Birds & Science >
Colorado IBAs
Castlewood Canyon State Park
http://parks.state.co.us/default.asp?parkID=76&action=park
Douglas County
Size: 1631 acres
Elevation: 6150 - 6600 feet
Habitats:
Primary – cliff/rock, grassland, mixed conifer, ponderosa pine
Secondary – lowland riparian, mountain shrubland
Ownership:
State (CO State Parks)
Land Use:
Primary – recreation/tourism, nature and wildlife conservation
IBA Criterion: 2
Site description
Location:
Castlewood Canyon State Park is located in the Black Forest of central Colorado, approximately 30 miles south of Denver.
Vegetative/natural features:
The site occupies an ecotone between plains grassland and Front Range forest communities. Cherry Creek flows through the canyon, creating a year-round riparian corridor of willows, chokecherry, and wild plum. The canyon contains a mix of ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir woodland and scrub oak shrubland. A collage of montane and shortgrass prairie species inhabit the grasslands on either side of the canyon. Preble’s meadow jumping mouse and three plant species of special concern occur within the park.
Historic features:
The site includes the ruins of the Castlewood Dam, which is listed on the State Historic Register.
Ornithological Importance
Castlewood Canyon hosts a high assemblage of "high conservation priority" breeding bird species. There is a small heronry located in ponderosa pines surrounded by Douglas-fir, which is unique to Colorado based on the habitat type. The site hosts the largest summer roost of Turkey Vultures (50-100) in Colorado.
Breeding species:
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Average #
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Maximum #
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Golden Eagle
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1 pair
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Prairie Falcon
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1-2 pairs
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Common Poorwill
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10-20 pairs
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20-40 pairs
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Cordilleran Flycatcher
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20-30 pairs
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30-50 pairs
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Virginia’s Warbler
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25-50 pairs
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40-75 pairs
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Western Tanager
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10-20 pairs
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15-30 pairs
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Great Blue Heron
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12
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25
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Turkey Vulture
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50
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100
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Research and educational activities:
The park operates a visitors center that provides interpretive displays on the park’s ecosystems and historical significance. A full-time interpreter coordinates a crew of 81 volunteer naturalists who provide educational programs to schools and the public. In 1999, researchers studied two sites in the park for the Birds in Forested Landscapes project sponsored by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
Conservation/Management Issues
Minor threats:
- invasive/non-native plants.
Potential threats:
- development along the park’s borders.
Efforts to address threats:
To buffer the canyon from the impacts of surrounding development, the state acquired 400 acres of grassland. In addition, the park has participated in securing conservation easements on adjacent properties. With approximately 150,000 people visiting the park each year, park managers have taken steps to lessen human impact: park regulations permit only foot traffic, and prohibit hunting and fishing.
Management details:
Castlewood Canyon State Park is a designated Colorado Natural Area and a Watchable Wildlife site.
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