This year's seeds yield next year's grasses. Photo Jim Lockhart
1,150 feet of routes were seeded
at La Salle Restoration Project
on Saturday October 24
Wild Connections intrepid Board members stepped up to scatter native seeds just ahead of the approaching winter storm. They seeded and raked in 620 feet at Site 1, 220 feet at Site 2 and 310 feet at Site 3. This completes the site work that was started in September. (See below)
On Sunday the area got the expected snow, along with much colder temperatures. The moisture is particularly welcome as the project site was very dry. Over-wintering gives the seeds the best chance to germinate next spring to revegetate the former routes.
Native grass seed mixture. Photo John Stansfield
September Work Day
Volunteers from Wild Connections and staff from the USFS South Park Ranger District and the Platte Canyon Fire Department set 124 posts at three locations on LaSalle Pass on September 12.
The Forest Service then installed the heavy steel cable and ripped the hard-packed road beds behind the barriers.
A big shout out to you volunteers and to the 30 people whose donations raised $6,192 to pay for the materials!
Site 1 with Martland Peak in right distance. Photo Jean Smith
Site 2 where FR 44 turns east. Photo Vickie Smith
Extensive fencing at Site 3. Photo Vickie Smith
The recent closures that we did with the USFS will help protect Colorado Birds of Special Concern, including Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, which have nesting and roosting sites in the area. These important birds were adversely affected by illegal motorized use. However with the recent closures and restricted area, the disturbances will be reduced so that these iconic birds of prey, and other area wildlife, will be secure.
Golden Eagle. Photo CPW
American Peregrine Falcon Photo CPW
A large Restricted Area, outlined in yellow, is designed protect the eagles and falcons. Map Wild Connections
Virtual journeys to wildlands in photos, films and webinars are here.
Wildfires and our Forests
Go here for a brief read about drought, fires and Colorado forests.
Wild Connections' mission is to identify, protect, and restore wildlands, native species,
and biological diversity in the Arkansas and South Platte watersheds.
