Curecanti

https://www.nps.gov/cure/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curecanti_National_Recreation_Area Curecanti National Recreation Area is located on the Gunnison River in western Colorado. Established in 1965, Curecanti is responsible for developing and managing recreational facilities on three reservoirs, Blue Mesa Reservoir, Morrow Point Reservoir and Crystal Reservoir, constructed on the upper Gunnison River in the 1960s by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to better utilize the vital waters of the Colorado River and its major tributaries. A popular destination for boating and fishing, Curecanti offers visitors two marinas, traditional and group campgrounds, hiking trails, boat launches, and boat-in campsites. The state's premiere lake trout and Kokanee salmon fisheries, Curecanti is a popular destination for boating and fishing, and is also a popular area for ice-fishing in the winter months. Three reservoirs and surrounding lands make up this recreation area in western Colorado. It is a landscape of tradeoffs; natural and human made features exist together. Geologic wonders are abundant from the sagebrush shrublands to forests. Visitors can experience the park year-round on both land and water. Curecanti is located between the Colorado towns of Gunnison (to the east), Montrose (to the west), and Lake City (to the south). The West Elk Mountain Wilderness area borders Curecanti to the north. U.S. Highway 50 runs the length of Curecanti east to west. Elk Creek Visitor Center This visitor center provides information, exhibits, book and map sales, restrooms, and outdoor seating. Water is available inside when the building is open. Follow U.S. Highway 50 15 miles (24 km) west of Gunnison, CO, or 49 miles (79 km) east of Montrose, CO, then follow signs to the visitor center. GPS coordinates: N 38.4668, W -107.1663 Cimarron Campground Cimarron Campground is located 20 miles (32 km) east of Montrose, CO on U.S. Highway 50 at the site of Cimarron, a historic narrow gauge railroad town. The campground accommodates tents to medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come, first-served and the campground rarely fills. Railroad exhibits are adjacent to the campground. Crystal Reservoir near Morrow Point Dam is approximately 1.5 miles away (2.4 km). Standard Camping Fee 24.00 The nightly camping fee at Cimarron is $24.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Senior / Access Camping Fee 12.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $12.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Cimarron Campground Cimarron Campground Cimarron Campground Dry Gulch Campground Dry Gulch Campground is located 17 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. The campground is shaded by large cottonwood trees and can accommodate tents or medium sized RVs. All sites are first-come first-served. A horse corral is available. Elevation: 7560 feet Standard Camping Fee 20.00 The nightly camping fee at Dry Gulch is $20.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Senior / Access Camping Fee 10.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Dry Gulch Campground Dry Gulch Campground Dry Gulch Campground Dry Gulch Campground Sites Dry Gulch Campground Sites Dry Gulch Campground Sites Dry Gulch Horse Corral Dry Gulch Horse Corral Dry Gulch Horse Corral East Elk Creek Group Campground East Elk Creek is a group campsite that can accommodate a total of 50 people. The site is located 16.5 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. The campsites are located under large cottonwood trees, and space is available for tents or RVs. Elevation: 7535 feet East Elk Creek Group Campground 120.00 50 people maximum. East Elk Creek Group Campground 1 East Elk Creek Group Campground 1 Picnic shelter and bridge leading to tent campsites. East Elk Creek Group Campground 2 East Elk Creek Group Campground 2 Parking area, picnic shelter and vault toilet. East Elk Creek Group Campground 3 East Elk Creek Group Campground 3 The campground is shaded by Cottonwood trees. East Portal Campground The East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which has a $30 entrance fee. The campground is located at the bottom of the canyon, along the Gunnison River. It is a small campground shaded by box elder trees. East Portal is closed in winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation closes the East Portal Road. Elevation: 6549 ft (1996.1 m) Standard Camping Fee 20.00 The nightly camping fee at East Portal is $20.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Senior / Access Camping Fee 10.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. East Portal Campground - Sites with vehicle access East Portal Campground - Sites with vehicle access Five out of the fifteen sites have vehicle access. East Portal Campground - Walk-in sites East Portal Campground - Walk-in sites Ten of the 15 sites are walk-in tent sites. Elk Creek Campground Elk Creek Campground is located 16 miles west of Gunnison on U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. We recommend making reservations prior to coming to Curecanti because cell service and first-come, first-served sites may be unavailable. Reservations may be made on recreation.gov from mid-May to mid-September. All types of camping from tents to large RVs can be accommodated. Very few sites have trees. This is the only campground with electricity (Loop D only) at Curecanti. Elevation: 7540 feet Loops A & B Standard Camping Fee 24.00 The nightly camping fee for Loops A & B at Elk Creek is $24.00. Loops A & B Senior / Access Camping Fee 12.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $12.00. Loop C Standard Camping Fee 24.00 The nightly camping fee for Loop C at Elk Creek is $24.00. Loop C sites are non-reservable (first-come first-served). Loop C Senior / Access Camping Fee 12.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $12.00. Loop C sites are non-reservable (first-come first-served). Loop D Standard Camping Fee 34.00 The nightly camping fee for Loop D (sites with electricity) at Elk Creek is $34.00. Loop D Senior / Access Camping Fee 17.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $17.00. Elk Creek Campground Elk Creek Campground Elk Creek Campground elk creek campground Twilight on Blue Mesa, looking west Twilight on Blue Mesa, looking west Gateview Campground Gateview Campground is located in a deep, narrow canyon at the extreme south end of the Lake Fork Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Take CO Highway 149 7 miles west of Powderhorn, then 6 miles north on the gravel Blue Mesa Cutoff Road. All sites are first-come first-served. Gateview is best suited for tent camping. Due to the narrow gravel road, even small RVs or pop-up trailers are not recommended. Elevation: 7538 feet Gateview Campground 0.00 Free. Lake Form Arm at Gateview A path along a canyon with a river on the left side Lake Form Arm at Gateview Lake Fork Campground The campground is located 27 miles west of Gunnison on CO Highway 92 near the intersection with U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. We recommend making reservations at recreation.gov prior to coming to Curecanti because cell service and first-come, first-served sites may be unavailable. Reservations may be made on recreation.gov from mid-May to mid-September. Tents and large RVs can be accommodated. The campground is paved except for the tent walk-in sites. Elevation: 7580 feet Upper & Middle Sections Standard Camping Fee 24.00 The nightly camping fee for the Upper and Middle Sections at Lake Fork is $24.00. Upper & Middle Sections Senior/Access Camping Fee 12.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $12.00. Lower Section Standard Camping Fee 24.00 The nightly camping fee for Lower Section at Lake Fork is $24.00. The Lower Section is non-reservable (first-come first-served). Lower Section Senior/Access Camping Fee 12.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $12.00. The Lower Section is non-reservable (first-come first-served). Lake Fork Campground Lake Fork Campground Lake Fork Campground Ponderosa Campground Ponderosa Campground is located at the northwest end of the Soap Creek Arm of Blue Mesa Reservoir. From U.S. Highway 50, follow CO Highway 92 1/2 mile past Blue Mesa Dam to Soap Creek Road. Proceed 7 miles north on the gravel Soap Creek Road. Tents and medium sized RVs can be accommodated at Ponderosa. All sites are first-come first-served. Elevation: 7880 feet Note: During dry conditions, the first 7 miles of Soap Creek Road are passable to trailers and RVs. Rain can make the Soap Creek Road impassable. Standard Camping Fee 20.00 The nightly camping fee at Ponderosa is $20.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Senior / Access Camping Fee 10.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Ponderosa Campground Ponderosa Campground The Upper Loop of Ponderosa. Red Creek Campground Red Creek Campground is located 19 miles west of Gunnison just north of U.S. Highway 50. There are 2 sites--1 individual site and 1 group site. The group site can accommodate a maximum of 20 people. The individual site is first-come first-served, and the group site is by reservation only. RVs longer than 22 feet are not recommended due to a lack of space to turn around. Elevation: 7542 feet Red Creek Individual Site - Standard Camping Fee 20.00 The nightly camping fee at the Red Creek Individual Site is $20.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Red Creek Individual Site - Senior/Access Camping Fee 10.00 For Individual Site only: discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Group size limit is eight people and two vehicles. Red Creek Group Site 60.00 $60.00 per night. Reservations required. Maximum group size: 20 people. Red Creek Campground 1 Red Creek Campground Group Site Red Creek Campground Group Site Red Creek Campground 2 Red Creek Campground Group Site Parking Area and Vault Toilet Red Creek Campground Group Site Parking Area and Vault Toilet Stevens Creek Campground The campground is located 12 miles west of Gunnison on U.S. Highway 50 on the shore of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Tents to large RVs can be accommodated. The 53 sites are surrounded by sage and rabbitbrush. There is no natural shade. All sites are first-come first-served. Elevation: 7540 feet Standard Camping Fee 20.00 Maximum of 8 people per site. No more than two primary recreational camping units per site, (car, pickup, motorhome, van, pop-up trailer, in which people are sleeping). In addition, if space allows, the following may also be at the site: tent, boat trailer, vehicles not used for sleeping. Senior / Access Camping Fee 10.00 Discounted camping rate for valid Senior or Access passes. The nightly camping fee with valid passes is $10.00. Maximum of 8 people per site. No more than two primary recreational camping units per site, (car, pickup, motorhome, van, pop-up trailer, in which people are sleeping). In addition, if space allows, the following may also be at the site: tent, boat trailer, vehicles not used for sleeping. Loop A Loop A This campground is next to Blue Mesa Reservoir and has very little shade. Crystal Trail View The snow-capped San Juan Mountain Range looms in the distance as viewed from the Crystal Trail The snow-capped San Juan Mountain Range looms in the distance as viewed from the Crystal Trail Twilight Before Dawn Blue Mesa reflects the color of the sky in the dawn twilight. Blue Mesa reflects the color of the sky in the dawn twilight. Hedgehog Cactus Blossom Hedgehog Cactus flower blooming along the Crystal Trail Hedgehog Cactus flower blooming along the Crystal Trail Dillon Pinnacles Large pinnacle spires across a body of water Dillon Pinnacles next to Blue Mesa Reservoir Blue Mesa Nights An arm of the Milky Way galaxy glows over Blue Mesa. An arm of the Milky Way galaxy glows over Blue Mesa. Morrow Point Reservoir Tall spires alongside steep canyon walls. A narrow body of water flows below. Morrow Point Reservoir NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. reservoir and shoreline hills Landbird Monitoring in Northern Colorado Plateau Network Parks, 2018 Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2018. Small, bright-orange bird with yellowish underfeathers. Traits, Tradeoffs, and Pivot Points: How Climate, Plant, and Soil Properties Affect Vegetation Growth on the Northern Colorado Plateau As the northern Colorado Plateau heads into a hotter, drier future, there will be ecological winners and losers. Figuring out how different vegetation communities will fare is tricky. A recent study aimed to identify which vegetation communities might come out ahead, which might lag behind, and what might make the difference. Desert grassland in red rock setting. Pink wildflowers grow in foreground as storm brews in the sky. Wildland Fire in Douglas Fir: Western United States Douglas fir is widely distributed throughout the western United States, as well as southern British Columbia and northern Mexico. Douglas fir is able to survive without fire, its abundantly-produced seeds are lightweight and winged, allowing the wind to carry them to new locations where seedlings can be established. Close-up of Douglas fir bark and needles. What We’re Learning and Why it Matters: Long-Term Monitoring on the Northern Colorado Plateau Knowing which key natural resources are found in the national parks, and whether they're stable or changing, helps decisionmakers make sound choices. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network is building that knowledge. After more than ten years of monitoring, we've learned a lot about park ecosystems, how they're changing, and what they may look like in the days to come. Find out what we’ve learned and how it’s being used to help managers plan for the future. Man stands in a stream, looking down at a handheld gauge. Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2019 Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2019. Bald eagle Water Quality in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network: Water Years 2016–2018 Once a month, ecologists collect water samples at dozens of monitoring sites in and near ten National Park Service units across Utah and Colorado. This consistent, long-term monitoring helps alert managers to existing and potential problems. Find out the results for 2016-2018 in this brief from the Northern Colorado Plateau Network. A monitoring crew of three samples a clear river flowing over brown rock and sand A Closer Look at When Grasses Need a Drink: Soils, Precipitation, and Desert Grasses The results of a recent study may help land managers to prioritize grassland conservation and restoration efforts. Park managers can’t do much about climate, but with the right information, they can make choices based on how different grassland communities behave in different soil types. In this study, cool-season grasses showed more resilience to drought than warm-season grasses. A field crew member takes measurements on a grassland transect. Water Quality Trends in Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP and Curecanti NRA, 2001–2014 “Is it safe to go in the water?” It’s a pretty basic question—and a really important one. In Curecanti National Recreation Area and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with park managers to find the answer. A report examined long-term trends in water quality at both parks from 2001 to 2014--and the news was mostly good. Blue reservoir with ice Connie Rudd: Defining a Career Path Connie Rudd's career with the National Park Service began as a seasonal ranger in 1979. Her continual desire to learn propelled her to various sites and positions in interpretation, planning, and management until 2014, when she retired as Park Superintendent. In this Spotlight article, Rudd reflects on her career path, changes in interpretation, and being in upper management as a woman. Part of "Women’s Voices: Women in the National Park Service Oral History Project." Connie Rudd smiles for a portrait in an outdoor setting, wearing a NPS uniform and flathat Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2020 Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2020. Small beige bird with black beak and feet, brown back. Survival is Still Tough for Dinosaurs at Curecanti National Recreation Area Dinosaur fossils at Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado, are exposed to climatic and environmental factors that can rapidly destroy or rebury them. Park staff have instituted programs to study how best to protect them. One program tracks what happens to individual specimens. Another studies shoreline changes at the fossil sites. rock with fossils in surface and a scale bar Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 13, No. 1, Spring 2021 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> park ranger in uniform Monitoring From Space: Using Satellite Imagery to Measure Landscape Conditions on the Ground Scientists from the Northern Colorado Plateau Network travel thousands of miles each year to collect data on plants, soils, and water across network parks. But it would be impossible to cover every square inch of the Northern Colorado Plateau with boots on the ground. Instead, we simultaneously monitor the parks with boots in space—satellite data that provide information at a much broader scale. Satellite and Earth in space Localized Drought Impacts on Northern Colorado Plateau Landbirds Birds of the desert southwest, a climate-change hotspot, are among the most vulnerable groups in the US. To help park managers plan for those changes, scientists evaluated the influence of water deficit on landbird communities at 11 national parks in Utah and Colorado. The results will help land managers to focus conservation efforts on places where certain species are most vulnerable to projected climate changes. A man wearing a clipboard looks through binoculars at dawn in field of sagebrush Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Algae Blooms and Climate Change at Curecanti Multiple species of blue green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are native to our area of Colorado and are an essential part of the food web in Blue Mesa. In fact, cyanobacteria showed up about 2 billion years ago on the planet. Even though it has been around for billions of years, more and more lakes around the World are seeing bigger and more frequent blooms - Blue Mesa Reservoir included. Blue Green Algae in Blue Mesa Reservoir Judith Córdova Judith Córdova experienced discrimination as a child in her Denver-area neighborhood. As an adult, she continued to fight against it in her job as an equal opportunity employment specialist for the National Park Service (NPS). Eventually she rose through the ranks herself, becoming the first Latina superintendent in 1993. Judith Cordova in an NPS baseball cap looks into the camera. Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2021 Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2021. Small dove with black spots on back of wings, long tail, and brownish-gray body. 2021 National Park Service Aviation Awards In 2021, the National Park Service Aviation Program awarded the Excellence in Mentorship Aviation Award, the Tom Clausing Aviation All Risk (Hazard) Program Award, Aviator of the Year Award, and the Wright Brothers Aviation Safety Award. Five men and a woman stand surrounding a Mesa Verde Helitack sign. Two men hold awards. Studying the Past and Predicting the Future Using Rat Nests In the western United States, packrat middens are one of the best tools for reconstructing recent environments and climates. These accumulations of plant fragments, small vertebrate remains, rodent droppings, and other fossils can be preserved for more than 50,000 years. Packrat middens have been found in at least 41 National Park Service units. Photo of a wood rat. Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 14, No. 2, Fall 2022 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> Photo of a person sitting while using a laboratory microscope. Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 15, No. 1, Spring 2023 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> three people working in a fossil quarry Utilizing Trace Fossils to Fill in Paleoecological Gaps at Curecanti National Recreation Area Paleontologist Ryan King, professor at the Western Colorado University in Gunnison, CO, has been documenting Mesozoic vertebrate fossil localities in Curecanti National Recreation Area. Among the paleontological resources Ryan has documented at the recreation area are fossil dinosaur footprints and skin impressions. photo of a lakeshore NPS Establishes NPSage Initiative to Restore Sagebrush-Steppe Ecosystems Artemisia species, commonly known as sagebrush, are far from being the only species on the landscape. The sagebrush biome is composed of a rich mosaic of thousands of diverse plant species, which are largely driven by differences in climate, soil and elevation. These distinct sagebrush plant and animal communities occur in approximately 70 park units across the western U.S— all of which are experiencing significant threats from wildfire and droughts. Two NPS staff knealing next to plants growing in a nursery Making an Impact: Long-Term Monitoring of Natural Resources at Intermountain Region National Parks, 2021 Across the Intermountain Region, Inventory & Monitoring Division ecologists are helping to track the effects of climate change, provide baseline information for resource management, evaluate new technologies, and inspire the next generation of park stewards. This article highlights accomplishments achieved during fiscal year 2021. A man looks through binoculars at sunrise. Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2022 Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2022. Hairy woodpecker clings to the underside of a tree branch. A Changing Bimodal Climate Zone Means Changing Vegetation in Western National Parks When the climate changes enough, the vegetation communities growing in any given place will also change. Under an expanded bimodal climate zone, some plant communities in western national parks are more likely to change than others. National Park Service ecologists and partners investigated the future conditions that may force some of this change. Having this information can help park managers decide whether to resist, direct, or accept the change. Dark storm clouds and rainbow over mountains and saguaros. Project Profile: Produce Seed for Intermountain Grasslands The National Park Service and organizations of the Southwest Seed Partnership will implement the National Seed Strategy and associated revegetation and restoration efforts in grassland ecosystems in Intermountain Region parks. The project focuses on native plant development and involves collecting, producing, cleaning, testing, tracking, and storing seeds from native species. a man kneels in a field and puts collected seeds into a 5 gallon bucket Park Managers look to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law projects to break cycle of fire-driven ecosystem losses in the West Park managers look to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to break the cycle of fire-driven ecosystem losses in the West. The project focus, as part of a larger program that the National Park Service calls its NPSage Initiative, is on collaborative work to build capacity across four priority seed zones of the Intermountain Region: 17 parks in the Colorado Plateau and Rocky Mountains ecoregions of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. rows of tall grasses being grown for restoration Outside Science (inside parks): Water Monitoring at Curecanti National Recreation Area In this episode follow Scientists-in-Parks intern and the water monitoring team at Curecanti National Recreation Area as they work to collect water samples and document river algae. a title slide for Outside Science (inside parks) at Curecanti National Recreation Area Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park Service To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera. Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2023 Because birds can be sensitive to habitat change, they are good indicators of ecosystem integrity. The Northern Colorado Plateau Network partners with the University of Delaware to assess breeding-bird species trends in three different habitats: low-elevation riparian, pinyon-juniper, and sage shrubland. Find out which species were increasing and declining at network parks as of 2023. A speckled white bird floats on blue water. Project Profile: Assess Climate Change Effects on Colorado River National Parks to Inform River Management Planning Climate change is rapidly impacting National Park Service (NPS) units on the Colorado River, necessitating proactive planning to safeguard vital resources. The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) is initiating a planning process post-2026, which will reevaluate dam operations, directly impacting the rivers and reservoirs in multiple parks. To inform these decisions, NPS will quantify the impacts on priority park resources through Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments (CCVAs). Photograph of Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Project Profile: Manage Invasive Plants and Re-Seed Degraded Lands to Maintain Healthy Rangelands in Intermountain Region Park Units The National Park Service will improve rangeland conditions and climate resilience across parks in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. This will include rangeland ecosystem assessments, the monitoring of forage availability and vegetation conditions, the restoration of rangeland infrastructure and grazing allotments, and adding staff capacity in parks. The moon rises over a dark desert landscape, with shrubs in the foreground. Project Profile: Resilient Sagebrush Ecosystems (NPSage) The National Park Service will expand NPSage collaborative ecosystem restoration projects and integrate climate vulnerability planning and resiliency enhancement actions in parks across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Colorado, Northern California, and Arizona. Bucket of seeds Dinosaurs of the National Park Service Dinosaur fossils have been discovered at or are associated with at least 27 NPS units. Geographically, their finds are concentrated in the parks of the Colorado Plateau, but they have been found from central Alaska to Big Bend National Park in Texas to Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Massachusetts. The most famous site is the Dinosaur Quarry of Dinosaur National Monument, but a rush of new finds since the 1970s has greatly expanded our knowledge. allosaurus fossil Saving the Heart of the American West’s Largest Landscape Sagebrush, America’s most imperiled ecosystem, is half of what it once was. Aided by recent infrastructure funding, a dedicated community of scientists is racing to protect the best of what’s left. Vast, flat, sagebrush landscape with mountains in the distance viewed from a lichen covered outcrop. Bryant Expedition - 1883 Byron Bryant's expedition continued exploration of the "Grand Canyon of the Gunnison" for railroad opportunities during the winter of 1883 and 1884. Their survey helped advise the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad to not continue through Black Canyon. Black Canyon walls and rim have snow, sky has clouds. Dark river is at the bottom. Gunnison Expedition - 1853 Lieutenant John W. Gunnison, Lieutenant Edward G. Beckwith, and crew traveled from the Great Plains, over the Rocky Mountains, and into the Tomichi Valley. The expedition continued to follow the Grand River (Gunnison River). The Gunnison Expedition report contains the first official description of the Black Canyon. Lithograph depicting a scene with tall pinnacle spires and mesas. Kolb Expedition - 1916 Kolb was one of the first to conduct a lengthy recreational trip down the Gunnison River through Black Canyon. Historic black and white image of a person looking at rapids between steep canyon walls. Landbird Population Trends in the Northern Colorado Plateau Network, 2024 Northern Colorado Plateau Network’s long-term landbird monitoring program provides habitat-based updates for bird population status and trends in the parks in the Northern Colorado Plateau. These inform scientists and managers about changes in bird populations and about the health of the habitats they depend on. Learn more about which species were detected in the network parks for the first time and which landbird populations were increasing or declining between 2005 - 2024. A bird sitting in a tree. Vegetation Production and Phenology at Curecanti National Recreation Area Northern Colorado Plateau Network’s scientists use satellite observations of vegetation condition in Curecanti National Recreation Area with climate data over time to reveal how climate influences plant production and phenology. Knowing which of the wide range of 16 vegetation assemblages found in Curecanti are more or less sensitive to climate change can help managers understand what to expect over the next few decades, and plan for the changes coming their way. A view of the Curecanti reservoir. Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 10, No. 2, Fall 2018 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> NPS staff work to document a recently discovered slab of Navajo Sandstone

Curecanti Curecanti National Recreation Area Colorado National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Windsurfers on Blue Mesa Reservoir Curecanti National Recreation Area’s stark landscape bears the imprint of attempts to alter these rugged mesas and canyons for human purposes. The most recent major alteration was the construction of three dams on the Gunnison River in the 1960s to provide irrigation and hydroelectric power. The dams are part of the Wayne N. Aspinall Unit of the Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado River Storage Project. The dams eliminated the wild-fowing water of the Gunnison River and replaced it with static reservoirs. The high, dry, eroded vistas are no longer interrupted by the Gunnison River's narrow thread, but by three bodies of water: Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal reservoirs. Blue Mesa serves as the main water-storage reservoir. Morrow Point Dam generates most of the power. Crystal Dam maintains an even fow through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The old rock faces of Black Canyon that hold the water of the Morrow Point and Crystal reservoirs show the changes that have occurred over two billion years. Surrounding mesas are capped with cliffs and rocky spires telling of violent volcanic eruptions some 30 History Railroad helped develop small towns like Cimarron. It operated until 1949. Winter Brook trout, kokanee salmon, and nonnative fsh including rainbow, brown, and Mackinaw (lake) trout draw anglers to park waters in summer and winter. The region’s ranchers and farmers coveted the Gunnison River’s water for livestock and crops. Opened in 1909, the six-mile (9.6-km) Gunnison Tunnel was blasted through a mesa to deliver water to the Uncompahgre Valley for agriculture. A National Civil Engineering Landmark, it ended the natural fows of the Gunnison River through Black Canyon. reservoir environment, which has abundant plankton. These microscopic organisms fourish in the still waters, and their concentration helps Three dams of the Wayne N. Aspinall Unit dramatically changed the area’s fshery. Only fve of Curecanti’s 22 identifed fsh species are native. Nonnative fsh beneft from the maintain the kokanee, Curecanti's most commonly caught fsh. Brook trout favor the reservoirs' tributary streams. In Blue Mesa Reservoir’s deep subsurface canyons lurk coldwater-loving Mackinaw trout— caught here at over 30 pounds (13.6 kg). Introduced in the Gunnison River in the 1880s, rainbow trout are still stocked along with kokanee. Know the Regulations Buy a Colorado fshing license—required for persons 16 and older— at marinas or sporting goods stores. Use provided fshcleaning stations; if none is available, use trash cans. Despite the abundant wildlife, beautiful snow-capped mesas, and clear blue skies, winter at Curecanti is harsh. Snagging for kokanee begins in November; contact the park for the exact date. Temperatures dip as low as –40ºF (–40ºC) and are made more dangerous by strong winds. Adequate preparation for winter activities is a must. Elk, bighorn sheep, and deer come down from the mountains in winter to feed and avoid colder, snowier conditions at higher elevations. Check beforehand for closures, seasons, bait, and other restrictions. Brown trout Ice fshing is popular. Four inches (10 cm) of hard, clear ice are needed to support one adult on foot. Do your research before you venture onto the ice. Your safety is your responsibility. Rainbow trout Warning: Strong winds make wind-chill factors extreme. Be prepared. Wear clothing in several light layers. Hooded and windproof outer layers are important. Keep your head and neck covered and warm. Hands and feet are the most diffcult to keep warm. Mittens are better than gloves. Boots should be big enough to allow good circulation. Visit the park website for more winter recreation and safety information. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are other ways of experiencing Curecanti's winters. Bearing the Curecanti Needle on its logo, the Denver & Rio Grande Kokanee salmon NPS / LISA LYNCH The Utes spent summers in the mountains and winters near today’s Montrose and Grand Junction. Like many of the area’s earlier inhabitants, they were drawn here by the abundant wildlife in the dry hills and Despite discouraging reports by Capt. John Gunnison and his Pacifc Railroad party, which surveyed the area in 1853, a narrowgauge railroad was in the area by 1882 transporting coal, cattle, ore, and other items. Fishing FRED K. TRUSLOW / CORNELL UNIVERSITY Human occupation goes back at least 10,000 years. Remains of ancient structures called wickiups date back 4,500 years and are some of the oldest dwellings uncovered at Curecanti. The arrival of nonIndigenous people in the 1800s began to destroy Ute lifeways as they took control of the land. Fur traders and miners blazed the northern branch of the Spanish Trail from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. This trail frst linked Ute country to global commerce. Curecanti’s

Adventures in Curecanti Curecanti National Recreation Area Official Junior Ranger Activity Book o t e m o c Wel i t n a c National e r Cu Recreation Area! To Earn Your Junior Ranger Badge: • Complete as many activity pages as your age. • When you are finished, bring your book back to the visitor center to receive your badge. Follow the Junior Ranger Rules: • SAFETY FIRST! - This means wear a life jacket in and around the water. - Store food where wildlife can’t get it and remember that you are visiting their home—give wildlife the space they need. - Be aware of moving vehicles, especially around boat launches. • Take care of the park. Leave it better than you found it. • Be prepared. This means wear sunscreen and a hat, sturdy shoes, and carry plenty of water. Adults: ork ed to w ncourag e e r a u Yo r child. with you closely ed present estions u q y n a M ended e openhere ar courage nt to en and mea . Place of ideas n io s s u disc correct hasis on less emp emphasis nd more a , s r e very. answ of disco s s e c o r k on the p the wor lp, but e h n a c You ’s own. ur child o y e b should 2 BINGO! Find a sagebrush and sketch it below. Visit a beach. Using natural materials that you find there, create a picture of an elk. Take a photo to show a Ranger, and then scatter the evidence! Smell it! Carry your own backpack for the whole day. Attend a Ranger program. Visit Cimarron. Find three different spiny plants. Sketch one below. How many train cars did you see? _________________ Don ’t touch! Find food that a wild animal eats. Sketch it. Hike a park trail. Try the Who eats this? Remember to pack out any trash! Circle the colors that you see in _________________ Find an animal track and sketch it. West Elk Breccia. (Hint: The Dillon Pinnacles are this kind of rock.) Black Purple Green Orange Blue Yellow Red White Ask a Park Ranger a question. Spot 3 constellations in the dark night sky. Invent a new one you see and draw its stars. Dillon Pinnacles Trail or Curecanti Creek Trail. Hiking Pine Creek Trail to the Boat Tour counts, too! Touch the water in a river or creek. Whose is it ? Is the water cold? _________________ _________________ Wave to a cottontail rabbit. Ride in a boat. Go fishing! Did you go for a swim? Did you catch one? Yes/No As you explore the park, i t nt a c re Cu Yes/No Draw it above. try to get a BINGO! by crossing out four boxes in a row, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. 3 ! K E A L Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Dams A N G I BU ILD each create reservoirs within Curecanti. These dams produce electricity and store water for later use in Colorado and in the southwestern United States. Together they are named the “Wayne N. Aspinall Unit.” View one of the dams and sketch it below. I sketched (circle): Blue Mesa Dam (view from Highway 92 or by boat) Morrow Point Dam (view at Cimarron) Crystal Dam (view at East Portal) What humanmade and natural materials do you think were used to build this dam? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ We have many uses for the water stored in these reservoirs. Find them below. 4 W R G Q O N L F I G F A O F N V O Z P P N A S L F V I I E Z V I C H K R F F T G P N H T I R V Q S A A F N S O N K B D A G J O X I R G N I K N I R D B F I FIGHT FIRES Y T I C I R T C E L E WASHING M K H P S R K M N R S DRINKING O K H A B I T A T W H ELECTRICIT Y F I G H T F I R E S Y FACTORIES WORD BANK BOATING FISHING IRRIGATION HABITAT N Nw NE W E DENVER SE SW Grand Junction S COMPASS ROSE PACIFIC OCEAN SCALE (MILES) 0 100 200 MEXICO If you live on this map, draw a house H where you live. If you don’t live on this map, draw a house H and an arrow pointing in the direction of your home. Is it faster to travel from your home to mountains or to an ocean? ____________________ Using the map’s scale, estimate how far Blue Mesa (Curecanti) is from the ocean: _____________ Melting snow from the West Elk and San Juan Mountains joins the Gunnison River, which flows through Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Black Canyon, and then joins the Colorado River in Grand Junction. The Colorado River flows all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Imagine that you are a drop of water in Blue Mesa Reservoir traveling by river to the ocean. How many states do you pass through?_________ How many countries do you visit?____________ In reality, the Colorado River no longer reaches the Pacifc Ocean. It has run dry in Mexico since 1998. There are two main causes for this change. One cause is that the southwestern United States relies heavily on the river for irrigation, drinking water, and electricity. The other cause is that we have had multiple years of drought and warmer temperatures, both effects of climate change. What are three things th