‘

Colorado

Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area

Annual Manager’s Report—Fiscal Year 2016

1

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

2

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 cewing@blm.gov

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

1

3

Map of Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area

4

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.

5

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.

2

6

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.

3

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

11

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

4

12

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

5

13

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.

14

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

15

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

16

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.

17

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.

18

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.

19

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

6

20

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.

7

21

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