narrative owl mountain 1770.docx

The Kremmling Field Office, in cooperation with the Owl Mountain partnership and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will reconstruct Mugrage ditch located near Radium campground along the Colorado River corridor. The project will be a coordinated effort to allow for consistent irrigation to a wet meadow that provides for excellent wildlife values. The meadow currently has become encroached by invasive and noxious plants due to the lack of consistent water. Once irrigation is restored, less invasive or noxious weeds is probable with proper treatment and re-vegetation methods. For year 2012 $10,000 will be allocated from 1770 JH for material and equipment costs.

The Kremmling Field office, in cooperation with the Owl Mountain Partnership and Jackson County noxious weed program, will treat two hundred acres of invasive species on BLM lands within Jackson County. Focus areas will include clear cuts on Independence Mountain, Sheep Mountain, and riparian areas and draws. For year 2012 $6,000 will be allocated from 1770 JD for equipment and chemical for Jackson County to treat these areas.

The Kremmling Field Office, in cooperation Owl Mountain Partnership, NPHPP, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will identify and treat between 250 and 350 acres of bitterbrush habitat in North Park Colorado. Fertilizer will be applied to identify sites to enhance production of bitterbrush which serves as an essential food source for big game such as Mule deer and Rocky Mountain Elk. $15,000 will be allocated from 1770 JA for 2012 and 2013 for treatment of identified areas.

The Kremmling Field Office, in cooperation with the Owl Mountain Partnership, NPHPP, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will identify and treat 250 to 350 acres of Rangeland in North Park. Treatment will be seedings in critical sage grouse habitat. Areas will be identified that lack foliage cover and that a seeding would be beneficial for sage grouse and their habitat. Areas of critical breeding or nesting habitat would be avoided, as areas of disturbance or no production would be priority. $15,000 would be allocated from 1770 JA for 2012 and 2013 for materials and equipment costs.

The Kremmling Field Office, in cooperation with Owl Mountain Partnership, private landowners, and NPHPP, will drill Bostwich well located in allotment 7079 in North Park, Colorado. This well is divided between three allotments and two separate permittees. The intent is to provide water for cattle and improve distribution between the three allotments. This should improve overall range health within the allotment, thereby increasing wildlife values as well. $4,000 will be allocated from 1770 JB for four livestock tanks and materials.

All LLCON02000 Fund Code 12X 1109AF

$10,000 will be allocated from 1770 JH LXCC36720000 $6,000 will be allocated from 1770 JD LXCC36720000 $30,000 will be allocated from 1770 JA LXCC36720000 $4,000 will be allocated from 1770 JB LXCC36720000