest property to date managed
and operated by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program. Staff immediately began
assessing initial needs of the site following the acquisition of the property in 2004 . This included
posting the area as closed, managing the boundaries, and completing an inventory of existing
roads, structures, and other features of importance . This chapter lays out other property
management considerations related to infrastructure, access, administration, roles, and
restrictions of easements and leases, costs for planned public improvements and site security
plans .
A. Existing Easements , Leases and Issues
1 . Lease for cattle grazing
Two grazing leases were issued upon the City' s purchase of Soapstone Prairie in 2004. The
Folsom Grazing Association leased approximately 11 ,762 acres and the Soapstone Grazing
Association leased approximately 4, 640 acres . Both leases expired December 31 , 2005 . In
2005 , a Request for Proposals was issued that combined these grazing lands into a single lease.
The Folsom Grazing Association was awarded this lease with an ending date of December 31 ,
2008 .
Upon the purchase of the Roman and Krafzik properties in 2004 and 2005 respectively, a
grazing lease between the property owners and Kurt Zimmerman was transferred to the City of
Fort Collins (upon the City' s acquisition) . The lease area included approximately 2,276 acres
and will end December 31 , 2007 . At that time, the lease may be extended with the Zimmermans,
or may be included with the Folsom Grazing Association lease.
A new grazing lease that combines all grazing rights to a single tenant and is tailored to meet
public use needs and habitat management needs of the property will be issued in 2009,
coinciding with the public opening of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
2. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for
Soapstone Ranch, Wyoming
The City of Fort Collins holds a limited development covenant on a portion of the Soapstone
Ranch, Wyoming property. This covenant ' s purpose is to protect the view from the Colorado
property looking north and is applied to areas directly adjacent to the north of Soapstone Prairie.
The covenant defines the protected area and limits and defines allowable development in three
separate building envelopes .
3. Right of First Offer and Right of First Refusal
The Soapstone Grazing Association (owners of the Soapstone Ranch, Wyoming) granted a
right of first offer and right of first refusal to the City of Fort Collins . This agreement ends on
December 31 , 2035 .
97 Chapter 10 — Site Administration
4. Special Warranty Deed
The City of Fort Collins granted the Soapstone Grazing Association a perpetual access and
utility easement along Soapstone Ranch Road entering Soapstone Prairie from the east. A second
agricultural access easement was granted to allow movement of cattle or other animals from
property owned by the Gallegos family to the south and west of Soapstone Prairie across the
natural area to Soapstone Ranch, Wyoming. The agriculture access is not perpetual and shall
terminate when more than 50% of the Wyoming ranch or 50% of the Gallegos property is sold.
5. Radio Tower/Transmitter Site Lease
An agreement between the Soapstone Grazing Association and Mountain States Radio was
transferred to the City of Fort Collins upon purchase of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. This
lease agreement provides for a radio tower 190 ' in height, an associated building ( 16 ' x 8 'x 8 ' ), a
210 'x 210 ' parcel of land, right of way for access and utilities, and the use of an existing road.
6. County Road 15
Larimer County Road 15 will serve as the public entrance to Soapstone Prairie. This road
from County Road 82 north is considered a public road with private maintenance .
Approximately nine miles of road will be improved to meet Larimer County Appendix G
standards that require a 16 ' travel surface . In addition, two bridges will be constructed to cross
Rawhide Creek and Wire Draw.
B . Anticipated Public Improvements
Several public improvement projects are needed at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. However,
given the large size of the natural area and the many improvements needed, these projects will be
constructed over time . Phase 1 pubic improvements are those needed to open the property to the
public . Phase 2 projects are those that will occur after the public opening and as funding allows .
1 . Phase I Prior to public opening of Soapstone Prairie
Below is a list of current visible concerns or needs and recommended actions to be completed
before Soapstone Prairie opens to the public .
a. Administrative
♦ Develop public input process designed to gather information on management needs,
visitor enjoyment and use, and recreation needs after Soapstone Prairie opens to the
public .
♦ Develop a protocol in case the parking areas are full notifies the public prior to arrival .
In addition to signs posted south of Soapstone Prairie, a phone- and internet-message
system will be developed allowing the pubic to call in or check for information prior
to departing for Soapstone Prairie.
♦ Update neighbors on issues associated with NCR 15 including construction, regulation
enforcement, and others issues as they arise.
♦ Design visitor use monitoring program to identify the number of visitors, types of
recreation use, trails used etc. In addition this monitoring program will be used to
measure ecological impacts, visitor satisfaction, and visitor needs .
♦ Hire additional Ranger by early 2009 .
98 Chapter 10 — Site Administration
b. Public Improvements — NCR 15 Road Access
♦ Work with Larimer County Engineering Department to make improvements to NCR 15
needed to meet Appendix G road standards .
♦ Design and construct needed improvements to NCR 15 .
♦ Restore all areas disturbed during NCR 15 construction.
♦ Install security gate at appropriate location south of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
♦ Clearly mark private roads and travel route to public trailhead parking.
♦ Install roadside directional and information signs .
♦ Install signage designating travel speeds, children present in neighborhood, and other
signage as needed.
c. Public Improvements — Trailhead Parking and Day Use areas
♦ Complete design of two parking areas in 2007 . The South parking area will be designed
to accommodate 15 horse trailers, and 30 cars . The North parking area will
accommodate up to 50 cars and two buses .
♦ Locate site for Phase I trailhead picnic area by September 2007 .
♦ Design and install vault toilets as needed at both parking areas .
♦ Design ADA facilities (parking, vault toilet, trails) at North parking area.
♦ Complete construction of parking areas, ADA facilities, and installation of all vault-
toilets by spring 2009 .
♦ Design and construct picnic shelter areas in the North parking area by spring 2009 .
♦ Install bear-proof trash cans by spring 2009 .
♦ Design and construct entrance station and welcome kiosk.
d. Public Improvements — Trail Construction
♦ Construct Phase I trails .
♦ Construct Phase I ADA accessible trails .
♦ Install trail, safety, and directional signs as needed.
♦ Install welcome kiosk with regulatory & educational information.
♦ Design and install education and interpretive panels and signs at designated locations .
♦ Design and install benches as needed along Phase I trails .
♦ Decommission roads as needed.
2. Phase II - 0-5 years from public opening
These additional tasks will be phased in as demand and budget allow.
a. Public Improvements — Trail Construction
♦ Construct Phase 11 trails .
♦ Install trail signs .
♦ Install interpretive signs .
99 Chapter 10 — Site Administration
The table below is a list of anticipated public improvements (based on experience from
development of other natural areas) .
Table 10. 1 Anticipated public improvements
Features Comments FIM Estimated Costs
Entrance
Road improvements • NCR 15 improvements; 9 miles road improvement, 2 • $3 . 0 million
bridges, culverts, etc
Entrance gate • Electric (solar) gate on timer. + $500
Entrance/Site sign • NCR 15 entrance station and kiosk. + $20,000
Parking areas (2) • Natural surface, 80 cars, 2 bus, & 15 horse trailer parking + $25 ,000 each
spots.
Restrooms (g parking area) ♦ Vault toilets, no water. • $5 ,000 each
Trailhead kiosks • Three panel style. • $ 1 ,000 each
Benches • Natural material within parking areas and along trails. • $250 each
Trash cans • Install bear-proof cans at parking areas and picnic areas. • $ 100 each
Shelters and picnic areas + Design and construct shelters and picnic areas as needed. • $20,000 each
Structures and Infrastructure
Historic Buildings • Ranch buildings and Roman building site. Undecided on • NA
future use of some structures. Ranch HQ buildings used by
grazing tenant; Roman cabin used by researchers on
Soapstone Prairie.
Removal of + Ongoing clean-up of area. Hazardous material removed in + $5 ,000
debris/vehicles/etc. 2006 .
Fencing
Boundary marking/fencing + Boundary fence marked; maintained by grazing tenant. + NA
Fencing + Replace/remove and modify fence to meet wildlife + $5 ,000 annual
standards is ongoing.
Trails
Phase I trail design and • Design and construct Phase 1 trails using a combination + $ 100,000
improvements of existing roads and new trails.
ADA accessible trails • Design and construct hard surface trails and parking + $ 100,000
areas .
Trail layout and trail markers • Install trail information, safety, and directional signs. • $ 1000
Educational Features
Kiosks (Lindenmeier • Develop kiosks and education panel at Lindenmeier • $5000
Archaeological Site) Archaeological Site.
Brochures • Design and print brochures on area regulations, trails, • $2500
education and interpretive information, etc
Site Maintenance
Trail Maintenance • Ongoing
Weed Control • Ongoing
Enforcement
Fences, gates + Install to secure sensitive areas.
Gates • Install to prevent entry during closed periods.
Resource Management
Grassland restoration • Road construction related
Invasive plant management + Prioritize weed control
Soil erosion management + Grazing modifications.
Road decommissioning or improvement.
Wetlands/riparian + Weed and erosion control. Grazing modifications or
restorations grazing exclusions.
Fencing + Remove or modify to meet wildlife standards.
100 Chapter 10 — Site Administration
C . Visitor and Resource Protection (Site Security)
Because of the large and remote nature of Soapstone Prairie, there are new and significant
challenges toward ensuring the general safety of all visitors, staff, and providing for the security
of the significant cultural and ecological resources . Safety and security concerns generally fall
into three areas :
* Safety for all visitors, staff and volunteers
* Security for site improvements, archaeological artifacts, features, and sites.
* Prevention of resource damage that could include wildlife poaching, off-road vehicle
travel, and the harassment of wildlife.
Providing for the safety of people and protection of resources, the Natural Areas Program is
first considering access control, ranger patrol capability and enforcement authority, and
additional resources and partnerships that will need to be forged with the Larimer County
Sheriff s office and Colorado Division of Wildlife to assist with a variety security and
enforcement issues .
1 . Access Control
All visitor access will be controlled through an entrance point on NCR 15 located at the south
end of the property. When the site is open to the public, an entrance kiosk will be staffed (as
often as feasible) to provide visitor information, and track numbers of visitors entering and
leaving. Regulations and other visitor safety information will be placed at a kiosk near the
entrance station and at all parking lots . Additional information regarding areas within the
property that are prohibited or limited to public access will be provided.
The property perimeter will be posted as "City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program" along
fences and listed as "not an access . " While it is understood that three strand wire fencing is not
tamper-proof, it is not desirable to "improve" fencing as a barrier as that would deter from
traditional fencing in the area, be a barrier to wildlife movement, and be financially exorbitant.
During times when the site is closed to the public, a solar electric gate set on a timer will be
installed at the entrance to prevent off-hours access . A second electric gate will be installed
across NCR 15 approximately 3 miles south of Soapstone Prairie. This gate will also close NCR
15 when Soapstone Prairie is closed to public use. Signage stating the hours of operation will be
installed at both gates . Vehicular access from the east (Soapstone Prairie Road via Duck Creek
Ranch and I-25) is already electronically gated.
2. Enforcement
Natural Areas Program and Trail Rangers will provide first line patrol and law enforcement at
Soapstone Prairie . One additional Ranger FTE has been approved for 2009 to provide additional
system-wide capacity as the site becomes open to the public. Active ranger patrol will be
conducted between dawn and dusk on a daily basis with more full-time patrol during hours of
operation. Volunteer Trail Hosts (VTH ' s) will be assigned to assist rangers with visitor safety
and resource protection. VTH ' s will be equipped with two-way radios that will be monitored by
on-duty ranger staff.
Because of the unique and pristine nature of the site, an aggressive education effort combined
with strict enforcement of the City Municipal Code will be the protocol for ranger staff to ensure
safe and responsible use of the site and deter repeat code violations . It will be critical to
coordinate law enforcement activities with Larimer County Open Lands Rangers who will patrol
101 Chapter 10 — Site Administration
Red Mountain Open Space, and Larimer County Sheriff' s Office that are responsible for
emergency backup and criminal activity that exceeds City of Fort Collins municipal code.
Finally, rangers will need to work closely with the Colorado Division of Wildlife on wildlife
protection and hunting-related issues .
3. Cultural Resources and Archaeological Sites Protection
The Lindenmeier Archeological Site and hundreds of cultural features present on Soapstone
Prairie tell the rich story of human occupation on the site over the course of thousands of years .
The first step in the preservation of this resource will be to raise public interest and awareness of
the significant cultural values through educational outreach. Experience as managers tells us that
the public in general is very respectful to public resources when they are aware of, and
understand the value of the resource .
From a management aspect, access to the Lindenmeier Archaeological Site, stone rings, and
similar cultural features and sites will be prohibited or limited. Fencing may be used to
discourage visitor access in cultural sensitive areas . In cases where sites or features are intended
to be viewed by visitors, delineating access to the areas with educational displays will be
employed to help interpret the cultural feature to the visitor. The spectrum of recreation activities
may be limited in the vicinity of these sites in the interest of preservation, and in some cases
limited guided tours may be the only way to view some features . This plan is also recommending
that if overnight camping is considered, campsites be located away from cultural sites .
Volunteers with specified archaeological training may be utilized to routinely examine sites to
ensure the site ' s features and artifacts are secure from human disturbance and/or natural events
such as erosion. Artifacts will be collected under the direction of the City of Fort Collins
Museum or Natural Areas Program staff. All artifacts collected will be deposited with the City of
Fort Collins Museum.
Finally, The Lindenmeier Archeological Site is listed as a National Historic Site which is
administered by the National Park Service . City and state regulations are applicable to this site as
well as other archaeological sites found on Soapstone Prairie. State statute CRS 24 80-401
(Historical, Prehistoric and Archaeological Resources Act) also applies to Soapstone Prairie.
4. General Visitor and Resource Protection Guidelines
Staff and volunteers will be trained to be aware of and report any activity to ranger staff that
jeopardizes the safety of visitors or preservation of ecological and cultural resources . Signs
requesting visitors to report any unusual activity to ranger staff will be displayed at appropriate
locations . Specific responsibility may be delegated to ranger and other staff to perform routine
inventory of sensitive sites and artifacts as well as any sign, fence or other security measure used
to help protect the resource . Rangers will complete a patrol log for an accounting purpose that
could then be used to establish a timeline of a resource violation. Finally, security cameras may
be used in remote locations to monitor access into areas closed to public use or in areas where
there may be trespass across city boundaries .
During hours open to the public, rangers, staff and volunteers will communicate with the use
of two-way radios . The on-duty ranger will always be in radio contact with the Poudre
Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch) . Staff and volunteers will be instructed to act
only as observers and witnesses and to immediately contact a ranger. Rangers will respond to
incidents following established protocols . During hours when the area is closed to the public,
daytime events will be handled by rangers following routine protocols . Evening and nighttime
incidents will be coordinated by Larimer County Sheriff' s office.
102 Chapter 10 — Site Administration
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Appendix 1
Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project through 20o6
Total 194,733 acres
# acres ownership funding source ^ ^
Lead Agency: Legacy Land Trust, total 2,360 acres
747 private private
405 private public
1 ,208 private combined
Lead Agency: The Nature Conservancy, total 25,790 acres
9,223 private private
4557 private public
12 010 private combined
Lead Agency: Larimer County, total 15,229 acres
755 public public
13 ,448 public combined
70 private private
956 private combined
Lead Agency: City of Fort Collins, total 20,528 acres
4, 189 public public
15800 public* public
14,539 public combined
City of Cheyenne, Wyoming, total 20,800 acres
1900 public 7public1 , 800 public ined
Other Public Lands* *
11026 public public
AA Public funding source include City of Fort Collins, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Great
Outdoors Colorado, Larimer County, Rural Land Use Program, State of Wyoming, U. S . Fish
and Wildlife Service
* Once conservation easements (CE's) are in place, these properties will be sold to private
ownership.
* *Other: includes Bureau of Land Management, City of Fort Collins (Utilities), Colorado
Division of Wildlife, Colorado State University, Colorado State Land Board, State of
Colorado, U. S . Forest Service.
110 Appendix 1 — Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Projects through 2006
Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project Timeline
• Early 1980 ' s - The Nature Conservancy (TNC) recognizes the importance of the conservation
of this area and coins the term "Laramie Foothills . "
• 1987 — TNC formalizes its investment in conserving this landscape by completing its first
capital campaign and purchasing what becomes known as Phantom Canyon Preserve. The
preserve opens for stewardship and education programs in 1989 .
TNC builds a community-based conservation program developing partnerships and
cooperative projects with private property owners, public land management agencies, non-profit
and for-profit organizations and local, state, and federal governments including ranchers,
Larimer County, Legacy Land Trust and the City of Fort Collins .
♦ 1992 — Fort Collins voters pass a citizen initiated 1/4 cent sales tax to fund the City' s Natural
Areas Program.
♦ 1993 — Larimer County adopted their first Parks Master Plan, and that plan identified the heart
of the Laramie Foothills as a priority.
• 1995 — Larimer County voters overwhelmingly pass a citizen initiated "Help Preserve Open
Spaces" 1/4 cent county-wide sales and use tax to fund the County Is Open Lands Program, 55 %
of which is shared with each of the eight incorporated cities and towns in the county.
• 1997 — Fort Collins citizens pass the Building Community Choices 1/4 cent sales tax to continue
the funding of the City' s Natural Areas Program.
• 1999 — Larimer County citizens overwhelmingly vote to extend the Help Preserve Open Spaces
sales and use tax for 15 years until 2018 , and to also give the County bonding authority for future
revenues up to $ 54 million.
• 2001 — Larimer County adopts an Open Lands Master Plan which expands upon the Laramie
Foothills as a high priority area for conservation.
• 2002 — Fort Collins citizens pass the citizen initiated Open Space Yes ! 1/4 cent sales tax to
continue funding the City' s Natural Areas Program to 2030 . Ballot language called for regional
land conservation. By 2003 numerous conservation partners and community members have
collectively conserved almost 15 ,000 acres in the Laramie Foothills forever.
• 2003 — Jerry McMorris decides to sell the Red Mountain Ranch.
• 2003 — City of Cheyenne purchases 17,000 acres of the Belvoir Ranch in Wyoming. This
purchase will forge the beginning of an Open Space Program in Laramie and Albany counties .
• December 2003 — GOCO begins discussions at their board meeting in Fort Collins regarding
funding of large scale projects through citizen approved bonding or through existing fund
balance . Kathay Rennels, Larimer County Commissioner, introduces the Laramie Foothills
Mountains to Plains project to the Board of Directors of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) .
♦ 2003 — The twenty members of the Soapstone Grazing Association decide to sell the Colorado
portion of the Soapstone Ranch which they have owned for over 40 years .
♦ May 2004 — City of Fort Collins adopts the Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan
which designates the Laramie Foothills as a high priority area for conservation.
♦ 2004 — Catherine Roberts sells a conservation easement on 4, 557 acres of the Roberts Ranch
after many years of discussion and planning with The Nature Conservancy. TNC partners on the
purchase of the conservation easement were the City of Fort Collins, Larimer County and
GOCO .
♦ May 2004 — City of Fort Collins purchases the Colorado portion of the Soapstone Ranch
property, now known as Soapstone Prairie Natural Area.
111 Appendix 2 — Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project Timeline
• June 2004 —GOCO Board allocates $ 60 million towards large-scale projects of statewide
significance .
• July 2004 - Fort Collins City Council approves the sale of Certificates of Participation,
providing the Natural Areas Program $ 15 million for land conservation, which will be paid back
over 15 years .
♦ August 2004 - Larimer County in partnership with the City of Fort Collins, The Nature
Conservancy and Legacy Land Trust submits an application to GOCO requesting $ 11 . 6 million
for the Laramie Foothills : Mountains to Plains Project. With a local match of 13 . 7 million, the
partnership will protect over 55 , 000 acres of land at an average cost of $425 per acre.
* September 2004 - Larimer County, using funds from a Farm and Ranchland Protection grant,
purchases an easement on over 550 acres of the Ackerman property as part of the Mountains to
Plains Project.
• September 2004 - City of Fort Collins acquires a 640-acre in-holding in Soapstone Prairie and
1 ,220 acres adjacent to the south boundary from Keith and Myrna Roman.
• November 2004 - City of Fort Collins leases 3 , 866 acres of in-holdings in Soapstone Prairie
from the State Land Board.
• December 1 , 2004 - GOCO recognizes the great opportunity and approves the full grant
request of $ 11 . 6 million — one of the largest GOCO grants ever awarded.
• December 30, 2004 - Larimer County and TNC close on 13 ,500 acres of the Red Mountain
Ranch, the most urgent element of the Mountains to Plains project, spending $7 . 8 of the $ 11 . 6
million GOCO dollars awarded to the project
• January 2005 - City of Fort Collins acquires 316 acres from the Krafcziks for right-of-way for
the extension of County Road 15 to provide public access to Soapstone Prairie.
• February 2006 - City of Fort Collins acquires 1 ,360-acre Round Butte Ranch to help fill the
conservation "donut hole" and protect scenic viewshed. The City will place a conservation
easement on the property, funded largely by a GOCO grant, and will sell the land to a
conservation buyer continuing the ranching tradition.
• May 2006 - Catherine Roberts and TNC sign a voluntary conservation easement agreement to
forever conserve the rest ( 13 , 500 acres) of the historic centennial Roberts Ranch.
• November 30, 2006 - The City' s Natural Areas Program trades a 440-acre sod farm (acquired
in 2005 ) in the Wellington Community Separator for the 3 , 873 acres of State Land Board in-
holdings plus $ 807,000 cash. The sod farm has a conservation easement on it which allows an
additional 23 homes to be constructed in a cluster. This is an overall win-win land exchange .
112 Appendix 2 — Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project Timeline
Ky 0=0 gloom W�
Public Tours Feedback Form
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area / Red Mountain Open Space
City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program and Larimer County Open Lands Program
Tour type : SSN only SSN / RMOS Hiking SSN Cultural
Please help us determine the types of activities and uses that you feel are desirable at
Soapstone Prairie and Red Mountain
Over the next two years we will be preparing management plans for the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and the Red
Mountain Open Space . Please share with us how you feel we should prioritize our efforts.
( 1 = highest priority, 4 = lowest priority)
Natural resource protection Human history/cultural protection
Recreational opportunities Protecting the ranching tradition
What types of non-motorized recreation would you like to see available here?
Which types of trails do you prefer? ( mark all that apply)
Note : Developing a trail system for all types of users will be one of the key elements of the management plan .
Because this area is used by wildlife and contains sensitive ecological areas, there will be a finite number of trail
miles. Combined or mixed -use trails = more total trail miles for a greater number of users, separated, or single-use
trails = fewer total trail miles per activity.
❑ Biking, hiking & horseback riding together on the ❑ Separate trail for hiking
same trail ❑ Separate trail for biking
❑ Biking & hiking together on the same trail ❑ Separate trail for horseback riding
❑ Biking & horseback riding together on the same trail ❑ Limited visitation with few or no trails
❑ Hiking & horseback riding together on the same trail
Is limited, permit-only, designated backcountry camping an appropriate use here? Why?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not sure
Is limited hunting an appropriate use here? Why?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not sure
Is it appropriate to seasonally close areas due to sensitive wildlife activities such as nesting, denning or calving ?
Why?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not sure
Is it appropriate to seasonally close areas due to sensitive plants/plant communities? Why?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not sure
Is grazing by domesticated cattle an appropriate use at Soapstone Prairie and Red Mountain
when used for vegetation management goals?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not sure
when used to maintain a ranching tradition ?
❑ Yes ❑ No ❑ Not sure
During the course of a year, how many times are you likely to visit these areas after they are open to the public?
❑ 1 -3 ❑ 3-5 ❑ 5- 10 ❑ 10+
Please rank the following biological and cultural features in order of importance for protection :
(mark with an X)
113 Appendix 3 — Public Tours Feedback Form
Biological and Cultural High Medium Low Didn't see/
Features Priority Priority Priority not sure
Historic camp sites
Homestead sites
Lindenmeier Archaeological Site
Sensitive ecosystems ( i . e . shortgrass prairie)
Prairie dog colonies
Ranch buildings
Rock cliffs/eagle nests
ipi rings
Wildlife migration corridors
Wildlife nesting, denning and calving sites
Other ( please list)
What educational topics would you like to see on interpretive signs and brochures?
Is it more appropriate to have :
❑ More information on signs, less information through brochures
❑ More information through brochures, less signage
❑ An equal balance of information on signs and brochures
What topics would you like to see emphasized by naturalists on future visits to these areas?
Do you feel you have a good understanding of where funding to protect these properties came from ?
What did you find most interesting on the field trip?
What part of the field trip was the least interesting?
Would you recommend this field trip to others? Why?
How did you find out about this field trip?
Would you like to provide a quote about your experience today for future publications? If so, please provide your
name.
114 Appendix 3 — Public Tours Feedback Form
Append *
p I ' IIxi
Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
2005-2006, total 733 returned forms
Question 1 : Over the next two years we will be preparing management plans for the Soapstone Prairie Natural
Area and the Red Mountain Open Space. Please share with us how you feel we should prioritize our efforts.
(I= highest priori , 4= lowest priority)
Watural resource OW Recreational Human history / Protecting the
riori protection opportunities Cultural protection ranching
tradition
71 72% 10% 25 % 7 %
2 17% 20% 53% 10%
3 6% 40% 18% 30%
4 4% 30% 5 % 52%
Question 2: What types of non-motorized recreation would you like to see available here?
(these were written-in answers, not table) Figures = more than 100 percent because respondents could list multiple
options
orse- Interpretive Cross Bird- No
e back bike other walks Camp country s74%
watch None dogs
ride
66% 50% 46% 12% 9% 7 % 4% 1 % 1 %
Question 3: Which es o trails do ou re er?
Biking,
hiking & Biking & Biking & Hiking &
horseback hiking horseback horseback Separate Separate Separate Few or
riding on on same riding on riding on hiking biking equestrian no
same trail trail same trail same trail trail trail trail trails
Prefer 25 % 24% 13 % 28% 42 % 32 % 36% 10%
Do
Not
Prefer 75 % 76% 87% 72% 58% 68% 64% 90%
Question 4: Is limited, permit-only, designated backcoun!7 camping an a ro riate use here? Why?
Yes 1 57% 1 No 1 20% Not Sure 22% (blank) 1 %
Question 4 : Comments and concerns (compiled)
• Danger to campers (weather)
• Fires / trash/ water/ human waste concerns
• Infrastructure costs may be prohibitive
Other camping resources are available
Regular camping, too
Sensitivity of site — protection of natural and cultural resources
Serve minority of population
Tent only, permit fee, limited use
To allow backpacking
To experience the land by both day and night
To see backcountry — some areas too far away for day use only
Wait until usage (of whole area) is determined
With "leave no trace" permits required
115 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
Question S: Is limited hun an a ro ri
tinate use here? Wh ?
Yes 28% 1 No 1 52% Not Sure 18% (blank) 1 %
Question 5: Comments and concerns (compiled)
• Allow wildlife to regulate itself
• Bow and arrow only
• Close it at night to preserve wildlife and artifacts
• Closing off sections not fair
• Damage to land from vehicles or off trail use
• Depends on need — both from visitor and wildlife standpoints
• Disturbs peacefulness
♦ Does not appear to have overpopulation problem
• Emphasis on activities which benefit everyone
♦ For game management
• Tradition - historically land was used for hunting
♦ Hunt pronghorn/not predators
• Hunting could make wildlife harder to see
• I hunt but would prefer not to allow hunting there
• Limited hunting by permit only
• No hunting — not appropriate
• Other hunting areas are available
• Protect natural resources — purpose is to conserve
Recreation
Should be by scientific analysis
Use hunting fees for maintenance, patrol
Visitor safety/ conflicts with mixed uses
Will hunting effect grazing?
Question 6: Is it appropriate to seasonally close areas due to sensitive wildlife activities such as nesting, denning
or calving? Wh ?
Yes 1 92% 1 No 3 % 1 Not Sure 4% 1 (blank) 1 1 %
Question 6: Comments/concerns (compiled)
• Conservation/preservation of native species is important
* Major purpose should be ecosystem restoration
• Natural Resources primary - recreation secondary
• Only if necessary — very limited
• Post it clearly
• Route trails around these areas
• Seasonal, and only amount of area necessary
• Teach people how to act in sensitive areas
• To promote diversity of wildlife so we can enjoy
• Would still like guided tours
Question 7: Is it appropriate to seasonally close areas due to sensitive plants1plant communities ? Why?
Yes 1 70% 1 No 11 % Not Sure 14% (blank) 5%
Question 7: Comments/concerns
Conservation/preservation of native species is important
• Does not appear to be delicate — plants will grow back
• If grazing is done some plants need time to reproduce
• Keep biodiversity in area
• Limited time/ limited areas
• Need more environmental education at NA areas
• Not needed — trail use only, or route trails away from these areas
There's plenty of land
• To assure food for wildlife
• To experience those areas better
116 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
Question 8a: Is grazing by domesticated cattle an appropriate use at Soapstone Prairie and Red Mountain when
used or vegetation mans ementgoals? Wh
Yes 57% No 18% Not Sure 25 % (blank) 1 %
Question 8b: Is grazing by domesticated cattle an appropriate use at Soapstone Prairie and Red Mountain when
used to maintain a ranching tradition ? Wh ?
Yes 1 85% 1 No 6% 1 Not Sure 9% 1 (blank) 1 1 %
Question 8 : Comments/concerns (compiled)
• For limited number of years — gradually reduce
• Grazing is essential to health of ecosystem
• If used for education and well-managed (no overgrazing)
• In designated areas only
• Most ranchers are good stewards of the land
• Not mutually exclusive
• Only 100 years of cattle, native species have been here for 1000 ' s of years
• Poop draws nasty flies
• Tradition/ historical importance to area
• Unexpected consequences
• Use bison or elk instead
• Yield to the experts on this issue
Question 9: During the course of a year, how many times are you likely to visit these areas after they are open to
the public?
0 2%
1 32%
3 28%
4 14%
5 11 %
7 4%
10 9%
Total 100%
Average # of visits
Question 10: Please rank the following biological and cultural features in order of importance for protection:
(mark with an X
High Medium Low Didn't see/ not N/A (blank)
sure
Historic camp sites 42% 39% 10% 4% 3 % 3 %
Homestead sites 38% 46% 10% 1 % 1 % 3 %
Lindenmeier Archaeological 92% 4% 1 % 0% 0% 3 %
Site
Sensitive ecosystems 65% 25 % 4% 0% 2% 4%
Prairie dog colonies 23% 35 % 34% 3% 1 % 3 %
Ranch buildings 14% 45 % 32% 3% 2% 3 %
Rock cliffs / eagle nests 81 % 13 % 2% 1 % 1 % 3 %
Tipi rings 63% 27% 4% 0% 1 % 4%
Wildlife migration corridors 77% 14% 4% 0% 1 % 3 %
Wildlife nesting, denning 85% 10% 1 % 0% 1 % 3 %
and calving sites
Other 3 % 0% 0% 0% 0% 96%
Question 11: What educational topics would you like to see on interpretive signs and brochures? (compiled)
These topics were listed: animals / birds, archaeology, "Big Hole", cultural history, ecology, geology, Lindenmeier,
plant identification, ranching, responsible visitation / use, site plans
117 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
Question 12: Is it more appropriate to have:
Equal balance of information 46%
More information on brochures 27%
More information on signs 24%
(blank) 3%
Question 13: What topics would you like to see emphasized by naturalists on future visits to these areas?
(compiled)
These topics were listed: animals/birds, archaeology, "Big Hole", cultural history, ecology, geology,
Lindenmeier, plant identification, ranching, responsible visitation /use, site plans .
Question 14: Do you feel you have a good understanding of where funding to protect these properties came
from ?
Yes 95%
No 5%
Question 15: What did you find most interesting on the field trip ? (compiled)
These subjects were listed by participants :
Lindenmeier 33 %
Everything 20%
Nature / Ecology 16%
Views / Beauty 16%
Human History 15%
Big Hole 7%
Other 5%
Vastness 4%
Diversity 3 %
Site Planning 2%
Geology 2%
Partnerships 1 %
Protection of undeveloped area 1 %
Question 15: What did you find least interesting on the field trip ? (compiled)
Comments included: "the gates," "driving on the Interstate," "the ride home," and "filling out this survey," though
most remarked that they found nothing "least interesting."
Question 17: Would you recommend this geld trip to others? Why?
Yes 1 96%
No 4%
Question 18: How did ou and out about this geld trip ?
Word of mouth 25 %
Newspaper/ magazine 37%
Other 11 %
City Employee 7%
League of Women Voters 3%
Master Naturalist 3%
Work 3%
Flyer / display 2%
Web 2%
Figures add to up less than 100 percent due to
some global non-responses.
118 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
Question 19: Would you like to provide a quote about your experiences today for future publications?
2005 Responses
This area will provide our descendants with such valuable insights into open space and history. It is a wonderful
use of our money. - Fran Johnson
• Don't miss a chance to learn about the past of this area. - Roberta Cole
• The day was full of great history info. I was so very happy for a perfectly wonderful day!
• The Soapstone Natural Area is truly a gem and a fantastic resource for learning and recreation for Northern
Colorado.
• I am so glad this area is being preserved. I don't think there are any natural areas that few years down the road
people have regretted creating.
• One hundred years from now, this area will be one of only a few areas that will look the same as in 1800 .
• I wish that everyone could feel the same as I do after my incredible experience in Soapstone/Red Mountain. -
Steve Olt
It would be helpful to merge trails so that traffic travels from more pristine areas into less pristine areas- keeping
transport needs to a minimum. I have seen areas open to horseback riding which have restrictions on which kinds of
feed can be provided to horses- this is a good idea to avoid seed contamination. Trails arranged in loops may help
users limit themselves from off-trail exploration. It is helpful to know that the beginning of a trail, how long the trail
is and if there is a particular destination associated with that trail. I would like to see guided tours and displays to
educate users about prehistoric (Folsom) and current use of area, geology and ecosystems.
Soapstone Prairie is like taking a step back in time. It gives you some sense of what the prairie was like before
modern man. Rejuvenating ! Thank you - Pam Annis
I would like to see an artists painting day to display paintings at an open house. It would also be a good way to
advertise to put a painting on material to advertise what is being done. A tour for art teachers and art classes. Involve
children and what they would like.
Keep exploring Colorado Open Spaces. They're bigger and better than ever. - Mike Harchster
• The acquisition of open space is the wisest thing that we can give to future generations and ourselves- money well
spent ! - Ken Wright
* It is amazing to me that Fort Collins has the foresight to fins the resources to protect a priceless environment such
as Soapstone Ranch ! - Ken Kerchenfaut
• The city and the county have great foresight in preserving this area- a wonderful and appropriate use of our
money. - Lynne Hull
I am so proud of our city for having the foresight to preserve this unique landscape for us and to appreciate and
enable wildlife corridors to be continued.
Fort Collins and Larimer County made a wise choice in protecting this beautiful area for the enjoyment of future
generations. - Gary Raham
• It has been the finest day I've experienced in a while: emotionally and philosophically. The site captures America's
history, the West's expansions, and today's needs. - Linda Hamilton
• I feel that tax money was used to purchase property - but it is not accessible to all. There should be a way to have
people get in 2-3 weeks out of a season.
• One of the most informative tours I have taken. I learned a lot about ranching and history of this area. - Louis Linn
• Suggestions - fall trail race - funds to go to signage & brochures? Soapstone 10 mile and Soapstone 1 OK
• Haiku to SOAPSTONE : Skies, grasses, hills, vales, our senses stimulated, Share all the beauty Please continue
auto tours past opening for disabled people. - Anne Coffey
• Continue auto tours even up to opening of area and also after the area is open.
♦ Soapstone helped me make sense of the city's property acquisition activities.
• Anyone who cares about the land and its human uses history and its geology should take this trip - Walter
Rosenberry
• Colorful desolation. - Jim White
• This is a beautiful place worthy of our efforts to preserve it. - D. W.
* It is important to allow good access, but limit cars. Perhaps entry from both sides, with parking and trailheads 2-3
miles, several trails and trail branches to high points, important destinations- up to 3 -4 miles.
A unique and precious gift to the future of our area. - Karl Krahnke
* After 20 years our successors will think we were brilliant for setting aside this area as public property- at any cost.
- Alan Silverstein
Future generations will be forever grateful to the foresight and vision of the present people devoted to the idea of
open space and nature.
An awesome view of undeveloped land. Let's keep it that way. Thanks, Fort Collins, for your future insight.-
Electra Cameron
119 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
Thank you, Fort Collins voters, for your foresight in preserving Soapstone. Barbara Sherrod
Open your eyes and mind to the wide-open space of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. - Susie Trabant
• This is breathtakingly wonderful- a must visit ! - S . Bonsall
• Consider motorized tours (limited) to secure areas. Perhaps charging for these would make the most sense.
• Thank you ! !
• The crown jewel of the open spaces program. - Lloyd J. Thomas, PhD
• Great space ! Big sky! Appreciate the emptiness and the quiet.
• Wonderful trip- too bad more people cannot take advantage of it. - Bill Lumb
• WOW- what a great acquisition !
I thought this was very educational. - Steve Landreth
Seeing this natural area is a treat; I'm glad the city is preserving this treasure. - Cindy Wright-Jones
This is one of the most untouched, unscathed swaths in Northern Colorado. - Kevin Darst
Excellent trip with many elements- scenery, vegetation, and cultural history.
You are preserving an ecology that is unique to the whole county. - Don Piermattei
• 'This has been a fantastic day. Fort Collins has saved a treasure ! - Marcia Piermattei
• Breathtaking scenic views that we are so fortunate to have close by. Truly a part of America the Beautiful ! - Joan
Dooley
• I have conflicting feelings on the transportation on the site and accessibility. I can't hike much, so would like to see
things by car . . . . But I would hate to see the site overrun with vehicles.
• Soapstone is a fabulous place to experience the wonder and the beauty of the shortgrass prairie. - Lori Pivonka
We are fortunate to enjoy this area!
I am so glad I came on the tour. It is well worth the time. What a beautiful area. - Patricia Eichhorn
It made traveling the I-25 corridor worthwhile.
Access to the public must be consistent with the preservation of the natural resources.
This natural treasure of Colorado will prove that it is worth any amount of money- Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
is priceless. - W.C. Wayker
No quote, but just one more comment for you to be intentional about inviting local experts in geology, wildlife,
history, etc. to aggressively and quickly increase your knowledge prior to beginning development of the area.
• Provides the opportunity to gain a real sense of history of the settlers. - Warren Mangus
• Thanks for preserving these sites. - Marilyn Heller
• Beautiful area.
• This is a great project the City and the County are developing. Make sure you take some time to learn about what
they are doing! - Meisha Pyke
• 'This is God's country and experiencing it was awesome and inspiring. - Bobbie Abrahamson
Great place for viewing wildlife- great natural scenery ! - Roger Abrahamson
Volunteer opportunities: weed control, fence removal/construction, putting up signs, seed collection/planting,
vegetation monitoring, trail building & maintenance.
Great tour! I really enjoyed the historical sites and most of the wildlife.
• I thought it was very interesting and informative tour and I enjoyed it greatly. - Alisa Gomez
• I find the tour very good for people that like nature in this part of our state. - Kenneth Hartman
• Places like this must be preserved for future generations so they will be able to experience the pristine beauty of
nature. - Trish Berhost
• What a wonderful treasure to have and be good stewards of.- Danielle Hosler
Go to see, feel, experience and learn - in short, to become. - Carl Hosler
An opportunity to visit an area unlike any other I've seen. - Vicki Carroll
A good experience with the City of Fort Collins.
It is important to allow controlled access to property to a disciplined and informed public- limit access to control
points. Before opening to public develop your plan to insure visitors are educated and visitors know where they can
and cannot be. - Brian Carroll
I'm just glad there are people in Fort Collins who understand the importance of open space and can look ahead to
the future.
Suggestion: How about providing a permanent shelter in which each naturalist can spend a week to protect the
Lindenmeier Site? That way some one would be present and could give educational talks about the region and the
site itself.
The contrast between Soapstone and Red Mountain was striking ! I was not aware of such beautiful features so
close to Fort Collins. - Elaine Gazdek
It was a privilege to experience this place. As much as I would like to restrict access, it would be unfair to not
make available on a regular basis to other - especially students via small tours. It' s too special not to share.
120 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
• This land is an exquisite jewel and we Northern Coloradoans are so very blessed to have this wonderful natural
resource to explore in our very own backyard ! - Doreen Jansen
Excellent land saved for us and the future generations and a very appropriate use of the tax initiatives. - Sharon
Clemens
• Take bus loads of hikers in, drop off at trails. Charge for all tours. Get hikers involved - games, power point
presentations. Get TOP native photographers here to document the best part of it and artists to preserve it. In the
next 2-3 years: public art competition to help promote - bring up 2-3 loads up at once to a scenic spot.
* It is very important that some form of motorized access to the top be provided. Even if this access is only on
weekends. The views are spectacular, but too many individuals would not be able to reach the top without motorized
access.
Minimal motorized access re: single road through needs to stop at (view of Big) Hole.
• Need to keep close tabs on who will be working on the property so it doesn't turn into a playground.
♦ It was like a revisitation to my youth years in East Montana. - Dick Hecker
• Use white tents as interpretive avenue for Lindenmeier. These could be removed in the winter. Provide very
limited shuttle service to more remote sites for small fee. Provide guided tours. Keep Lindenmeier Site accessible to
the public. Work on creative funding sources, but don't overdevelop it.
* Hiking trails to include potable water - ecological toilets at designated campsites. No fees should be collected for
use of the area. Multiple use trails should connect City to County to Cheyenne open space. Winter use should be
encouraged. Any restrictions to humans should include cattle/ranching. Is there any upland game in the area?
• Solar potties or bathrooms similar to those at Maroon Bells/Aspen. Allow dogs on leashes or a fenced off area
allowed for dogs.
Suggest to have one centrally located horseback riding concession shared by the County and City administration.
And, given the heat of summer months, some kind of relief stations (i.e. shaded areas w/water) be available.
Maybe an off leash area for dogs - separately fenced.
The City has done an excellent job of instituting their program, but I don't agree that these areas are needed or
desirable. Larimer County has a huge amount of public land already and it' s much more user friendly than it appears
that Soapstone or Red Mountain promise to be. I enjoy rural (open) land, but would prefer that we do the role of
structure (at local and federal level). I also dislike removing large areas from the tax base.
• Maybe, out of 125 ,000 people in Fort Collins, more people should know about this project than just from a few
trips. Look at the control of Mesa Verde National park where a few people control many visitors. Try to save
money. The City cannot do this project alone. Look for outside help, etc. Partner with others - not just the City.
• Would like to see bus tours through area.
Provide limited transportation within the park. Possibly some transportation from Fort Collins.
I am so thankful the City Council chose to buy this wonderful site. It's a special place and will be treasured for
decades to come.- Gina Janett * Consider contracting with private contractors for small group tours- bringing in
small revenue streams. Shuttle trips on weekends with reservations required. Lindenmeier was a dream to me that I
have wanted to visit since 1978- it would be great to have a summer archeology camp for grad students.
Because the Lindenmeier Site is so important, I believe there should be an interpretive center devoted specifically
to it. Perhaps something with good info and visual and photo and an overlook at the actual place. I also think that
this would be an excellent place for guided trolley tours for public and otherwise limited access by private
cars/vehicles.
• If you need to go out of town and fulfill a quest for exploring something practically in your backyard, you can do
no better than to go to Soapstone Prairie N.A. WOW !
The best was the past and the best is yet to come because of far sighted naturalists and preservationists. - Vonda
Carter
• We need to travel through the area to fully appreciate its significance.
• We ought to commend all the organizations involved for working together and having the foresight to bring this
project to fruition. - Barbara Rutstein
• You get treats for filling out the questionnaire. - John Muis
It's nice to spend a big part of the day mostly out of sight of civilization, man-made structures, traffic, noise, etc. -
Margaret S . Smith
Don't let the land go the way of the Folsom Man. - Mark Loader 1 . (Create) a list of books that relate to the area. 2 .
Ask for input from old timers on the history. 3 . Have set camp sites so impact is confined to less vulnerable
locations. 4. Lindenmeier Site could be reached from 1-25 . 5 . 1-25 site for interpretive site for education and income.
I can't explain how excited I am to see this project take shape and the carefulness of how it is being approached.
• Best kept secret.
• Breathtaking scenery - a very worthwhile trip. - Mary Jo Shafer
Sign a comprehensive MOA with CSU for field work, instruction, construction, etc. and include; College of
Agriculture, Construction management, Archaeology, geology, Horticulture, etc.
121 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
Thanks !
On our drive north from Soapstone, we passed house after house. The area is being filled in by people at an
amazing rate. Somewhere land should be set aside so that future generations can see the open space and the beauty
that brought people to this area originally. For a local group, in this case, a city to control land for conservation is
important. No national group would care for or care about Soapstone the way people in Fort Collins can and will.
• Fort Collins is looking forward in planning and conservation.
• Fee visitors should be responsible for their own liability.
• Please be careful not to invite too much recreation/people that it scares the wildlife away!
• Understanding the extent of possibilities on the Lindenmeier Site was very exciting.
• I have always felt this is an excellent way for all general visitors to enjoy. . . especially for all of us who could
never afford to own that much land ! Thank you.- Bill Murphy
• I believe this area has too much competition and too distant from Ft. Collins to justify a large development
expense.
The tour is a great introduction to an element of our first class open space system. - Ted.
• I had no idea of the size of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area nor the proximity to FTC. I would love to come back. I
learned a lot today. - Mary Anne Bross.
• For students/children when opened to public structured informational booklet like a scavenger hunt on Jr. Ranger
program - covering plants - trees- historic info- ranching etc .
• It must be seen to be appreciated. - Dan Bihn
• What a beautiful area. I'm so proud to be a part of the community which is conserving it. Have you considered
using the area as part of a wolf reintroduction or management plan? - Denise Wilks
♦ Look into management by the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Cache Oklahoma. - Jean Wilks
• I loved seeing the bobcat!
• This is a wonderful area to be protected and enjoyed by our community. - Nancy Hanch
• An Eden perpetuated - saved from the Front Range megametropolis - Tom Butler
• Money well spent. I am anxious to see it become a place where families can come and enjoy nature. - Bill Liskey
• This was a splendid day trip . The uniqueness of the area should be understood and appreciated by those who live
here. - Linda Adams
• As a native northern Colorado resident I strongly support the city's efforts to preserve our natural and cultural
heritage. - Larry Caswell
• You won't believe how beautiful the land is and how fascinating the history is.
• This day was a rejuvenation of my love for Colorado which had been tarnished from watching overbuilding of the
land along the Front Range.
Marvelous !
• All this for a 1 /4 penny on the dollar?
• A great opportunity to see and understand our archeological history, real time. - Pam Peterson
• Please keep this area undeveloped and use roadways for trails. There should be areas that take many miles of trail
to reaches that are not accessible by vehicle. Please provide the opportunity for solitude as a high priority.
• I am glad to live in a city with the foresight to purchase such an open area.
• Surface artifacts will be hard to protect, so don't bother. Cncentrate on protecting sub-surface artifacts. Don't limit
access any more than absolutely necessary. Keep cars on many dirt roads. Hikers need open access to trails and off
trails in back country.
• Amazing ancient history of native cultures. - Jim Slovick
I want my children to be able to experience wild areas. Barb Turnbull
The open space areas were even more beautiful and dramatic than I expected.
2006 responses
Seeing the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and hearing from our guide how the funding for it came about made me
feel grateful for the foresight of Fort Collins voters which enables this area to be preserved.
This area is a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in Colorado and how important it is that we take care of
these spectacular resources. - Judy Scherpelz
The romance of the hills and canyons, of birds, sky, deer and tiny flowers. Hazel Krantz, Editor of Frontier Life
Magazine
How about guided tours through certain areas in appropriate vehicles for anyone- especially handicapped (similar
but on smaller scale) to canyon.
• I am somewhat bothered by location. It is far from Fort Collins. It would be good to trade this land with the State
for their land on the western FC City limits. It would be available to more residents.
• A step back in time. You could almost see the Indians lining the ridges. - Sandy
122 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
• The amazing scenery was matched and highlighted by an amazing guide. This was a highlight of our western
experience. A sneak preview of things to come ! - Dr. Karl Winegardner
• Consider use of contract vendor to provide tours, interpretive trips (will lessen high impact use by clustering.
Example biking/wagon trips to more sensitive areas, etc. can provide discount for FC resident.) Evaluate/project
economic impact based on usage/pints of ingress. Also as destination consider impact on City. i.e. overnight stays,
restaurants, retail
• Some concept of shuttle bus to limit road travel but still give access (fee OK) is a good idea.
• How fortunate we are in Larimer County to have this fantastic area. - Eva Sue Littleton
• Amazing important property. - Ken Fraley
• Generations to come will enjoy this magnificent area ! - Linda Stanley
• This site has amazing potential to bring visitors to the area, both for educational and natural purposes. - Cathy
Jones, FCCVB
We saw Fort Collins best-kept secret on this trip. - Shirley Vander Wall
The best thing about the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is how different everyone ' s experience well be. - Steve
Jones
• Great tour - Thank you!
• The vision that citizens of Fort Collins had to preserve this unique resource will be appreciated by all future
generations. - Jana McKenzie
• If you want to see some of the most beautiful and historic area in the west, see this. - George Mason
• I learned a lot about the local area that I didn't know after living in the area for many years. - LaVerne Mason.
Access for walking impaired persons, camping in vehicles not just tents.
It was very educational and beautifully orchestrated - superb guide.
I would like to say that I think it's important to have areas of Soapstone that are limited access, so visitors that are
willing to hike a bit can get away from it all, i.e. have less likelihood of encountering a lot of other people.
SSN and Red Mountain are jewels in the crown of Northern CO open space. This outing is the best way to
experience them.
• If you put in picnic spots, use old architecture, old materials so it blends in with rest of area. Don't make them
modern - make them fit the sense of the area.
• The importance of preserving the ecosystem and archeological site is only fully understood by visiting the ranch. -
Bob Dana
• Tour Guide was excellent. NO WALMART.
• A beautiful way to spend the day! Thank you is was a great tour.
Thanks - great presentation/ trip.
I live just a few miles from this area and never dreamed that such a beautiful place was so close to my home. - Ina
Rea Bicknell
Thanks to the foresight of Fort Collins and Larimer County, our great-great grand children will be able to enjoy
the same vistas !
It's an experience that all Larimer County voters should utilize to see what a wonderful area has been acquired
with their tax monies.
• If you don't save it today, you won't have it tomorrow - Randall W. Owens
• A live guide is wonderful !
• Outstanding very informative on why Ft. Collins has purchased this outstanding area.
• Going to Soapstone and understanding the history was a great experience.
Nice to know future generations will see what past generations saw. Glad I got to. - Barbara Paiz
I was really in my happy place.
The area is a large museum without walls. - Phil Carpenter
It was a great day to spend a Saturday !
Make sure trash containers are wind proof and maintained.
As a possible World Heritage site, we are privileged to have it so near. - Donna Deard
This area makes me think about what is important in life - how beautiful and diverse Northern Colorado is, the
history of humans for thousands of years and how that was affected (along with everything else) by the water and its
power. This site is amazing because of the unique sources of water and its power to form the landscape, the
ecosystems, and the human cultures. - Judy Scherpelz
♦ The canyonlands of Larimer County at 6800 feet.
What is your policy going to be on dogs? Their impact can be enormous.
• A great experience !
"That land is a community is the basic concept of ecology, but that land is to be loved and respected is an
extension of ethics. That land yields a cultural harvest is a fact long known, but latterly often forgotten." From A
Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. - Vicky McLane
123 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
• Visiting Lindenmeier is a great opportunity not only for professional archeologists but also for anyone else. It is a
great chance and opportunity to encourage the stewardship and protection of cultural resources. - Amy Frederick
A great imaginary trip to life more than 12,000 years ago - plus a delightful view of this gorgeous area.
• Preservation of natural / wild areas is important, nay essential, even if no one ever goes there. Natural / wild areas
are the fount of our civilization. - Robert Zimdahl
• What a precious resource. I am somewhat disabled, and it concerns me that there won't be any access for those
who can't walk, ride a horse or bike.
Being able to hear the history while seeing the exact sites was an amazing experience. - Debbie Dixon
• Since the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area encapsulates the biological and natural features of the plains, it should be
developed to preserve its history for future generation.
Other: Think about the possibility of contracting with a tour bus company to provide access to the property - can
also use a shuttle for recreational activities.
• I had no idea that the Lindenmeier Site is only part of the archeological treasure on Soapstone Natural area — Jason
(Labelle) is doing a great job mapping these and explaining what we're looking at. Bob Viscount
• The Lindenmeier Site should defmitely be a World Heritage Site. - Bev Goering, Pres. WCC/CAS
• What a thrill to have these treasures in our own backyard - World Class Natural History and World Class
Human/cultural history - Jack Steele
• The cultural and natural features on this site are unique in Colorado. The city of Fort Collins has an opportunity to
be stewards to a significant cultural and natural asset and to enhance the experience of its citizens. It is worth the
price we paid. - Greg Hurst
It was amazing to stand at the Lindenmeier Site, looking over the broad expanse of prairie, and to imagine those
who had lived there over so long ago. - Cindy Jones
I have lived in Ft. Collins since 1977 and had no idea there was such a vast beauty to be seen! ! It needs to be seen -
Marge Bjorlo age 84
It was overwhelming to think of the peoples who walked here and the monumental task of preserving such a
magnificent place for future generations. I feel so touched to be able to see it now.
• What a fantastic opportunity to visit an area few others have seen !
• Time travel - The illusion of being somewhere where no one has been before.
• Excellent driver and area knowledge.
• Educational — informational.
• Soapstone is a true jewel and will be for generations to come. I look forward to riding my horse at Soapstone.
Thank you Ft. Collins ! - Lee Thielen
Just another reason why Ft. Collins is # 1 city!
• It was a really neat tour, it was first time I have ever seen my ancestors ' homesteads. Jason M. Hodziewich
• Such a short trip to feel so far away. - Bill and Judy Kenyon
• A Colorado treasure that seems miles away but jest a short distance from town. - Bill & Judy Kenyon/ Fort Collins
• No one has been more vocal about this being an inappropriate use of funds i.e. ongoing, not purchase. The history
timeline flyer & tour will make me as vocal in support. - Phil Porter
• An old timer - Ft. Collins native - still has much to learn about this wonderful area. Dick Hopkins Born here in
1923
• The historical data regarding the Folsom people is very interesting.
• A special place : quiet and electrical-wire free. Margaret Makar
• So much of the land in the area is private and closed to exploration (and rightfully so). It is a pleasure to be a part
of a community that owns so much wilderness that we can walk on and appreciate. - Judith Powers
I have lived in the FTC area for 54 years and didn't know this area at all. Would love our 3 grown children and
grandchildren to see this and be able to enjoy it.
I have been to other archeological sites in the world. It's nice to know I'll have access to one in our own backyard.
- Robert Lujan
• Absolutely beautiful, interesting area (cultural) and view of the Larimer County red mountain valley.
• Ft. Collins is wisely using the 1 /4 cent sales tax in ways to provide habitat for wildlife, preserve important
historical and ecological sites, and promote outdoor recreation for all of us.
I am thrilled that Larimer County citizenry voted to pay for and support this significant archeological site and open
space at such a good price.
Time and space define us - it's important to understand them.
The SSPNA is a great treasure for residents of N. CO. I'm glad the city's vision and money was there when the
property became available. - Chuck Washington
Thank you and keep up the good work. - Chad Pitner
Our tax dollars are well used.
124 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
The reason I moved to the Western US was to experience the type of vistas and ecosystems here, unspoiled by
human development.
WOW! on a Sept. 30, 2006 beautiful fall day I was privileged to visit Soapstone Natural Area via a tour by the
Natural Areas dept. guided by Pat Hayward. This tour had it all. The view of the Red Mt. area for us and future
generations was spectacular. What a jewel we have acquired, thanks to all who made the purchase possible.
• A day at Soapstone is like a bath.
• We have seen a fine example of what the foothills/grassland ecotone once was in an invaluable natural resource.
Fort Collins is fortunate to have this world-class heritage area at its doorstep . - Alex Cringan
• A relaxing and interesting day. A great get-away. - Cynthia Molson
The present generation of local citizens should tour this area often and get to know it well, in order to tell the
younger generations about this wonderful area that we live in. - James Hayland
125 Appendix 4 — Public Tours Feedback Form Responses and Comments
Ix 5
Public Meeting Notes and Management Response
Red Mountain Open Space (RMOS) and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (SSN)
Meeting Date : January 24, 2007
Issues Management Solutions
Use volunteers to help with Both the County and City currently use volunteers extensively for such
management. management activities as trail building and maintenance, weed control, trash pick
up, on-site naturalists and trailhead hosts and intend to request volunteer
assistance at SSN and RMOS as well.
Fire danger No campfires will be allowed on RMOS or SSN. The management plans will
address prescribed burning as a management tool for vegetation management.
Grazing/Livestock Grazing is a strong economic tradition and part of the western heritage in northern
Management Larimer County. Grazing will be conducted in concert with a grazing plan
developed in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Grazing will be managed in partnership with lessees and to minimize impacts to
recreation activities, encourage plant health and vigor, promote biodiversity,
provide a management tool for wildlife habitat diversity (such as providing areas
that are more heavily grazed and others that are less grazed, as different wildlife
species benefit with these different grazing regimes), and prevent damage to
riparian areas. The City of Fort Collins will consider bison grazing as a future
possibility and evaluate it based on facility needs, economics and safety.
Protection of the Protecting the Lindenmeier Archeological Site and other significant
Lindenmeier cultural/historical features is a priority and one of the primary goals of the
Archaeological Site and management plans. Currently, we are conducting ongoing inventories in
other cultural/historical partnership with CSU and the Fort Collins Museum. To protect the significant
resources is a concern cultural resources on-site, archaeological sites will be regularly monitored and any
at-risk artifacts will be removed for education purposes and be curated at the Fort
Collins Museum. Trails, roads, livestock facilities and other surface disturbances
will be located outside of culturally sensitive areas.
Education/Interpretation On-site education is an important management goal for these properties and
Opportunities opportunities may include naturalist-guided and self-guided educational tours and
programs of cultural, natural, historical, western heritage, and other themes. In
addition, we will be partnering with the Fort Collins Museum for future
interpretation of curated items.
Do not allow motorized Motorized recreation is not allowed per the Help Preserve Open Spaces ballot
vehicles on open space. language. No motorized recreation will be allowed at RMOS or SSN.
Maintenance, ranger and other staff and livestock operators do at times require
motorized access onto the open space for specific management activities.
Phasing of access/facilities Carrying capacity, or the number of users on site at any one time, will be set by
over time and carrying the number of trailhead parking spaces. It is anticipated that facilities will be
capacity phased in over time to allow for starting small and then adding on to achieve this
carrying capacity based on the amount of use balanced with resource protection.
Trail design/layout Trail design and layout will take into consideration naturally and culturally
sensitive resource areas and provide high quality visitor experiences and showcase
significant vistas and features.
User Conflicts Trails will be designed to meet multi-user needs as appropriate. Distance of
travel, levels of difficulty and diverse experiences will be considered in trail
planning as well as impacts to users (such as congestion closer to trailheads,
potential for separation of some uses by trail or management zone) and resources.
Multi-use ethics will be emphasized through education efforts.
126 Appendix 5 — Public Meeting Notes and Management Response
Issues Management Solutions
Allow horseback riding, Equestrian, mountain biking and hiking activities will be allowed on designated
mountain biking, hiking trails. However, not all trails will necessarily be open to all recreation uses and
will be defined by management zone.
Horses & noxious weeds There are very few non-native plant species currently present at SSN and RMOS .
are a concern To minimize the spread of introduced non-native species all uses will be on
designated trails with few exceptions (research and limited guided hiking tours) .
Also, some trails may be closed to horse use to help address invasive weed
concerns in ecologically sensitive areas. In partnership with local equestrian
groups, we will explore other management actions to minimize weed
introductions from horse manure.
Permit horse-drawn Due to the nature of this activity (potential speed of horses pulling buggies,
carriages, buggies, etc needed turn around space, occupying much of a roadway, additional parking space
accommodation) by a fairly specialized user group, it is not being considered as a
compatible use of the open spaces. We will be meeting with equestrian
representatives to discuss this issue. If requested on a special event basis, this use
would be reviewed and evaluated based on the level of impact to other users and
resources. According to the Larimer County Sheriffs Department, horse-drawn
carriages are treated the same as motorized vehicles and allowed on roads in
greater Larimer County if a yield sign is displayed on the back of the buggy. This
type of use is also allowable on U. S . Forest Service two-track road systems
including the nearby Pawnee Grasslands (call 346-5000 for more information).
Hunting Hunting at RMOS will be allowed for wildlife management in coordination with
the Division of Wildlife (DOW). Hunting will be on a limited basis as determined
in partnership with the DOW in a hunting plan and lease. On SSN, hunting may
be allowed in the future, following observation of wildlife for several years after
the opening. Hunting access would be on foot for hunting and animal retrieval to
be consistent with minimizing weed spread outside of existing trail corridors.
Accessibility for disabled If requested as a special event, limited guided tours for disabled visitors would be
people/ Continue guided evaluated based on feasibility, impact to other users and resources. Restrooms
limited tours for disabled will be wheelchair accessible and close-in trails may allow for wheelchair access
access. based on terrain.
Rock climbing Rock climbing will be evaluated to determine if it is an appropriate activity at
these properties. We will be meeting with rock climbing representatives to
discuss the desirability of climbing in light of the existing rock substrates, distance
from trailheads, ecological considerations, and potential impacts to other users or
their viewshed.
Protect Wildlife Protection of wildlife and their habitat is a primary goal on SSN and RMOS .
Trails and other on-site features will be located to avoid sensitive wildlife areas
following Division of Wildlife recommendations. Monitoring, education, keeping
intact unfragmented habitats, not allowing domestic dogs, and potential seasonal
trail closures will be the measures employed to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Dogs Due to the truly wild nature of the properties' wildlife, the remoteness of these
areas, and on recommendation from the Division of Wildlife, we have determined
that domestic dogs are incompatible with the primary goal of protecting the site's
native wildlife. Negative impacts of dogs on wildlife may include disease
transmission, harassment, displacement, injury and death. On a limited and
special permit basis, working dogs that are necessary for livestock operations
under guidance of grazing tenants may be considered. In the big picture, in the
Larimer County Parks and Open Lands and the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
Program there are over 96 miles of trails that allow domestic dogs; and 13 miles
of trails that do not allow domestic dogs. Dog parks specifically, fit the function
of a City Parks system and currently the City is exploring additional areas system-
wide where it may be appropriate to provide additional dog parks to the existing
three that are currently available.
127 Appendix 5 — Public Meeting Notes and Management Response
Issues Management Solutions
Winter Closure of Winter corresponds with the highest periods of inclement weather, sensitive large
Properties mammal winter range, and low visitation estimates for RMOS and SSN. There is
little opportunity for winter recreational activities (such as cross-country skiing or
snowshoeing) on these properties due to low altitude and high winds that result in
very few days with standing snow on the ground. For these reasons, both
properties will be closed seasonally in the winter time. The City is exploring the
potential to close Soapstone Prairie on 1 -2 weekdays corresponding to low
visitation times year-round.
Backcountry Camping The City is evaluating the possibility of designating 1 -2 backcountry campsites
with stoves on Soapstone Prairie Natural Area during the initial opening of the
site. The City will monitor the amount of use and resource impacts to determine if
backcountry camping is a compatible use. In addition, after the properties are
open to public access, we will evaluate additional backcountry campsites based on
demand, resource impacts and appropriateness in light of sensitive archaeological
and natural resources.
Prairie Dog Management Existing prairie dog colonies will be monitored regularly. Protection of wildlife
and their habitat is a primary goal on RMOS and SSN and therefore, prairie dogs
will be managed as a part of the larger ecosystem.
Species Reintroductions There are specific habitat and management requirements to allow rare or
endangered species to be reintroduced on new sites and we will explore the
possibility of species reintroductions in partnership with the Division of Wildlife
and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
CR 15 Improvements and The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is designing improvements to
Drainage North County Road 15 .
Fences Boundary fences will be maintained in partnership with adjacent landowners.
Internal fences will be maintained for the customary management of livestock as
appropriate. Any new or replaced fences will be wildlife friendly (designed to
allow for deer and elk to jump and pronghorn to go under).
Trespass on Private Signs will be posted indicating the open space/natural area boundaries. Upon
Property request, adjacent landowners will be given a phone number for the on-site
manager/ranger staff to report any trespass issues.
Long-term management Funding for long-term management of both sites comes from both the Help
costs Preserve Open Spaces Sales Tax and City of Fort Collins Open Space Yes ! Tax
funds. These dollars are allocated for management activities including ranger
patrols, weed control, grazing management, trail maintenance, routine
maintenance, etc. In addition, the City and County regularly apply for grants and
have volunteer opportunities to help off-set costs for specific resource
management projects and stretch their available management dollars.
Wind Development The conservation easement in place on Red Mountain Open Space prohibits wind
development.
&' IARIMER
COUNTY
Nate
a�dv«�cew . P
Daylan Figgs Meegan Flenniken
Senior Environmental Planner Resource Specialist
Fort Collins Natural Areas Larimer County Parks and Open Lands
(970) 416-2814 (970) 679-4562
dfiggs@fcgov.com mflenniken@larimer.org
128 Appendix 5 — Public Meeting Notes and Management Response
Appendix 6
Technical Advisory Group Members for
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space
Management Plans
Core Planning Team
Daylan Figgs, Fort Collins/Resource Planning
Meegan Flenniken, Larimer County/Resource Planning
K-Lynn Cameron, Larimer County Open Lands Manager
John Stokes, Fort Collins/Natural Resources Director
Gary Buffington, Larimer County Parks and Open Lands Director
Ernst Strenge, Larimer County/Resource Planning
Mark Sears, Fort Collins/Natural Areas Program Manager
Rachel Steeves, Fort Collins/Resource Planning
User Groups and Subiect Experts
Tyler Abbott, U. S . Fish and Wildlife Service
Barb Allan, Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol
Joe Andrews, Larimer County Horseman Association
Cheryl Donaldson, Fort Collins Museum
Eric Erslev, CSU - Geologist
John Fusaro, Natural Resources Conservation Service
David Hanni, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
Nancy Howard, Colorado Division of Wildlife
Dr. Jason LaBelle, CSU - Archaeology
Boyd Lebeda, Colorado State Forest Service
Rodney Ley, CSU - Outdoor Adventure Program
Stephanie Neid/Lee Grunau, Colorado Natural Heritage Program
Ed Seely, Colorado Mountain Club
Dr. Greg Smoak, CSU - History
Partners and Aeencies
Mike Abel, City of Cheyenne
Andre Duvall, Larimer County Parks Task Force
Heather Knight, The Nature Conservancy
Steve Smith, North Poudre Irrigation Company
Willie Altenburg, President, Folsom Grazing Association
Larimer County & Fort Collins Staff/Subiect Experts
Mark Caughlan, Horsetooth District Manager
Ann Dewey, Education Coordinator
Charlie Gindler, Laramie Foothills Manager
Maxine Guill, Weed Specialist
Joe Temple, Engineering
Jerry White, Land Transactions
Joel Wykoff, Trails Management
Larimer County Open Lands Advisory Board Subcommittee
Bob Streeter, Jean Carpenter, Sue Sparling, Ben Manvel & Peter Kast
129 Appendix 6 — Technical Advisory Group Members
Ix 7
Plant Species , May 2007
Status key : N= Native, E= Exotic
Forb species Forb species (cont' d)
Scientific name Common name Status Scientific name Common name Status
Achillea millefolium Western yarrow N Cirsium vulgare Bull thistle E
var. occidentalis Clematis ligusticifolia Western virgin' s N
Agoseris glauca Pale agoseris N bower
Allium textile Wild onion N Comandra umbellata Pale bastard N
Alyssum alyssoides Alyssum E toadflax
Alyssum simplex Alyssum E Conium maculatum Poison hemlock E
Amaranthus Redroot pigweed E Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed E
retroflexus Cryptantha thyrsiflora Calcareous N
Ambrosia Annual ragweed N cryptantha
artemisiifolia Cryptantha virgata Miner' s candle N
Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed N Cynoglossum Houndstongue E
Antennaria parvifolia Pussytoes N officinale
Apocynum Spreading dogbane N Dalea candida White prairie N
androsaemifolium clover
Arctium minus Common burdock E Dalea purpurea Purple prairie N
Arenaria fendleri Fendler' s sandwort N clover
Arenaria hookeri Hooker's sandwort N Delphinium geyeri Larkspur N
Argemone hispida Rough prickly N Descurainia pinnata Western E
POPPY tansymustard
Argemone Prickly poppy N Dyssodia papposa Fetid marigold N
polyanthemos Epilobium ciliatum Northern willow- N
Argentina anserine Silverweed N herb
cinquefoil Equisetum hyemale Horsetail N
Asclepias speciosa Showy milkweed N Erigeron divergens Spreading fleabane N
Astragalus bisulcatus Two-grooved N Eriogonum alatum Winged eriogonum N
milkvetch Eriogonum sp. Eriogonum N
Astragalus Missouri milkvetch N Eriogonum Sulphur flower N
missouriensis umbellatum
Astragalus shortianus Short' s milkvetch N Erodium cicutarium Storksbill E
Bassia scoparia Kochia E Erysimum asperum Western wallflower N
Bidens cernua Nodding beggar' s N Euphorbia esula Leafy spurge E
tick Euphorbia brachycera Horned spurge N
Calochortus Mariposa lily N Frasera speciosa Green gentian N
gunnisonii Gaillardia aristata Indian N
Calystegia sepium ssp. Hedge false N blanketflower
americanum bindweed Galium boreale Northern bedstraw N
Campanula parryi Parry' s bellflower N Gaura coccinea Scarlet gaura N
Campanula Common harebell N Gaura mollis Velvetweed N
rotundifolia Gaura neomexicana Colorado butterfly N
Cardaria draba Whitetop E ssp. coloradensis plant
Carduus nutans Musk thistle E Gentiana affinis Pleated gentian N
Castilleja miniata Paintbrush N Geranium caespitosum Common wild N
Chamaesyce Thyme-leaved N geranium
serpyllifolia spurge Geum macrophyllum Large-leaf avens N
Chorispora tenella Blue mustard E Glycyrrhiza lepidota Wild licorice N
Cirsium arvense Canada thistle E Grindelia squarrosa Curlycup gumweed N
Cirsium flodmanii Thistle N Halogeton glomeratus Halogeton E
Cirsium undulatum Wavy-leaf thistle N
130 Appendix 7— Plant Species
Forb s ecies (cont' d) Forb species (cont' d)
Scientific name I Common name Status Scientific name Common nam= Status
Harbouria Whisk-broom N Orobanche fasciculata Clustered broomrape N
trachypleura parsley Orobanche Many-flowered N
Helianthus annuus Annual sunflower N ludoviciana broomrape
Helianthus nuttallii Nuttall' s sunflower N Orthocarpus luteus Yellow owl ' s clover N
Helianthus pumilus Prairie sunflower N Oxytropis deflexa var. Blue nodding N
Heterotheca villosa Hairy goldenaster N sericea locoweed
Hippuris vulgaris Mare 's tail N Oxytropis lambertii Locoweed N
Humulus lupulus Wild hops N Oxytropis multiceps Nuttall ' s oxytrope N
Iris missouriensis Blue flag N Oxytropis sericea White locoweed N
Iva axillaris Povertyweed N Parnassia fimbriata Fringed grass of N
Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce E Parnassus
Lesquerella montana Mountain N Pedicularis crenulata Purple lousewort N
bladderpod Penstemon Broadbeard N
Liatris ligulistylis Rocky Mountain N angustifolius penstemon
blazing star Penstemon eriantherus Fuzzy tongue N
Liatris punctata Dotted gayfeather N penstemon
Linaria dalmatica Dalmation toadflax E Penstemon Sidebells penstemon N
Linum lewisii Blue flax N secundiorus
Linum puberulum Yellow flax N Penstemon unilateralis Oneside penstemon N
Lupinus argenteus Common lupine N Penstemon vixens Blue mist penstemon N
Lupinus plattensis Nebraska lupine N Phacelia hastata Scorpion-weed N
Lygodesmia juncea Skeletonweed N Phlox hoodii Hood' s phlox N
Machaeranthera Purple aster N Physalis virginiana Virginia N
canescens groundcherry
Maianthemum False Solomon 's N Picradeniopsis Opposite leaf bahia N
stellatum seal oppositifolia
Malva neglecta Common mallow E Plantago major Common plantain E
Marrubium vulgare Common E Plantago patagonica Wooly plantain N
horehound Polanisia dodecandra Clammyweed N
Medicago lupulina Black medic E Portulaca oleracea Common purselane E
Medicago sativa Alfalfa E Potamogeton Ribbonleaf pondweed N
Melilotus albus White sweet clover E epihydrus
Melilotus officinalis Yellow sweet E Potentilla hippiana Wooly cinquefoil N
clover Prunella vulgaris Heal-all N
Mentha arvensis Field mint N Psoralidium Slimflower scurfpea N
Mentzelia albicaulis Whitestem N tenu florum
blazingstar Quincula lobata Chinese lantern N
Mentzelia sinuata Leachleaf N Ranunculus Shore buttercup N
blazingstar cymbalaria
Mentzelia speciosa Jeweled blazingstar N Ratibida columnifera Prairie coneflower N
Mertensia lanceolata Prairie bluebells N Rorippa sylvestris Creeping yellowcress E
Mimulus glabratus Roundleaf N Rudbeckia hirta Black-eyed susan N
monkey-flower Rumex crispus Curly dock E
Mimulus sp. Monkey-flower N Sagittaria latifolia Duck potato N
Mirabilis linearis Natrowleaf four o ' N Salsola tragus Russian-thistle E
clock Selaginella densa Little clubmoss N
Monarda fistulosa ssp. Beebalm N Sisymbrium altissimum Tumble mustard N
fistulosa var. Sisyrinchium Blue-eyed grass N
menthifolia montanum
Nepeta cataria Catnip E Sisyrinchium pallidum Pale blue-eyed grass N
Nothocalais cuspidata Wavy-leaf false N Sium suave Water parsley N
dandelion Solidago canadensis Canada goldenrod N
Oenothera albicaulis Whitest evening N Solidago missouriensis Prairie goldenrod N
primrose Solidago mollis Velvety goldenrod N
131 Appendix 7— Plant Species
Forb species (cont' d) Forb species (cont' d)
Scientific name Common name Status Scientific name Common name Status
Sonchus arvensis Perennial sow- E Toxicodendron rydbergii Poison ivy N
thistle Tragopogon dubius Yellow salsify E
Sonchus aspen Spiny sow-thistle E Tragopogon lamottei Salsify E
Sophora nuttalliana Silky sophora N Typha latifolia Broad-leaved N
Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet N cattail
globemallow Urtica dioica Stinging nettle N
Symphyotrichum White prairie aster N Verbascum thapsus Common mullein E
falcatum Verbena bracteata Big bract verbena N
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion E Veronica americana American N
Tetraneuris acaulis ssp Stemless four N speedwell
acaulis nerve daisy Vicia americana American vetch N
Thelesperma filifolium Stiff greenthread N Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur N
Thelesperma Hopi tea N Zigadenus elegans Mountain N
megapotamicum greenthread deathcamas
Thermopsis rhombifolia Prairie golden N Zigadenus venosus Meadow N
banner deathcamas
Thlaspi arvense Field pennycress E
Townsendia grandiora Largeflower daisy N
Grass and grass-like species Grass andgrass-like species (cont' d)
Scientific name Common name Status Scientific name Common name Status
Achnatherum Indian ricegrass N Elymus trachycaulus Slender wheatgrass N
hymenoides Festuca ovina Sheep fescue E
Achnatherum robustum Sleepygrass N Festuca sp. Fescue
Achnatherum scribneri Scribner' s N Hesperostipa comata Needle-n-thread N
needlegrass Hesperostipa New Mexico N
Agrostis stolonifera Redtop bent E neomexicana feathergrass
Aristida purpurea Purple threeawn N Hordeum jubatum Foxtail barley N
Aristida purpurea ssp. Fendler' s threeawn N Juncus articus ssp. Baltic rush N
fendleriana Littoralis
Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats grama N Juncus confusus Colorado rush N
Bouteloua dactyloides Buffalograss N Juncus sp. Rush
Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama N Juncus torreyi Torrey' s rush N
Bromus arvensis Field brome E Koeleria macrantha Prairie junegrass N
Bromus inermis Smooth brome E Leersia oryzoides Rice cut-grass N
Bromus porteri Nodding brome N Muhlenbergia montana Mountain muhly N
Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass E Muhlenbergia torreyi Ring muhly N
Calamagrostis Bluejoint N Nassella viridula Green needlegrass N
canadensis Panicum virgatum Switchgrass N
Carex praegracilis Clustered sedge N Pascopyrum smithii Western N
Carex nebrascensis Nebraska sedge N wheatgrass
Carex simulata Analogue sedge N Phleum pratense Timothy E
Carex sp. sedge Poa compressa Canada bluegrass E
Carex utriculata Beaked sedge N Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass E
Catabrosa aquatica Brookgrass N Pseudoroegneria spicata Bluebunch N
Distichlis spicata Inland saltgrass N ssp. Spicata wheatgrass
Eleocharis palustris Spike-rush N Schedonnardus Tumblegrass N
Elymus canadensis Canada wildrye N paniculatus
Elymus elymoides ssp. Bottlebrush N Schizachyrium Little bluestem N
elymoides squirreltail scoparium
Elymus lanceolatus ssp. Thickspike N Schoenoplectus Alkali bulrush N
lanceolatus wheatgrass maritimus
Elymus repens Quackgrass E
132 Appendix 7— Plant Species
Grass andgrass-like species (cont' d) Grass andgrass-like species (cont' d)
Scientific name Common name Status Scientific name Common name Status
Schoenoplectus pungens Three-square N Spartina pectinata Prairie cordgrass N
var. pungens Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand dropseed N
Schoenoplectus Softstem bulrush N Thinopyrum intermedium Intermediate E
tabernaemontani wheatgrass
Triglochin maritima Arrow-grass N
Vulpia octoflora Sixweeks fescue N
Shrubs and subshrub species Shrubs and subshrub species (cont' d)
Scientific name Common name Status Scientific name Common name Status
Acer glabrum Rocky Mountain N Prunus americana Wild plum N
maple Prunus pumila var. Sandcherry N
Amelanchier alnifolia Saskatoon N besseyi
serviceberry Prunus virginiana var. Chokecherry N
Artemisia campestris Field sage N melanocarpa
Artemisia frigida Fringed sage N Rhus trilobata Skunkbrush N
Artemisia ludoviciana Cudweed sagewort N Ribes aureum Wax currant N
Atriplex canescens Fourwing saltbush N Ribes cereum Squaw currant N
Cercocarpus montanus Mountain N Ribes inerme Whitstem N
mahogany gooseberry
Cornus sericea ssp. Red-twig dogwood N Rosa arkansana Wild rose N
sericea Rosa woodsii Wood' s rose N
Ericameria nauseosa Rubber rabbitbrush N Salix exigua Coyote willow N
Eriogonum effusum Spreading N Senecio rapifolius Openwoods N
buckwheat ragwort
Gutierrezia sarothrae Broom snakeweed N Senecio spartioides Broomlike ragwort N
Krascheninnikovia Winterfat N Symphoricarpos albus Common N
lanata snowberry
Machaeranthera Lacy tansyaster N Symphoricarpos Western snowberry N
pinnatifida occidentalis
Physocarpus monogynus Mountain ninebark N Syringa vulgaris Lilac E
Tetradymia canescens Horsebrush N
Treespecies uccu enspecies
Scientific name Common name Status Scientific name Common name Status
Acer glabrum Mountain maple N Echinocereus virid f orus Hedgehog cactus N
Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian-olive E Escobaria missouriensis Missouri foxtail N
Juniperus scopulorum Rocky Mountain N cactus
juniper Escobaria vivipara Spinystar N
Pinus ponderosa ssp. Ponderosa pine N Opuntia polycantha Prickly pear N
scopulorum cactus
Populus angustifolia Narrowleaf N Yucca glauca Yucca N
cottonwood
Populus deltoides ssp. Plains N
monilifera cottonwood
Populus tremuloides Quaking aspen N
Populus X acuminata Lanceleaf N
cottonwood
Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaf N
willow
133 Appendix 7— Plant Species
Appendix i
Mammal Species
Checklist of Potential Natural Mammalian Fauna of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, prepared by
David M. Armstrong, PhD, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies
Program. (Species known or expected to occur [or to have occurred] on site since Euro-American
settlement of area, i. e. , past � 150 years.)
^ Status : D = Documented; L = likely, based on presence of suitable habitat; E = probable or certain
formerly, but extirpated.
Common Name ecies Status Habitat
Grassland Coniferous Riparian
woodlands and woodlands and
shrublands wetlands
Merriam' s shrew Sorex merriami L X
Western small-footed Myotis ciliolabrum L X
myotis
Long-eared myotis Myotis evotis D X
Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes L X
Little brown bat Myotis lucifugus L X X
Long-legged myotis Myotis volans L X
Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus D X X
Big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus L X X
Townsend's big-eared Plecotus townsendii L X X
bat
Desert cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii D X X
Black-tailed jackrabbit Lepus californicus D X
White-tailed jackrabbit Lepus townsendii L X
Wyoming ground Spermophilus elegans L X
squirrel
Spotted ground squirrel Spermophilus spilosoma L X
13 -lined ground squirrel Spermophilus D X
tridecemlineatus
Rock squirrel Spermophilus variegatus L X
Black-tailed prairie dog * Cynomys ludovicianus D X
* Species of Greatest Conservation Need (CDOW); Apparently secure globally; vulnerable in Colorado (G4; S3) (CNHP)
Fox squirrel Sciurus niger L X
Northern pocket gopher Thomomys talpoides D X
Olive-backed pocket Perognathus fasciatus L X
mouse* *
" Species of Greatest Conservation Need (CDOW); Demonstrably secure globally; imperiled statewide (G5 ; S2) (CNHP)
Plains pocket mouse Perognathus flavescens L X
Silky pocket mouse Perognathus flavus L X
Hispid pocket mouse Chaetodipus hispidus D X
Ord' s kangaroo rat Dipodomys ordii D X
American beaver Castor canadensis L X
Western harvest mouse Reithrodontomys L X
megalotis
Plains harvest mouse Reithrodontomys D X
montanus
Deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus D X X X
Northern rock mouse Peromyscus nasutus L X
Northern grasshopper Onychomys leucogaster L X
mouse
Bushy-tailed woodrat Neotoma cinerea L X
134 Appendix 8 - Mammal Species
Common Name Species Status Rpabitat
Grassland Coniferous Riparian
woodlands and woodlands and
shrublands wetlands
Mexican woodrat Neotoma mexicana L X
Prairie vole Microtus ochrogaster D X
Sagebrush vole Lemmiscus curtatus L X
Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus L X
Meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonicus L X
Common porcupine Erethizon dorsatum D X
Coyote Canis latrans D X X X
Gray wolf Canis lupus E X
Swift fox * * * Vulpes velox D X
* * * Species of Greatest Conservation Need (CDOW); Globally and statewide vulnerable (G3 ; S3) (CNHP)
Red fox Vulpes vulpes L X
Gray fox Urocyon L X
cinereoargenteus
Black bear Ursus americanus D X X
Grizzly bear Ursus arctos E X X X
Raccoon Procyon lotor L X
Ringtail Bassariscus astutus L X
Short-tailed weasel Mustela erminea L X X X
Long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata L X X X
Black-footed ferret Mustela nigripes E X
American badger Taxidea taxus D X
Western spotted skunk Spilogale gracilis L X X
Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis D X X X
Cougar Felis concolor D X
Bobcat Lynx rufus D X
Elk Cervus elaphus D X
Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus D X X
Pronghorn Antilocapra americana D X
Bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis E X
Bison Bos bison E X
Literature Cited
Armstrong, D. M. 1972 . Distribution of Mammals in Colorado. Monograph, Museum of Natural History,
University of Kansas, 3 :x + 4415 pp.
Fitzgerald, J. P. , C. A. Meaney, and D. M. Armstrong. , 1994 . Mammals of Colorado. Denver Museum of
Natural History, Denver, and University Press of Colorado, Niwot, xiii + 467 pp.
135 Appendix 8 — Mammal Species
Appendix
Bird species recorded May-July, 20o6
Breeding status key:
D= documented nesting on site, P= possible breeder on site
Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Common Name Scientific Name Breeding
status status
Swans, Geese & Ducks Goatsuckers
Canada goose Branta canadensis Lesser nighthawk Chordeiles
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos D autipennis
Bitterns & Herons Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor D
Great blue heron Ardea herodias Common poorwill Phalaenoptilus P
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis nuttallii
American Vultures Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus
vociferus
Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Swifts
Hawks, Eagles & Harriers White-throated swift Aeronautes
Northern harrier Circus cyaneus saxatilis
Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus Hummingbirds
Cooper's hawk Acci iter coo eri Broad-tailed Selasphorus
Swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni hummingbird platycercus
Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamacaensis Rufous Selasphorus rufus
Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis D hummingbird
Golden eagle I Aquila chrysaetos Woodpeckers
Falcons Red-headed Melanerpes
American kestrel Falco sparverius woodpecker erythrocephalus
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus p Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens
Prairie falcon Falco mexicanus D Tyrant flycatchers
Olive-sided Contopus cooperii
Plovers & Sandpipers flycatcher
Killdeer Charadrius D Western wood- Contopus
vociferus pewee sordidulus
Mountain plover Charadrius D Eastern wood-pewee Contopus vixens
montanus
Long-billed curlew Numenius Willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii
Least flycatcher Empidonax
americanus
Wilson's snipe Gallinago delicata P minim s
E
Dusky flycatcher Empidonax
Wilson's phalarope Phalaropus P oberholseri
tricolor Wr Say' s phoebe Sayornis saya D
Gulls Cassin ' s kingbird Tyrannus
Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis vociferans
California gull Larus californicus Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis D
Pigeons & Doves Eastern kingbird Tyrannus trannus P
Rock pigeon Columba livia D Shrikes
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura D Loggerhead shrike Lanius P
Owls _ ludovicianus
Barn owl Tyto alba P Vireos
Great horned owl Bubo virginianus P Plumbeous vireo Vireo plumbeus
Long-eared owl Asio otus P Warbling vireo Vireo gilvus
Short-eared owl Asio flammeus
Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia D
136 Appendix 9 — Bird Species
Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Common Name Scientific Name Breeding
status status
Jays, Magpies & Crows Wood-Warblers & Tanagers
Blue jay Cyanocitta cristata Orange-crowned Vermivora celata
Steller' s jay Cyanocitta stellerii warbler
Western scrub jay Aphelocoma P Vermivora P
californica Virginia' s warbler vrginiae
Black-billed magpie Pica hudsonia p Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia P
American crow Corvus Yellow-rumped Dendroica
brachyrhynchos warbler coronata
Common raven Corvus corax p MacGillivray' s Oporornis tolmiei
Larks warbler
Horned lark Eremophila D Common Geothlypis trichas
yellowthroat
alpestris T Wilson' s warbler Wilsonia pusilla
Swallows
Tree swallow Tachycineta Yellow-breasted Icteria vixens P
bicolor chat
Violet-green Tachycineta p Western tanager Piranga
swallow thalassina ludoviciana
Northern rough- Stelgidopteryx Towhees, Sparrows & Old World Buntings
winged swallow serripennis Green-tailed towhee Pipilo chlorurus D
Bank swallow Riparia riparia Spotted towhee Pipilo maculatus D
Cliff swallow Petrochelidon p Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina
pyrrhonota Clay-colored Spizella pallida
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica P sparrow
Wrens Brewer' s Sparrow Spizella breweri D
Rock wren Salpinctes p Vesper sparrow Pooecetes D
obsoletus gramineus
Canyon wren Catherpes Lark sparrow Chondestes P
mexicanus grammacus
House wren Troglodytes aedon p Lark bunting Calamospiza D
melanocorys
Old World Flycatchers & Thrushes
Savannah sparrow Passerculus D
Blue-gray Polioptila caerulea p p
gnatcatcher sandwichensis
Mountain bluebird Sialia currucoides Grasshopper Ammodramus P
sparrow savannaum
Gray-cheeked thrush Catharus minimus Song sparrow savann r melodia
Swainson 's thrush Catharus ustulatus White-crowned Zonotrichia
American robin Turdus migratorius sparrow leucophrys
Mockingbirds & Thrashers McCown ' s longspur Calcarius D
Gray catbird Dumetella P mccownii
carolinensis Chestnut-collared Calcarius ornatus P
Northern Mimus polyglottos D longspur
mockingbird Black-headed Pheucticus
Sage thrasher Oreoscoptes grosbeak melanocephalus
montanus Blue grosbeak Passerina caerulea
Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum D Lazuli bunting Passerina amoena
Curve-billed Toxostoma
thrasher curvirostre
Starlings
European starling Sturnus vulgaris P
Waxwings
Cedar waxwing Bombycilla
cedrorum
137 Appendix 9 — Bird Species
Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Common Name Scientific Name Breeding
status status
Blackbirds, Meadowlarks & Orioles Blackbirds, Meadowlarks & Orioles (cont'd)
Bobolink Dolichonyx Common grackle Quiscalus quiscula
oryzivorus Brown-headed Molothrus ater P
Red-winged Agelaius D cowbird
blackbird phoeniceus Bullock's oriole Icterus bullockii
Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula
Western Sturnella neglecta D Finches & Old World Sparrows
meadowlark House finch Carpodacus
Brewer's blackbird Euphagus P mexicanus
cyanocephalus American goldfinch Carduelis tristis P
* Soapstone Ranch Avian Inventory and Monitoring : Year 1 , Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
report, January, 2007 . 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton, CO 80603 , 303 . 659-4348 . Tech. Report 9 M-
Soapstone06-01 .
138 Appendix 9 — Bird Species
139
ATTACHMENT
RECREATION ACTIVITIES AND THE RECOMMENDED MANAGEMENT
APPROACH
Recreational Activity n Current
Hiking • On-trail only. >30 miles of trails open to
• Trails designed to access sites of hiking, biking and walking
interest while protecting natural
and resources.
• Limit groups to 12 hikers, walkers
or runners.
Leashed dog walking • Impacts to and conflicts with Dogs will be prohibited
wildlife.
• Enforcement of leash law
difficult.
Mountain Biking • On-trail only to prevent resource >25 miles of trails open to
damage and increase user safety. mountain biking
• Limit groups to 12 bikers.
Horseback Riding • On-trail only. >20 miles of trails open to
• Horses restricted from sensitive horseback riding
plant communities to protect
against weed dispersal.
• Limit groups to 6 riders.
Horse Carraiges • Increased infrastructure costs. Use of carriages will be
• Potential conflicts with other prohibited, except along
users. roads open to public
vehicle use.
Accessible Trails • Much of Soapstone Prairie has An accessible trail from
ADA compliant rugged terrain; providing parking area to
accessible trails may cause Lindemneier Valley
extensive resource damage. overlook will be
provided.
• Accessible trails will be
provided to picnic
shelters, vault toilets
and scenic overlooks.
Picnic Areas • Leave No Trace information will Picnic areas and shelters
be available. will be designed along
• Wildlife safe trash receptacles. trails and near parking
• Locations will need to be areas.
carefully selected to avoid scenic
impacts.
ATTACHMENT
ActivityRecreational tin enStatus
Wildlife Watching Extent of access and level of Guided wildlife watching
visitor use; areas may be trips will be provided by
seasonally closed due to wildlife Natural Areas Program
activities. staff and wildlife watching
educational products will
be developed.
Interpretive Walks Staff or Master Naturalist Guided field trips will be
availability. provided by Natural Areas
Program staff and Master
Naturalists and educational
products will be developed
for self-guided learning.
Rock Climbing • Limited availability of suitable Currently rock climbing
climbing sites. will be prohibited; visitor
• Known formations are also avian demand will be evaluated
nesting locations and known in the future.
wildlife corridors.
• Distance to known formations
from parking areas is significant.
Hunting • Hunting will be allowed on Currently hunting will be
adjacent Red Mountain Open prohibited. Once the
Space and private lands. property is open to the
Natural Areas Program staff has public, Natural Areas
not had an opportunity to evaluate Program staff will monitor
animal distribution and the distribution of game
displacement with recreational animals and work with the
use of the property. Colorado Division of
• Any consideration of hunting will Wildlife and the public to
emphasize wildlife and vegetation determine if hunting is
management, visitor safety, safety appropriate.
of the City's rangers, and the
City's ability to enforce hunting
regulations.
Backeountry Camping Infrastructure, regulations, and a Backcountry camping will
permit system need to be be considered for future
developed. availability after a
• Campsites will need to be located feasibility analysis is
to have minimal impact to completed which addresses
resources. public demand, resource
Leave No Trace principles will be protection,potential
emphasized. campsites, and a permitting
system.
City of Fort Collins
Natural Areas Program
SOAPSTONE PRAIRIE NATURAL AREA
MANAGEMENT PLAN
DRAFT
August 28 , 2007
Thanks to our Partners
• Citizens of Fort Collins and Larimer County
• Land Conservation and Stewardship Board
• Larimer County
• Technical Advisory Group
• Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CSU)
• Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
• Colorado State University
• Fort Collins Museum
• National Park Service
• Colorado Division of Wildlife
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service
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4
Public Process and Adoption
• Staff worked on plan for last year
• Met with Land Conservation Stewardship Board several times
• Held joint public meeting with Larimer County
• Conducted dozens of field trips to Soapstone for the public
• Met with a technical advisory committee several times
• Met with many resource and recreation experts
• Held open house two weeks ago
• Draft plan posted on web site for several weeks
• Council work session August 28th
• Final review by Land Conservation Stewardship Board in September
• Administratively adopted by staff in late September early October
2
Planning Process
• Inventory • Visitor Recreation
• Conservation Targets Opportunities
• Threats/Conservation Visitor Experience
Concerns Management Actions
• Management Actions
Management Zones
Management Zones
* Based in part on
resource values
recreation value
carrying capacity
• Help define and characterize visitor experience
natural surroundings
experience (recreation, viewing, solitude etc)
• Seamless with Red Mountain
l
3
Management Zones
anagement Zone Resource Visitor Level of
Condition Experience Development
Developed Highly High Use Highly Developed
Modified
Frontcountry
Backcountry
Primitive Pristine Restricted None
- lr�
Consewation target ested targets onsewation Conces
Shortgrass Prairie/ •Grasslands birds (burrowing owl, *Rangewide, roughly half of the historic shortgrass prairie has
Grasslands System McCown's longspur, mountain plover) been converted to other uses, but vast expanses of this system still
*Black-tailed prairie dog community occur
+Pronghorn
*Swift fox
Birds of Prey *Golden eagle *Human encroachment
+Ferruginous hawk
Wetlands/ Riparian *Seeps, springs & streams *Relatively uncommon in shortgrass habitats
System *Northern leopard frog (potential) *Important wildlife habitats
*Native fish ♦Connection to cultural and archaeological resources.
Rare and Threatened *Colorado butterfly plant #Habitat loss
Plants *Meadow blazing star *Declining populations
*Pale blue-eyed grass
Foothills Shrublands +Mountain mahogany/needle-and- +Limited global distribution
System thread community *Relatively weed-free condition
*Mountain mahogany/streamside wild *Habitat fragmentation
rye community
Geological Features *Loss of unique habitat
Cultural Resources +Lindenmeier Valley and other Native American sites illustrate
long history of human presence on Soapstone Prairie
Viewshed/ *One of the last places in Front Range with undeveloped views
Sense of Place
4
Shortgrass Prairie
• Loss to conversion Conserve regionally (scale)
• Loss of large blocks Minimize fragmentation
• Loss of diversity/mgt issues Maintain ecological processes
Mountain Plover
• Declining 1 .5% annually Conserve breeding population
• Tied to pdog colonies Maintain/expand pdogs
• Easily disturbed when nesting Close seasonally
ImpactManagement Strategy NEIr—
Damage to Lindenmeier ♦Provide access via north edge of valley.
Valley ♦Modify grazing practices in area.
Loss of artifacts from *Collect "at risk" artifacts.
collection, theft and *Establish a site security system/plan.
vandalism *Use trail system to avoid archaeologically sensitive
areas.
*Monitor the site through a partnership with an
archaeological group (e.g. Colorado Archaeological
Society) and trained volunteers.
•Implement a focused educational/interpretive plan.
Visitor access ♦Provide view of Lindenmeier Archaeological Site via
trail system from north portion of site.
Conservation target: Cultural resources
5
SOAPSTONE
• • • PRAIRIE
• • • NATURAL
• • AREA:
• • WILDLIFE
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Visitor
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Visitor Experience
• Levels of solitude
• Environment and view shed
• Management presence
• Recreation type
• Level of difficulty
7
Recreational nsiderations Recommedations
Activity
*On-trail only.
1 . Trails — Hiking •Trails designed to access sites of interest Approximately 30+ miles of trails open to
while protecting natural and resources. hiking, biking and walking
2. Trails — .Potential conflicts with wildlife.
Leashed dog .Enforcement of leash law difficult. Domestic dogs will be prohibited
walking
3. Trails — *On-trail only to prevent resource damage and Approximately 25+ miles of trails open to
Mountain biking increase user safety. mountain biking
•On-trail only.
4. Trails — •Horses restricted from sensitive plant Approximately 20+ miles of trails open to
Horseback riding communities to protect against weed dispersal. horseback riding
•Implement 12-heartbeat rule.
5. Trails — .Increased infrastructure costs. Use of carriages will be prohibited, except
Equestrian .potential conflicts with other users. along roads open to public vehicle use.
carriage driving
6. Trails — ADA •Many areas of Soapstone are too steep to All-access portion of a trail from parking lot
compliancy allow for an ADA trail. to Lindenmeier Valley overlook will be built.
*Leave No Trace information will need to be
available. Picnic areas and shelters will be designed
7. Picnic areas •Wildlife safe trash receptacles. along trails and near parking lots.
•Locations will need to be carefully selected
to avoid scenic impacts.
Recreational C1 I Recommendations
Activity MF
8. Wildlife *Extent of access and level of visitor use; areas Guided wildlife watching trips will be provided
watching may be seasonally closed due to wildlife activities. by Natural Areas Program staff and wildlife
watching educational products will be developed.
Guided field trips will be provided by Natural
9. Interpretive .Staff or Master Naturalist availability. Areas Program staff and Master Naturalists and
walks educational products will be developed for self-
guided learning.
•Limited availability of suitable climbing sites.
*Known formations are also raptor nesting Currently rock climbing will be prohibited;
10. Rock climbing locations. visitor demand will be evaluated in the future.
*Distance to known formations from parking lots
is significant.
*Hunting will be allowed on adjacent Red
Mountain Open Space and private lands.
•Natural Areas staff has not had an opportunity to Currently hunting will be prohibited. Once the
evaluate animal distribution and displacement with property is open to the public, Natural Areas staff
11 . Hunting recreational use of the property. will monitor the distribution of game animals and
•Any consideration of hunting will emphasize work with the Division of Wildlife to determine if
wildlife and vegetation management, visitor hunting is appropriate.
safety, safety of the City's rangers, and the City's
ability to enforce hunting regulations.
•Infrastructure, regulations, and a permit system
need to be developed. Backcountry camping will be considered for the
12. Backcountry •Campsites will need to be located to have future once a feasibility plan is completed which
camping minimal impact to resources. addresses public demand, potential campsites,
*Leave No Trace principles need to be and a permitting system.
emphasized.
8
Visitor Use
• On-trail use • Backcountry camping • Motorized vehicles
• Hiking • Hunting • Dogs
• Bicycling • Horse/buggy
• Horseback riding Rock climbing
• ADA trails
• Shelters
• Guided tours
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9
Schedule
• Loop trails originating from RMOS and Cheyenne will
remain open 7 days/week
• Open 7 days/week, sunrise to sunset
• Open March 2 — November 30
10
Visitor Experience/Interpretation
• Birds of Soapstone Prairie
• Other animals of Soapstone Prairie
• Geology of the Laramie Foothills
• Ecology
• Cultural history of Soapstone Prairie (including the
Lindenmeier Archaeological Site, American Indians and
homesteading)
Visitor Experience/Interpretation
• Entrance Station(s) and Road Signs
• FC Museum display
•Preserve America (K- 12)
• On-site interpretive panels and features
• Off-site interpretive panels and features
• Self-guided interpretive information
• Kiosks with orientation panels, bulletin
boards and brochure racks
• Animal species checklists
• Plant species brochure
11
Expected Opening Date
• Opening in June 2009
• Road Improvements , trails , parking
lots , shelters during 2007 - ' 09
• Continue phasing trails in after initial
opening
Staffing
• One new ranger
• 3 -4 additional
seasonal staff
• LOT ' s of
volunteers !
L- � r
12