Lands with Wilderness Characteristics: Badger Creek South

Sangre de Cristo Mountains over Badger Creek, Royal Gorge Field Office Photo: John Sztukowski

The intent of this report is to present objective data to illustrate that the area in question qualifies as Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWC), in accordance with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Manuals 6310 and 6320. The information presented in this report meets the minimum standards for review of new information per Manual 6310, and accordingly BLM must review this information and make its findings and documentation of the review process available to the public as soon as practicable.

Lands with Wilderness Characteristics: Badger Creek South

BLM Royal Gorge Field Office, Front Range District BLM Unit Identifier: CO-020-022 (South Badger Creek)

Submitted by:

Wild Connections 2168 Pheasant Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80909

info@wildconnections.org; (719) 686 - 5905

Prepared by:

John Sztukowski, Wildlands Inventory Coordinator, Wild Connections john@wildconnections.org; (817) 939 - 4239

Report Date:

March 2015

Table of Contents

Map of Badger Creek South LWC ............................................................................................................. 3

Overview ......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Discussion of Wilderness Characteristics including Boundary Delineations......................... 6 I. The Badger Creek South proposed LWC meets the minimum size criteria for roadless lands. ... 6 II. The Badger Creek South proposed LWC is primarily affected by the forces of nature. ................. 9 III. The Badger Creek South proposed LWC provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. ............................................................................................................................................. 11 IV. The Badger Creek South proposed LWC has supplemental values that would enhance the wilderness experience and should be recognized and protected. ........................................................... 12

Summary Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 14

Badger Creek South Proposed LWC Waypoints ............................................................................. 15

2

Map of Badger Creek South LWC

3

Overview

The Badger Creek South proposed Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWC) unit consists of approximately 8,100 contiguous acres in central Colorado. This unit is located in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, north of the Arkansas River and US Highway 50 in western Fremont County. This unit ranges from an elevation of approximately 8,750 feet at its highest to 6,750 feet where Badger Creek drains to the Arkansas River in the southern portion of the unit. The proposed LWC supports a diversity of vegetation, primarily consisting of pinyon-juniper woodlands in the rugged rocky uplands with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir mixing in at higher elevations. This unit also supports rich riparian life with Badger Creek flowing down the center, as well as gulches and tributaries feeding into it. Narrowleaf cottonwoods, willows, and mountain mahogany are common in these areas.

The Badger Creek South proposed LWC lies within Bighorn Sheep Canyon, approximately 45 miles west of Cañon City, CO and eight miles east of Salida, CO. The Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way (ROW) separates this unit from the Arkansas River and defines the majority of the southern boundary, along with private property. The western boundary north of Wellsville is bordered by BLM Road 5965, which curves east, also forming the northern boundary, along with the transmission line that this route serves. A couple of private property blocks south of this route also help to form the northern boundary. The eastern boundary, north of Howard, is bordered by BLM 5980 – also known as Sand Gulch Road – and the Sand Gulch State Trust Land block.

This unit supports a diversity of plant and wildlife habitats, and has extraordinary biological values. The Colorado National Heritage Program (CNHP) recognizes three high to very high biodiversity areas in the unit as Potential Conservation Areas (PCA). The southern portion of the unit, 143 acres west of Badger Creek, is recognized for an excellent occurrence of the globally imperiled and Colorado endemic species, the Arkansas Canyon stickleaf (Nuttallia densa). CNHP also recognizes a 1,845 acre PCA, a large tributary and riparian area that drains into Badger Creek from the east. The eastern portion of the unit also partially includes another PCA for Sand Gulch.

The Badger Creed South proposed LWC has high habitat and range values for several wildlife species, including the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, black bear, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, mountain lion, and the Brazilian free-tailed bat. Critical and valued bird species identified in this area include the bald eagle, a species of most concern, and the wild turkey. Fish species, specifically brook trout, were also observed in the proposed LWC in Badger Creek.

Opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation are abundant in the 8,100 acre contiguous roadless area. The rolling hills and steep ridges, mid-elevation forests, vegetated gulches, and dense riparian areas provide extensive opportunity for solitude in the forms of isolation, remoteness, lack of visitation and vegetative and topographic screening. Primitive recreation also abounds in all seasons, including fishing, hunting, backpacking, hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and photography. Additionally, with the proximity of the Arkansas River to this unit, it provides a scenic natural viewscape for gold medal fly-fishing and world-class white water rafting.

The BLM inventoried this unit in 2013, identified as unit COF-020-022 (South Badger Creek) and found wilderness characteristics. In the report, the BLM identified an area of 8,137.4 acres (delineated by the green line in the above map) that has the potential to qualify as a LWC unit. The

4

BLM did find minor human impacts in this unit, consisting of former OHV routes, an old route along Badger Creek, and range management use (routes, stock tanks, cattle trails, and developed springs).

The boundaries and the wilderness characteristics reported by the BLM generally align with Wild Connections’ inventory of the unit. Wild Connections documented additional minor human impacts, a series of illegal bike routes, illegal ATV use, and a historic cave structure. However we concur with BLM’s assessment that “the unit seems to be primarily affected by nature. The existing human impacts found within the unit have a relatively small impact on the overall naturalness of the inventoried unit.” Most of the human impacts within the unit are old and unseen, hence they do not affect the natural integrity or the apparent naturalness of the unit overall (BLM Manual 6310, p 6-7).

BLM's Manual 6310 states that the boundary delineation for a LWC unit "is generally based on the presence of Wilderness Inventory Roads" but can also be based on property lines between different types of land ownership or on developed rights of way (Manual 6310, p 4). These were the parameters Wild Connections used to define the boundaries of the Badger Creek South proposed LWC. Only after the true boundaries of the contiguous roadless unit are identified can an objective and thorough assessment of that unit's wilderness characteristics be made.

In the spring of 2013, Wild Connections produced a preliminary boundary delineation for this unit based on the size and contiguity requirements stated in Manual 6310 (p 6). During the summer and fall of 2014, Wild Connections' mapping teams visited the Badger Creek South proposed LWC multiple times to conduct in-depth, on-the-ground inventories of this unit. Our goal was to assess this area for wilderness characteristics, based on BLM's Manual 6310, and report our findings to the BLM's Royal Gorge Field Office in efforts to identify potential wilderness areas to expand "wildlands" corridors in central Colorado. Additionally we have reviewed the 2013 BLM RGFO inventory and boundaries and have made assessments and adjustments based on our in-depth field inventories. Wild Connections’ report offers new in-depth data and information, including photo, narrative, and geo-referenced data, supporting the Badger Creek South proposed LWC. The boundary delineations and narratives describing the wilderness characteristics found within this unit are detailed below. Waypoints (many with photos) are referenced throughout this report; the photos with geo-data, time and date stamp, description, and page number can be found at the end of the report, akin to the one shown below.

5

Discussion of Wilderness Characteristics including Boundary Delineations

I. The Badger Creek South proposed LWC meets the minimum size criteria for roadless lands.

The Badger Creek South proposed LWC comprises approximately 8,100 contiguous roadless acres, surpassing the minimum size criteria of 5,000 acres to qualify for wilderness, as specified in BLM’s Manual 6310 (p 6). With regard to route determination, this manual states that a "way" maintained solely by the passage of vehicles does not constitute a "road" for purposes of inventorying wilderness characteristics. A "way" that is used on a continuous and regular basis still does not constitute a road. Additionally, a vehicle route that was constructed by mechanical means, but is no longer being maintained by mechanical methods is also not a road. By comparison, a Wilderness Inventory Road (WIR) is a vehicle road that has "been improved and maintained by mechanical means to ensure relatively regular and continuous use" (Manual 6310, p 11). Wild Connections' inventory of this area used the above definitions to determine whether routes are or are not considered WIRs. Routes that did meet the criteria for WIRs were removed from the unit as cherrystems. For this unit, much of the BLM’s assessment of the LWC boundaries and characteristics appears to be largely accurate. Beginning in the southwest at Waypoint 1, County Road 45 extends east as the southern boundary, however it mostly parallels the Pacific Union Railroad boundary to the south. Also viewed in Waypoint 1 is County Road 53, which becomes BLM 5965, bordering the unit to the west and north. A short distance onto 5965 at Waypoint 2 is a BLM sign for the route and sign stating,

Badger Creek South (30) - SSW Scenic view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range to the south, atop unit’s highest feature (p. 13)

6

“Motorized Use Limited to Designated Routes Only,” with a non-mechanically constructed pullout for a campsite behind it. As BLM 5965 begins to head east as the unit boundary, it parallels transmission lines, passing under them multiple times. BLM 5965 or the transmission lines will serve as the unit’s northern boundary, whichever of the two linear features is further south. Waypoint 20 views the transmission line boundary on the ground, noting it as a discernible linear feature. Waypoint 3 views the northern boundary of the unit (BLM 5965 and the transmission lines) from above, with the naturalness of the northern interior engulfing the landscape. At Waypoint 4 there is an unmarked undesignated way that heads south into the interior. This route appears to have been constructed by mechanical means, however has not been maintained, is not regular and continuous, and shows considerable revegetation as evidenced in the photopoint. It will remain within the unit as a way. This route traverses a ridgeline and dissipates on a hilltop at Waypoint 5. ATV turnaround tracks were observed here. Near Badger Creek, a series of unmarked undesignated bicycle routes were observed. Waypoint 7 views a bicycle route junction, where a lightly used single track, beginning from the transmission tower service route just north of here (and just north of the unit), meets the primary route, which shows regular and recent use. The bicycle route continues onto private property southwest of here at Waypoint 8. This route appears to be maintained, as there are cut limbs and a stump along this route. If taken from the private property above, this route traverses public land, the Badger Creek South proposed LWC, for a few miles before it reenters this private property unit at another entrance. The route is winding, with deep cuts observed into the earth on these repeated tight turns as exemplified in Waypoint 9. This route also forks and reconnects a couple of times, truly making it a series of routes. One of these forks is at Waypoint 10, where a slash pile fence has been deconstructed to make way for the route. The bicycle route shows signs of construction at Waypoint 12, where rocks were set and aligned to form a path through a gulch. As the route descends into Little Badger Creek, a wide tributary to Badger Creek, ATV tracks were observed with multiple bicycle tracks, as evidenced in Waypoint 13. Theses bicycle and ATV tracks were observed entering the private property unit at Waypoint 14. Another set of unmarked undesignated bicycle tracks was observed traversing south of this private property unit at Waypoint 16. This route parallels Badger Creek for a short distance before it makes its way west back to private property at Waypoint 19, which views into the interior of the unit from the route. In between these two points, a wooden bridge was observed on this bike route at Waypoint 17. While these illegal bicycle routes do show some signs of construction and improvement, they do not appear to be mechanical in character. However as evidenced, the repeated illegal use of these routes are making them more pronounced, along with the observed damage to the natural landscape. Furthermore, this series of illegal routes is segmenting a core naturalness and wilderness area, one of

7

only a few remaining in the region. Wild Connections recommends that the BLM close and rehabilitate these illegal routes. The northeast section of this unit is bordered by private property, as it is contiguous to the south and east of the unit’s boundary roads, BLM 5965 and BLM 5980 respectively. Just south of this private property along eastern boundary road 5980 is a route into the interior at Waypoint 21. This route ends a short distance into the interior at a meadow overlook. It was not constructed by mechanical means, does not appear regular and continuous, and shows considerable vegetation. It will remain within the unit as a way. There is a route closed to motorized use (with sign) along BLM 5980, Sand Gulch Road, at Waypoint 25. However ATV tracks were observed in the route just past the sign. This route descends into an unnamed tributary at Waypoint 26, where the ATV tracks continued into the gulch - tributary. The ATV tracks continue west in this tributary, then head northeast into the next tributary, entering private property at Waypoint 24. Private property and no trespassing signs were observed near the boundary line. There is a carsonite sign in the tributary for “No Vehicles Off Designated Roads” just south of the private property at Waypoint 23. Interestingly, there was no observed motorized use near this sign. Instead, the ATV tracks from private property were observed trampling the natural terrain to the next gulch to the east and then trailblazing back to this tributary just past the “No Vehicles Off Designated Roads” sign. One more route was observed heading into the unit from BLM 5980, Sand Gulch Road, in the southeast at Waypoint 32. This unmarked undesignated route ends a short distance to a campsite at Waypoint 33. There were ATV and horse tracks observed on this route. However it was not constructed by mechanical means, not maintained, and does not appear regular and continuous. This short spur route will remain within the unit as a way. The southern boundary is primarily comprised of the Union Pacific Railroad and private property. County Road 45 is the southern boundary intermittently in the southwest, otherwise parallels the unit just to the south. It also provides access into the unit at Badger Creek. There is one non-motorized access point just to the east of Badger Creek at Waypoint 35. There is a locked gate for the old route, with a side gate for foot and horse traffic. There is also an entrance into the unit just west of Badger Creek, albeit at a less prominent gate (unmarked unlocked barbed wire gate) at Waypoint 37. This entrance leads to an old wagon route that parallels Badger Creek above on the ridge just west. The two routes meet at Waypoint 40, just after the route on the east side traverses across Badger Creek. While both of these routes appear to have been mechanically constructed, they have not seen motorized use for some time. These routes are not maintained, not improved, nor regular and continuous; consistent with BLM’s assessment of these routes. They will remain within the unit as ways. The BLM inventoried a route that branches west just north of this juncture, however the route was not observed on the ground. There are indications of a linear feature that heads west at Waypoint 41, north of the BLM inventoried route, possibly to once access the power lines in view. The old wagon route continues north along Badger Creek, however shows less use and becomes less discernible the further into the unit. Waypoint 46 views the base structure of a former bridge that

8

crossed a gulch along this route. The route itself at this point is only visible as a thin linear feature through the interior woodlands. There is one more route into the unit from the south via County Road 45, however it cannot be accessed by motor vehicles due to the fence line and large berm of the Union Pacific Railroad boundary. Waypoint 48 views this heavily revegetated route as it traverses into the unit. The route dissipates very quickly and cannot be located on the ground a short distance onto it, as evidenced in Waypoint 49. This route is not maintained, nor regular or continuous, and will remain within the unit as a way. Lastly there is a block of state land – Sand Gulch #2 State Trust Land – in the north central interior of the proposed Badger Creek South LWC that will be excluded from the LWC. Such lands were endowed by the federal government to Colorado in 1876 upon Colorado’s admission to the union. They are considered state trust lands, originally set aside for state schools and public institutions. A Public Access Program lease agreement is in effect between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado’s State Land Board to allow public access to these lands, particularly those contiguous to BLM, including the Badger Creek South proposed LWC, as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Note public access may not be available year-round as these lands may have lease agreements for activities such as grazing, farming, mining, or logging.

II. The Badger Creek South proposed LWC is primarily affected by the forces of nature.

The Badger Creek South proposed LWC is primarily affected by the forces of nature, with human impacts considerably unnoticeable within the unit. Motorized use within the unit is quite restricted as there are not any designated motorized routes that extend into the unit, providing many acres of untrammeled naturalness. Other routes found within the unit showed a lack of motorized use and an overall apparent lack of regular use, with the forces of nature reclaiming many of the former roads. Illegal motorized and non-motorized mechanized use was also observed within the unit and noted with recommendations in the above section. Other human impacts that were observed in the proposed LWC were minor and will be detailed at the end of this section.

The proposed LWC offers a mixture of vegetation types, due to the topographic variety and diverse ecosystems found within this unit. A pinyon-juniper woodland and Gambel oak shrubland dominate much of the steep and rocky terrain within the unit, as evidenced in Waypoint 50, viewing east from the southeastern interior. The underbrush consists primarily of cacti, rabbit brush, sagebrush, grasses, and wildflowers. Douglas fir and mountain mahogany mix in as well in higher elevations, as viewed in Waypoint 27 coming down on the north side of the highest feature (unnamed) in the eastern interior.

This unit also has many riparian areas with numerous creeks, tributaries, and gulches that drain the interior canyonlands. Waypoint 34 views Badger Creek and the dense vegetation surrounding it, from the southern boundary. Cottonwoods, willows, and tamarisk are common in the drainages of the Badger Creek South proposed LWC. Waypoint 43 views one of the tributaries that flows into Badger Creek, providing an excellent example of the naturalness found in the unit.

9

Waypoint 42 (right), taken above Badger Creek, illustrates the transition from the rugged woodland-scrubland down to the dense riparian life. Aspen can also be viewed changing colors on the hilltop mountain to the north.

Much of Wild Connections’ exploration in the Badger Creek South proposed LWC revealed untrammeled naturalness, however there were some minor human impacts observed as well. These impacts primarily consist of former roads, illegal motorized and non-motorized use, fences, gates, signs, vegetative treatment, and power lines. See the above section for detailed analyses on boundary roads, routes, and illegal use within this unit. In sum, there are no designated motorized routes within the unit. Former (now closed to motorized) routes, routes that do not meet BLM Manual 6310’s definitions for roads, and illegal routes were left in the unit as ways.

The most noticeable human impact affecting the proposed LWC is the transmission line, which serves intermittently as the unit’s northern boundary (Waypoint 20). The transmission lines were excluded from the unit due to the noticeable human impact. However given the topographic variety and dense vegetation in the unit, they are not viewable from most of the unit. Waypoint 29 views the northern portion of the unit from the highest interior feature, capturing the rolling wooded landscape, with the transmission lines barely visible and all other human impacts out of view.

There is also an old power line that traverses the southern portion of the unit, entering from the south just east of Badger Creek and then heads due west. Waypoint 39 views the power lines crossing the Badger Creek west trail, having just crossed Badger Creek. These power lines head west at Waypoint 41 and exit the unit at Waypoint 51. As noted in the above section, there are no longer recognizable routes to access these power lines. Furthermore, these old power lines provide a minimal impact to the landscape. Waypoint 47 views the southern portion of the unit along Badger Creek from above. This photopoint captures the overall naturalness of the unit, as there are no distinguishable human impacts.

There were a few other minor human impacts documented in Wild Connections’ inventory of the unit. Waypoint 38 views illegal ATV use in Badger Creek. The photopoint observes the user sluicing in Badger Creek, next to his ATV parked illegally up Badger Creek. Remnants of a rock wall were observed just off the northern boundary road at Waypoint 6, possibly to deter illegal motorized use in the natural shrubland. Old logging and possible hydro-axing was observed in the northeast portion of the unit at Waypoint 22, however as evidenced in the photopoint, this area appears largely natural.

Badger Creek South (42) - NE View of interior vegetation: woodland-scrubland down to Badger Creek riparian area (p. 10)

10

There are a couple of historic structures within the unit, which will be detailed in the following section under supplemental values for historical value.

While there are a few minor human impacts spread throughout the proposed LWC, these are examples of “human-made features” that are considered substantially unnoticeable and thus do not hinder wilderness characteristics (BLM Manual 6310, p 6). Furthermore what was found and inventoried does not affect the natural integrity or the apparent naturalness of the unit overall (BLM Manual 6310, p 6-7). Wild Connections agrees with the BLM’s naturalness assessment of the Badger Creek South proposed LWC, “the unit seems to be primarily affected by nature. The existing human impacts found within the unit have a relatively small impact on the overall naturalness of the inventoried area.”

III. The Badger Creek South proposed LWC provides outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.

The Badger Creek South proposed LWC offers many opportunities for solitude and primitive and unconfined recreation. There are vast opportunities for solitude given the topographic variety and vegetative cover, the few public entry points, and lack of designated motorized routes. The rolling forested hills provide excellent screening from unnatural sights and sounds. Waypoint 31, on the east side of the tallest feature in the unit, shows an excellent example of this vegetative screening available for solitude. The many accessible drainages, cutting through rocky canyon terrain also provide outstanding opportunity for solitude (Waypoint 43). Furthermore, the observed lack of visitation and overall use in the unit provide outstanding opportunities for respite and remoteness just about anywhere in the proposed LWC.

Consisting of over 8,100 acres of contiguous unroaded wilderness land, the proposed LWC offers a variety of primitive and unconfined recreational opportunities as well. There are outstanding opportunities for hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, horseback riding, and photography. The moderate terrain and old route along Badger Creek provides an excellent opportunity for hiking, as well as taking in the local flora, fauna, and mountains. Waypoint 45, right, views a Wild Connections led hike in this area with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop. Excellent opportunities for backpacking and camping are also readily available within the unit. Waypoint 33 shows a primitive campsite off of an undesignated route accessed by Sand

Badger Creek South (45) - S Excellent opportunity for hiking along Badger Creek trail; Sangre de Cristo Mountains in background (p. 11)

11

Gulch Road in the southeast portions of the unit.

There are excellent opportunities for sportsmen as well in the proposed LWC. Badger Creek is one of the few primarily spring-fed streams in this part of the state. It provides an excellent opportunity for trout fishing. Additionally, the proposed LWC provides an incredible natural viewshed and enhances the primitive recreation of gold medal fly-fishing and world-class whitewater rafting on the nearby Arkansas River. There are also excellent opportunities for hunting within this unit; high value animal species and habitat are documented in the section below.

IV. The Badger Creek South proposed LWC has supplemental values that would enhance the wilderness experience and should be recognized and protected.

Wild Connections’ inventory of the Badger Creek South proposed LWC supports the existence of numerous supplemental values that contribute to the overall experience of visiting this area and provide additional evidence that this unit's unique qualities should be recognized and protected. The majority of these values support the area’s regional ecological importance and rich biodiversity. The supplemental values presented below are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are a summarization of some of the widely known significant values for which basic data was available to complement our on-the-ground inventory.

The proposed LWC possesses extraordinary biological values and serves as a greater species’ connectivity corridor with adjacent Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWC) to the north and east. The Colorado National Heritage Program (CNHP) recognizes three Potential Conservation Areas (PCA) contained or partially contained within this unit. The southern portion of the unit, along Badger Creek on the west side and extending west buffered by the Union Pacific Railroad, is a 143 acre area (Badger Creek Tunnel) recognized for its high biodiversity significance (B2). This area has high biodiversity values and is a PCA due to excellent to good and fair occurrences of the globally imperiled and vulnerable plant species, the Arkansas Canyon Stickleaf (Nuttallia densa). The Arkansas Canyon Stickleaf was observed further north in the proposed LWC along Badger Creek at Waypoint 15.

CNHP recognizes another PCA with high biodiversity significance (B2) in the central to eastern portion of the unit, represented as a large tributary that drains to Badger Creek. This 1845 acre PCA (Unnamed Tributary to Badger Creek at Howard) includes tributary spring-fed ephemeral washes in the northeastern portion of the unit and a convergence of several spring-fed ephemeral tributaries in the eastern portion of the unit that influence the occurrence sites of the following. This site has an excellent occurrence of the globally imperiled riparian natural community, narrowleaf cottonwood - Rocky Mountain juniper (Populus angustifolia – Juniperus scopulorum) woodland and a good (B-ranked) occurrence of the globally vulnerable pale blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium pallidum). The pale blue-eyed grass was also observed along Badger Creek. Waypoint 44 peers into this tributary, just east of Badger Creek.

CHNP also recognizes Sand Gulch (at Copper Mountain), a 970 acre PCA, for high biodiversity significance (B3), which partially extends into the eastern portion of the unit. This site contains good

12

(B-ranked) occurrences of the globally vulnerable riparian natural communities: narrowleaf cottonwood - Douglas-fir (Populus angustifolia - Pseudotsuga menziesii) woodland and narrowleaf cottonwood - river birch (Populus angustifolia - Betula occidentalis) woodland.

High habitat and range values for many animal have been identified in the Badger Creek South proposed LWC. Rocky Mountain Wild’s (RMW) Assessment of Biological Impact (ABI) documented the following mammals and associated values within the unit: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis Canadensis) production area, overall range, summer range, winter range, summer concentration; black bear (Ursus americanus) overall range, summer concentration; elk (Cervus Canadensis) overall range, winter range; mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) overall range, summer range, winter range, severe winter range, winter concentration area; pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) overall range, winter range, severe winter range; mountain lion (Puma concolor) overall range; Brazilian free tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) overall range.

Critical and valued bird species have also been identified in the area. Of note, this unit provides winter forage and winter range for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which is listed as Colorado BLM Sensitive, CWCS Species of Most Concern, and Partnership in Flight Priority Bird. RMW also identifies wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) overall range. Red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) were commonly observed in the unit as well. There are exceptional scenic views from within the proposed LWC, given the high vantage points in the unit and nearby mountain ranges. The northern section of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range and wilderness is viewable from many of the open areas and higher vantage points within the unit. Waypoint 11, right, views these peaks overlooking Badger Creek and the unit interior from the northern portion of the unit. The high elevation peak (unnamed at approximately 8,750 ft) in the eastern portion of the unit provides outstanding views of the surrounding region, not only of the Sangre de Cristo Range to the south (Waypoint 30), but also the Sawatch Range to the west (Waypoint 28).

A couple of historical structures were also observed in the unit. Waypoint 18 views a bunker-like structure built into the hillside with a structured entryway and window in the northern portion of the unit. This historic structure is only visible from its entryway to the north. Near the southern boundary at Waypoint 36, just west of Badger Creek, is the base of an old stone structure that may have been purposed for the nearby railroad in view.

Badger Creek South (11) - SW Scenic view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains over Badger Creek and the unit interior (p. 13)

13

The 8,100 acre proposed LWC is noteworthy for its disparate geological features. Pennsylvanian sandstone makes up the majority of the unit. Conglomerate is also common, with shale and siltstone found in the western portion of the unit of Pennsylvanian age. The high elevation areas to the east represent the newest geology in the unit, consisting of basalt and tuff formed by volcanic activity from the Tertiary Age. The above geological data was obtained from the United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Mineral Resources on-line spatial data, selected for Colorado's geology.

Summary Conclusion

Based on Wild Connections' extensive on-the-ground and aerial inventories, the proposed Badger Creek South LWC qualifies as Land with Wilderness Characteristics (LWC) in accordance with BLM's Manual 6310. This also confirms BLM’s inventory and report for the Badger Creek South proposed LWC unit. This unit far exceeds the 5,000 contiguous roadless acreage minimum as the proposed LWC offers more than 8,100 contiguous roadless acres. Given the size of the unit, lack of significant human impacts, disparate topography, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, the Badger Creek South proposed LWC offers outstanding wilderness characteristics - including apparent naturalness and outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive and unconfined recreation.

The boundaries and wilderness characteristics identified by the BLM generally align with Wild Connection’s inventory. While much of the proposed LWC consists of untrammeled wilderness, human impacts were found. As documented, former roads, illegal motorized and non-motorized use, fences, gates, signs, vegetative treatment, old logging, power lines and historic structures were observed within the unit. Nevertheless these are minor human impacts, consistent with BLM Manual 6310, as the natural integrity and the apparent naturalness of the proposed LWC in total are not compromised. Wild Connections’ inventory has documented the necessary boundaries as well as the wilderness characteristics within the unit. This overview provides new information, including narrative, photo, and geo data, and supporting maps, documenting that the approximately 8,100 acre Badger Creek South proposed LWC meets wilderness criteria. This area possesses Lands with Wilderness Characteristic status and its wilderness values should be protected and preserved. It is imperative that the BLM recognize and protect these values in their land management decisions, so that these unique and abundant wilderness qualities are sustained.

14

Badger Creek South Proposed LWC Waypoints

The following photographs correspond with the numbered Waypoints on the above Badger Creek South map and may be referred to in the report narrative describing the wilderness characteristics. The direction of view (16 point Cardinal) is indicated in the bolded caption. Below this is a short description of the photo, with the referenced page number(s) in parenthesis. The photos are also watermarked with the direction (degrees and cardinal) in the top right, date and time in the bottom right, elevation in the bottom center, and the latitude and longitude in the bottom left.

Badger Creek South (1) - ESE

Southwest boundary, County Rd 45 at County Rd 53 (p. 6)

Badger Creek South (2) - ENE County Rd 45 becomes BLM 5965, W and N boundary road; sign for motorized users limited to designated

routes (p. 6)

Badger Creek South (3) - N

Aerial view of N interior and N boundary road 5965 and transmission lines

(p. 7)

Badger Creek South (5) - WSW Unmarked way dissipates shortly on hilltop; ATV turnaround tracks observed (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (4) - SE Unmarked revegetated way into interior from boundary road BLM 5965 (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (6) - S Rock wall in N unit, just off boundary road 5965 (p. 10)

16

Badger Creek South (7) - S

Junction for illegal bicycle routes in N unit (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (9) - SW Deep cuts in the route observed at the regularly

tight turns (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (8) - W

Illegal bicycle route continues onto private property; cut limbs and a stump observed along route (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (10) - S Fork at illegal route; slash pile fence deconstructed

for route (p. 7)

17

Badger Creek South (11) - SW Scenic view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains over Badger Creek and the unit interior (p. 13)

Badger Creek South (13) - S ATV and multiple bicycle tracks in Little Badger Creek, tributary to Badger Creek (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (12) - ESE Illegally constructed route through gulch

(p. 7)

Badger Creek South (14) - NNW Bicycle and ATV tracks continue at private property (p. 7)

18

Badger Creek South (15) - NNE Imperiled and endemic species, Arkansas Canyon Stickleaf (p. 12)

Badger Creek South (17) - SSW Bridge over gulch on illegal bicycle route (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (16) - NNE Another unmarked undesignated route extends south from private property, west of Badger Creek (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (18) - SSE Bunker-like historic structure built into hill in N unit

(p. 13)

19

Badger Creek South (19) - E Illegal bicycle route into interior unit at private property boundary (p. 7)

Badger Creek South (21) - WNW Unmarked undesignated way into unit at E boundary road, BLM 5980 (p. 8)

Badger Creek South (20) - E Transmission line northern boundary

(p. 7,10)

Badger Creek South (22) - WSW Old logging and possible indications of hydro-axing; naturalness has reclaimed the area

(p. 10)

20

Badger Creek South (23) - WSW “No Vehicles Off Designated Roads” sign in tributary south of private property

(p. 8)

Badger Creek South (25) - SW Closed route to motorized use at BLM 5980; ATV tracks observed going around (p. 8)

Badger Creek South (26) - ESE Route with ATV tracks descends into tributary

(p. 8)

Badger Creek South (24) - SSE ATV tracks continue to private property from

gulch and tributary (p. 8)

21

Badger Creek South (27) - NNE Douglas fir and mountain mahogany mix in with the pinyon-juniper woodland at higher elevations

(p. 9)

Badger Creek South (29) - NNW Northern interior from highest feature; transmission line boundary barely visible

(p. 10)

Badger Creek South (30) - SSW Scenic view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range to the south, atop unit’s highest feature

(p. 13)

Badger Creek South (28) - WNW Scenic view of the Sawatch Range to the west, from the highest feature (unnamed) in the unit (p. 13)

22

Badger Creek South (31) - E Vegetative and topographic screening common in unit, excellent opportunity for solitude

(p. 11)

Badger Creek South (33) - NE Unmarked undesignated route ends shortly at gulch with fire ring (p. 8,11)

Badger Creek South (32) - NE Unmarked route into SE unit at BLM 5980, Sand Gulch Rd (p. 8)

Badger Creek South (34) - N View of Badger Creek and riparian vegetation from southern boundary (p. 9)

23

Badger Creek South (35) - NW Locked gate at west side of Badger Creek, side gate for horse and foot traffic

(p. 8)

Badger Creek South (37) - NNE Unmarked non-motorized entry in southern unit, west side of Badger Creek (p. 8)

Badger Creek South (36) - WNW Historic stone structure at southern boundary (p. 13)

Badger Creek South (38) - NE Illegal ATV use up Badger Creek, user sluicing in the creek (p. 10)

24

Badger Creek South (39) - SE View of power lines in southern unit, crossing east of Badger Creek

(p. 10)

Badger Creek South (41) - SW Power lines head due west; possible old access route to power lines from Badger Creek trail

(p. 8,10)

Badger Creek South (40) - SSE Routes along Badger Creek converge on western route; excellent opportunity for hiking (p. 8)

Badger Creek South (42) - NE View of interior vegetation: woodland-scrubland down to Badger Creek riparian area (p. 10)

25

Badger Creek South (43) - E Tributary at Badger Creek; highest feature in background (p. 9,11)

Badger Creek South (45) - S Excellent opportunity for hiking along Badger Creek trail; Sangre de Cristo Mountains in background (p. 11)

Badger Creek South (44) - ENE High biodiversity tributary for globally imperiled riparian natural community (p. 12)

Badger Creek South (46) - ENE Structure of former wagon road bridge along

Badger Creek trail (p. 8)

26

Badger Creek South (47) - SSE Aerial view of naturalness in central unit, no visible human impacts (p. 10)

Badger Creek South (49) - NNW Revegetated route disappears a short distance onto it (p. 9)

Badger Creek South (48) - NW Revegetated route inaccessible to motorized vehicle

at southern boundary (p. 9)

Badger Creek South (50) - ENE Steep rocky terrain of pinyon-juniper woodland and Gambel oak scrubland common in unit interior

(p. 9)

27

Badger Creek South (51) - E Power lines exit southeast unit (p. 10)

28