Birds & Science >

http://www.nps.gov/romo

Boulder, Grand, and Larimer Counties
Size: 265,354 acres
Elevation: 7800 - 14225 feet

Habitats:
Alpine tundra, aspen, cliff/rock, mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, open water, spruce/fir, high elevation riparian, mountain shrubland

Ownership: Federal (U.S. National Park Service)

Land Use:
Primary – nature and wildlife conservation, recreation/tourism, water supply, undeveloped
Secondary – fishing, research

IBA Criteria: 1, 2, 3, 4 (raptors, landbirds), 5ABC

Status: Globally significant

Site description

Location:
Rocky Mountain National Park is located in north-central Colorado, bordered by the towns of Allenspark, Glen Haven, Estes Park, Meeker Park, and Grand Lake.

Vegetative/natural features: The site represents an ecologically typical portion of the Southern Rocky Mountains. The Continental Divide passes through roughly the middle of the park, and divides it into two different watersheds. The headwaters of four major river basins (Big Thompson, North Fork of the Colorado, North Fork of the St. Vrain, and Cache la Poudre) originate there. The park’s aquatic ecosystem consists of 147 lakes and 473 miles of stream. Nine distinct flora, ranging from ponderosa pine and grass/shrub meadows to alpine tundra, are contained in the park. Roughly 60% is forest, 13% alpine tundra, 18% exposed rock, and 9% a mixture of other habitat types. The site encompasses three major life zones (montane, subalpine, and alpine).

Historic features:
Researchers have identified 397 prehistoric and historic archaeological sites within the park.

Ornithological Importance

Observers have recorded 260 species of birds at the site, including several threatened species, species of special concern, and species of high conservation priority.

Research and educational activities: Researchers have conducted bird monitoring in nine major habitat types throughout the site since 1993, while White-tailed Ptarmigan research has been going on for over 30 years. Annual visitation to the park exceeds 3 million.

Conservation/Management Issues

Serious threats:

• invasive/non-native plants (montane zone);
• pollution (nitrogen deposition and ozone);
• habitat conversion and development on adjacent lands;
• disturbance to Green-tailed Towhee and Virginia’s Warbler habitat from prescribed fire;
• recreational impact of over 3 million annual visitors;
• fire suppression;
• hydrologic changes from dams and water diversions.

Minor threats:

• invasive/non-native plants (sub-alpine zone);
• introduced starlings are displacing cavity nesting birds;
• cowbird parasitism in montane zone.

Potential threats:

• invasive/non-native plants (alpine zone);
• introduced fox squirrel affecting native Abert’s squirrel.

Efforts to address threats:
Several areas once disturbed by dam building are being restored to natural conditions; four dams have been removed so far. Land managers are examining the prescribed fire regime in light of its impact on bird habitat.

Management details:
Approximately 95% of the site is recommended or designated wilderness. The site is also an International Biosphere Reserve and a Colorado Watchable Wildlife site.