Refuge News

Press Releases

Refuge Issues

Noxious Weeds
Noxious weeds are the largest long term biological threat to Monte Vista and Alamosa National Wildlife Refuges. Tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium) is the most problematic of several species. It thrives in saline, moist soils but has demonstrated incredible adaptability by infesting a wide variety of wetlands and upland sites, frequently out competing native vegetation favored by wildlife. Control measures in the San Luis Valley are limited to marginally effective herbicides, water management, use of livestock and other combinations of management treatments. This plant appears to flourish in wetlands that receive rest from regular removal of vegetation. Consequently the practice of extended rest that is beneficial to ground nesting birds in the short term can be a source of friction between refuge management, neighboring landowners and county weed boards.

Refuge Compatibility Lawsuit
Monte Vista NWR was included in the 1992 Refuge Compatibility Lawsuit because of grazing practices that appeared to conflict with refuge purposes. The out of court settlement required the Service conduct a scientifically credible study of all vegetation treatment tools available for refuge management , no grazing on either Alamosa or Monte Vista NWRs unless in support of this study and preparation of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The research project was initiated in 1996 and field work completed in 2002. A summary of results will be presented on November 18, 2003. The Comprehensive Conservation Plan was approved in October, 2003. The preferred alternative calls for the use of grazing, rest, fire, herbicide, water level management and mowing as tools used to manage habitat on both refuges. Use of these tools will be adjusted in response to biological monitoring.

Drought and Water Management
The San Luis Valley is currently experiencing the driest period in recorded history, impacting all facets of refuge management. 2002 and 2003 provided the lowest duck production since establishment of Monte Vista NWR in 1952. Refuge water management during this drought has emphasized minimal use of groundwater while maintaining some nesting and migration habitat.

Baca National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Sand Dunes Park and Preserve Act of 2000 authorized acquisition of the 97,000 acres Baca Ranch, establishment of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Baca National Wildlife Refuge. The acquisition boundary for the Baca NWR includes a total of 92,500 acres and approximately 18,000 acres of identified wetland habitat. Management of this refuge will focus on migratory bird habitat. The refuge was established in April, 2003 with transfer of the 3,300 acre White Ranch from the Bureau of Reclamation to the Fish and Wildlife Service. About 54,000 acres of the Baca Ranch will become part of the Baca NWR upon acquisition, likely in early spring, 2004. The assistance provided by Senators Allard and Campbell and Congressman McInnis have been invaluable in this water and natural resource conservation project.
Southwestern Willow Flycatcher - This species was listed as endangered in 1995. Several years later it was determined to be present in willow habitat in the San Luis Valley. This could have considerable impact on agricultural and development projects along riparian areas in the Valley. The Rio Grande Water Conservation District is working with the six counties in the Valley, and the Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Services and Alamosa/Monte Vista refuge staff to develop a Habitat Conservation Plan that would allow some habitat disturbance while protecting large blocks of habitat.

Colorado Wetlands Program
This program was established by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in 1996. At the state level this partnership is represented by Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, Great Outdoors Colorado, Ducks Unlimited and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service=s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. This program established 11 wetland focus areas across the state. The San Luis Valley Wetlands Focus Area has been very successful bringing in over $5 million in grants from sources such as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund, Colorado State Duck Stamp Program, Ducks Unlimited and American Farmland Trust. Projects funded have included extensive wetland restoration, and habitat protection. The two national wildlife refuges and Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in the San Luis Valley have benefited by receiving over $2 million through this program.

West Nile Virus
West Nile virus has been identified on Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge. We are working with the Alamosa Mosquito Control District to plan mosquito control measures to lessen threats to human health and safety, consistent with Fish and Wildlife Service policy.

Chronic Wasting Disease
Chronic wasting disease has been found in one elk ranch in the San Luis Valley. Refuge staff are working closely with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to monitor the occurrence of this disease on and off the refuges.

Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes
This population numbers about 18,000 individuals. They pass through the San Luis Valley on both the fall and spring migrations where they have readily adapted to using wheat and barley stubble fields as a major source of food. Refuge staff have been concerned about an apparent reduction in waste grain available to these birds over the past several years. This reduction is due to increased tillage and sprouting of waste grain in the fall and market driven conversion from small grain production to alfalfa. Range wide drought, crop conversion and development have compounded concern for these birds since habitat quality has decreased especially on wintering grounds and in staging areas of the San Luis Valley. Refuge staff have worked with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Migratory Birds and State Programs, the Central Flyway, the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and 9 different farmers, mostly around Monte Vista NWR, and this fall leased 1260 acres of wheat and barley stubble to be available as a food source next spring when food supply is most limited in the Valley. Currently this is considered a short term solution to a secure food supply, however opportunities exist to combine these lease payments with other U.S.D.A. conservation programs or water conservation programs under development.