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Table of Contents
Dominguez Escalante NCA Profile ................................................................................................... 2
Planning and NEPA ............................................................................................................................ 5
Year’s Projects and Accomplishments ........................................................................................... 6
Science ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Resources, Objects, and Values ..................................................................................................... 12
Summary of Performance Measure .............................................................................................. 19
Manager’s Letter .............................................................................................................................. 20
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Dominguez Escalante NCA Profile
Designating Authority
Designating Authority: [Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 (Public Law
111-11)
Date of Designation: March 30, 2009
Acreage
Total Acres in Unit 218,393 Acres
BLM Acres 210,172 Acres
Other Federal Acres 0
State Acres* 1,965 Acres
Private Acres* 6,256 Acres *State and Private acres do not fall within the BLM’s management of the unit
Contact Information
Unit Manager Collin Ewing
Phone 970-244-3049
E-mail [email protected]
Mailing Address 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Field Office Name Grand Junction
District Office Name Southwest
State Office Name Colorado
Budget
Total Fiscal Year 2016 Budget $783,000
Subactivity 1711 $485,000
Other Subactivities’ Contributions $265,000
Other Funding $33,000 State of Colorado OHV Grant
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Managing Partners
N/A
Staffing
The permanent staff of the Dominguez-Escalante NCA (D-E NCA) consists of an interim
NCA manager (currently shared with McInnis Canyons NCA), a science ecologist shared
with McInnis Canyons NCA (MCNCA), a law enforcement officer shared with MCNCA, a
National Conservation Lands Specialist (shared with MCNCA) and a Natural Resources
Specialist. In FY 2016, seasonal staff included two river rangers shared with the
Uncompahgre Field Office, two Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Crew members shared with
MCNCA, two Ecology interns shared with MCNCA and two recreation maintenance interns
shared with MCNCA and Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO).
The NCA receives special recreation permit administration, facilities maintenance and
other program support from the GJFO and Uncompahgre Field Office (UFO), primarily in the
areas of visitor services and contact; geology and paleontology; archaeology; realty;
range management; wildlife biology; ecology; weed management; geographic information
systems (GIS); and soil, water and air quality.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has partnered with Colorado Canyons Association
(CCA) to hire two NCA Stewardship Coordinator positions that coordinate volunteer
stewardship and youth education programs for MCNCA and D-E NCA.
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Planning and NEPA
Status of the Resource Management Plan
The Omnibus Public Lands Act of 2009 directed the BLM to develop a Resource
Management Plan (RMP) for the D-E NCA According to the Act:
The management plan shall—
(1) Describe the appropriate uses and management of the NCA;
(2) Be developed with extensive public input;
(3) Take into consideration any information developed in studies of the land within
the Conservation Area; and
(4) Include a comprehensive travel management plan.
In 2016, the local office, the community, our cooperating agencies, and the D-E NCA
Advisory Council worked diligently toward completion of the RMP. On July 1, 2016, the
BLM released the Proposed RMP and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a 30-
day protest period and 60 day review by the Governor of Colorado. The BLM is now
working on resolving the protests and developing the Approved RMP and Record of
Decision and hopes to release them in early 2017. After protests are resolved, D-E NCA
will issue the Approved RMP and Record of Decision.
Status of Activity Plans
The NCA staff is currently working on a comprehensive travel management plan as part of
the RMP.
In the meantime, the BLM is managing the NCA under the direction of the 2009 Omnibus
Public Lands Act, 2010 Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area Interim
Management Policy, 1987 Grand junction RMP, and the 1989 Uncompahgre Basin RMP.
Status of the RMP Implementation Strategy
N/A
Key National Environmental Policy Act Actions and/or Project Authorizations
Special Recreation Permits (SRP) Authorizations in D-E NCA
In FY 2016, the BLM authorized 14 SRPs for D-E NCA. These SRPs consist of many uses,
which include, big game hunting, river use and backpacking.
Environmental Assessment: Farmers Canyon and Wagon Park
In FY 2016, the BLM completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) in Farmers Canyon
and Wagon Park Area. This EA addresses treatments as a part of the Farmers Canyon
Restoration project. This treatment consisted of a mixture of mechanical, broadcast and
pile burning, and the use of naturally occurring wildfires to treat and maintain 3,300 acres
with in D- E NCA.
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Year’s Projects and Accomplishments
General Accomplishments
CCA Partnership Excellence Award
The BLM awareded CCA with the Partnership Excellence
Award for their work protecting National Conservation Lands
in western Colorado and for their educational activities in the
tri-county area near Grand Junction. NCA Manager Collin
Ewing and CCA executive Director Joe Neuhof travelled to
Spokane, Washington, to attend the Association of Partners
for Public Lands national conference where the award was
presented by BLM Community Partnerships Division Chief
Janet Ady.
NCA Law Enforcement Ranger Frank Stepleton named
Ranger of the Year
BLM Ranger, Frank Stepleton, was recognized for his efforts
in building multi-agency working relationships, as well as
enhancing the protection pf public lands and visitor safety
through proactive enforcement. His work in2016 led to
several key indictments for criminal activity on public lands
including illegal hunting, illegal marijuana cultivation on
public lands, and illegal dumping. Many of these law
enforcement actions included close coordination with state and local law enforcement
agencies.
Cottonwood Creek Instream Flow Monitoring
The BLM conducted instream flow monitoring for a second year to collect additional data in
preparation for an instream flow filing with the State of Colorado. Data collected included
water surface elevations and estimated flood elevations as well as stream discharge and
water quality data on approximately 15 miles of stream length.
Rain Gage Monitoring
The BLM monitored four rain gages quarterly to establish rainfall records in an area where
non previous rainfall data existed. This data will be used in conjunction with upland
Assessment Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) in order to inform decisions regarding
wilderness management and livestock grazing.
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Cultural Resources Inventory of the Historic Rambo Family Homestead
As part of Section 110 survey, BLM Archaeology
Technicians spent nine field days in Little Dominguez
Canyon surveying and recording this extensive homestead
and associated irrigation ditch and historic wagon road, all
of which date to the early 1900s. The homestead is on
public lands within the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness
Area and includes a small log cabin next to a large
boulder overlooking fields where three generations of
Rambo’s cultivated alfalfa, peaches, plums and apricots.
Most of the tools and equipment needed to live and farm
in this remote canyon are still located onsite. A significant highlight of the project is the
relationship the BLM built with Micah Yates, grandson of the original homesteaders, and
the invaluable oral history he has generously contributed to the understanding of the site.
Archaeology Site Monitoring
For FY2016, the Archaeology Program monitored 15 sites
within the D-E NCA, nine of which were located in Little
Dominguez Canyon within the Dominguez Canyon
Wilderness. This area would be managed as a part of the
Rambo/Little Dominguez Heritage Area under the Proposed
RMP, and it contains many prehistoric and historic sites.
Monitoring these sites helped provide baseline data for
future monitoring so that management decisions can be
made down the line as the heritage area becomes more
popular and visitation increases.
Gunnison Sage-Grouse Habitat Monitoring
D-E NCA staff sampled three points within the D-E NCA using the
Assessment Inventory and Monitoring and Habitat Assessment
Framework protocols. These points were located within Gunnison Sage-
Grouse designated critical habitat where the BLM has planned habitat
improvement projects. Sampling will continue in future years.
Current Areas of Focus
D- E NCA RMP development
For FY 2016, the major focus for NCA staff was continuing to develop the D- E NCA RMP.
The NCA’s interdisciplinary planning team finalized the Proposed RMP/Final EIS and
released it to the public July 1, 2016. The BLM held three meetings with the D-E NCA
Advisory Council to discuss the Proposed RMP. The public provided valuable feedback at
each of these meetings. This feedback helped the BLM develop and finalized the Approved
RMP.
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Gunnison Sage-Grouse Habitat Restoration
In FY 2016, treatments for the Farmers Canyon
Restoration project consisted of a mixture of
mechanical, broadcast and pile burning, and the use of
naturally occurring wildfires to treat and maintain
3,300 acres with in D-E NCA. Both hand tools and
machine treatments are being used to thin encroaching
pinyon and juniper trees and oak brush.
The primary goals of this project are to:
Decrease the fuel load of the area to reduce the intensity of wildfires.
Improve habitat for the Gunnison Sage–Grouse by eliminating pinyon and juniper trees
from the treatment area to encourage a sagebrush/grass vegetative community.
Improve the overall vegetative diversity of the area and produce a more wildfire-
resilient Ponderosa Pine ecosystem.
Education, Outreach, and Interpretation
Colorado Canyons Association Nature Knowledge Days
CCA, in partnership with the BLM, held the 5th annual Escalante
Canyon Nature Knowledge Days for 215 third-grade students from
Delta-area elementary schools. The event included eight stations
representing different NCA resources. The BLM and 12 volunteers from
several partner organizations (including Palisade Insectary, Colorado
Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Interpretative Association of Western
Colorado (IAWC) and others) operated stations where students learned
about cultural resources, ranching history, wildlife, biological soil
crusts, biological controls for invasive plants, and other resources in
the NCA.
Colorado Canyons Seventh Grade Field Experience
The BLM and CCA partnered to offer Delta County Seventh grade students a field
experience in D-E NCA. Three hundred students joined the BLM, CCA, CPW and IAWC staff
over four days to learn about the cultural and natural significance of Escalante Canyon.
Students explored historic sites such as cabins and waterwheels, learned how wildlife
biologists use radio collaring technology to track wildlife, and participated in stations
related to life science.
Delta County Youth Outdoor Network River Trip
The BLM, CCA and Centennial Canoe partnered to take 25
Delta’s Youth Outdoor Network students for an overnight trip
down the Gunnison River. During this educational float, students
participated in boating and water safety activities, camping and
environmental education opportunities.
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Diné College Youth Trip
D-E NCA staff partnered with Diné College of Tsaile, Arizona, to offer two youth river trips
down the Gunnison River. Fifty youth ages 10-18 years old experienced a day on the river
with UFO river rangers on an overnight float through D-E NCA. Students learned river skills
and safety while experiencing the beautiful canyon.
Partnerships
Colorado Canyons Association
CCA is the friends group to BLM Colorado’s local NCAs. In FY 2016,
they have helped the BLM staff host river cleanups, trail monitoring
classes and educational trips for area youth. CCA provided crucial
assistance in providing visitor services for the NCA at the BLM
office, organizing volunteer projects, and creating awareness in the
community surrounding the stewardship and management of the
NCA.
AmeriCorps-VISTA
In 2016, the BLM and CCA were proud to host an AmeriCorps-VISTA
volunteer to assist with conserving NCAs. During Killian Rush’s
VISTA appointment, she assisted with setting up Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math programming for Dual
Immersion Academy; engaged multiple communities to assess how
they enjoy public lands; and coordinated a volunteer river cleanup
on the Gunnison River.
Colorado Mesa University
D-E NCA staff has partnered with Colorado Mesa University (CMU)
for many different projects. D-E NCA hosted several student
interns from CMU’s Environmental Science Program. D-E NCA is
also participating in the early stages of a study with many
community partners including CMU and the Grand Valley Trails
Alliance. that focuses on the economic and social values of
public land in the region (including the NCAs).
Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties
In FY 2016, BLM staff partnered with the three counties “Partners Program” to host around
20 children in a Take-it-Outside Event. During this event, participants spent the day on the
Gunnison River and in Dominguez Canyon with BLM river rangers and staff.
Delta County corrections work program
A crew from the Delta County Detention Facility, a BLM partner,
assisted with construction and maintenance of recreational
facilities, and with removal of trash in the
D-E NCA. Along with facilities, the crew also installed the portal
signs that follow the new look and feel for the NCAs on
Escalante Canyon Road.
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Other partnerships
D-E NCA also closely collaborated with the Uncompahgre Plateau Partnership, IAWC, CPW,
Museum of the West, Geological Society of America, and the Nature Connection of Delta,
Colorado.
Volunteers
D-E NCA Advisory Council
The Advisory Council consists of 10 members who serve three-year terms advising the
BLM. The Advisory Council met three times in 2016 and spent countless hours
coordinating with the public they represent. The Advisory Council’s valuable feedback will
ensure that the Approved RMP protects the NCA’s unique resources while providing for the
needs of the local communities.
CCA River Campsite and River Cleanup
On August 6, 15 volunteers participated in a river cleanup and
campsite improvement project. Volunteers launched at Bridgeport
to clean a 13-mile stretch of river through D-E NCA. While floating,
they stopped at the Bosque campsite to remove and clear fire fuels
from the site.
DENCA Education Volunteers
In FY 2016, 26 volunteers participated in the youth education
programs as station and hike leaders, interpreters, photographers
and helpers. Without these 26 volunteers and 182 hours of service,
these education programs would not be possible.
Land (or Interests in Land) Acquisitions
N/A.
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Science
Survey of species composition and distribution of Tardigrades in the high desert
CMU researchers have been working to survey tardigrades found in mosses in the area and
have collected specimens from the MCNCA and D-E NCA. Research is ongoing throughout
both NCAs.
Salt Desert Restoration with the use of Native Shrub Species
The three western Colorado NCAs MCNCA, DENCA, and Gunnison Gorge NCA (GGNCA),
were able to leverage the National Conservation Lands Science grant and provide the BLM
funding to expand the partnership to include Colorado State University (CSU). Currently, a
post-doctoral student under Professor Mark Paschke is reviewing literature and past BLM
treatments in salt desert habitats. This portion of the project is expected to be finalized by
fall 2016 and will provide the BLM with a comprehensive review of local successes and
failures on BLM lands, as well as successes and failures in other salt desert settings. With
this information, the BLM can maximize the likelihood of success with native plant
materials provided by the Upper Colorado Native Plant Center.
Bighorn Sheep
In FY 2016, CPW continued a study of Bighorn Sheep within the NCA.
This is an ongoing study that started in spring 2012. During this time,
they have been able to capture and collar 23 bighorn sheep in the
area. Since the study started, four collared bighorn mortalities have
occurred due to natural causes. This study will continue through 2018.
Arthoropod and Gastro-Intestinal parasites of White-tailed Prairie Dogs
In the 2015 field season, CMU faculty completed their trap collections
of prairie dog burrows with D-E NCA. To date, they have identified
several species of biting fly black flies and culicoides, some of which
maybe new records for the area. The BLM will continue to research this
observation as well as continuing species identification of trap catches.
As funding permits, CMU would like to continue collections at different
times and continue to sort and research collected arthropods.
Colorado Hookless Cactus Monitoring
Within D-E NCA, the BLM has established three long term monitoring
plots for Colorado Hookless Cactus. The BLM annually reads Cactus
Park and Escalante Canyon plots and the Wells Gulch plot,
established in 2015, to develop a sample size that will show
population trend for the species throughout the range. The study
revealed a decline since 2012, however since then, conditions appear to be stable.
Through the monitoring efforts, it was found that the drought of 2012 and small mammal
herbivory induced mortality were major contributors to the population change.
Other ongoing scientific projects in the D-E NCA:
Ecological effects of stream drying under climate change in the Upper Colorado River
Basin
National rivers and streams assessment
Gunnison Sage-Grouse Pinyon Mesa population models
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Resources, Objects and Values
Natural and cultural resources, including wildlife, riparian, archaeological and historical
values
Natural and cultural resources are among the 14 purposes of the D-E NCA listed in its
enabling legislation. The NCA enjoys an extraordinary abundance of these resources,
including an array of rare and common plant and animal species as well as prehistoric and
historic sites and artifacts.
The NCA’s natural and cultural resource management staff focuses on clearly
communicating the importance of conserving and protecting NCA values and expanding
the BLM’s understanding of NCA resources though assessment, inventory and monitoring.
Natural and Cultural Resources Status and Trend Table
Resource, Object, or Value Status of Resource, Object, or
Value Trend
Cultural (includes
archaeological and
historical)
Good Stable
Natural Varies depending on species
or habitat Stable
Wildlife Good Stable
Riparian Varies depending on species Stable
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Natural and Cultural Inventory, Assessment, Monitoring Table
Resources,
Object, or Value Acres in Unit Acres Inventoried
Acres Possessing
Object
Acres Monitored
in FY 16
Cultural
(includes
archaeological
and historical)
210,000 25,562 3,196 24
Natural 210,000 210,000 191,383 9,403
Wildlife 210,000 210,000 210,000 138,100
Riparian 210,000 179,218 3,330 5
Stressors Affecting Natural and Cultural Resources
Stresses on natural and cultural resources and values include (human-caused) wildland
fire, invasive plants, recreational use, improper livestock grazing and domestic livestock
diseases, loss of habitat, habitat fragmentation, air pollution, non-native animals, water
pollution, theft, surface disturbance, and vandalism.
Water Resources
One of the 14 purposes of the NCA listed in its enabling legislation is “the water resources
of area streams, based on seasonally available flows, that are necessary to support
aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial species and communities” (Section 2402 of the Omnibus
Act). There are 115 miles of rivers and streams in the NCA, including the Escalante,
Cottonwood, Little and Big Dominguez Creeks, and nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River.
These aquatic resources support an abundance of fish, wildlife and recreational
opportunities as well as the existing water rights of neighboring landowners.
BLM staff work to expand the understanding of water resources though assessment,
inventory and monitoring.
Water Resources Status and Trend Table
Status of Resource, Object, or Value Trend
Good Overall Stable and improving
Water Resources Inventory, Assessment, Monitoring Table
Acres in Unit Acres Inventoried Acres Possessing
Object
Acres Monitored in
FY 16
210,000 210,000 3,300 200
Stressors Affecting Water Resources
Invasive aquatic plants, diversion, erosion, recreational use, livestock grazing, and air and
water pollution may affect water resources.
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Recreational Resources
Recreation is listed as one of the 14 purposes of the NCA in its enabling legislation, and
visitors to the NCA can participate in an exceptionally wide variety of recreational activities,
including hunting, hiking, boating, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle (OHV) travel, rock
climbing, wildlife viewing and camping. Visitors can also enjoy a broad range of
recreational settings, including remote wilderness, riparian wetlands, and culturally or
historically significant sites.
The BLM’s recreation staff assists in planning for and managing recreational resources and
facilities in a manner that conserves National Conservation Lands and NCA values. Thus,
roads and other facilities are built only when necessary for public health and safety, for
exercise of existing rights, to minimize impacts to resources, or to otherwise further the
purposes for which the NCA was designated. The recreation staff actively engaged
stakeholders through the land-use planning process to help identify existing and potential
uses that are compatible with the legislated purposes of the NCA, and the BLM practices a
community-based approach to providing recreational services that is consistent with the
purposes of the NCA and the socioeconomic goals of adjacent or nearby communities.
Recreational Status and Trend Table
Resource, Object, or Value Status of Resource, Object, or
Value Trend
Recreational Good Stable
Recreational Inventory, Assessment, Monitoring Table
Resource,
Object, or Value Acres in Unit Acres Inventoried
Acres Possessing
Object
Acres Monitored
in FY 16
Recreational 210,000 210,000 210,000 140,000
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Stressors Affecting Recreational Resources
Recreational resources and values may be adversely affected by any of the stressors that
affect natural and cultural resources because recreational visitors to the NCA often go
there expecting to see pristine habitat, healthy wildlife, or undamaged rock art.
Recreational use itself can damage recreational resources where some recreational user
experiences are negatively impacted by other forms of recreation. Right-of-way proximity
and air pollution may also threaten the integrity of the recreational experiences.
Wilderness and Scenic Resources
Congress designated the 66,280-acre Dominguez Canyon Wilderness under the Omnibus
Public Land Management Act of 2009, and is located completely within the Dominguez
Escalante National Conservation Area. The BLM is committed to protect
wilderness areas in such a manner as to preserve wilderness character as well as
effectively manage recreational, scenic, scientific, education, conservation, and historic
uses permitted under Section 4(c) and 4(d) of the Wilderness Act of 1964.
Section 4(b) of the Wilderness Act of 1964 sets forth the BLM’s responsibility in
administering the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, and states that the preservation of
wilderness character is the primary management mandate. Wilderness character
monitoring is an ongoing responsibility, and monitoring changes will help to determine how
stewardship decisions influence trends and prioritize actions.
The practice of Visual Resource Management (VRM) in BLM land-use planning inventories
landscape character according to the four basic visual elements of form, line, color and
texture, and is used to analyze impacts of development. The planning area is first
evaluated and then assigned values for several visual elements, based on a numerical
point system. The total points assigned to a given area are then used to determine an
existing scenic quality class, and provides a way to identify and evaluate scenic values to
determine appropriate levels of management. In 2009, the BLM identified the visual
resources of the D-ENCA as a purpose of the area’s designation.
Wilderness and scenic values Status and Trend Table
Resource, Object, and
Value
Status of Resource, Object, or
Value Trend
Wilderness Good Stable
Scenic Good Stable
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Wilderness Inventory, Assessment, Monitoring Table
Resource,
Object, and
Value
Acres in Unit Acres Inventoried Acres Possessing
Object
Acres Monitored
in FY 16
Wilderness 210,172 210,172 66,280 66,280
Scenic Values Inventory, Assessment, Monitoring Table
Resource,
Object, and
Value
Acres in Unit Acres Inventoried Acres Possessing
Object
Acres Monitored
in FY 16
Scenic Values,
VRM Class I 210,172 210,172 67,126 67,126
Scenic Values,
VRM Class II 210,172 210,172 76,361 76,361
Scenic Values,
VRM Class III 210,172 210,172 52,373 52,373
Scenic Values,
VRM Class IV 210,172 210,172 22,533 22,533
Stressors Affecting Wilderness and Scenic Values
Wilderness resources and scenic values may be adversely affected by any of the stressors
that affect other resources within the NCA, with visitor use causing the greatest negative
effects on wilderness characteristics. Visitor use itself can damage the resource, especially
with increased use due to local and regional population growth.
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Scientific, geological and paleontological resources
The geological and paleontological resources of the NCA are listed in the NCA’s enabling
legislation among its purposes, and these resources are exceptionally abundant in the
NCA. Scientific study of these resources benefits the scientific community as a whole and
effectively informs the BLM’s NCA management. The NCA staff works to identify research
needs, encourage science partnerships and citizen science, and incorporate scientific
results into management, decision-making and outreach.
BLM staff members promote the NCA to universities and research institutions as an
outdoor research destination, educational laboratory and potential demonstration center
for emerging technology and innovative management practices. In turn, academic
institutions, aware of the unique and valuable resources in the NCA, seek out partnerships
with the BLM to conduct scientific research and education in the NCA.
Scientific, geological, paleontological Status and Trend Table
Reource, Object, or Value Status of Resource, Object, or
Value Trend
Scientific Good Stable
Geological (Precambrian to
Quaternary rocks) Good Very Stable
Paleontological
(Scientifically important
vertebrate fossils
Good Stable and Improved (more
sites found every year)
Scientific, geological, paleontological Inventory, Assessment, Monitoring Table
Resource, Object or
Value
Acres in
Unit Acres Inventoried
Acres Possessing
Object
Acres Monitored
in FY 16
Scientific 210,000 90,007 210,000 90,007
Geological 210,000 210,000 126,000 40
Paleontological 210,000 158,150 1,507 60
Stressors Affecting scientific, geological and paleontological resources
Scientific resources are affected by anything that affects geological, cultural,
paleontological, biological, or wildlife resources. Geological and paleontological resources
are primarily affected by theft and vandalism.
Education
Educational resources are cited as one of the 14 purposes of the NCA in its enabling
legislation, and they run the gamut of all the other resources in the NCA, which are all
suitable as subjects for interpretive and educational activities.
The BLM strives to provide young people with opportunities to engage in recreation,
practice stewardship, and learn about NCA resources and land management. BLM staff
members seek out partnerships with local schools and educators to help them interpret
National Conservation Lands and NCA values. The BLM provides interpretive and
educational materials to NCA users through the GJFO, UFO and the NCA website.
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Education Status and Trend Table
Status of Resource, Object, or Value Trend
Good Stable
Education Inventory, Assessment, Monitoring Table
Acres in Unit Acres Inventoried Acres Possessing
Object
Acres Monitored in
FY 16
210,000 210,000 210,000 1,000
Stressors Affecting Education
Virtually all of the resources of the NCA can be considered educational resources and are
susceptible to vandalism; however, interpretive signs, kiosks and cultural sites are very
susceptible to vandalism.
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Summary of Performance Measure
Resources, Objects, and Values Status Summary Table
Resource, Object, or Value Status Trend
Cultural Good Stable
Natural Varies depending on species
or habitat Stable
Wildlife Good Stable.
Riparian Varies depending on species
or habitat Stable
Water Resources Varies Depending on resource Stable and improving
Recreational Good Stable
Wilderness Good Stable
Scenic Good Stable
Geological Good Very Stable
Paleontological Good
Stable and improving
(more sites found every
year)
Scientific Good Stable
Educational Good Stable
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Manager’s Letter
Planning -- It's not what every natural resources manager, public
lands recreationist, state/local government official, or rancher
dreams of doing when they set out on their chosen pursuit. No kid
has ever said, "I want to be a planner when I grow up." However, if
you want to leave your mark, planning is where it's at. We are
currently coming to the close of a multi-year planning effort for the
NCA. People have been saying to me, "Boy I bet you are ready to
be done with that plan!” To be honest, it is bittersweet. I am
excited to have a long-range plan in place --a plan that will protect,
conserve, and restore the amazing resources that this NCA has to
offer. But dang it, this has been a great ride!
It didn't take me long at the beginning of my career in public land management to realize
that the land and the resources manage just fine by themselves; it's the people who need
guidance. That's what makes this planning effort so special. We are very lucky to be
managing public lands in such a thoughtful and engaged community. Many community
members gave thousands of long hours to this planning effort. They gave their time,
neither for monetary gain or public notoriety, but because they cared deeply for this
landscape and this community. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this special
effort.
The Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area Advisory Council (aka "the council")
is a board of 10 concerned citizens. All residents of Mesa, Montrose, or Delta counties,
these 10 individuals represent the three county governments, grazing permittees, and
various stakeholders representing the purposes for which the NCA was established. What
a task! While a few folks came and went from the council over the past seven years, and
many times the members didn’t agree on certain topics, they all had one thing in common:
they each poured their hearts out for this national treasure.
The council met 37 times between 2010 and 2016; all meetings were open to the public,
often drawing crowds of 50 or more. A core of 10 or 15 additional community members
committed to being at almost every meeting, sometimes sitting through dull topics like
BLM recreation management area planning, or the wild and scenic rivers eligibility process.
People stood up and made comments to the BLM and the council, conducted TV news
interviews and met with concerned user groups. Folks spent late nights reading the EIS
and pouring over travel route designation maps.
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I am lucky to have been a part of this project. The relationships developed between people
were amazing to watch. The deeper understanding I gained for the various needs of the
different stakeholders was incredible.
So before we take the next step into the implementation of this long range plan, let's take
a minute to reflect on a great community effort. Well done Western Slope, well done!
Colin Ewing
Manager, Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
Dominguez Escalante National Conservation Area
Southwest District
Bureau of Land Management
Grand Junction Field Office
2815 H Road
Grand Junction, CO 81506
Phone: 970-244-3000
12/09/2016