Birds & Science >
Colorado IBAs
Hot Creek Research Natural Area
Conejos County
Size: 1,855 acres
Elevation: 8000 - 10000 feet
Habitats:
Primary - mixed conifer, open water, semidesert shrubland
Secondary - shore/bank, aspen, spruce/fir, cliff/rock, wetlands, grassland, high elevation riparian
Ownership:
Federal (U.S. Forest Service)
Land Use:
Primary - nature and wildlife conservation, undeveloped
Secondary - agriculture/livestock, hunting/fishing
IBA Criteria: 3, 5
Site description
Location:
The site is located within the Rio Grande National Forest, in south-central Colorado, approximately 20 miles southwest of the town of Monte Vista.
Vegetative/natural features:
The site contains stands of old-growth ponderosa pine on volcanic rocky slopes, riparian forest and shrubland communities dominated by blue spruce, white fir, alder and red-osier dogwood. It appears that a natural fire regime is still in operation. The two major drainages within the site are Hot Creek and its intermittent tributary Piedrosa Creek.
Ornithological Importance
The site contains outstanding examples of two ponderosa pine plant associations - Pinus pondersoa/Festuca arizonica and Pinus ponderosa/Muhlenbergia montana - and the bird species that depend upon that ecosystem type.
Breeding species:
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Average #
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Maximum #
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Flammulated owl
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6 pairs
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Common Poorwill
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12 pairs
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Williamson's Sapsucker
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10 pairs
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Cordilleran Flycatcher
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20 pairs
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Virginia's Warbler
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15 pairs
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MacGillivray's Warbler
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20 pairs
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Western Tanager
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20 pairs
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Research and educational activities:
The Forest Service manages this site as a research natural area. According to the USFS Manual, research natural areas are "part of a national network of ecological areas designated in perpetuity for research and education and/or to maintain biological diversity of National Forest System lands." Two of the main management objectives for this site are to provide a baseline area for measuring long-term ecological change, and to provide a natural area for non-manipulative research, monitoring and education.
Conservation/Management Issues
Minor threats:
- habitat conversion in surrounding areas;
- disturbance to birds/habitat from increasing recreational use.
Potential threats:
- invasive plants (Canada thistle).
Management details:
Management emphasis for the site is on protecting and enhancing the ecosystems, and pursuing research, monitoring and education. Specific objectives for Hot Creek include to:
1. provide representation for montane mixed-conifer forest and shrubland and riparian and shrubland ecosystem types;
2. protect the area as an excellent example of old-growth ponderosa pine forest and savanna;
3. protect native elements of biodiversity;
4. serve as a baseline are for measuring ecological change;
5. provide a natural area for research, monitoring and education; and
6. provide a reference area for comparing the effects of management on similar ecosystems
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