HomeMy WebLinkAboutC19-372 Eagle Valley Land TrustBaseline Documentation Report Berry Creek – Miller Ranch Open Space
ATTESTATION
BERRY CREEK – MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION EASEMENT
EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO
In Compliance with Title 26 of the Internal Revenue Code [Ꞩ1.170A-14(g)(5)], and to the best of
my knowledge, this Baseline Documentation Report, including text, maps, and photographs, is
an accurate representation of the Berry Creek – Miller Ranch Open Space conservation
easement property at the time of the conveyance of the conservation easement. The
conservation values include open space, outdoor recreation for the public, and relatively natural
habitat.
_________________________________________ ____________________
Eagle County, GRANTOR Date
_______________________, County Manager
___________________________________________ _________________
Eagle Valley Land Trust, GRANTEE Date
Jim Daus, Executive Director
ii
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Jeff Shroll
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BASELINE DOCUMENTATION
REPORT
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space
Conservation Easement
Eagle County, Colorado
Prepared For
Eagle Valley Land Trust
PO Box 3016
Edwards, Colorado 81632
Prepared By
Rare Earth Science, LLC
PO Box 1245
Paonia, Colorado 81428
(970) 527-8445
June 17, 2011
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ATTESTATION ............................................................................................................................. ii
PREPARER CERTIFICATION STATEMENT .............................................................................. iii
CONTACTS & BASIC INFORMATION SUMMARY..................................................................... iv
1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Methods ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Property & Setting Description ................................................................................... 2
1.3 Directions to the Property .......................................................................................... 3
1.4 Summary of the Property’s Conservation Values ...................................................... 3
2 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPERTY ....................................................... 4
2.1 Existing Improvements............................................................................................... 4
2.2 Geology & Soils ......................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Hydrology ................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Vegetation .................................................................................................................. 6
3 LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ..................................................................................... 7
3.1 Cultivation & Grazing ................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Public Access & Public Trails..................................................................................... 8
3.3 Weeds & Weed Control ............................................................................................. 8
3.4 Minerals ..................................................................................................................... 8
4 OPEN SPACE ....................................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Scenic Characteristics ............................................................................................... 8
4.2 Significant Public Benefit ........................................................................................... 9
5 RECREATION ..................................................................................................................... 11
6 RELATIVELY NATURAL HABITAT ..................................................................................... 11
6.1 Habitat for Threatened, Endangered, or Special Concern Species ......................... 11
6.2 Big Game Habitat..................................................................................................... 12
6.3 Habitat for Other Wildlife .......................................................................................... 13
7 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................... 13
FIGURES (Following Main Text)
1. Regional & Local Locator Maps
2. Topographic Map
3. Aerial Photograph & Photopoint Locations
4. Improvements & Vegetation Communities
5. Soils Map
6. Wildlife Range Maps
DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHS (Following Figures)
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ATTESTATION
BERRY CREEK – MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION EASEMENT
EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO
In compliance with Title 26 of the Internal Revenue Code [§1.170A-14(g)(5)], and to the best of
my knowledge, this Baseline Documentation Report, including text, maps, and photographs, is
an accurate representation of the Berry Creek – Miller Ranch Open Space conservation
easement property on __________________, 20___, the time of the conveyance of the
conservation easement. The conservation values include open space, outdoor recreation for the
public, and relatively natural habitat.
___________________________________________ _______________
Eagle County, GRANTOR Date
___________________, County Commissioner
___________________________________________ _______________
Eagle Valley Land Trust, GRANTEE Date
Kara Heide, Executive Director
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PREPARER CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
BERRY CREEK – MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION EASEMENT
EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO
I, the undersigned, prepared this Baseline Documentation Report in accordance with Treas.
Reg. 1. 170A-14(g)(5)(i)(D). To the best of my knowledge, this Baseline Documentation Report,
including text, maps, and photographs, is a true and correct representation of the Berry Creek –
Miller Ranch Open Space conservation easement property at the date of my signature below.
I certify that I am a qualified provider of conservation easement due diligence. As principal
biologist at Rare Earth Science, I have personally prepared baseline documentation reports for
more than 150 conservation easement projects in eight Colorado counties, and am familiar with
the natural resources of the region. My recent relevant project experience includes rare plant
surveys in Delta and Montrose counties, co-authorship of Colorado Sagebrush: A Conservation
Assessment and Strategy (prepared for the Colorado Division of Wildlife in 2005), and a
Migratory Bird Status Literature Review (prepared for the Uncompahgre Field Office of the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management in 2009). I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological
Sciences from Stanford University in 1988 and have 21 years of experience in consulting
practice.
June 17, 2011
__________________________________ _______________
Dawn R. Reeder, Principal Biologist Date
Rare Earth Science, LLC
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CONTACTS & BASIC INFORMATION SUMMARY
GRANTOR
Eagle County
500 Broadway
Eagle, Colorado 81631
GRANTEE
Eagle Valley Land Trust
PO Box 3016
Edwards, Colorado 81632
(970) 748-7654
BASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORT PREPARER
Dawn Reeder
Rare Earth Science, LLC
PO Box 1245
Paonia, Colorado 81428
(970) 527-8445
dawn@rareearthscience.com
CONSERVATION EASEMENT NAME: Berry Creek – Miller Ranch Open Space
ACREAGE: Approximately 32.5 acres
PROPERTY ADDRESS: Rural, Miller Ranch Road, Edwards, Colorado
EAGLE COUNTY PARCEL NO.
Portion of Parcel No. 2105-033-17-002
PHYSICAL LOCATION
Please refer to the map and legal description in the Deed of Conservation Easement.
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
See the Deed of Conservation Easement, Exhibit A, for a complete legal description.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
No building envelopes are permitted on the conservation easement under the Deed of
Conservation Easement.
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1 INTRODUCTION
Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) provide for the establishment of conservation easements to
maintain land “in a natural, scenic, or open condition, or for wildlife habitat, or for agricultural […]
or other use or condition consistent with the protection of open land having wholesome
environmental quality or life-sustaining ecological diversity” [CRS §38-30.5-101].
Toward these ends, the Eagle County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the citizens of
Eagle County (“grantor” or “the county”) is conveying a perpetual conservation easement on
property in Eagle County, Colorado, to Eagle Valley Land Trust (“Land Trust” or “grantee”). The
grantee is a non-profit corporation and a "qualified organization," as defined in §170(h) of the
Internal Revenue Code, and a charitable organization as required under CRS §§38-30.5-104(2).
The conservation easement will be known as the Berry Creek – Miller Ranch Open Space, and
will preserve scenic open space and wildlife habitat while providing outdoor recreational
opportunities to the citizens of Eagle County and the State of Colorado.
It is the policy of the grantee to require baseline documentation for all conservation easement
conveyances it accepts. This report contains a natural resources inventory and also documents
the conservation values and the characteristics, current use, and status of improvements on the
property. The accuracy of this report is acknowledged by the grantor and grantee at the time of
the conservation easement conveyance. This report is intended to benefit to both parties and
will be used by grantee to assure that any future changes on the property are be consistent with
the terms of the Deed of Conservation Easement (CE Deed). However, this report is not
intended to preclude the use of other evidence to establish the condition of the property at the
time of the conservation easement conveyance.
This report, together with other materials in the grantee’s files, addresses all applicable items in
the grantee’s Baseline Documentation Report Checklist. Figure 1 shows the property’s regional
setting and location in relationship to other conserved private property and public lands, as well
as directions to the property. Figure 2 shows the topography of the property and its
surroundings. Figure 3 provides an aerial overview of the property and a key to documentary
photograph locations. Figure 4 depicts the improvements and vegetation communities on the
property. Figure 5 maps the soil units on the property. Ranges of selected wildlife species are
mapped on Figure 6. A list of global positioning system (GPS) coordinates for the locations of
documentary photographs is included on Figure 3.
1.1 Methods
This report satisfies the documentation requirements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Code
at §1.170A-14 and the conservation easement due diligence requirements of the grantee, and
generally follows standards and practices recommended by the Land Trust Alliance (Hamilton
2008).
Methods of baseline documentation included a field visit to the property and an interview with
the grantee on June 1, 2011, review of information provided by the grantee and grantor, and
research of available publications and other relevant documents, as cited.
Mapping for this document was created using ESRI® geographic information systems (GIS)
software, ArcGIS 9.3™ and a recreational-grade handheld GPS unit. Base maps consist of U.S.
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Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle and National Agricultural
Imagery Program (NAIP) aerial photography digital mosaics available for public download
through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Data resources used to create regional mapping (Figure 1), soils mapping (Figure 5), and
wildlife range maps (Figure 6) are cited on the figures themselves. The photopoint map (Figure
3) was created by mapping GPS waypoints marked at documentary photograph locations. The
improvements map (Figure 4) was created by interpreting recent aerial photographs and by
mapping GPS waypoints of certain point features and tracks of roads, trails, and fence lines on
the property. Consequently, the improvements map must not be considered a survey of
improvements, but rather a simple inventory sketch. The vegetation community was mapped
(Figure 4) by interpreting recent aerial photographs, combined with a walkabout survey of the
property. It should be noted that vegetation mapping boundaries cannot accurately represent
the intergrade between plant communities.
It was not within the scope of this report to review boundary adjustments, miscellaneous
easements, or rights-of-way, whether recorded or unrecorded, for accuracy or applicability to
the conservation easement conveyance.
1.2 Property & Setting Description
The Berry Creek – Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement property (hereinafter,
“property”) is approximately 32.5 acres lying south of the Interstate-70 corridor and north of U.S.
Highway 6, just east of the community of Edwards, in Eagle County, Colorado (Figure 1). A
complete legal description of the property is provided in Exhibit A of the Deed of Conservation
Easement (CE Deed). See the Contacts and Basic Information Summary in the front matter of
this report for further information identifying the physical location of the property.
The property features riparian woodlands, meadows, shrublands, and wetlands, and an
approximately 4,900-foot reach of Eagle River. Improvements at the time of the conservation
easement conveyance were an unimproved service road, unimproved trails, minor utilities,
irrigation infrastructure, and perimeter fencing. No buildings existed on the property, and no
residential dwellings will be permitted on the property by the CE Deed. Documentary
photographs showing the property’s improvements and important features follow the figures
after the text of this report. The locations of the photographs are keyed to Figure 3, and
improvements are mapped on Figure 4.
The Eagle River drainage is situated in the Southern Rocky Mountains physiographic province
in the foothills of the Sawatch Mountains in the greater Colorado River watershed. The area is
characterized by steep river valleys and terraces flanked by high foothills and mountains.
Typical of Colorado’s western slope, winters are relatively cold and snowy and summers are
relatively warm and dry. The property lies at approximately 7,300 feet above mean sea level
(Figure 2).
The property is bounded by a rail road easement and other Eagle County lands to the north,
Miller Ranch Road and private lands to the west, Eagle River and a residential subdivision and
golf course to the south, and the residential subdivision and golf course to the east. Prior to its
ownership by Eagle County, historic uses of the property have included livestock range and
recreational hunting. The property is currently managed by Eagle County as public open space.
Trails on the property are used by local residents and visitors for passive recreation activities.
The public can also gain fishing and boating access to the river from the property’s trails (foot
trails only—no vehicular access or boat ramps will be provided or permitted for the public).
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1.3 Directions to the Property
From the Edwards exit on Interstate-70, head south on Edwards Access Road for 0.1 mile. Turn
left (east) through a roundabout onto Miller Ranch Road and drive approximately 1.1 miles to
the northwest property corner, which is on the left just before Miller Ranch Road crosses Eagle
River (see Figure 4 for entrance location).
1.4 Summary of the Property’s Conservation Values
The purpose of the conservation easement conveyance on the property is to preserve, in
perpetuity, the following conservation values:
1. Open space. The property’s forested riparian corridor and open shrublands and
meadows add to the scenic character, openness, and variety of the local rural
landscape. A large portion of the property, including the lush riparian corridor of Eagle
River, is visible from Interstate-70, from U.S. Highway 6, from Miller Ranch Road, and
from other public roads around Eagle Valley. From these roads, which are utilized year-
round by citizens of Eagle County and the State of Colorado, travelers also enjoy
unobstructed scenic views across the property toward the foothills of the Gore and
Sawatch Mountain Ranges on the White River National Forest. Development of the
property into residential parcels would likely lead to or would contribute to the
degradation of the scenic character of the area. Preservation of open space, including
scenic lands, is supported by state and local governmental policies, and brings
significant benefit to the public.
2. Recreation. The conservation easement will allow public to access the property from a
trail originating on Miller Ranch Road. As such, the general public may enjoy non-
motorized recreational opportunities on the property, including walking, jogging, skiing,
bicycling, fishing, wildlife watching, rafting, and kayaking. The property currently receives
substantial and regular use by the general public for the purpose of outdoor recreation.
No vehicular access or boat ramps will be provided or permitted for the public.
3. Relatively natural habitat. The property supports a forested riparian corridor along a
4,900-foot reach of Eagle River and a 500-foot reach of June Creek, montane meadows
and shrublands, and graminoid wetlands in relatively natural condition that provide
forage, cover, breeding habitat, and migration corridors for several wildlife species,
including migratory songbirds, beaver, and big game. The property supports wintering
elk and provides summer range for mule deer; these wild ungulates contribute
significantly to the biodiversity and the region and to the economy through hunting
revenues. The habitat on the property is “significant” as defined by the Treasury
Regulations, as it represents potential habitat for rare, endangered, or threatened
species such as northern river otter (recognized as threatened and protected under the
Colorado Nongame, Threatened, or Endangered Species Conservation Act); bald eagle
(a Colorado State Species of Concern); and northern leopard frog (a Colorado State
Species of Concern).
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2 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPERTY
2.1 Existing Improvements
The appearances of improvements are shown in the documentary photographs (following the
figures after the main text), whose locations are keyed to Figure 3. Figure 4 maps the locations
of improvements and other important features. GPS coordinates for photopoint locations are
provided on Figure 3. The remaining bulleted paragraphs of this section describe other
improvements on the property, such as fencing, roads and trails, utilities, and irrigation
infrastructure.
Buildings. No buildings existed on the property at the time of the field visit.
Roads and trails. Primary access to the property is via an unimproved two-track road
(service vehicle access) off of Miller Ranch Road into the northwest property corner
(Photopoints 1, 4, 7, 16, 21, and 22). A single-track trail departs from this two-track road
and loops through the forested riparian area west of June Creek (Photopoints 10, 13,
and 14). Several short spur trails lead from these main trails south to the river bank
(Photopoint 11, for example). The origins of spur trails observed during the baseline field
visit are marked on Figure 4. An additional faint spur trail leads to the wetland area in the
west-central part of the property (Photopoint 10, looking west-by-southwest).
Fences. The property is fenced along the north boundary with multi-strand barbed wire
livestock fencing (Photopoints 1, 7, 15, and 22). The east boundary is gated at the two-
track road with wire panel fencing (Photopoint 22) extending north and south on either
side of the gate to discourage trespassing into private property to the east. However, a
social trail cuts around this fencing to the north.
Utilities. No utilities were observed on the property at the time of the baseline field visit;
however, the grantor’s review of a title insurance commitment procured during the
conservation easement conveyance process noted multiple utility easements exist on
the property. A water well casing, storm drain-type structure (Photopoint 3), and small
pump house are located near (just outside of or on) the property’s west boundary. A
linear area of disturbed ground oriented roughly north-south was observed east of June
Creek and south of the main trail (Photopoint 17, looking northeast). It is unknown
whether this area contains a buried utility line.
Irrigation infrastructure. Beginning at the northeast property corner, Howard Ditch, an
irrigation canal running in a combination of open ditch and buried pipe, flows west within
or near the property’s north boundary a distance of approximately 1,900 feet before
exiting the property’s north boundary. Howard Ditch crosses June Creek in a suspended
pipe (Photopoint 16, looking north-by-northeast). Ditch cleaning and maintenance was
underway at the time of the field visit (Photopoint 15).
Bank stabilization. Deposits of scrap metal and other debris (such as discarded culvert
or irrigation pipe and flume material) were present in the east part of the property along
the north river bank (see Figure 4 for approximate location and Photopoint 21).
Presumably, these items were deposited at one time to provide bank stabilization and
erosion control.
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2.2 Geology & Soils
The property lies in the rugged, high-elevation terrain of the Southern Rocky Mountains
physiographic province, which is characterized by cliffs, canyons and gulches cut in gently-
dipping to broadly-folded sedimentary rocks of Pennsylvanian to Cretaceous age. The
topography and geology of this area was influenced by several major structural elements in
western Colorado, including the Gore Range to the east-northeast, the White River Uplift and
Flat Top Mountains to the west-northwest, and the Sawatch Range to the south. This area is
located within the Eagle Basin, which is primarily a Pennsylvanian-aged depositional trough
located in a structurally complex area east of the Piceance Basin. This area is also located in
the Upper Colorado River drainage basin.
The Geologic Map of the Leadville 1° x 2° Quadrangle, Northwestern Colorado (USGS
Miscellaneous Investigation Series Map I-999, 1988) was reviewed for an understanding of local
surface and subsurface geologic conditions. The property is comprised of bedrock Middle
Pennsylvanian Eagle Valley Evaporite (Map Unit Pee). Map Unit Pee consists of gypsum,
anhydrite, and interbedded siltstone and minor dolomite, with thick halite salt at depth in some
places, and a thickness of upwards of 9,000 feet in the property vicinity. Unconsolidated
Pleistocene young gravel deposits (Map Unit Qg) cover the entire surface of the Site, and
overlie bedrock Map Unit Pee. Map Unit Qg includes stream, terrace and outwash gravels,
largely of glaciofluvial and alluvial origin, deposited less than 1 million years ago. Map Unit Qg
fills and forms the major low-lying areas and well-developed drainages in the Eagle River
Valley. The local soil survey identifies several soil units on the property (Figure 5).
2.3 Hydrology
The property encompasses approximately 4,900 feet of Eagle River frontage, including an old
meander area containing a small beaver pond complex. The Eagle River is a major local
tributary of the Colorado River, and its riparian corridor is significant landscape feature of Eagle
County through the I-70 corridor (Photopoints 23 and 24). Peak runoff flows near Avon,
Colorado, range between about 2,000 and 5,500 cubic feet per second (cfs), and mean annual
high water runoff is approximately 4,100 cfs (USGS 2011). Following spring runoff, and during
the peak of the growing season when the demand for irrigation water is high, in-stream flows in
in Eagle River are somewhat diminished. Eagle River supports natural riparian woodlands and
shrublands along its entire north bank frontage on the property. Natural riparian communities
depend on periodic / seasonal flooding to regenerate.
The Eagle River’s flow regime, morphology, and the health of its riparian communities have
been significantly affected over the years by irrigation diversions, floodplain aggregate mining,
historic efforts to control flooding and bank erosion, and bottomland conversion to croplands.
Most of these activities have occurred primarily downstream of the property. However, during
recent years residential and resort-type developments have encroached into the riparian
corridor of the river in the Edwards area and upstream of the Edwards area. A residential
subdivision and golf course lie directly across (south of) Eagle River from the property
(Photopoint 4). The structures and landscaping of this development have a relatively small
setback from the south river bank. Consequently, the riparian character of the south bank of
Eagle River across from the property is no longer in a natural condition, underscoring the
importance of the conservation easement in preserving the natural forested riparian corridor,
and an undeveloped buffer for that corridor, on the property. This provides ecological as well as
recreational and scenic open space benefits to the citizens of Eagle County and the State of
Colorado.
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Other surface hydrology features on the property include a short reach of June Creek
(Photopoint 17, looking north-by-northeast), open and piped sections of Howard Ditch, and a
graminoid wetland (Photopoints 8 and 9). June Creek flows from the north into Eagle River in
the east part of the property (Photopoint 18). Howard Ditch traverses the property’s north
boundary, flowing from east to west during irrigation season to irrigate hay fields in the valley
downstream of the property. The graminoid wetland lies in the west part of the property on a
terrace above the river. Its hydrology appears to be provided by a spring or seep issuing from a
hillslope to the north.
Preservation of the property’s natural riparian corridor under the conservation easement will
help conserve some of arid western Colorado’s most important wildlife habitat resources. Much
of Colorado’s pre-EuroAmerican settlement riparian habitat has been lost, degraded, or
permanently altered in the past century due to water projects (dams, diversions, and
introduction of competitive non-native plants such as tamarisk and Russian olive for erosion
control). Also, an estimated 50 percent of Colorado’s original wetlands have been lost due to
residential and commercial development, livestock overgrazing, cropland conversions, water
diversions, and contamination (Yuhas 1996). According to a recent landscape-scale mapping
effort by the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project, riparian habitat constitutes less than 3
percent, and wetlands constitute less than 0.1 percent, of the total area of western Colorado.
Nevertheless, about 72 percent of all reptile species, 77 percent of all amphibians, 80 percent of
all mammals, and 90 percent of all bird species occurring in the region routinely use riparian
areas for food, water, cover or migration routes (Knopf 1989).
2.4 Vegetation
The vegetation communities found on the property are listed and briefly described in paragraphs
below, and mapped on Figure 4. The vegetation map was created by interpreting a recent aerial
photograph, combined with a walkabout survey of the property.
Riparian forested (approximately 10.6 acres). This community type occurred along the
majority of the banks of Eagle River and June Creek on the property (Photopoints 2, 13,
and 17) and was dominated by narrowleaf cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia), but also
featured an occasional Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens), Engelmann spruce
(Picea engelmannii), or Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum). A variety of
riparian shrubs were scattered throughout, including chokecherry (Prunus americana),
alder (Alnus incana tenuifolia), Redosier dogwood (Cornus sericea), coyote willow (Salix
exigua), wild rose (Rosa woodsii), three-leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata), currant (Ribes sp.),
and hawthorn (Crataegus sp.). Several species of mesic shrubs were also observed in
the riparian corridor, such as snowberry (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius), serviceberry
(Amelanchier alnifolia), and twinflower (Linnaea borealis). Herbaceous plants in the
understory appeared to consist mostly of pasture grasses, namely, smooth brome
(Bromus imermis). However, cow parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium), false Solomon’s
seal (Maianthemum stellatum), wild phlox (Phlox spp.), and wiregrass (Juncus balticus)
were among the native herbaceous plants scattered throughout the riparian corridor.
Overall, the forested riparian community on the property was in good condition, with a
good mix of cottonwood age classes and a high degree of recruitment of new
cottonwood saplings (Photopoint 19) in and near the floodplain. Several standing
cottonwood snags and older trees provide habitat opportunities for cavity nesting birds
and rodents, and roosts for several raptor species and great blue herons. Part of the
floodplain of Eagle River in the west part of the property features a small beaver pond
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complex vegetated with vigorous cottonwood saplings and willows (Photopoints 5 and
6).
Riparian shrubland (approximately 1 acre). Riparian shrublands on the property were
associated with the Howard Ditch alignment and were dominated by thick stands of
coyote willow and/or three-leaf sumac. Ditch clearing activities (maintenance) were
taking place on Howard Ditch during the baseline field visit, which has resulted in the
removal of much of the riparian shrubland along its banks (Photopoint 15). However, this
community is likely to regenerate relatively quickly during the next few growing seasons.
Montane meadow (approximately 4.5 acres). Montane meadows were present on the
property on low benches above the riparian forested corridor, and were vegetated
primarily with smooth brome, a pasture grass cultivated widely in the region (Photopoint
14). It is assumed that much of the property was livestock pasture or hayfields and these
meadow areas are remnant pastures or hayfields. Cottonwood saplings or rabbitbrush
(Chrysothamnus spp.) are gradually encroaching on these meadow areas with time.
Montane shrubland (approximately 7 acres). Montane shrublands were present across
the north central part of the property and in an open area east of June Creek. The
principal shrub is a species of rabbitbrush, and herbaceous ground cover is dominated
by smooth brome. As with the montane meadow community type, the montane
shrubland areas are reverting to a more natural state following a period of cultivation
and/or grazing when the property was ranched.
Graminoid wetland (approximately 1.7 acres). The graminoid wetland (i.e., wetland
dominated by grass-like plants) on the property featured a lush association two species
of sedge—water sedge (Carex aquatilis) and an additional unidentified Carex species
(sp.) (Photopoints 8, 9, and 12). Other wetland graminoids present at the dryer fringes of
the Carex association were wiregrass and a small spike rush (Eleocharis sp.). The
source of hydrology for this wetland appears to be subsurface flow from the north
emerging near the toe of the slope of the bench where the main trail / service road is
located.
Open water / river bed (approximately 7.7 acres). Nearly one-quarter of the property
encompasses open water or, during low water periods, unvegetated river bed of Eagle
River (Photopoints 1, 2, 4, 11, 13, 18, 20, and 21). The rejuvenation of the property’s
cottonwood stands depends on the natural flood regime of the river (i.e., high stage in
spring) and in allowing for changes in geomorphology to occur to the river channel
naturally over time to the greatest extent possible. Much of the south bank of Eagle
River adjacent to the property is confined to its existing location due to the residential
development there, whereas a large portion of the north bank through the property can
undergo natural geomorphologic changes over time, as a benefit of the conservation
easement.
3 LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
3.1 Cultivation & Grazing
The property was once part of Miller Ranch, and as such, was likely used to graze livestock. As
a result, the montane meadow areas and the montane shrubland understory areas of the
property are dominated by smooth brome and other cultivar pasture grasses. The property has
not been grazed for a number of years.
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3.2 Public Access & Public Trails
The property is managed as public open space and wildlife habitat. Under the conservation
easement, Eagle County will continue to manage the property as public open space and wildlife
habitat and provide for the use of its trails. Foot path access to the riverbank for fishing and non-
motorized boating access will be permitted.
3.3 Weeds & Weed Control
The only Eagle County noxious weeds (Co. Dept. of Agriculture 2011) observed on the property
at the time of the baseline field visit were Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and houndstongue
(Cynoglossum officinale), scattered in the vicinity of trails and Howard Ditch. Canada thistle is
considered a nuisance plant because it can form nearly impenetrable monocultural stands
under certain conditions. Houndstongue is toxic to horses, cattle, and wild ungulates. Noxious
weeds did not appear to be a serious management issue on the property at the time of the field
visit. Weeds are actively managed on County properties by Eagle County, as funding and
personnel are available.
Other troublesome weeds on the property were cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), common
dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and annual
mustards. These plants appeared to be concentrated near trails and areas of recent minor
ground disturbance. Such infestations are typical and widespread in these habitat types in Eagle
County and are not considered to be directly harmful to wildlife or pets.
3.4 Minerals
The grantor and grantee’s review of a title insurance commitment procured during the
conservation easement conveyance process identified that the mineral rights on the property
are wholly owned by the grantor, subject to existing reservations of patents of record. No past or
present mining activities were evident on the property at the time of the field visit. No mining will
be permitted under the CE Deed, except as permitted in patents of record.
4 OPEN SPACE
The property provides scenic views and open space for the benefit and enjoyment of the public
(see Section 1.4 for a summary of the property’s conservation values). The open space
conservation value of the property is described in detail below and depicted in figures and
documentary photographs following the main text of this report. Documentary photographs were
taken at the photopoints shown on Figure 3. The GPS coordinates of the photopoints are
included on Figure 3 of this report.
4.1 Scenic Characteristics
The property possesses excellent scenic characteristics. The property’s aesthetically-pleasing
and harmonious array of shapes and textures created by its relatively natural forested riparian
corridor and open meadows and shrublands, provides scenic enjoyment to the general public,
and contributes to the openness and variety of the overall landscape in the region. A large
portion of the property, including the lush riparian corridor of Eagle River, is visible from
Interstate-70 (Photopoints 23 and 24), from U.S. Highway 6, from Miller Ranch Road
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(Photopoint 1), and from other public roads around Eagle Valley. From these roads, which are
utilized year-round by citizens of Eagle County and the State of Colorado, travelers also enjoy
unobstructed scenic views across the property toward the foothills of the Gore and Sawatch
Mountain Ranges on the White River National Forest.
4.2 Significant Public Benefit
Preservation of the property under a conservation easement will yield significant public benefit
because its open space provides a) scenic enjoyment for the general public, b) wildlife habitat at
the site-specific level and habitat connectivity at the landscape level (Figure 6). Preservation of
the property will continue to provide an opportunity for the general public to appreciate its scenic
values, and is important for preserving regional resources with the potential to provide revenue
and attract tourism to the area. A significant benefit to the public is provided by the conservation
easement on the property because of the strong likelihood that development of the property
would lead to or would contribute to degradation of the relatively natural habitat and the scenic
and rural character of the area. Open space (including relatively natural habitat supporting big
game), and scenic views are important resources that benefit the public by bringing significant
hunting and tourism revenues to the State of Colorado and Eagle County.
A conservation easement on the property is supported by policy at the state and regional/local
levels:
State policy. Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) provide for the establishment of
conservation easements to maintain land “in a natural, scenic, or open condition, or for
wildlife habitat, or for agricultural […] or other use or condition consistent with the
protection of open land …” [CRS §38-30.5-101]. The Colorado Wildlife and Parks and
Outdoor Recreation statutes [CRS §33-1-101 and §§ 33-10-101], provide, respectively,
that “It is the policy of the State of Colorado that the wildlife and their environment are to
be protected, preserved, enhanced, and managed for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of
the people of this state and visitors to this state” and that “It is the policy of the state of
Colorado that the natural, scenic, scientific, and outdoor recreation areas of this state
are to be protected, preserved, enhanced, and managed for the use, benefit, and
enjoyment of the people of this state and visitors of this state.”
The Colorado Department of Transportation statutes [CRS §43-1-401, et seq.], provide
that the "preservation and enhancement of the natural and scenic beauty of this state"
are of substantial state interest.
The Western Governors' Association Policy Resolution 08-21 supports "voluntary
incentive-based methods for preserving open space, maintaining land and water for
agricultural and timber production, wildlife and other values."
Regional & local policy. The property and its use are consistent with Eagle County’s
2005 Comprehensive Plan, which became effective on January 18, 2006, and includes
policies to protect wildlife areas; maintain and enhance water quality and quantity;
protect unique land forms; monitor and control air quality; and require development to be
compatible with natural constraints of the land. Further, Resolution 2003-097
establishes that it is the policy of Eagle County to be dedicated to “preserving wildlife
habitat, protecting working farms and ranches, conserving scenic landscapes and vistas,
and protecting wetlands and floodplains” within and throughout Eagle County.
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The establishment of a conservation easement on the property is consistent with the
following goals of Eagle County’s 2005 Comprehensive Plan:
o Goal: The impacts of development in Eagle County are carefully monitored, and
future development occurs in a manner that preserves a high quality of life, a diverse
and sustainable economy, the area’s scenic beauty, a healthy natural environment
and a vibrant, well designed community (3.2).
o Goal: Eagle County’s infrastructure and community services support all present and
future community needs and encourage efficient travel, healthy lifestyles, a stable
economy and the preservation of environmental quality (3.5).
o Goal: Preserve and/or enhance the quality of wildlife habitat, and the vitality of
wildlife populations in Eagle County (3.7).
o Goal: Development in Eagle County avoids or fully mitigates impacts to sensitive
lands. Open space is preserved to the greatest degree possible, and scenic quality
and cultural resources are protected (3.8).
The establishment of a conservation easement on the property is consistent with the
policies and strategies set forth in the Eagle County’s 2005 Comprehensive Plan,
including the following:
o The integrity, quality and interconnected nature of critical wildlife habitat in Eagle
County should be preserved (3.7.2.a).
o The well-being of wildlife species of economic importance should be actively
monitored and protected (3.7.2.b).
o The well-being of wildlife species of less economic importance and those on the rare
and endangered species list should be actively monitored and protected (3.7.2.c).
o Development in areas critical to the continued well-being of Eagle County’s wildlife
populations should not be allowed (3.7.3.d).
o Wildlife friendly measures should be incorporated into the design of individual home
sites and neighborhoods (3.7.5.g).
o Development and development patterns should preserve landscapes that include
visual, historic, and archeological value (3.8.3.c).
o A variety of approaches should be utilized to preserve land as open space, including
conservation easements and the transfer of development rights.
o Open space should be able to serve different needs in different applications; and
promote the benefits of conservation easements to area ranchers (3.8.4).
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5 RECREATION
The trails on the property are popular walking paths used by residents of the area. The trails
provide a passive recreation opportunity in a natural and scenic setting close to an area with
relatively high housing density. Several people were walking the trails at the time of the baseline
field visit (for example, Photopoint 10, looking east-by-northeast). Under the conservation
easement, Eagle County will continue to manage the property as public open space and provide
for the use of its trails. Foot path access to the riverbank for fishing and non-motorized boating
access will be permitted.
6 RELATIVELY NATURAL HABITAT
The property features relatively natural habitat conservation values (see Section 1.4 for a
summary of the property’s conservation values). The property’s natural riparian corridor,
wetlands, montane meadows, and shrublands provide important relatively natural habitat and
habitat linkages for wildlife in the area. Surface water resources and vegetation communities on
the property are described in Sections 2.4 and 2.5 of this report.
The locations of surface water resources and vegetation communities are shown on Figure 6.
The appearance of the property’s relatively natural habitat is depicted in documentary
photographs following the main text of this report. Documentary photographs were taken at the
photopoints shown on Figure 3. The ranges of selected wildlife species are mapped, relative to
the property, on Figure 6. The GPS coordinates of the photopoints are included on Figure 3.
6.1 Habitat for Threatened, Endangered, or Special Concern Species
Threatened, endangered, or special concern species known to occur or with the potential to
occur on the property based on documented ranges and habitat requirements are described
below. It is important to note that it was not within the scope of this report to conduct a
comprehensive survey for threatened, endangered, or special concern species during the
baseline field visit. Threatened, endangered, or special concern animal species described below
are either known by the grantee to occur on the property or are expected to occur based on
documented nearby occurrences and presence of suitable habitat on the property.
Bald eagle. Although the bald eagle was removed from the federal threatened and
endangered species list in June 2007, the federal government will continue to monitor its
recovery under the U.S. Endangered Species Act at least through the year 2012.The
bald eagle is listed as a State of Colorado Species of Concern (CDOW 2011). The
grantor has observed bald eagles on and near the property, where they prey on fish,
rodents and carrion. The property lies near bald eagle winter range and winter foraging
range mapped by CDOW (Figure 6). The property features tall deciduous trees that
provide good roosts for bald eagles and other raptors.
North American river otter, recognized as threatened and protected under the Colorado
Nongame, Threatened, or Endangered Species Conservation Act, may find suitable
habitat on the property. A pair of river otters requires approximately 1.5 to 8 miles of
stream or shoreline depending on prey resources, and stream flow of at least 50 cfs
(Boyle 2006). Other requirements are food resources (fish, small mammals), good water
quality, riparian vegetation providing at least 50 percent cover along banks, and other
cover in or along streams such as woody debris or boulders (Boyle 2006). Bank stability
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and maintenance of floodplain structure provide opportunities for denning. The property
provides good hunting and denning habitat for river otter. The property lies within
CDOW-mapped range of river otter (Figure 6). River otters have been observed in the
vicinity of the property recently (Heide, pers. comm), and should find plentiful prey in the
property’s riparian corridor (i.e., fishes, beaver, and other small rodents).
Northern leopard frog. The property features excellent breeding habitat for the northern
leopard frog in the Eagle River and June Creek corridors, beaver ponds, and wetlands.
This widely distributed amphibian has become scarce in some areas of Colorado leading
to its recognition as a Species of Concern by the State of Colorado (CDOW 2011). In
low elevation areas in western Colorado, the leopard frog can be displaced by non-
native bullfrogs or decimated by non-native predatory fishes (Hammerson 1999). In
higher elevation areas, the decreases in abundance of these frogs are largely
unexplained. Although no leopard frogs were observed on the property during the
baseline field visit, many northern leopard frog occurrences have been documented in
the vicinity of the property (CNHP 2010).
6.2 Big Game Habitat
The property lies within the overall ranges of game species including mule deer, American elk,
mountain lion, and black bear, all big game species that are of economic importance to Eagle
County and the State of Colorado, and that contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the
region.
American elk. The property lies within overall range of American elk and is mapped as
elk winter range by CDOW (Figure 6). Elk find good security in the property’s forested
riparian corridor and good forage in its meadows and shrublands. Elk and other big
game species contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the region and are of
economic importance to Eagle County: approximately 45,000 elk were harvested by
hunters in Colorado in 2008 (CDOW 2009), generating large revenues both directly and
indirectly for the state (a total of 223,439 hunting licenses were issued). The quantity of
elk winter range in the region is generally declining in part due to residential
development at lower elevations in areas (especially agricultural valleys) that contain the
most productive big game winter range. The conservation easement on the property will
benefit big game by maintaining and buffering open space in and near their winter range.
Maintaining the property as open space has become more important to sustaining the
local elk herd because a recently erected big game fence along the I-70 corridor has
effectively cut off access to elk range to the north. According to the local CDOW wildlife
manager, the property is among the last strongholds of good-quality bottomland winter
range in this portion of the valley. Elk are regularly present on the property during winter
months.
Mule deer. The property lies within CDOW-mapped mule deer summer range and just
south of mule deer winter range (Figure 6). Deer and other big game species are of
economic importance to Eagle County, and contribute significantly to the biodiversity of
the region. Deer find good forage in the property’s riparian forests and meadows.
Black bear. The property lies within the overall range of black bear. The black bear is a
wide-roaming species with a relatively large territory size requirement. Black bear are
most likely to occur on the property during fall as they move out of higher elevation
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habitat looking for shrub nuts and fruits to forage, especially in mesic drainages and
riparian areas. The property is mapped within a large human-bear conflict area (Figure
6). The conservation easement will help guarantee that the property will continue to
provide security and a movement corridor for black bears in the region.
Mountain lion. The property lies within the overall range of mountain lion, a wide-roaming
species with a relatively large territory size requirement. Mountain lion can be expected
to occur on the property occasionally, following the movements of mule deer, their
primary prey species. The property is mapped within a large human-mountain lion
conflict area (Figure 6). The conservation easement will help guarantee that the property
will continue to provide security and a movement corridor for lions in the region.
6.3 Habitat for Other Wildlife
The property provides habitat or habitat linkages for small animals with large home ranges
moving across the surrounding landscape. The riparian corridor on the property provides
nesting and/or foraging habitat to a variety of migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl.
Great blue herons forage regularly along the riparian corridor of the Eagle River on the property
for fish and amphibians.
Eagle River supports a healthy trout fishery, featuring primarily rainbow trout and German brown
trout, both non-native sport fish. The property lies within the historic range of the native
Colorado cutthroat trout, which has been largely decimated in the region due to competition with
and predation by non-native trout.
Beavers have been historically and recently active on the property. A small beaver pond
complex is present in the west central part of the property (Figure 4; Photopoints 5 and 6).
Beaver activity may be temporary or episodic on the property.
Raptors such as golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, rough-legged hawk, great-
horned owl, and American kestrel are expected to be fairly common (year-round or seasonally)
in the area and across the property as they hunt for abundant small prey.
Other small mammals such as coyote, red fox, bobcat, badger, striped skunk, Western spotted
skunk, raccoon, ringtail, cottontail, jackrabbit, porcupine, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, voles, and
shrews are known or expected to inhabit or visit the property and utilize its habitat types.
Several bat species are expected to occur as seasonal migrants or visitors on the property,
finding suitable day roosts in the property’s woodlands. Reptiles and amphibians anticipated to
occur on the property are western terrestrial garter snake, bull snake, sagebrush lizard, plateau
striped whiptail, chorus frog, Woodhouse’s toad, and tiger salamander.
7 REFERENCES
Andrews, R. and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds. Denver: Denver Museum of Natural History.
442 pp.
Bailey, A. M. and R. J. Niedrach. 1965. Birds of Colorado, Volumes I & II. Denver: Denver
Museum of Natural History.
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Boyle, S. (2006). North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis): a technical conservation
assessment. [Online]. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region. Available:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/projects/scp/assessments/northamericanriverotter.pdf [accessed on
June 29, 2010].
CDOW (Colorado Division of Wildlife). 2006. Colorado’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation
Strategy and Wildlife Conservation Plans. Denver: Colorado Division of Wildlife.
CDOW. 2011. Species of Concern. Accessed on May 20 at
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/.
CDOW. 2009. 2008 Elk Harvest, Hunters and Recreation Days for All Manners of Take. Viewed
at http://wildlife.state.co.us/NR/rdonlyres/3C2041AE-F08C-4AEF-BB6F-
5084BE4622EA/0/2008StatewideElkHarvest.pdf.
CNHP (Colorado Natural Heritage Program). 2010. State-wide list of tracked species and
communities. Accessed at http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/
Co. Dept. of Agriculture. 2011. Eagle County Noxious Weed List, accessed June 16 at
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=application%2Fpdf&blobk
ey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251703045130&ssbinary=true.
CWMA (Colorado Weed Management Association). 2004. Troublesome Weeds of the Rocky
Mountain West. 8th Edition.
Fitzgerald, J.P., C.A. Meaney, D.M. Armstrong. 1994. Mammals of Colorado. Niwot, Colorado:
Univ. Press of Co. 467 pp.
Hamilton, J.E. 2008. Conservation Easement Drafting and Documentation. 1st Edition.
Washington D.C.: Land Trust Alliance. 324 pp.
Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians & Reptiles in Colorado. 2nd Ed. Boulder: Univ. Press of
Colorado. 484 pp.
Kingery, H.E. (Editor). 1998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Denver: Co. Bird Atlas Partnership &
Co. Division of Wildlife. 636 pp.
Knopf, F. L. 1989. Riparian wildlife habitats: more, worth less, and under invasion. Pp. 20-22 In:
Mutz, K., Cooper, D., Scott, M. and Miller, L., editors. Restoration, creation, and
management of wetland and riparian ecosystems in the American West. Society of Wetland
Scientists, Rocky Mountain Chapter, Boulder, CO.
Righter, R., R. Levad, C. Dexter, and K. Potter. 2004. Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and
Mesa Country. Grand Junction: Grand Valley Audubon Society. 214 pp.
Sauer, J. R., J. E. Hines, and J. Fallon. 2008. The North American Breeding Bird Survey,
Results and Analysis 1966 - 2007. USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD.
Available at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBS/about/.
USGS (U.S. Geological Survey). 2011. National Water Information System: Web Interface. At
http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/peak/.
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Weber, William A. and Ronald C. Wittmann. 2001. Colorado Flora: Western Slope. Third Ed.
Boulder: University of Colorado Press.
Whitson, T.D. (Ed.) 2000. Weeds of the West. Ninth Ed. Newark: The Western Society of Weed
Science, University of Wyoming, & Western U.S. Land Grant Universities Cooperative
Extension Services.
Yuhas, R. H. 1996. National Water Summary on Wetland Resources: Loss of Wetlands in the
Southwestern United States. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2425.
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Baseline Documentation Report Berry Creek – Miller Ranch Open Space
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FIGURES
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70
EDWARDS
6 AVON
Date: June 2011
DRAWN BY: D. Reeder
PO Box 1245
Paonia, Colorado 81428
(970) 527-8445
FIGURE1
dawn@rareearthscience.com
REGIONAL & LOCALLOCATOR MAPS
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space
Conserved private property
White River National Forest
BLM land
Highway
State of Colorado
EDWARDS
Grand Junction
Denver
ColoradoSprings
USGS 1:100,000 Topographic Map
Portion of Eagle County, Colorado, Mosaic
Approximate Scale 1 inch = 1.6 milesAll Locations Approximate
BERRY CREEK - MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACEBASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTEagle County, Colorado
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4BD6226B-862C-41F6-9FB2-6019B416A3A1
70
6
Date: June 2011
DRAWN BY: D. Reeder
PO Box 1245
Paonia, Colorado 81428
(970) 527-8445
FIGURE2
dawn@rareearthscience.com
TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open SpaceUSGS 7.5-Minute Topographic Quad
Portion of Eagle County, Colorado, Mosaic
Approximate Scale 1 inch = 750 feetAll Locations Approximate
BERRY CREEK - MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACEBASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTEagle County, Colorado
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4BD6226B-862C-41F6-9FB2-6019B416A3A1
70
6
23
24
9
87
651
2
3
4
2221
2019
18
17
1615
14
1312
11
10
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space
Photopoint location
Direction of photo(s)
National Agricultural Imagery Program (2009)
Portion of Eagle County, Colorado, Mosaic
Approximate Scale 1 inch = 500 feetAll Locations Approximate
3BERRY CREEK - MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACEBASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTEagle County, Colorado
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH& PHOTOPOINT LOCATIONS
PO Box 1245
Paonia, Colorado 81428
(970) 527-8445dawn@rareearthscience.com
FIGURE
DRAWN BY: D. Reeder
Date: June 2011
PPT X Y1 365103.4 4388983.02 365119.6 4388945.73 365134.0 4388972.94 365265.1 4388989.35 365428.0 4388950.86 365461.2 4388964.87 365601.1 4389031.18 365648.6 4389013.29 365698.0 4388989.810 365767.4 4389006.411 365769.6 4388998.512 365709.7 4389031.813 366001.5 4389040.114 366034.7 4389089.115 365997.0 4389134.916 366072.9 4389133.017 366058.4 4389055.418 366055.1 4389025.819 366137.2 4389146.020 366183.9 4389162.121 366447.6 4389179.422 366505.3 4389155.023 366197.1 4389259.824 365713.2 4389255.0
Coordinates for Photopointsin UTM NAD 83 Zome 13 Datum
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70
6 Wetland to be closed
to public accessArea of beaver
pond complex
Area of old scrap
metal rip-rap placement
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space
June Creek
USGS 7.5-Minute Topographic Quad
Portion of Eagle County, Colorado, Mosaic
Approximate Scale 1 inch = 500 feetAll Locations Approximate
4BERRY CREEK - MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACEBASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTEagle County, Colorado
IMPROVEMENTS& VEGETATION COMMUNITIES
PO Box 1245
Paonia, Colorado 81428
(970) 527-8445dawn@rareearthscience.com
FIGURE
DRAWN BY: D. Reeder
Date: June 2011
Improvements
Fence
Irrigation ditch (Howard Ditch)
Main trail
Social trail slated for closure
Railroad alignment
Origins of social spur trails to river bank
Vegetation Communities
Graminoid wetland
Montane meadow
Montane shrubland
Open water / river bed
Riparian forested
Riparian shrubland
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6
120
108
13
107
105
108
107
108
105 106
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open SpaceNational Agricultural Imagery Program (2009)
Portion of Eagle County, Colorado, Mosaic
Approximate Scale 1 inch = 500 feetAll Locations Approximate
5BERRY CREEK - MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACEBASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTEagle County, Colorado
SOILS MAP
PO Box 1245
Paonia, Colorado 81428
(970) 527-8445dawn@rareearthscience.com
FIGURE
DRAWN BY: D. Reeder
Date: June 2011
105, Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 95 percent slopes
106, Tridell-Brownsto stony sandy loams, 12 to 50 percent slopes, extremely stony
107, Uracca, moist-Mergel complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes, extremely s
108, Uracca, moist-Mergel complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, extremely
120, Water
13, Atencio-Azeltine complex, 3 to 6 percent slopes
6, Almy loam, 1 to 12 percent slopes
Soils mapping from U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Soil Survey
Geographic (SSURGO) database for
Aspen-Gypsum, Parts of Eagle, Garfield
and Pitkin Counties, Colorado, (2004;
dataset co655), accessed at
http://SoilDataMart.nrcs.usda.gov/.
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Black Bear & Mountain Lion
Property
Black bear overall range (entire map area)
Black bear-human conflict area
Mountain lion overall range (entire map area)
Mountain lion - human conflict area
Mule Deer & Moose
Property
Mule deer winter range
Mule deer summer range (entire map area)
Mule deer winter concentration area
Mule deer severe winter range
Mule deer highway crossing area
Moose overall range
American Elk
Property
Summer range
Production area
Winter range
Winter concentration area
Severe winter range
Highway crossing
Bald Eagle, Heron, & Otter
Property
River otter overall range
Great blue heron foraging area
Bald eagle winter forage area
Bald eagle winter range
Wildlife ranges from Colorado Division of Wildlife Colorado Species Distribution Mapping available at http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/ftp/index.html
0 1 20.5
Miles
6BERRY CREEK - MILLER RANCH OPEN SPACEBASELINE DOCUMENTATION REPORTEagle County, Colorado
WILDLIFE RANGE MAPS
PO Box 1245
Paonia, Colorado 81428
(970) 527-8445dawn@rareearthscience.com
FIGURE
DRAWN BY: D. Reeder
Date: June 2011
Bald Eagle, Heron, & Otter
Property
River otter overall range
Bald eagle winter forage area
Bald eagle winter range
Great blue heron foraging area
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Baseline Documentation Report Berry Creek – Miller Ranch Open Space
June 17, 2011 Rare Earth Science, LLC
DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHS
(Keyed to Figure 3)
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Photopoint 1. Panorama looking east-by-northeast through south-by-southeast (left to right) from Miller Ranch Road near northwest property corner. North boundary fence
and main trail (service road) access to property visible on the left. On the right is Miller Ranch Road and the bridge over Eagle River (6/1/11).
Photopoint 3. Looking north-by-northwest at storm drain structure on
west property boundary (6/1/11).
Photopoint 2. Looking east-by-northeast at Eagle River from the Miller
Ranch Road bridge, just west of the west property boundary (6/1/11).
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 4. Looking east-by-southeast through west-by-southwest (left to right) at Eagle River
and residential development on south side of Eagle River from main trail / access road (6/1/11).
Photopoint 4. Looking west at main trail / service road in west part of
property (6/1/11).
Photopoint 4. Looking east at main trail / service road in west part of
property (6/1/11).
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 5. Panorama looking east through south (left to right) at beaver
pond complex in west part of property (6/1/11).
Photopoint 6.
pond complex in west part of property; food cache visible on the right (6/1/11).
Panorama looking southeast through west-by-southwest (left to right) at beaver
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 7. Panorama looking northeast through southeast (left to right) from main trail / service road
on property at montane shrubland. Fence on left is north boundary fence (6/1/11).
Photopoint 7. Panorama looking southeast through west-by-southwest (left to right) from main trail / service road on
property at montane shrubland. Beaver Creek ski area visible in the distance on the left (6/1/11).
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 8. Panorama looking east through southwest (left to right)
across the graminoid wetland in the west part of property (6/1/11).
Photopoint 9. Panorama looking southwest through north-by-northwest (left to
right) across the graminoid wetland in the west part of property (6/1/11).
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 11. Looking south at example of one of several short social
trails spurs leading to the riverbank from the main trail (6/1/11).
Photopoint 10.
(lower loop area) in the central part of the property (6/1/11).
Looking east-by-northeast at hikers enjoying main trail
Photopoint 10. Looking west-by-southwest at trail leading to graminoid
wetland area, to be closed to the public to protect the wetland (6/1/11).
Photopoint 10. Looking northwest at main trail (lower loop) in central
part of property (6/1/11).
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 12. Panorama looking east-by-southeast through west-by-southwest (left to right) at overview of montane shrubland, forested riparian,
montane meadow, and wetland vegetation communities in central part of property (6/1/11).
Photopoint 13. Panorama looking southwest through northwest (left to right) at main
trail (lower loop area) through forested riparian corridor (6/1/11).
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 14. Panorama looking south-by-southwest through northwest (left to right) from main trail (lower loop area just west of June Creek) at forested
riparian and montane meadow communities. Vehicle visible on far right is traveling on main trail / service road (6/1/11).
Photopoint 15. Panorama looking east-by-northeast through west-by-southwest (left to right) from where Howard Ditch exits north property boundary;
brush piles and earth work the result of recent ditch clearing (6/1/11).
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 16. Looking north-by-northeast from main trail /service road at
Howard Ditch (in suspended pipe) crossing of June Creek (6/1/11).
Photopoint 16. Looking northeast at main trail /service road from culvert
crossing of June Creek (6/1/11).
Photopoint 17. Looking northeast at montane shrubland with disturbed
ground surface east of June Creek (6/1/11).
Photopoint 17.
east side of corridor (6/1/11).
Looking north-by-northeast at June Creek corridor from
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 18. Looking west-by-southwest at confluence of June Creek
and Eagle River; June Creek entering on the right (6/1/11).
Photopoint 19. Looking south-by-southwest at growth of cottonwood
saplings (typical) in riparian corridor and evidence of beaver activity (6/1/11).
Photopoint 20. Panorama looking southeast through west-by-southwest (left to right) at riverbend area north
of small island, which was mostly submerged when this photo was taken (6/1/11).
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 21. Looking east (upstream) at main trail / service road and
north bank of Eagle River with scrap metal rip rap (6/1/11).
Photopoint 21. Looking west (downstream) at main trail / service road and
north bank of Eagle River with scrap metal rip rap (6/1/11).
Photopoint 22. Looking west from gate on east property boundary; drain
culvert and old Howard ditch flume debris off property to the right (6/1/11).
Photopoint 22.
main trail / service road (6/1/11).
Looking south at east property boundary fence from
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
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Photopoint 23. Panorama looking east through west (left to right) at overview of property from shoulder of east-bound I-70;
property lies between the railroad track and the river with scenic mountain view beyond (6/1/11).
Photopoint 24.
property lies between the railroad track in middle distance and the cottonwood riparian
corridor of Eagle River with scenic mountain view beyond (6/1/11).
Panorama looking east through southwest (left to right) at overview of property from shoulder of east-bound I-70;
Berry Creek - Miller Ranch Open Space Conservation Easement
Baseline Documentation Report
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4BD6226B-862C-41F6-9FB2-6019B416A3A1
