The 2001 Annual Wildlife Report, and The 2001 Vegetation Report (part1, part2) summarizes the results of the most recent ecology surveys performed at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (Site). These surveys were performed as part of a long-term natural resources management program at the Site, and the Integrated Monitoring Program (IMP) . Wildlife and Vegetation monitoring under the IMP uses previously established baseline data as the standard against which subsequent results are measured. Therefore, results from the most current monitoring were compared to previous years to assess ecological trends at the Site.

Assessment of the wildlife and vegetation population trends at the Site provides the DOE, RFFO and the Site contractors with a basis for making management and compliance decisions regarding ecological habitat at the Site. This monitoring program supports the DOE in its role as Natural Resource Trustee and provides data that are essential to DOE’s goal of preserving the unique ecological values of the Site.

2001 Wildlife Report Summary

The K-H Ecology Program monitors the status of wildlife and plant communities to provide information used to ensure that operations at the Site remain in compliance with state and federal wildlife protection statutes and regulations, and with U.S. Department of Energy orders. Wildlife species monitored include big game animals, small mammals, migratory birds, waterfowl, raptors, herpetiles, and the Preble's meadow jumping mouse.

The long-term, year-round ecological monitoring program continues to be an important tool for identifying and quantifying wildlife populations at the Site. The data produced help in predicting and avoiding ecological impacts resulting from human activities. Monitoring results can also guide the natural resource management decision-making process so that it continues to accomplish the goals of the Site's policies. Serious environmental health problems can be indicated if sensitive species disappear. These data provide a baseline of information on the wildlife species that occur at the Site. As cleanup and closure activities continue at the Site, monitoring data continue to provide Site Ecologists with information that will be used to assess and minimize impacts from projects.

2001 Annual Vegetation Report Summary

Click on the link to the 2001 Annual Vegetation Report to view the report including all appendices. The Site contains a unique biodiversity in a region where much of the native diversity is rapidly being lost to urbanization. Passage of a recent federal law that will make the Site a U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Wildlife Refuge after cleanup and closure will help ensure the long-term preservation of the natural resources at the Site. Monitoring in 2001 continues to substantiate the significant ecological resources that exist at the Site. A number of rare plant species and plant communities are present at the Site. Results however, also continue to underscore some of the issues that threaten the quality and long-term sustainability of the Site's ecological resources. These threats come primarily from noxious weeds, human disturbances, and plant litter build-up, the latter of which has resulted from an absence of fire and/or grazing over the past several decades.

Over the past few years DOE has made strides in implementing a more proactive resource management program. The use of administrative, mechanical, biocontrol, and chemical controls have helped reduce noxious weed abundance across the Site. A small prescribed fire demonstrated the utility of this tool for grassland resource management at the Site. Continuation of these techniques and implementation of others should be explored. As the Site is closed over the next few years and becomes a National Wildlife Refuge, the USFWS will be developing long-term natural resource management plans. The use of prescribed fire and grazing are both highly recommended as tools for prairie management at the Site. Implementation of an adaptive, ecosystem approach to resource management will help sustain and preserve the valuable and unique ecological resources of Rocky Flats for future generations to enjoy.