Newsletter Blurb
Blending Conservation and Corporate Interests at the Cathedral Bluffs
The Cathedral Bluffs in Northwest Colorado mark the western boundary of the Piceance
Basin, an 1100 mi2 geologic basin unified by a unique geologic substrate, estimated to
contain 1,200 billion barrels of oil in the form of oil shale (Murray and Haun 1974). Not
only is the rock rich in oil, it also supports several globally rare natural communities and
herbaceous plants. The Nature Conservancy became interested in this region because of
the biodiversity significance and because of the potential threat from innapropriate
grazing and from extensive natural gas and oil production. Instead of fearing the future
or fighting a battle when it’s too late, The Nature Conservancy, a frequent partner with
private companies, initiated a collaborative project with Shell Exploration and Production
Company (one of the many oil companies with land in the area).
While TNC was initially concerned with the potential impacts of oil shale
development, Shell was more immediately concerned with grazing management, the
dominant land use. Shell currently leases its land to several ranchers and was interested
in improving the management of their rangelands. Domestic livestock, wild horses, and
wildlife all use the property for forage.
My role was to determine which areas of the 19,000 acre property merited the
most attention. With the help of the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, I determined
ecologically sensitive areas, based on the presence of rare plants and natural
communities, for the 19,000-acre property. I mapped locations of rare species and
communities and recorded information regarding the size, condition, and landscape
context of the occurrences.
I also compiled information to assist with the preparation of a management plan.
I investigated critical wildlife habitat (for sage grouse and peregrine falcons), and
provided recommendations regarding grazing management, noxious weeds, fire, and
reclamation.