Michelle A. Gudorf 19970300 Map Denver, CO Map from an unpublished report, National Park Service, Intermountain Region Support Office. Part of a national restoration program for 12 national parks in the midwestern and western states. Printed, unpublished assessments exist for 12 areas. Francis J. Singer and Michelle Gudorf 1999 Map U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report, Midcontinent Ecological Center, Ft. Collins, CO. 96 pp. 99-102 This report has been scanned and the .jpg files are available at www.nps.gov/gis/apps.html www.nps.gov/gis/apps.html Public lands in and around Mesa Verde National Park, CO were evaluated to identify habitat suitable to support a minimum viable population of bighorn sheep. This dataset identifies areas of POTENTIAL suitable habitat. These data were derived from an analysis of slope (27-85 degrees), distance to water (3.2 km), distance from human use areas, effects of natural and manmade barriers to routine movement, quality of horizontal visibility, and presence of domestic livestock. It should be used with an additional dataset (meve_domestic_sheep_grazing.e00) that identifies domestic sheep grazing allotments and areas of concern if located in too close proximity to domestic sheep. A biological panel reviewed the dataset, and based upon the results of this analysis, concluded that sufficient suitable habitat did not occur in the study area, and recommended no restoration until the habitat improved. The panel recommended a regular prescribed burn policy to clear the dense growth of vegetation, and to retire nearby domestic sheep grazing allotments. See larger work citation for information on obtaining final study results. For purposes of wildlife management, planning, and restoration. 19970300 Unknown The Publication Date Complete None Planned -108.71449364 -108.32433423 37.33092688 37.04806574 Public lands in and around Mesa Verde National Park, CO. None Ovis canadensis habitat evaluation procedure habitat suitability analysis suitable habitat potential habitat mountain sheep wildlife restoration bighorn sheep None Mesa Verde National Park Montezuma County Colorado United States North America USA NPS National Park Service National Park System Unit Code ThesaurusMEVE National Park System Unit Name ThesaurusMesa Verde National Park National Park Service Theme Category ThesaurusResource ManagementWildlife ISO 19115 Topic CategoryEnvironment None The scales of input data for this analysis varied from 1:24K to 1:250K. Suitable for regional applications only. User should understand the reason for, and scale of these data prior to their application for any other purpose. This dataset should be used in conjunction with meve_domestic_sheep_grazing.e00. National Park Service, Intermountain GIS Program Office GIS Coordinator/GIS Specialist Mailing and physical address

12795 West Alameda Parkway

Lakewood Colorado 80225 USA imro_gis_coordinator@nps.gov Analysis in GRASS 4.0; exported to Arcinfo 7.1.2 http://nrdata.nps.gov/meve/mevedata/meve_suitable_bighorn_habitat.xml Michelle A. Gudorf 19970300 Map Denver, CO Map from an unpublished report, National Park Service, Intermountain Region Support Office. Part of a national restoration program for 12 national parks in the midwestern and western states. Printed, unpublished assessments exist for 12 areas. Francis J. Singer and Michelle Gudorf 1999 Map U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report, Midcontinent Ecological Center, Ft. Collins, CO. 96 pp. 99-102 This report has been scanned and the .jpg files are available at www.nps.gov/gis/apps.html www.nps.gov/gis/apps.html Theresa Johnson 1995 Map www.nps.gov/gis/apps.html Francis J. Singer and Michelle Gudorf 1999 Map U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report, Midcontinent Ecological Center, Ft. Collins, CO. 96 pp. 99-102 This report has been scanned and the .jpg files are available at www.nps.gov/gis/apps.html www.nps.gov/gis/apps.html Animals Mammals Single Species bighorn sheep, mountain sheep Critical parameters of bighorn sheep habitat were processed linearly with the model of Smith et al. (1991) as modified by Johnson and Swift (1995). A tertiary classification of land was developed. Its categories were: 1) suitable as bighorn sheep habitat, 2) suitable if managed or manipulated, and 3) unsuitable for bighorn sheep occupation. All habitat was evaluated by a six-key criterion. Escape terrain areas were identified. Rugged relief provides refuge from danger or disturbances and was considered the primary prerequisite of bighorn sheep habitat. Eliminated were areas with dense vegetation that caused poor visibility and were not within 3200 m proximity to water, human use areas, and areas with high use. Areas too close to domestic sheep grazing allotments were mapped separately because of their variable and manageable status. Any isolated patches of habitat not large enough to support a viable population and too far from other patches of suitable habitat were eliminated. none Michelle Gudorf National Park Service, Intermountain Region GIS Specialist mailing and physical address

12795 West Alameda Parkway

Lakewood Colorado 80228 USA (303) 987-6709 Michelle_Gudorf@nps.gov Smith, T. S., J. T. Flinders, and D. S. Winn. 1991 model Great Basin Naturalist 51(3):205-225 Modifications were made to the Smith et al. habitat evaluation procedure by Johnson and Swift. We incorporated most of their recommended modifications into the GIS assessment of Mesa Verde National Park. We included the preliminary results of Johnson and Swift for 55 % horizontal visibility as being suitable for bighorn habitat. We did NOT use the numbers recommended by their study for total square kilometers required for a minimum viable population. Instead, we used the numbers recommended by Smith et al. 1991. none Michelle Gudorf National Park Service, Intermountain Region GIS Specialist mailing and physical address

12795 West Alameda Parkway

Lakewood Colorado 80228 USA (303) 987-6709 Michelle_Gudorf@nps.gov T. L. Johnson 1995 model Denver, CO Colorado State University Masters thesis and Final report to the National Park Service The attribute accuracy was evaluated by comparing the polygons from results of the raster generated analysis with the vector polygon dataset generated from the raster results. The dataset was exported as vector data for use in Arcview analysis. Area size was checked for each layer to ensure that the integrity of the raster data was maintained in the final version of these data, and that all polygons were labeled. All polygons are closed, and all nodes were checked for error so that there are no dangling features. Tests of the accuracy of this habitat evaluation procedure to predict areas that bighorn sheep use are in progress (Zeigenfuss, et al. 1999). A test of the effects of the specific ecoterrains represented by digital elevation models (DEMs) used in the GIS application of this habitat evaluation procedure has been made (Sweanor et al.- Unpub. data available through the NPS). Horizontal accuracy varies depending on the source of the individual components within the data layers used for this anaysis. Data derived from USGS data (DLG's, DEMS's,) and from BLM, and USFS are assumed to meet National Map Accuracy standards. Digitized data were from various sources, often a field technicians best estimate of the location of a fenceline or locations of water sources. These features that were then hand-drawn onto a 7.5 min topo quad sheet. Data digitized were registered within .5-1.0 RMSE using paper 7.5 min 1:24K topo map sheets. unknown USGS Land Use Land Cover 1:250K map for areas outside park boundary Unknown 24000 Cartridge Tape Unknown the publication date Horizontal Visibility Vegetation provided ability to reclassify areas considered too dense for routine bighorn movement U.S. Geological Survey Unknown Map Unknown Unknown Unknown USGS electronic bulletin board Unknown the publication date Buffered Escape Terrain Digital elevation file providing slopes for reclassfication of escape terrain Unknown 1996 24000 magnetic tape the publication date Buffered perennial water sources Used to identify perennial water sources in area US Geological Survey Unknown 100000 magnetic tape Unknown the publication date Natural Barriers Used to identify rivers, large water bodies, roads, highways, and impassible cliffs US Geological Survey Unknown 100000 magnetic tape Unknown the publication date Manmade Barriers Maps used to identify and analyze effects of manmade barriers to routine bighorn sheep movement US Geological Survey Unknown 250000 magnetic tape Unknown the publication date Human use areas Maps provided info on area impacted by human use (developed areas that are not suitable for bighorn use). See Methodology for complete description of each data layer used in the analysis. All analysis done in raster environment using GRASS 4.0. Used r.combine to determine areas of positive and null values for suitable habitat. All vector data imported into raster 30m resolution environment. All lines were assigned 30 m area. Analysis done using r.combine, finding the overlap of all data considered suitable for bighorn use. Final results exported using v.out.arc and imported into ARC as binomial vector polygons. This is the second analysis: The first was completed by T. L. Johnson in 1995. The results posted here were reanalysed in 1997 using new 1:24K hydrology data, and new horizontal visibility data due to areas made suitable by the 1997 Chapin fire. Horizontal Visibility Buffered Escape Terrain Natural Barriers Manmade Barriers Human Use Areas Perennial Water Sources 1997 Michelle Gudorf National Park Service, Intermountain Region GIS Specialist mailing and physical address

12795 West Alameda Parkway

Lakewood Colorado 80228 USA (303) 987-6709 Michelle_Gudorf@nps.gov Lab, Field None Horizontal visibility analysis for bighorn sheep habitat vegetation density predatation Horizontal Visibility--Measured horizontal visibility for each vegetation cover type delineated on 1:24K NPS park vegetation map, and for areas outside of the park, from the USGS 1:250K LULC. Field survey procedures established in Smith et al. (1991) were followed: A heavy canvas 1 m square target, divided into 36 equal sections was used to determine visibility through vegetation. 10-40 sample points were measured in each cover type, depending on the variability of the type of cover. To maximize sampling efficiency, sample points were distributed among one to four transects containing five to ten points each. Transect starting points were randomly selected from all reasonably accessible areas within each cover type. From each transect starting point, a randomly selected compass bearing was followed, stopping at sample points located 28 m apart. At each sample point visual obstruction was measured by observing the target from a distance of 14 m with the observers eyes 90 cm above ground level, and recording the number of squares at least half visible. One observer made all visibility measurements. At each sample point visibility was measured using four sub-samples oriented toward the cardinal directions. These values were averaged to determine mean visibility for each point. If a sub-sample direction was blocked by a feature that a predator could not pass over or through (e.g. a cliff wall) we omitted that sub-sample and calculated the mean from the remaining values. Visibility was characterized for each cover type measured by calculating the mean percent visibility and the associated 95% confidence interval. Cover types were considered suitable when they had a minimum value of 55% visibility within the 95% confidence interval. Initial results of Johnson and Swift (1995) established the 55% visibility criteria. However, further analysis of their research indicated that the h.v. should be raised to 62%. To maximize field efficiency, visibility in extremely open cover types (herbaceous range) was considered to be greater than 55%, and extremely obstructed cover types (shrublands) to be less than 20%. Vegetation maps were then reclassified to reflect this assessment. Three classifications were provided: 1) visibility 55% and greater and suitable, 2) visibility 30-55% and suitable if a distance no further than 4.5 km has to be travelled to pass through the patch of vegetation, and 3) visibility less than 30% and unsuitable for bighorn sheep use, and serves as a barrier to routine movement. T. L. Johnson 1995 model Denver, CO Colorado State University Masters thesis and Final report to the National Park Service lab None slope escape terrain predation potential suitable habitat Buffered Escape Terrain--Escape terrain provides protection from predators and disturbances. It is a critical habitat feature for bighorn sheep. Slopes 27-85 degrees were generated from USGS DEMs into a file using GRASS r.slope.aspect command. These slopes were then reclassified into an escape terrain file (r.reclass). The area was buffered (r.buffer) 300 m and 500 m. Any intersecting areas within the 500 m buffer were included; areas of no intersection were discarded. The model considers that land areas within 300 m of escape terrain or within 1000 m, if bordered on more than two sides by escape terrain to be close enough for bighorn to be able to seek refuge there during disturbances. These were areas of potential suitable habitat and the central file from which all other criteria removed land area. Smith, T. S., J. T. Flinders, and D. S. Winn. 1991 model Great Basin Naturalist 51(3):205-225 Field and Lab None suitable water sources perennial water sources Perennial Water Sources--From USGS 1:24K DLG Hydro data. Water sources were buffered 3200 m. In final analysis, any buffered escape terrain falling outside of buffered water sources was classified unsuitable. T. L. Johnson 1995 model Denver, CO Colorado State University Masters thesis and Final report to the National Park Service Field and map None large river bodies poor visibility cliffs slope lakes Natural Barriers to routine bighorn movement--USGS 30m DEM and 1:24-1:100K DLG data (slopes >85 degrees, hydrography) and field data delineated on 1:24K topo maps were used to identify slopes in excess of 85 degrees that cannot be traversed, or large water bodies or fast flowing rivers that may be barriers to routine bighorn movement. This layer was overlayed with other layers to systematically remove areas from buffered escape terrain if it does not meet specific habitat constraints. T. L. Johnson 1995 model Denver, CO Colorado State University Masters thesis and Final report to the National Park Service field and lab None aquaducts manmade barriers roads highways barbed fences canals Manmade barriers to routine bighorn movement--USGS DLG data 1:100K were used to delineate any highways, roads, canals, fences, and aquaducts. Vector features were imported into GRASS raster 30m resolution and the area occupied by these features was overlayed with other criteria and systematcally removed from consideration as suitable habitat. If the barrier divided potentially suitable habitat into polygons less than 17 square km and the polygons were further than 4600m from other potentially suitable habitat, they were classified as unsuitable habitat. T. L. Johnson 1995 model Denver, CO Colorado State University Masters thesis and Final report to the National Park Service field and lab None urban areas cities towns airstrips landing strips airports buildings heavily used trails high use areas structures Areas occupied or disturbed by human use--From USGS 1:250K LULC (Urban areas), USGS 1:100K DLG (trails), and NPS and BLM records. These features were imported into a GRASS raster 30m resolution environment and area occupied by these features was classified as unsuitable habitat. T. L. Johnson 1995 model Denver, CO Colorado State University Masters thesis and Final report to the National Park Service Private and public lands in and around the greater Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado area. Vector Label Point GT-polygon composed of chains G-Polygon 12 .9996 -111 0 500000 0 Coordinate Pair 30 30 Meters North American Datum of 1927 Clarke 1866 6378206.4 294.98 All attributes pertain to polygons representing either 1 or null value for areas of suitable habitat. CATEGORY = 1 represents suitable habitat; CATEGORY = 0 values representing no data or unsuitable habitat. (DESCRIPTION) = Areas of suitable bighorn sheep habitat National Park Service, Intermountain GIS Program Office GIS Coordinator/GIS Specialist Mailing and physical address

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Lakewood Colorado 80225 USA imro_gis_coordinator@nps.gov Refer to filename in Title (Section 1). The National Park Service shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. These data and related graphics ("GIF" format files) are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. The information contained in these data is dynamic and may change over time. The data are not better than the original sources from which they were derived. It is the responsibility of the data user to use the data appropriately and consistent within the limitations of geospatial data in general and these data in particular. The related graphics are intended to aid the data user in acquiring relevant data; it is not appropriate to use the related graphics as data. The National Park Service gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from an NPS server and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the National Park Service, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the utility of the data on another system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. ARC/INFO Version 7.1.2 Arc export http://nrdata.nps.gov/meve/mevedata/meve_suitable_bighorn_habitat.e00 None 00000000 Michelle Gudorf National Park Service, Intermountain Region GIS Specialist mailing and physical address

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Lakewood Colorado 80228 USA (303) 987-6709 Michelle_Gudorf@nps.gov NBS Content Standards for National Biological Information Infrastructure Metadata FGDC-STD-001-1998 None None None Unclassified None 20050707 20040524 NPS CSDGM OnlineData Park MEVE National Park Service, Intermountain GIS Program Office Paul Voris GIS Specialist Mailing and physical address

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Lakewood Colorado 80225 USA paul_voris@nps.gov NR-GIS Resource ManagementWildlife 20740