Contact Information:

Ken Stahlnecker
Chief, Resource Stewardship and Science
Black Canyon NP & Curecanti NRA
tel. (970) 641-2337 ext. 225
Fax 970 641-3127

Natural Resource Needs (Click here for Cultural Resource Needs)

1. BLCA GUNNISON SAGE-GROUSE – BIRD LOCATION DATA COLLECTION FOR HABITAT UTILIZATION MODELING

A newly described species of sage-grouse, the Gunnison Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus minimus) has been identified, and found to exist in a few relatively small isolated populations primarily in Colorado and Utah, with over half of the estimated 5,000 individuals living in Gunnison and Saguache counties in west-central Colorado. This project will collect data to define habitat utilization patterns of Gunnison Sage-Grouse within and adjacent to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Results will allow managers to model habitats utilized by Gunnison Sage-Grouse, therein allowing managers to determine habitat needs, evaluate habitat deficiencies, and develop habitat management prescriptions. The project will also provide information on production, mortality, recruitment, and provide additional data on the genetics of these populations.

 

2. BLCA RESEARCH - AQUATIC RESOURCES AND STREAM FLOW

Resource management staff from WASO Water Resources Division and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area have identified two high priority aquatic resource needs for the park. 1. Determine the extent of base trophic level organisms, communities, habitat, or parameters as a function of stream discharge. To effectively accomplish this, a program needs to be developed that will identify the most relevant characteristics and parameters that should be inventoried, develop a study design and sampling scheme, implement an inventory, establish monitoring protocols, and produce a report of research results. 2. Assess the potential impacts of altered stream-flows on fisheries and fish habitat. This should include a fish inventory (native and non-native species) within the canyon and evaluation of how flow release scenarios might impact the life history requirements of the fish species. Study plans and contracts need to be developed to have research completed. A written analysis and project summary, in a format that is useful to NPS managers, would be a product of this research as well as journal articles.

 

3. BLCA GRAZING IMPACTS: IDENTIFY VEGETATION TRENDS AND DETERMINE CARRYING CAPACITY (AUMS)

Grazing has occurred in the park since establishment in 1933. In 1984 and 1999 the park boundary was expanded and grazing authorized on portions of those specific lands. It is unknown what the actual vegetative trend is in the park and impacts from grazing have not been assessed. This study will conduct field analysis for carrying capacity (expressed in Animal Unit Months -AUMs) on all soil types and slopes subject to grazing. Identify forage allocated for wildlife consumption. Identify key species used in carrying capacity analysis and critical utilization levels on those species. Determine if any endangered plant species are subject to grazing impacts. Determine carrying capacity based on spring, summer, and fall ranges (available forage during those seasons). Establish monitoring procedures and mitigating options.

 

4. BLCA ENDANGERED SPECIES: BIRDS-PEREGRINES, EAGLES, ETC

Peregrine falcons and bald eagles, two species of key interest to the conservation community, spend portions of their life cycle within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Their endangered species status signifies the need to ensure their protection. This study will enhance inventory and monitoring efforts for sensitive bird species.

 

5. BLCA DEVELOP A WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN

A Water Resources Management Plan is needed at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to guide the management of resources and issues that are directly or indirectly related to water resources. This plan will be a supplement to the Resources Management Plan, and will examine water resources in much more detail. It is needed to evaluate the current status of water resources in the monument and to develop a comprehensive management program to manage those resources into the future.

 

6. BLCA VISITOR USE LIMITS IN BACKCOUNTRY AREAS

Establish baseline data on carrying capacity for park resources. Identify people/resource conflicts. Identify impacts on endangered species and develop means to mitigate or eliminate those impacts from human activity. Define parameters or "limits of acceptable change" which will be tolerated by management and visitors in different types of backcountry areas and visitor activities such as wilderness, non-wilderness backcountry, fisherman hours and density, rock climber density, inner-canyon routes, etc. Conduct a visitor use survey on carrying capacity and crowding, identifying peoples interactions and conflicts that affect visitor satisfaction or visitor experience for the types of areas utilized (include both front-country and backcountry). Apply results of carrying capacity studies to the Backcountry and Front-country Management plans and other associated plans.

 

7. BLCA HERPETOFAUNA SURVEY

In the interest of maintaining a thorough inventory of park wildlife, a herpeto-fauna survey is needed. The herpeto-fauna is relatively unknown, other than lists generated in the past through casual observations and speculation based on range maps of a particular species.

 

8. BLCA ENDANGERED SPECIES: PLANTS

Park staff will regularly monitor identified populations of endangered species. Plant population will be recorded and mapped. Data will be put into a geographic information system. Impacts will be investigated and strategies developed to mitigate impacts. Those plants immediately threatened from activities such as grazing, rock climbing and bouldering, or trail development and use will be protected. A monitoring program will be developed and implemented. Critical stages of growth or increased susceptibility to potential impacts will be identified.

 

9. BLCA BIGHORN SHEEP: DETERMINE POPULATION STATUS & NEEDS

Habitat alterations, migration route changes, and competition for forage have resulted in changes in bighorn sheep distribution in the area. It is unknown what areas within the park provide critical habitat and domain for Bighorn sheep herds. It is suspected that the park provides both critical winter range and summer range. Management of the park may inadvertently impact the sheep due to lack of data. Information is needed to adequately address impacts, if any, related to trail development, disturbance from climbing activity, grazing operations, riparian zone occupation by fishermen and campers, and possible competition from exotic sheep and goats.

 

10. BLCA INVENTORY - BASELINE DATA VEGETATION (ALL ZONES)

Prepare a thorough level I, vegetation baseline inventory of Black Canyon resources. Inventories are to identify composition and densities, endangered and endemic species, exotic or alien species, and vegetative zones, such as riparian, aquatic, upslope, or canyon rim. Age distribution or classification of trees should be addressed as well. Potential habitat suitability for endangered wildlife species should be identified within vegetative habitat identified. As a result of a thorough inventory, a database will be established to assist informed management decision-making. "Limits of acceptable change" and carrying capacities can be addressed. Existing conditions would be documented, providing information for future management. Impacts from grazing, changes in conservation in-stream flow regimes, technical rock climbing, backcountry use, trail development, wildlife populations, fire suppression, and development of facilities may be determined from utilization of this baseline information. GIS files would be enhanced from this information. This information will also be useful for interpretive programs and will enhance visitor experiences. Prior to collecting data, a classification scheme would be worked out which would meet BLCA needs. Curation of data collected during the baseline survey would be done. Data would be incorporated into a geographic information system.

 

11. BLCA INVENTORY - BASELINE DATA WILDLIFE (ALL CATAGORIES)

Prepare a thorough level I, fauna baseline inventory of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Inventories are to identify small and large mammals, birds, aquatic fauna and fishery, reptiles and amphibians, insects, endangered and endemic species, exotic or alien species, and season of habitat occupation. Unique habitat demands or occupation of parklands as partial territory should be identified as should ties to unique or rare vegetative communities. As a result of a thorough inventory, an adequate source of information to help establish management parameters related to "limits of acceptable change," carrying capacities, and conflicts with visitor uses. Existing conditions should be documented, providing information for future management. Impacts from grazing, fire suppression, upstream water impoundments as well as conflicts with anticipated increases in visitor use and development of facilities may be determined from utilization of this baseline information. GIS files would also be enhanced. Interpretive programs will benefit from updated information. Curation of data collected during the baseline survey would be done. Data should be entered into a geographic information system.

 

12. BLCA INVENTORY & MONITORING: FISH AND AQUATIC LIFE

Establish monitoring procedures and conduct a survey of fish populations at Red Rock Canyon (and other areas deemed to have threatened and endangered species potential) with methods appropriate to obtain endangered fish species. Monitor aquatic resources to include all aquatic base organisms to obtain baseline data and assess the status of the aquatic ecosystem. Monitoring efforts should be conducted on a recurring basis. The data obtained will be included in the GIS database. Obtain copies of all reports resulting from studies conducted within the confines of the park.

 

13. BLCA INVENTORY & MONITORING: RELICT PLANT SITES

Monitoring procedures should be developed specifically for monitoring the floristic components of the relict plant site communities. The data will be included in the GIS database. Alien plant species monitoring will be an integral part of this project to identify impacts to resources. Monitoring efforts should be conducted on a recurring basis. Monitoring will help identify factors contributing to changes in relict sites.

 

14. BLCA MONITORING & INVENTORY: FAUNA POPULATIONS & TREND

Establish a monitoring program for all categories of fauna. Establish prioritized programs to be implemented based on effects on endangered species, immediate threat of decline, and noted health problems within populations.

 

15. BLCA MONITORING: RIPARIAN ZONE VEGETATION

Develop a monitoring program for riparian areas. Monitoring procedures need to be developed specifically for the floral components of riparian communities. Water quality should be monitored on a regular basis along with vegetation. Exclosures and photo plots should be established. These data can then be used to detect any changes or deterioration of the riparian habitat. Data may also be used to mitigate impacts. Monitoring of non-native plant species is an integral part of this project, and control efforts could be implemented in accordance with IPM standards to mitigate any potential threat to the riparian habitat. Monitoring of riparian areas will be conducted in a manner to detect changes in the riparian zone and water quality that could affect the condition of the riparian resource. GIS data entry would be done to facilitate the use of this data to ensure the best possible management of the riparian community. Development of a monitoring procedure is a key component in maintaining the habitat and preventing possible resource degradation.

 

16. BLCA FIRE MANAGMENT - DEVELOP FIRE HISTORY FOR BLCA

Establish the fire history using written records on incident occurrence within the park, identifying natural and man-made causes. Review of file records in three regional offices, three other NPS units, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park will be completed. Establish fire history from field data obtained in analysis of such data as fire scars on trees, archeological site disturbance, and gamble oak age-class distribution. Assimilate data into GIS program. Integrate data into Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park's Fire Management Plan.

 

17. BLCA SOUND QUALITY MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT

Conduct a study of visitor perception of sound levels. Sound of various types and levels may or may not have a detrimental effect on visitors, depending on the perceptions and expectations. A study of the impact of sound on park visitors is needed to assess the effect of recorded sound levels in the wilderness and non-wilderness reaches of the park. Develop and implement a sound monitoring plan and study. Evaluate data obtained in the sound monitoring study for guidance in the development of a Noise Abatement Plan, if such a plan is deemed necessary. A Noise Abatement Plan may be developed to address methods of reducing human-caused noise levels.

 

18. BLCA FIRE MGMT: DETERMINE CURRENT FUEL LOAD & TREND

Determine current fuel load conditions to assist in management of vegetation, wildland fire fighting, risk assessment, and archeological site protection preparation. Incorporate data into a GIS program. Monitoring procedures should be developed for fuel level assessment in wilderness, non-wilderness, and developed areas in the park.

 

19. BLCA RESEARCH - ACQUIRE REFERENCE MATERIAL AND REPORTS

Obtain library materials specific and applicable to resource management needs, including: inventory and monitoring methodology; grazing utilization and trends; peregrine falcon behavior and population dynamics; bighorn sheep distribution, territory and population dynamics; research on porcupine behavior, population dynamics, and impacts; endangered fish species; water quality and analysis methods; quantitative analysis and research methods for fuel load assessment; methodology for assessing visitor use and related impacts; river otter population dynamics and quantitative analysis methods; watershed management; riparian zone management; air quality analysis and research methods; and research conducted near Black Canyon which correlates with any park resource. Sources for information could include: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Interagency Fire Center, Forest Service publications, etc.

 

20. BLCA WILDLIFE POPULATIONS: RIVER OTTER POPULATION DYNAMICS

A survey for river otters needs to be conducted to determine the viability and population dynamics. Results of the study may indicate whether further restoration efforts are necessary or a viable alternative. Establish a monitoring program for the river otter to record locations, activities, population numbers, population dynamics, and identify occupation of critical habitat. Impacts from adjacent areas will be investigated and strategies developed to mitigate impacts. Occupation of new territories will be identified. Critical habitat needs, including recommended river flows, should be identified. Assimilate data into GIS database.

 

21. BLCA INVENTORY: WATERSHED AND RIPARIAN ZONE

Monitoring procedures should be developed for evaluation of watershed status and erosion control. Data on the park’s riparian and watershed characteristics are needed to manage resources that may affect the watershed. Data obtained is to be included in the GIS database. Results of the riparian zone and watershed inventory should be integrated into other management planning documents such as grazing, trails, fire, archeological, and the General Management Plan.

 

22. BLCA ENDANGERED SPECIES: FISHERY

Endangered fish populations will be monitored and locations of critical habitat identified. Impacts from adjacent areas will be investigated and strategies developed to mitigate impacts. Water quality will be sampled and monitored, with increased emphasis near identified critical habitat. A monitoring program will be developed and implemented, which includes regular monitoring of fishermen and creel censuses. Research on special status species and their habitat requirements will be proposed as needed.

 

23. BLCA RESOURCE PROTECTION: EXPECTED CHANGE IN VISITOR USE

Develop and implement visitor use surveys, identifying visitor trends. Analyze data for anticipated changes in facility development. Incorporate analysis of resource carrying capacity studies into any facility development to insure resources are not unduly impacted from over-development and access improvements. Data will assist in development of sufficient facilities: parking space, picnicking, and camping to meet the public need without causing excessive impacts on the natural and cultural resources. Establish monitoring program to assess resource impacts at developed areas.

 

24. BLCA DETERMINE PORCUPINE USE IMPACT ON PINYON TREES

Identify parameters of expected normal porcupine population levels in the vicinity of the park. Using dendro-chronological or other techniques, conduct a study to assess porcupine population cycles and vegetation impacts or benefits derived. Assess the lifespan of Pinyon Pines for Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Adapt information to porcupine studies, identify whether tree mortality is within normal limits or accelerated due to some other factor such as abnormal porcupine population levels. Determine current predator/prey balance on porcupine populations. The predator/prey balance for porcupines is not known. Predators of the porcupine move in and out of the park, and many predators including coyote and mountain lion, are legally taken outside of the park. Provide management and visitors with accurate information on porcupine-pinyon-disease natural processes.

Cultural Resource Needs

1. BLCA ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE INVENTORY/STUDY

The cultural resources of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park represent an important, yet little-understood base of information. This project proposes to assess the significance of this resource base by systematic sampling of several geophysical settings, as well as limited testing of selected (3-5) sites to determine significance and eligibility. Currently, only 3% of the National Park is adequately inventoried. This proposal seeks to increase that proportion to 15%-20% (an additional 3640 to 5150 acres). An archeological survey of BLCA was conducted in 1975 within the confines of the existing Monument boundary. In 1984, the boundary was expanded to include 50% more property and in 1999, an additional 10,000 acres were added when the Monument was designated a National Park (Currently about 30,300 acres). The park has documentation for an 875-acre extensive survey conducted in the expansion areas. The 1975 survey is known to be incomplete. An additional survey is needed to provide coverage of the park area, along the rim, upslope areas, and the inner canyon. A survey of the boundary expansion lands on the North Rim, access routes into the canyon, along the rim, and in the upslope areas of the park would be conducted over a three-year period. All sites will be recorded with the State Archaeologist Office and entered into NPS databases including AMSIS, ANCS+ and the park GIS. A National Register evaluation will be conducted on all sites found and appropriate nominations would be prepared and submitted for tested sites that qualified.

 

2. BLCA ETHNOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE INVENTORY

This project calls for completion of Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Ethnographic Landscape Inventory in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The landscape features identified include archeological sites, possible Ute burial sites, fire scars, cliffs used by Folsom man and Ute Indians to trap wildlife, early exploration routes and historic occupation, and the natural settlement barrier created by the canyon.

 

3. BLCA ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS ON ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

This project involves assessing the impacts of livestock grazing and recreational use on cultural resources within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Baseline information would be collected on known archeological sites during year one. These sites will be subsequently monitored during the following year and changes in site condition will be noted. A site protection program will be devised and implemented.

 

4. BLCA CULTURAL LANDSCAPE INVENTORY

This proposal calls for completing a Cultural Landscape Inventory of the North and South Rim roads of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with the associated CCC engineering features and structures. This two-year project includes completion of level 1, 2, and 3 inventories (Level 0 is complete). This CLI includes the North and South Rim roads with overlooks, pullouts, culverts, retention walls, rock barriers, and structures. The recognition of the scenic view shed is an important part of the cultural landscape. The rim roads were built between 1934 and 1939 on an intermittent basis. They were designed by the NPS and the actual construction was carried out by a number of public works agencies during the Great Depression. It has been re-contoured and maintained over the years, but no materials substitutions have taken place.

 

5. BLCA SITE EVALUATION PROGRAM

None of the prehistoric sites in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park have been subjected to evaluative testing. A few sites in the park are listed as “Officially Eligible” with many others viewed as potentially eligible. This project would gather information and determine the eligibility of up to 20 prehistoric sites at BLCA.

Page Last Updated March 2004