Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mapping And Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
OSMP mapping shows 17.6% rise in occupied prairie‑dog acres; burrowing owls delayed Vesper Trail opening
Summary
OSMP reported occupied prairie‑dog acres increased 17.6% to 55,510 with 122 active colonies; two burrowing‑owl pairs fledged eight chicks and the agency postponed the Vesper Trail opening until breeding finished. Staff also raised partnership talks about black‑footed ferret reintroduction with county and Rocky Flats.
OSMP presented new mapping that shows a 17.6% year‑over‑year increase in prairie‑dog occupied acres, bringing the system total to 55,510 acres and 122 active colonies. "We saw a 17.6% increase in occupied acres over last year," a presenter said and noted the mapping datasets are available on OSMP's open data portal.
The presenter said expansion is likely linked to dry conditions that year: low vegetation height lets prairie dogs spread to find food and detect predators. Staff cautioned that mapping was done early in the removal season and some later removals may not be reflected in the numbers.
On associated species, OSMP said it documented two pairs of burrowing owls that raised a total of eight chicks and that one pair nested next to the newly completed Vesper Trail. Because of the owls' presence OSMP postponed opening the Vesper Trail from mid‑June to mid‑October to avoid disturbing breeding owls.
Staff also described early conversations about black‑footed ferret reintroduction with Boulder County and Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, noting reintroduction programs require about 1,500 contiguous acres and would require more intensive plague and flea control if pursued.
Materials and the recorded presentation will be posted on the prairie‑dog management web page and staff invited public comment via OSMP input email ahead of the Open Space Board of Trustees’ February review.
