Research

Current Research

Gunnison Sage-grouse range and seasonal movement study: Crawford Population. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Loss and alteration of sage-steppe habitat, due to many factors, has been identified as a primary reason for declines in Gunnison Sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) populations. The Gunnison Sage-grouse is a species of special concern for all federal and state natural resource management agencies throughout its range. One of the remaining 7 populations, the Crawford population (estimated at 128 individuals) exists in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. While the Crawford population is small, it is still considered a self-sustaining population; the persistence and growth of this population directly contributes to genetic diversity conservation of this declining species. Only observational and anecdotal information about the grouse range, movements and seasonal habitat use exist for this population. The likely cause for this population’s decline is habitat alteration. Since settlement of the area, the lack of fire or mechanical disturbance has lead to juniper invasion into this sagebrush ecosystem. Empirical evidence of this population’s range and movements are necessary to effectively target areas for conservation work such as habitat prescriptions. We propose to use minimally-invasive GPS-marking techniques to examine the range and seasonal movements of this population.

Objective: The goal of this project is to determine the range, seasonal movements and seasonal habitat use of Gunnison Sage-grouse in the Crawford population. This information will be the backbone for future management and planning efforts on NPS, BLM, Colorado State and private (NRCS) lands, and directly assist with other species and ecosystem assessments. More specifically, our objectives are to:

Develop maps of Gunnison Sage-grouse seasonal home ranges and movements in the Crawford area.

Delineate existing seasonal habitats, such as leks, nesting areas, brood-rearing areas and wintering habitats.

Examine the impacts of OHV use and Elk seasonal movements on grouse movements.

Identify key habitats used by grouse throughout the Crawford area, and develop management and conservation priorities from these habitat maps and grouse habitat use models.

Principal Investigators:

Doug Ouren, Physical Scientist, USGS Fort Collins Science Center

Theresa Childers, Wildlife Biologist, Curecanti National Recreation Area/Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Ken Stahlnecker, Chief of Resource Stewardship and Science, Curecanti National Recreation Area/Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park




		Home About Us North Rim Area Goals Strategy Document Maps Recent Activities Invasive Species Research Link to Partners Contact Us		Current Research Gunnison Sage-grouse range and seasonal movement study: Crawford Population. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Loss and alteration of sage-steppe habitat, due to many factors, has been identified as a primary reason for declines in Gunnison Sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) populations. The Gunnison Sage-grouse is a species of special concern for all federal and state natural resource management agencies throughout its range. One of the remaining 7 populations, the Crawford population (estimated at 128 individuals) exists in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. While the Crawford population is small, it is still considered a self-sustaining population; the persistence and growth of this population directly contributes to genetic diversity conservation of this declining species. Only observational and anecdotal information about the grouse range, movements and seasonal habitat use exist for this population. The likely cause for this population’s decline is habitat alteration. Since settlement of the area, the lack of fire or mechanical disturbance has lead to juniper invasion into this sagebrush ecosystem. Empirical evidence of this population’s range and movements are necessary to effectively target areas for conservation work such as habitat prescriptions. We propose to use minimally-invasive GPS-marking techniques to examine the range and seasonal movements of this population. Objective: The goal of this project is to determine the range, seasonal movements and seasonal habitat use of Gunnison Sage-grouse in the Crawford population. This information will be the backbone for future management and planning efforts on NPS, BLM, Colorado State and private (NRCS) lands, and directly assist with other species and ecosystem assessments. More specifically, our objectives are to: Develop maps of Gunnison Sage-grouse seasonal home ranges and movements in the Crawford area. Delineate existing seasonal habitats, such as leks, nesting areas, brood-rearing areas and wintering habitats. Examine the impacts of OHV use and Elk seasonal movements on grouse movements. Identify key habitats used by grouse throughout the Crawford area, and develop management and conservation priorities from these habitat maps and grouse habitat use models. Principal Investigators: Doug Ouren, Physical Scientist, USGS Fort Collins Science Center Theresa Childers, Wildlife Biologist, Curecanti National Recreation Area/Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Ken Stahlnecker, Chief of Resource Stewardship and Science, Curecanti National Recreation Area/Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park