The Watershed Biodiversity Initiative (WBI) is responding to widespread concern for large-scale losses in biodiversity by undertaking a multiyear Study of habitat quality and connectivity throughout the almost million-acre Roaring Fork Watershed, using scientifically credible methods to identify: 1) where high priority habitat currently exists; 2) areas where habitat would benefit from restoration; and 3) areas where connectivity issues exist between critical blocks of habitat. This Study will produce maps and data layers clearly defining the above three parameters for elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Protecting habitat for these three iconic indicator species in turn extends protection to thousands of additional native species. WBI will make these maps and data publicly accessible so that conservation and management entities can utilize this unbiased, science-based platform for decision making. It is our intent that by providing science-based information, landscape-scale restoration efforts will be more attainable in our Watershed. We also hope that other Watersheds in the intermountain West will adopt our methodologies as a model to further the impact of our work.
The recent reauthorization of the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails program, which cites preservation of biodiversity as a priority, coupled with declines in local wildlife populations created a perfect confluence of concern, interest, and urgency to support a watershed-scale biodiversity study that wasn’t necessary before. A pressing need was identified for science to back up conservation efforts, which set the stage for the Study.
The Study itself will be conducted over two field seasons by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP), a sponsored program of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University, to ensure unbiased and scientifically credible results.