Roaring Fork Biodiversity and Connectivity Study
This study was conceived by Watershed Biodiversity Initiative (WBI) and local partners (natural resource managers and non-profits) as a collaborative investigation into the status of biodiversity values and landscape connectivity across the Roaring Fork watershed. The partners’ ultimate goal was to develop a shared understanding of issues and an informed stewardship ethos, anchored in widely held community values, among watershed decision-makers and inhabitants.
In order to achieve this goal, they determined that they needed to work with independent researchers to conduct a study that would objectively identify and map biodiversity conservation priorities from a landscape perspective. The concept behind the study was that the study would be designed and implemented in concert with local funders, scientific experts, and stakeholders, and that the Project and Science Teams would develop the methods as part of an ongoing collaboration over the life of the study. The purpose of this approach was to foster widespread acceptance and use of the process and the results. To that end, WBI engaged Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) to lead the study and organized a Science Team to oversee and participate in development of the study design.
The study was designed as a vegetation-based habitat quality assessment. The key components of the study were assessments, mapping, and modeling of 1) forage quality for elk and mule deer; 2) habitat quality for elk, mule deer, and bighorn, 3) areas of conservation importance—critical sites for focal species as well as other biodiversity values, and 4) watershed priority areas for biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration across the million-acre landscape.
Objectives:
- Understanding of habitat quality for focal species (elk, mule deer, bighorn) and their habitats
- Understanding of highest priority conservation areas for focal species and habitats
- Understanding of highest priority restoration areas/needs for focal species and habitats
Field work was conducted 2019 – 2021. Final mapping and modeling are in process and expected to be complete in 2022.
