NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy

Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

at the National Renewable 

Energy Laboratory, 

South Table Mountain

June 2010 – May 2011

Walsh Environmental Scientists and 

Engineers, LLC

Boulder, Colorado

NREL Technical Monitor: Tom Ryon

Subcontract Report

NREL/SR-1900-70464 

July 2018
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy

Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

15013 Denver West Parkway

Golden, CO 80401

303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov

Vegetation and Wildlife 

Surveys at the National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory, 

South Table Mountain

June 2010 – May 2011

Walsh Environmental Scientists and 

Engineers, LLC

Boulder, Colorado

NREL Technical Monitor: Tom Ryon

Prepared under Subcontract No. LGF-0-40734-01

Suggested Citation 

Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC (2018).

Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys at the National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory, South Table Mountain: June 2010 – May 2011. Golden, CO: 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/SR-1900-70464.

https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/70464.pdf.

Subcontract Report

NREL/SR-1900-70464

July 2018
This publication was reproduced from the best available copy

submitted by the subcontractor and received no editorial review at NREL.

NOTICE

This work was authored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable 

Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308. Funding 

provided by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The views 

expressed in the article do not necessarily represent the views of the DOE or the U.S. Government.

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable 

Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports produced after 1991 

and a growing number of pre-1991 documents are available 

free via www.OSTI.gov.

Cover Photos by Dennis Schroeder: (left to right) NREL 26173, NREL 18302, NREL 19758, NREL 29642, NREL 19795.

NREL prints on paper that contains recycled content.
 

 

 

 

 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys at the
	

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
	

South Table Mountain 

Jefferson County, Colorado
	

August 12, 2011
	

Purchase Order Number 19601000
	

Technical Monitor: Thomas Ryon 

Prepared for
	

Prepared by
	

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
	

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................. 1
	

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 3
	

METHODS ........................................................................................................................ 3
	

Vegetation Mapping.................................................................................................................. 3
	

Noxious Weeds ......................................................................................................................... 5
	

General Wildlife Surveys.......................................................................................................... 5
	

Bird Surveys ............................................................................................................................. 5
	

Raptor Surveys ......................................................................................................................... 5
	

Large Mammal Surveys ........................................................................................................... 6
	

Mammalian Predator Surveys .................................................................................................. 6
	

Small Mammal Surveys ........................................................................................................... 6
	

Reptile and Amphibian Survey ................................................................................................ 6
	

Terrestrial Arthropod Survey ................................................................................................... 6
	

Targeted Wildlife Species ......................................................................................................... 7
	

Breeding Bird Density Surveys ................................................................................................ 7
	

Nocturnal Surveys .................................................................................................................... 8
	

Mule Deer Surveys ................................................................................................................... 8
	

Carnivore Camera Surveys....................................................................................................... 8
	

RESULTS ........................................................................................................................ 10
	

Vegetation Mapping................................................................................................................ 10
	

Grasslands .............................................................................................................................. 10
	

Short-grass grassland............................................................................................................. 10
	

Mixed-grass grassland ........................................................................................................... 10
	

Upland Shrublands ................................................................................................................. 11
	

Tall Shrubland ........................................................................................................................ 11
	

Short Shrubland...................................................................................................................... 11
	

Ravine Shrublands.................................................................................................................. 11
	

Wetlands ................................................................................................................................. 11
	

Disturbed/Reclaimed .............................................................................................................. 12
	

Developed...............................................................................................................................12
	

Noxious Weeds ....................................................................................................................... 14
	

Wildlife Survey Results .......................................................................................................... 16
	

General Wildlife Surveys........................................................................................................ 24
	

Birds ....................................................................................................................................... 24
	

Raptors ................................................................................................................................... 25
	

Large Mammals...................................................................................................................... 26
	

Mammalian Predators............................................................................................................. 27
	

Small Mammals...................................................................................................................... 27
	

Reptiles and Amphibians........................................................................................................ 28
	

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Terrestrial Arthropods ............................................................................................................ 28
	

Targeted Wildlife Surveys ...................................................................................................... 29
	

Breeding Bird Densities ......................................................................................................... 29
	

Nocturnal Wildlife.................................................................................................................. 29
	

Mule Deer...............................................................................................................................30
	

Carnivore Camera .................................................................................................................. 30
	

Special Status Species............................................................................................................. 30
	

DISCUSSION .................................................................................................................. 32
	

Vegetation Mapping................................................................................................................ 32
	

Grasslands .............................................................................................................................. 32
	

Upland Shrublands ................................................................................................................. 32
	

Ravine Shrublands.................................................................................................................. 32
	

Wetlands ................................................................................................................................. 32
	

Disturbed/Reclaimed .............................................................................................................. 33
	

Noxious Weeds ....................................................................................................................... 33
	

Wildlife Survey Results .......................................................................................................... 33
	

General Wildlife Surveys........................................................................................................ 33
	

Birds ....................................................................................................................................... 33
	

Raptors ................................................................................................................................... 34
	

Large Mammals...................................................................................................................... 34
	

Mammalian Predators............................................................................................................. 35
	

Small Mammals...................................................................................................................... 35
	

Reptile and Amphibians ......................................................................................................... 35
	

Terrestrial Arthropods ............................................................................................................ 35
	

Targeted Wildlife Surveys ...................................................................................................... 36
	

Breeding Bird Densities ......................................................................................................... 36
	

Nocturnal Wildlife.................................................................................................................. 36
	

Mule Deer...............................................................................................................................36
	

Carnivore Camera .................................................................................................................. 36
	

Special Status Species............................................................................................................. 37
	

RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................ 37
	

REFERENCES................................................................................................................ 38
	

TABLES 

Table 1. Noxious Weed Species Identified at the NREL South Table Mountain Site, June 2010 14
	

Table 2. Wildlife Survey Seasons, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010-2011 ...................... 16
	

Table 3. Wildlife Survey Results, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010-2011 

Table 4. Avian Species Richness, Diversity (Dominance) and Evenness, Point Count Surveys, 

....................... 17
	

NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010-2011 ............................................................................ 24
	

Table 5. Raptor Survey Results, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010 and 2011 ................... 25
	

ii
	

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Table 6. Mammalian Predator Survey Results, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010 and 2011 

....................................................................................................................................................... 27 

Table 7. Small Mammal Captures, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010 and 2011 ............... 28 

Table 8. Breeding Bird Density Estimates, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2011 .................. 29 

FIGURES 

Figure 1. General Wildlife Survey Stations and Transects, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 

2010 and 2011 ................................................................................................................................. 4 

Figure 2. Targeted Wildlife Species Stations and Transects, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 

2010 and 2011 ................................................................................................................................. 9 

Figure 3. Vegetation Map, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010 and 2011............................ 13 

Figure 4. Weed Map, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010 and 2011 .................................... 15 

Figure 5. Number of Pellet Groups Observed per Vegetation Type, Large Mammal Surveys, 

NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010-2011 ............................................................................. 26 

Figure 6. Mule Deer Concentrated Use Observations, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010-

2011. .............................................................................................................................................. 31 

APPENDICES 

Appendix A Plant Community Species Lists 

Appendix B Photos 

Appendix C Colorado Natural Heritage Program Data Query Response 

iii
	

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

LIST OF ACRONYMS 

AIC Akaike's information criterion 

CDOA Colorado Department of Agriculture 

CDOW Colorado Division of Wildlife 

CNHP Colorado Natural Heritage Program 

DOE U.S. Department of Energy 

DRHW Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch 

GIS Geographic Information System 

GPS Global Positioning System 

HMANA Hawk Migration Association of North America 

n Total number of detected birds 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

STM South Table Mountain 

T & E Threatened and Endangered 

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Walsh Walsh Environmental Scientists and Engineers, LLC 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

This year-long wildlife and vegetation study was conducted by Walsh Environmental Scientists 

and Engineers, LLC (Walsh) to update previous vegetation and wildlife baseline reports for the 

South Table Mountain Site (STM). This report will be used to support future National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses. STM is located on the southeastern corner of South 

Table Mountain in Jefferson County and is home to a laboratory center of the National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy 

(DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and operated by the Alliance for 

Sustainable Energy, LLC. 

NREL has conducted vegetation and wildlife surveys at STM starting in 1987. Prior to the current 

study, Plantae (2002) completed a site characterization of vegetation communities and noxious 

weeds, and FORUM (1987) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC 2005) 

conducted wildlife surveys including migratory birds and raptors. 

Background research methods included a review of prior studies conducted at STM and species 

tracked by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP). Field methods included walking 

transects to map vegetation communities and noxious weeds. Numerous wildlife surveys (bird, 

raptor, large mammal, mammalian predator, small mammal, reptile and amphibian, and terrestrial 

arthropod) were conducted. Several targeted wildlife surveys were conducted for: breeding bird 

density, nocturnal wildlife (playback for small owls, amphibian call, and bat acoustical), mule 

deer, and carnivores (motion-sensing cameras). Special Status Species – those listed as 

Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, or Species of Special Concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service (USFWS) or the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) – were also conducted. 

Results include the following: 

 The majority of vegetation at STM belongs to the grassland community type. Within that 

association, there are two distinct community types: short-grass grassland on the mesa 

top and mixed-grass grassland located on the slopes and toe area. Other mapped 

vegetation communities at STM include ravine shrubland, tall shrubland, short shrubland, 

and wetlands. 

 Changes in observed vegetation patterns and trends since the 2002 Plantae report include 

a general increase in noxious weed species diversity and cover throughout the various 

plant communities. 

 Small mammal trapping resulted in a low species richness with only three species 

captured onsite over two survey periods, Mexican woodrat (Neotoma mexicana), deer 

mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), and western harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys 

megalotis). 

 Mammalian predator surveys detected red fox (Vulpes vulpes), coyote (Canis latrans), 

and striped (Mephitis mephitis) and spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis). Only coyotes had 

been detected previously. 

 Amphibian call surveys detected one species, Woodhouse’s toad (Bufo woodhousii), on 

the northwestern boundary of STM. Playback surveys failed to detect any owls. Motiondetection cameras detected several coyotes. No bat species were detected. 

 General wildlife surveys detected common genera and species expected for the habitats 

and region of STM. 

 The seasonal average for wildlife species richness, diversity (dominance) and total 

number of detections all approximately doubled since reported for 2004/2005. 

1 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

 One-hundred and two (102) wildlife species were detected: five herptiles, 86 birds, and 

11 mammals. In comparison FORUM observed a total of 31 species in 1987, and SAIC 

observed 69 species in 2004/2005. 

 One Special Status Species was observed, the peregrine falcon (Falco pereginus), a State 

Species of Special Concern. 

2 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

INTRODUCTION 

This year-long wildlife and vegetation study was conducted by Walsh Environmental Scientists 

and Engineers, LLC (Walsh) to update previous vegetation and wildlife baseline reports for the 

South Table Mountain Site (STM). This baseline report will be used to support future National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses. STM is located on the southeastern corner of South 

Table Mountain in Jefferson County and is home to a laboratory center of the National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy 

(DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and operated by the Alliance for 

Sustainable Energy, LLC. 

STM is situated on approximately 327 acres north of I-70 and west of the I-70 and Denver West 

Boulevard interchange. The legal description of the current boundary is: T3S, R70W, Sections 36 

and T4S, R70W, Section 1 (Figure 1). The STM site includes laboratory and office space, a 

visitor’s center, and 177 acres protected by a conservation easement. NREL has conducted 

vegetation and wildlife surveys at STM starting in 1987. Prior to the current study, Plantae (2002) 

completed a site characterization of vegetation communities and noxious weeds, and FORUM 

(1987) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC 2005) conducted wildlife 

surveys including migratory birds and raptors. 

For the current effort, Walsh conducted four seasons of vegetation and wildlife surveys beginning 

in June, 2010 and ending in May, 2011. This report presents the results of these surveys. 

METHODS 

For all studies Walsh and NREL agreed to define the seasons as follows: summer (May, June and 

July), fall (August, September, and November), winter (December, January, and February), and 

spring (March, April and May). This was to provide continuity with other studies (SAIC 2005) 

and NREL’s National Wind Technology Center in Jefferson County, Colorado. For this effort, 

Special Status Species are defined as those listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as 

Threatened, Endangered (T&E), or Candidate Species; State T & E Species; and State Species of 

Special Concern. 

Vegetation Mapping 

Vegetation mapping and characterization were performed following methods described in Plantae 

(2002). Major plant communities were the basis for both efforts. For the current study, the 

previously characterized location and area of all major plant communities on the site were 

checked against current rectified aerial photography and ground-truthed in the field on June 22 

and 23, 2010; and May 13, 2011. During the ground-truthing effort, transects were walked at 

variable intervals through each previously-mapped community. Parallel transects were walked 

through different portions of the more extensive short-grass grassland and the mixed-grass 

grassland areas. General conditions for each community type were recorded and comprehensive 

plant species lists for each community were updated, as necessary (Appendix A). Observations of 

species dominance as well as on-the-ground discrepancies found between the previous mapping 

effort and current conditions were noted. Representative photographs of all plant communities 

were collected (Appendix B). Plant taxonomy follows Weber and Wittmann (2001). 

3 

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Figure 1. General Wildlife Survey Stations and Transects, 

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This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Noxious Weeds 

The location of weeds listed by the Colorado Noxious Weed List (Colorado Division of 

Agriculture [CDOA] 2010) was assessed on June 22 and 23, 2010 by walking the same transects 

used for the vegetation mapping. Populations of weeds that occurred in a diffuse pattern with 

individual or small numbers of plants scattered throughout the landscape were noted but not 

mapped as distinct polygons. Weed populations with a high density of plants per square meter 

were mapped as such. A threshold density of approximately 3 to 5 plants per 25 ft2 was used to 

determine whether an area was mapped. Digital location data were collected using Global 

Positioning System (GPS) receiver units and downloaded into a Geographic Information System 

(GIS) database. These data were used to estimate cover of weed populations. 

General Wildlife Surveys 

Wildlife surveys followed, to the extent practicable, the methods and locations used for the 

previous survey (SAIC 2005). Note that point count bird surveys are conducted under this section 

(Bird Surveys), whereas breeding bird density surveys are covered under Targeted Wildlife 

Surveys (Breeding Bird Density Surveys) and that they use different protocols and produce 

different types of results. 

Bird Surveys 

Bird surveys were conducted at 18 survey points, at 250-meter intervals along transects 

previously established by SAIC (2005) (Figure 1). Points F-1 and F-2 from the SAIC (2005) 

study were no longer available due to new developments. During a five-minute sampling period 

at each point, all observed birds, as well as sex, behavior, distance from the center of the point, 

and habitat type were recorded. Birds detected between points were recorded to capture any 

species missed during point counts including any Special Status Species. Walsh conducted two 

surveys per season, on consecutive mornings. Walsh followed the analysis used by SAIC (2005) 

to estimate diversity. SAIC (2005) used a metric that is correctly termed dominance and is the 

reciprocal of the Simpson diversity index (Begon et al. 2006; Van Dyke 2008, p. 91). Evenness 

was also estimated using species richness and diversity (dominance). 

Raptor Surveys 

During April and September, the regional peaks for raptor migration, all observed raptors were 

recorded at two points previously established by SAIC (2005) (Figure 1). Raptor surveys were 

conducted during mid-day survey periods (10 AM to 2 PM), which correspond to the daily peak 

times of raptor migration flights. Each point was surveyed on two consecutive days using the 

standard protocol established by the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA 

2010). This protocol was also used for counting raptors at the Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch 

(DRHW) four miles to the southwest of STM. Species, flight direction, and flight height were 

recorded. Weather conditions were recorded hourly. Efforts were made to distinguish local nonmigratory raptors from migratory raptors. Calculated variables included number of raptors per 

hour and per survey. 

A site-wide raptor nest survey was conducted in April, each day after migratory raptor surveys 

were completed. Any raptor nests previously recorded in 2004 were revisited to determine 

activity status, without causing disturbance to the birds. Additionally, all other appropriate 

habitats were assessed for nesting activity (trees, buildings, and topographic features). 

5 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Large Mammal Surveys 

Large mammal surveys were based on pellet-group plots, following Neff (1968) and SAIC 

(2005). Seventy-six circular plots with a four-meter diameter were spaced approximately 50 

meters apart along Transects A, B, C, D, E and G established by SAIC (Figure 1). Wooden stakes 

marked the center of each plot. Pellets were removed from each plot in February 2011. The 

pellet-group plots were checked in May 2011, and any new pellets were counted, recorded, and 

removed. The plots are scheduled to be re-checked and recorded again in November 2011 by 

NREL staff. Mule deer use and relative abundance surveys were also conducted under the 

targeted wildlife species surveys. 

Mammalian Predator Surveys 

Walsh conducted scent-station surveys for predators using the previous methods developed by 

Linhart and Knowlton (1975) and used by SAIC (2005). Scent stations consisted of a one-meter 

circle of sifted dirt with a fatty-acid scented predator survey disk (F.A.S. Scented Disk from 

Pocatello Supply Depot, Pocatello, ID) placed in the center. Nine stations were established, 

located along the same transects used in the migratory bird surveys, at 300-meter intervals 

(Figure 1). The scent stations were evenly divided between the mesa top, which consists of shortgrass grassland and tall shrubland communities and the mesa toe, which consists of the mixedgrass grassland community. Stations were checked for tracks of mammalian predators. Two 

surveys, each lasting three consecutive nights, were conducted during each season. Survey 

months in 2010 included June, July, September, October, and December. Surveys in 2011 were 

conducted in January, February, and April. Carnivore camera surveys were also conducted as part 

of the targeted wildlife species surveys. 

Small Mammal Surveys 

Small mammal live-trapping was conducted along five transects in three vegetation community 

types: one in short-grass grassland, three in ravine shrubland, and one in mixed-grass grassland 

(Figure 1). Two survey sessions were conducted: July 12 to 15, 2010, and April 25 to 28, 2011. 

Each survey took place over three consecutive nights. One hundred and fifty (150) Sherman live 

traps were placed five-meters apart along the five transects, resulting in a total of 450 trap nights 

for each survey session, 900 trap nights for the year. 

The protocol employed standard field procedures for small mammal trapping and followed the 

guidelines approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of the American Society of 

Mammalogists (Sikes et al. 2011). Traps were baited with sweet horse feed, and a ball of 

polyester batting was placed inside each trap for insulation and bedding to prevent hypothermia in 

captured animals. 

The traps were inspected each morning, the species, sex, and age of each trapped animal was 

determined and recorded. The animals were released at the trap station, and the traps were closed, 

and then reopened late in the day. Traps were washed at the end of the trapping session in a 10 

percent bleach solution to prevent transmission of hantavirus (Mills et al. 1995). 

Reptile and Amphibian Survey 

Any reptiles and amphibians encountered on site during any field efforts were identified to 

species and recorded. 

Terrestrial Arthropod Survey 

Surveys for Special Status arthropod genera were conducted in appropriate habitats. Surveys 

occurred concurrently with, or after, bird surveys during the summer of 2010 and spring of 2011. 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Taxa were identified to species where possible, and to genera if not possible. Surveys followed an 

adapted protocol for butterfly monitoring developed by the Smithsonian Conservation and 

Research Center (McShea 2008); and were only conducted during optimal conditions of 70° to 

90° Fahrenheit, little or no wind, and sky conditions greater than 50 percent sunlight. All 

occurrence locations were recorded with a GPS receiver unit, along with the number of 

individuals, habitat, weather conditions, and time of observation. Catch-and-release netting by 

trained Walsh personnel was to be conducted only when a positive identification could not be 

obtained visually, thus minimizing the risk of injury to the subject. Photographs of detection sites 

and individuals were obtained, when time permitted, and camera use was proposed by Walsh and 

not contractually required. 

Targeted Wildlife Species 

Targeted surveys were conducted for breeding bird density, nocturnal wildlife (playback for small 

owls, amphibian call, and bat acoustical), mule deer (in addition to pellet surveys conducted), and 

carnivores (motion-sensing cameras). Mammalian predator surveys using sifted dirt with a 

scented predator disc were conducted in the general wildlife surveys. Both the mammalian 

predator surveys and carnivore camera surveys served to detect predators using two different 

techniques. 

Breeding Bird Density Surveys 

Data on breeding birds were collected during five surveys conducted throughout April and May 

2011. The survey protocol used in these transect-based bird surveys incorporated data collection 

methods necessary to analyze bird density with distance sampling (Buckland et al. 1993), which 

provides estimates of bird densities and recognizes that not all birds present during the sampling 

are detected. 

Eight 250-meter transects were walked during each of the five visits. Previously established bird 

survey points (SAIC 2005) were selected as origins for these eight transects. The end points of 

transects were randomly selected to be evenly spaced within the site, including using some parts 

of previously established transects (Figure 2). All bird species seen or heard along each transect 

were recorded, and their distance from the transect line was estimated to the nearest meter using a 

calibrated Bushnell laser rangefinder. The sighting angle was measured from the transect line 

with a protractor mounted to a clipboard. Sampling occurred for 3.5 hours after sunrise. Sampling 

was not conducted in inclement weather. 

Program DISTANCE (Thomas et al. 2010) was used to generate bird density estimates. Species' 

detection function was modeled, based on exact distance values, using the robust models 

suggested by Buckland et al. (2001). A key function (half-normal, hazard, or uniform) with 

possible adjustment terms (cosine or polynomial) were used to model the detection function. The 

best model was then selected using Akaike's information criterion (AIC), and by inspecting 

probability density functions and Chi-squared Goodness-of-Fit statistics (Buckland et al.1993). 

Densities could only be generated for five individual species due to inadequate observation 

numbers for other species. In addition, the breeding bird data were analyzed in program 

DISTANCE as clusters, rather than individuals, as advised by Buckland et al. (2001). A cluster is 

defined as more than one individual at the same location. For example, a pair of American robins 

(Turdus migratorius) is considered a cluster of two. Also to remain consistent with distance 

sampling methods, flyovers were not analyzed. An individual is considered a flyover when it was 

in the air when first observed. 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Nocturnal Surveys 

Nocturnal surveys were conducted for owls, amphibians, and bats. Survey locations are shown in 

Figure 2. Nocturnal playback surveys for owls followed a protocol adapted from the U.S. Forest 

Service (Francis and Bradstreet 1997) for species likely to occur at STM. Playback stations were 

located in potential eastern screech-owl (Megascops asio) habitat. After discussions with Steve 

Jones, the coordinator for the metro area portion (Region 16) of the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas 

II, Great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) were not considered for surveys as this commonly 

occurring species is widely distributed in Colorado and expected for the site. Playback/response 

surveys were conducted on March 9 and 10, 2011, corresponding to the regional peak period of 

calling activity for eastern screech-owls. Playback/response involved playing 30-seconds of a 

recorded call of the species followed by 30-second intervals of listening, repeated for a total of 

ten minutes at each point. 

Amphibian call surveys, following protocol from the U.S. Geological Survey (Droege 2010), 

occurred on June 7 and 9, 2010. Surveys were conducted along a series of predetermined stops 

near wetlands, 30 to 60 minutes after sunset. After a minute of waiting to reduce disturbance, 

observers started a three- to five-minute listening period. The observers recorded all species heard 

vocalizing. Each record included a calling index value adapted for use across North America: 0 = 

no frogs of a given species can be heard calling; 1 = individual calls, not overlapping; 2 = calls 

are overlapping; but individuals are still distinguishable; 3 = numerous frogs can be heard, chorus 

is constant and overlapping. 

Walsh’s acoustical bat monitoring specialists conducted handheld acoustical surveys for bats 

using AnaBatTM bat detectors. During surveys, hand-held detectors recorded sonograms of any 

bats detected. Bat surveys occurred concurrently with amphibian call surveys June 7 and 9, 2010. 

Mule Deer Surveys 

Results of this survey augmented the sampling conducted for large mammal surveys by adding 

summer and winter surveys for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) use and relative abundance. 

Mule deer seasonal use surveys were conducted in the summer and winter. The protocol involve 

walking the entire site one day each in July 2010 and December 2010 using the previously 

established six large mammal survey transects, as well as areas in-between, walked to access the 

next transect (Figure 2). In addition, other areas of mule deer use were included in the survey, as 

appropriate based on observed activity. Field-map data sheets with aerial coverage of the site 

were used to document their location and numbers during each survey. 

Carnivore Camera Surveys 

Walsh used five Trailmaster motion-detecting camera setups with monitors for the carnivore 

surveys. The monitors are passive sensing units that detect infrared and microwave wave 

frequencies. Monitors record all interruption incidents of a cone-shaped beam and trigger the 

camera. Surveys occurred in each of the four seasons: June, September, and December 2010, and 

April 2011. Five survey locations were selected based on potential carnivore high use areas as 

evaluated by topography, tracks observed, vegetation, and staff knowledge (Figure 2). The 

equipment was attached to existing trees using non-permanent straps and clamps. Each survey 

took place over four consecutive nights. Camera film was developed to assess what animals, 

including carnivores, were present on the site. Mammalian predator track surveys were also 

conducted as part of the general wildlife species surveys, and together these two methods gave 

insight into carnivore presence and use. 

8 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

!( 

!( 

!( 

!( 

!( !( 

!( 

!( 

!( 

!( 

!( 

!( 

!( 

U:\Pr ojects\900758.0001.020_nr el_stm \gis\m ap_mxd\Figure 2 Tar geted Wildlife at NR EL_NWT_2010 and 2011.m xd 

Figure 2. Targeted Wildlife Species Stations and Transects, 

NREL South Table Mountain Site, 

2010 and 2011 

!( Nocturnal Owl Stations !( Bat & Amphibian Stations !( Carnivore Camera Stations 

Breeding Bird Density Transects 

Mule Deer Transects 

STM Boundary 

500 250 0 500 

Feet 

1:7,2 00 

1 in = 60 0 feet $ 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

RESULTS 

Vegetation Mapping 

The majority of vegetation at STM belongs to the grassland community type. Within that 

association, there are two distinct community types: short-grass grassland on the mesa top and 

mixed-grass grassland located on the slopes and toe area. Other mapped vegetation communities 

at STM include ravine shrubland, tall shrubland, short shrubland, and wetlands. The plant 

communities are described below and mapped as illustrated in Figure 3. 

Grasslands 

Grasslands are the predominant habitat on the STM site. In general, the grassland areas 

throughout the site have similar species composition. A list of the plant species found in the STM 

grasslands is located in Table 1 of Appendix A. 

Short-grass grassland 

The short-grass grassland is found on the flat top of the mesa. The dominant grass species are 

blue grama (Chondrosum gracile), a native prairie species and cheatgrass (Anisantha tectorum), a 

noxious weed (Photo 1). Populations of diffuse knapweed (Acosta diffusa) and Dalmatian 

toadflax (Linaria genistifolia subsp. dalmatica) are scattered throughout the whole community. 

These two noxious weeds comprise approximately one percent of the short-grass. Alyssum 

(Alyssum parviflorum), an introduced species, is the dominant forb. Several species of prickly 

pear cactus (Opuntia fragilis, O. macrorhiza, O. phaeacantha, and O. polyacantha) occur 

throughout the shortgrass mesa top as well as hen-and-chicks (Echinocereus viridiflorus) and 

pincushion cacti (Coryphantha missouriensis and C. vivipara var. vivpara). Well-draining 

hillocks (small hills) often support thick stands of needle-and-thread grass (Hesperostipa comata) 

and yucca (Yucca glauca). Some short shrubs such as rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus 

nauseosus subsp. graveolens), chokecherry (Padus virginiana), and skunkbrush (Rhus aromatica 

subsp. trilobata) occur infrequently in the shortgrass area and concentrate along the rimrock areas 

as do several of large hackberry trees (Celtis reticulata) at the very edge of the mesa top. 

Mixed-grass grassland 

The mesa slopes and toe areas on the STM site also support blue grama and cheatgrass but are 

dominated by a mixed-grass species association of needle-and-thread grass and western 

wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), with smaller amounts of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), 

side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), three-awn (Aristida purpurea), and green needle grass 

(Nassella viridula) (Photo 2). As in the short-grass areas, a large number of forbs also occur in 

the mixed-grass grassland. 

A few patches of anomalous vegetation occur within the mixed-grassland, where subsurface 

water appears to be closer to the surface than in most of the area. These areas support wide 

swaths of mat muhly (Muhlenbergia richardsonis). One is located on a southern-facing slope, 

near the eastern property boundary. The other is located on a southwestern-facing slope of the 

ravine north of the Visitor Center. This area is notable for a large population of poison ivy 

(Toxicodendron rydbergii), which grows in thickets of tall (one meter and larger) plants that have 

a woody, shrublike, growth form. A small number of plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides) 

saplings, skunkbrush, chokecherry, and snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) occur in this 

patch as well. 

The mixed-grass areas grade into both the upland and ravine shrublands and contribute the 

majority of the understory in these areas. Some mixed-grass areas also blend into disturbed areas, 

10 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

where reclamation species such as crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and smooth brome 

(Bromopsis inermis) have been planted and have subsequently spread into the mixed-grass 

community. Crested wheatgrass and smooth brome tend to outcompete native species, form 

monocultures, and diminish habitat diversity. These two grass species were widely used, 

historically, in reclamation efforts. However, native grass seeding mixes are now used which no 

longer include these invasive grass species. 

Upland Shrublands 

Shrubland habitat occurs along the upper sides of ravines, and on the steeper mesa slopes, 

becoming more prominent as elevation increases up to the top of the mesa. The upland shrubland 

habitat, which excludes the shrublands in the ravine bottoms, comprises tall shrubland and short 

shrubland communities, very similar in overall composition but distinguished by the dominant 

species. Tall shrublands were dominated by mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) and 

cheatgrass and short shrublands were dominated by rubber rabbitbrush and skunkbrush. A list of 

the plant species found in the STM shrublands is located in Table 2 of Appendix A. 

Tall Shrubland 

The tall shrubland areas are defined by stands of mountain-mahogany that occur along the rim of 

the mesa, usually where volcanic cap rock is exposed, and on the upper mesa slopes below 

rimrock areas (Photo 3). The understory is notably sparse throughout this community, with a 

large amount of bare soil. Cheatgrass is the most common herbaceous species in these areas, 

intermixed with needle-and-thread grass, yucca, and many cacti. 

Short Shrubland 

The short shrublands occur on elevated flat areas amidst the surrounding grasslands, some of 

which appear to have experienced surficial disturbance in the past (Photo 4). These areas are 

distinctive because of their dominance by rubber rabbitbrush. The other common location for 

short shrublands is on the outer slopes of the ravines. Skunkbrush defines these and other short 

shrublands along the upper portions of the steepest slopes of the mesa. These communities 

usually grade into the ravine shrublands along the drainage bottoms and the tall shrublands near 

the top of the mesa slopes. The short shrubland community also has a sparse understory of the 

same grasses and forbs as the tall shrub community. 

Ravine Shrublands 

Ravine shrublands are limited to the lower sides and bottoms of the drainages that cut down 

through the mesa slopes (Photos 5 and 6). These communities support a variety of shrubs such as 

skunkbrush, chokecherry, and wild plum (Prunus americana), often growing in dense, impassible 

thickets. A few plains cottonwoods and peach-leaf willow (Salix amygdaloides) trees occur at the 

top of the ravine channels and in other portions of the channel where the subsurface water table 

appears to be relatively high. A diverse herbaceous component is found in these drainages. In one 

instance near the southeast site boundary, a ravine shrubland grades into an ephemeral drainage at 

the toe of the mesa. This drainage is vegetated with grassland species and contains only 

occasional surface water run-off. A list of the plant species found in the ravine shrublands is 

located in Table 3 of Appendix A. 

Wetlands 

Five very small communities on the STM site were found to support wetland vegetation. These 

communities were not examined for the soils and hydrology that would classify them as 

functioning wetlands; rather they are noted only for their domination by wetland vegetation. 

11 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

These are limited to very small areas (less than half an acre in total). One is in a shallow swale at 

the mouth of the ravine at the southwestern corner of the project boundary (Figure 3) where 

surface water and/or subsurface drainage have created a pocket of saturated soil. Species here 

include sedges (Carex spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.), bulrush (Schoenoplectus sp.), and peach-leaf 

willow (Photos 7 and 8). The second wetland could have formed as a result of past construction 

activities. This linear depression supports wetland vegetation along the central portion of the 

western site boundary, northeast of the Solar Industrial Mesa Test Area. Perhaps where 

equipment was once staged, this area appears to hold seasonal water for enough consecutive 

growing seasons to support some wetland vegetation including arctic rush (Juncus arcticus), 

American speedwell (Veronica americana), and broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia) (Photo 9). A 

list of the plant species found in the wetlands is located in Table 4 of Appendix A. 

The wetland at the mouth of the ravine may no longer experience the hydrology that originally 

allowed these plants to establish there. In 2002, this plant community supported populations of 

cattails that were not observed in 2010. 

Three small seeps are located on the hill slope between the Visitor Center and the public trail on 

the far eastern boundary of the site. These seeps are dominated with sedges, rushes, and Canada 

thistle (Breea arvensis). 

A seventh wetland community that was observed by Plantae (2002), but no longer appears to 

support wetland vegetation. In 2002, cattail species near an old stocktank in the eastern-most 

drainage appeared to have been suppored by a pipe coming out of the hillside. Although the 

stocktank was observed in 2010, it appears the cattails have not persisted in the intervening years. 

Disturbed/Reclaimed 

This habitat type comprises all of the areas at the site that have experienced surface disturbance to 

vegetation caused by human activities (Photo 10). These mostly occur on the perimeter of the 

buildings, roads, parking lots, and soil dumping areas. Most of these areas appear to have been revegetated and support a combination of native grassland plants, planted ornamental revegetation 

species, and native and introduced weeds. The former Forest Service tree farm in the 

southwestern corner of the site was included in this habitat type because the surface has been 

disturbed in the past and a number of non-native trees still persist in this area. A list of the plant 

species found in the disturbed/reclaimed community is located in Table 5 of Appendix A. 

Developed 

Developed areas comprise the human-constructed, non-vegetated portions of the site. These 

include parking lots, buildings, and paved roads. Developed areas do not constitute plant 

communities and are therefore not listed in Appendix A. However, these areas also support trees, 

shrubs, and herbaceous plants including grasses and forbs. 

12 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

U:\Pr ojects\900758.0001.020_nrel_stm\gis\m ap_mxd\Figur e 3 Vegetation Mapping at N REL_NWT_2010 and 2011.m xd 

Figure 3. Vegetation Map, 

NREL Sou th Table Mountain Site, 

2010 and 2011 

STM Boundary 

Buildings/Roads/Structures 

Disturbed Areas 

Plant Communities 

Mixed-Grass Grassland 

Ravine Shrublands 

Short-Grass Grassland 

Short Shrubland 

Tall Shrubland 

Wetlands 

500 250 0 500 

Feet 

1:7,2 00 

1 in = 60 0 feet $ 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Noxious Weeds 

Weed species that occur on the STM site are listed in Table 1. Mapped weed populations are 

illustrated in Figure 4. The noxious weeds found on the site vary from small isolated populations 

to species that are widespread and dominate entire plant communities. Myrtle spurge (Euphorbia 

myrsinites), common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), whitetop (Cardaria draba), Russian-olive 

(Elaeagnus angustifolia), and scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) occur in single or isolated 

populations. By comparison, dalmation toadflax and diffuse knapweed are found throughout the 

site, frequently occurring as single individuals dotting the landscape. Canada thistle and hound’s 

tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) are routinely found in each of the drainages. 

Cheatgrass is found in large populations throughout the entire site and completely dominates the 

mesa top. This noxious weed has significantly reduced plant diversity and has notably crowded 

out the short-grass grassland species. 

Table 1. Noxious Weed Species Identified at the NREL South Table Mountain 

Site, June 2010 

Common Name Scientific Binomial Estimated Area 

(acres) 

Canada thistle Breea arvensis 2.8 

Cheatgrass Anisantha tectorum * 

Common teasel Dipsacus fullonum 0.06 

Dalmatian toadflax Linaria genistifolia subsp. 

dalmatica 1.3 

Diffuse knapweed Acosta diffusa 1.1 

Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis 0.4 

Hound’s tongue Cynoglossum officinale 0.001 

Musk thistle Carduus nutans 2.1 

Myrtle spurge Euphorbia myrsinites 0.1 

Russian-olive Elaeagnus angustifolia 0.04 

Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium 0.03 

Whitetop Cardaria draba 0.1 

Species in bold font are on the list of top ten priority-for-control weeds for Colorado.
 

*Cheatgrass was pervasive throughout the site and was not specifically mapped. **Diffuse knapweed was
 

found throughout the site and estimated area is for higher densities of plants per square meter.
 

14 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MT 

FB 

DK, MT 

FB 

DK 

DK, MT

DK, DT, MT 

MS 

MT 

DK 

DK HT 

DK, MT 

DK, DT 

CT 

DK 

CT 

CT, DT, FB, HT 

CT 

DK 

MT 

RO 

CT, DK, MT 

T 

CT 

DK, MT 

CT 

CT, DT, FB, MT CT, MT 

MT 

CO, CT, FB, HT

CT 

CT, MT 

CT, DK, DT, MT 

CT, MT 

CT, MT

MT 

CT 

CT 

CT, DT, MT 

CT 

DT 

CT 

CT, T 

MT 

MT 

CT, MT 

MT 

CT, MT 

RO 

CT 

MS 

CT, FB, MT 

CT 

CT 

CT 

CT 

CT 

CT 

WT 

MT 

CT 

MT 

CT, MT 

CT 

CT 

DK, MT, ST DK, MT 

CT, DK, DT, RO 

CT 

U:\Pr ojects\900758.0001.020_nr el_stm \gis\m ap_mxd\Figure 4 Weed Mapping at NR EL_NWT_2010 and 2011.m xd 

Figure 4. Weed Map, 

NREL South Table Mountain Site, 

2010 and 2011 

STM Boundary 

CT-Canada Thistle 

Canada Thistle/Other Species (See Label) 

DT-Dalmation Toadflax 

DK-Diffuse Knapweed 

Diffuse Knapweed/Other Species (See Label) 

FB-Field Bindweed 

HT-Hound's Tongue 

MS-Myrtle Spurge 

MT-Musk Thistle 

RO-Russian Olive 

T-Common Teasel 

WT-White Top 

(ST=Scotch Thistle) 

500 250 0 500 

Feet 

1:7,2 00 

1 in = 60 0 feet $ 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Wildlife Survey Results 

Thirteen different types of wildlife surveys were conducted over a period of 12 months at STM. 

Table 2 summarizes the seasons during which each survey was conducted. 

Table 2. Wildlife Survey Seasons, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010-2011 

Survey Type 

Season 

Summer 

2010 

Fall 

2010 

Winter 

2010-2011 

Spring 

2011 

Summer 

2011 

Bird X X X X 

Raptor X X 

Large Mammal X 

Mammalian Predator X X X X 

Small Mammal X 

Reptile and Amphibian X X X X X 

Terrestrial Arthropod X X X X X 

Breeding Bird Density X 

Nocturnal Owl X 

Nocturnal Amphibian X 

Acoustical Bat X 

Mule Deer X X 

Carnivore Camera X X X X 

Table 3 summarizes all wildlife observations, as well as those from 1987 (FORUM 1987) and 

2004/2005 (SAIC 2005), regardless of sampling regime, and includes incidental observations. 

In 2010/2011 a total of 102 species were observed for all wildlife surveys conducted on STM. 

This includes five species of herptiles, 86 species of birds, and 11 species of mammals. 

Comparisons to earlier surveys are addressed in the discussion. 

16 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Table 3. Wildlife Survey Results, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010-2011 

SPECIES 

COMMON 

NAME 

Seen 

in 

1987 

Seen in 

2004/05 

SEASON AND VEGETATION TYPE OF OCCURRENCE1 

Summer 2010 

May, June, July 

Fall 2010 

August September, October 

Winter 2010-2011 

November, December, January 

Spring 2011 

February, March, April 

SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D 

REPTILES 

AND 

AMPHIBIANS 

Bull snake X 

Plains garter 

snake X X 

Prairie lizard X 

Racer X 

Six-lined 

racerunner X 

Tiger 

salamander X X 

Western 

rattlesnake X X X X X 

Woodhouse’s 

toad X 

BIRDS 

American 

crow X X 

American 

goldfinch X 

American 

kestrel X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

American 

pipit3 

American 

redstart X 

American 

robin2 X X X X X 

American tree 

sparrow X X 

American 

white pelican3 

Barn swallow2 X X X X X X 

Black-billed 

magpie2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

17 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

SPECIES 

COMMON 

NAME 

Seen 

in 

1987 

Seen in 

2004/05 

SEASON AND VEGETATION TYPE OF OCCURRENCE1 

Summer 2010 

May, June, July 

Fall 2010 

August September, October 

Winter 2010-2011 

November, December, January 

Spring 2011 

February, March, April 

SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D 

Black-capped 

chickadee X 

Blackcrowned night 

heron X 

Black-headed 

grosbeak2 X 

Blue-gray 

gnatcatcher2 X X X X 

Blue jay X X X 

Brewer's 

blackbird2 X X X 

Brewer’s 

sparrow2 X X X X X 

Broad-tailed 

hummingbird2 X X 

Broad-winged 

hawk2 X 

Brown-headed 

cowbird2 X X X X X X X X X 

Bullock's 

oriole2 X X X X X X X X X 

Bushtit3 X 

California gull X 

Canada goose X X 

Cedar 

waxwing X 

Cassin’s 

kingbird3 X 

Chestnutcollared 

longspur X 

Chipping 

sparrow2 X X X X X 

Cliff swallow2 X 

Common 

grackle X X X 

18 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

SPECIES 

COMMON 

NAME 

Seen 

in 

1987 

Seen in 

2004/05 

SEASON AND VEGETATION TYPE OF OCCURRENCE1 

Summer 2010 

May, June, July 

Fall 2010 

August September, October 

Winter 2010-2011 

November, December, January 

Spring 2011 

February, March, April 

SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D 

Common 

nighthawk X X X 

Common 

raven2 X X 

Wilson’s snipe X 

Cooper's 

hawk X X X 

Dark-eyed 

junco X X X X 

Doublecrested 

cormorant2 

Downy 

woodpecker 

Eastern 

kingbird X X 

European 

starling2 X X X X X X X X X X X 

Unidentified 

flycatcher X 

Golden eagle X 

Grasshopper 

sparrow X 

Great blue 

heron X 

Green-tailed 

towhee2 X X X X X 

Hepatic 

tanager X 

Hermit thrush3 X 

Horned lark2 X X 

House finch2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

House 

sparrow2 X X X X X X X 

House wren2 X X X X 

Killdeer2 X X X X 

19 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

SPECIES 

COMMON 

NAME 

Seen 

in 

1987 

Seen in 

2004/05 

SEASON AND VEGETATION TYPE OF OCCURRENCE1 

Summer 2010 

May, June, July 

Fall 2010 

August September, October 

Winter 2010-2011 

November, December, January 

Spring 2011 

February, March, April 

SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D 

Lark bunting X X 

Lark sparrow2 X X X 

Lazuli bunting X X X X X 

Lesser 

goldfinch X X X X X X 

Loggerhead 

shrike2 X X X 

MacGillivray's 

warbler X X X 

Mallard2 X X 

Mountain 

bluebird2 X X X 

Mountain 

chickadee3 

Mourning 

dove2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Northern 

flicker2 X X X X X X X X X X X 

Northern 

goshawk4 

Northern 

harrier X X X 

Northern 

Mockingbird5 X 

Osprey X 

Peregrine 

falcon4 

Pine siskin X 

Prairie falcon X X X 

Red-breasted 

nuthatch X 

Red-tailed 

hawk X X X 

Red-winged 

blackbird2 X X X 

20 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

SPECIES 

COMMON 

NAME 

Seen 

in 

1987 

Seen in 

2004/05 

SEASON AND VEGETATION TYPE OF OCCURRENCE1 

Summer 2010 

May, June, July 

Fall 2010 

August September, October 

Winter 2010-2011 

November, December, January 

Spring 2011 

February, March, April 

SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D 

Rock pigeon2 X X X X X X X 

Rock wren2 X X X X X X X X 

Ruby-crowned 

kinglet X 

Sage thrasher X X X 

Say's phoebe2 X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Sharp-shinned 

hawk X X X 

Spotted 

towhee2 X X X X X X X 

Swainson's 

hawk4 X 

Tree swallow 

Turkey 

vulture2 X 

Unidentified 

Buteo sp.4 

Unidentified 

falcon sp. 

Unidentified 

sparrow sp. X 

Unidentified 

sparrow sp. X 

Unidentified 

species 

Unidentified 

warbler 

Vesper 

sparrow2 X X X X X X X X 

Virginia’s 

warbler X X 

Violet-green 

swallow2 X X 

Western 

kingbird2 X X X X X X X X X X X 

Western 

meadowlark2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

21 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

SPECIES 

COMMON 

NAME 

Seen 

in 

1987 

Seen in 

2004/05 

SEASON AND VEGETATION TYPE OF OCCURRENCE1 

Summer 2010 

May, June, July 

Fall 2010 

August September, October 

Winter 2010-2011 

November, December, January 

Spring 2011 

February, March, April 

SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D 

Western 

scrub-jay2 X X X X X X 

W hitecrowned 

sparrow2 X X X X 

W hite-faced 

ibis3 

W hitethroated swift3 

Yellowbreasted chat X 

Yellowrumped 

Warbler X X 

Mammals 

Black-tailed 

jackrabbit X X 

Bushy-tailed 

woodrat X 

Coyote X X X X X X X X 

Deer Mouse X X X X X 

Fox squirrel X 

Long-tailed 

weasel X 

Mexican 

woodrat X X X X 

Mountain 

cottontail X X X X X 

Mule deer X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 

Prairie vole X X 

Raccoon X X X 

Red Fox X X X X X X X X X X X 

Striped skunk X X 

22 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

SPECIES 

COMMON 

NAME 

Seen 

in 

1987 

Seen in 

2004/05 

SEASON AND VEGETATION TYPE OF OCCURRENCE1 

Summer 2010 

May, June, July 

Fall 2010 

August September, October 

Winter 2010-2011 

November, December, January 

Spring 2011 

February, March, April 

SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D SG MG TS SS RS 

D/ 

R D 

Western 

harvest 

mouse X X X 

Western 

spotted skunk X 

W hite-tailed 

jackrabbit X 

Yellow-belied 

marmot X 

Notes: This table includes results from wildlife surveys conducted on site in 1987 and 2004-2005, as well as incidental observations of species on site. Vegetation type(s)in which the species were observed is included, if available 1 Vegetation type codes follow Plantae Consulting Services 2002 and are as follows: SG - Short grass; MG - Mixed grass; TS - Tall shrubland; SS - Short shrubland; RS - Ravine shrubland; D/R - Disturbed/reclaimed; D – Developed 2 Species observed during breeding bird surveys spring 2011. 3 Incidental sighting, observed independently of point counts or distance sampling 2010 and 2011. 4 Raptor species only observed during raptor migration surveys only 2010 and 2011. 

5 Observed by NREL biologists in early summer 2011. 

Species observed in this season; no specific vegetation type information available, or flyover. 

23 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

General Wildlife Surveys 

Birds 

A total of 65 avian species were detected. The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) was the 

most abundant species detected, and accounted for 12.5 percent of the total number of birds 

detected during avian point counts in 2010-2011. Rock pigeons (Columba livia) accounted for 

11.8 percent, house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) accounted for 10.9 percent, and black-billed 

magpies (Pica hudsonia) accounted for 9.2 percent of observations. 

Avian species richness, diversity (dominance) and evenness are summarized in Table 4. In fall 

2010 and spring and summer 2011, a similarly high richness of approximately 40 species was 

observed. Fourteen species were observed in winter. The total number of detected birds (n) was 

also similar in spring, summer and fall (310, 337, and 338, respectively). The species diversity 

(dominance) was highest in the spring, summer, and fall (15.17, 14.95 and 12.35, respectively) 

and lowest in winter (3.86). 

Table 4. Avian Species Richness, Diversity (Dominance) and Evenness, Point Count Surveys, NREL 

South Table Mountain Site, 2010-2011 

SAIC Avian Point Count Data 2004-20055 Walsh Avian Point Count Data 2010-2011 

Season Species 

Richness1 n 

Species 

Diversity2 

(Dominance) 

Species 

Evenness3 Season Species 

Richness1 n 

Species 

Diversity2 

(Dominance) 

Species 

Evenness3 

Spring 2004 20 164 6.5 0.33 Spring 

2011 40 310 15.17 0.38 

Summer 2004 20 193 7.6 0.39 Summer 

2010 41 337 14.95 0.36 

Fall 2004 23 121 8.5 0.37 Fall 2010 37 338 12.35 0.33 

Winter 

2004-2005 

13 58 6.1 0.47 

Winter 

2010­

2011 

14 191 3.86 0.28 

1 Species richness: the number of species observed. 

2 Species diversity (dominance): a measurement of dominance which assesses the probability that two randomly selected individuals 

from a community will belong to the same species. 

3 Species evenness: a measure of the relative abundance of the different species making up the richness of an area. 

24 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Raptors 

A total of 29 individual raptors, comprising 10 species, were observed during the fall 2010 

migration surveys (Table 5). Of the 29 individuals, 12 exhibited migratory behavior and 17 were 

considered local raptors. During the spring 2011 surveys a total of 15 individuals, comprising 

seven species, were observed. Nine individuals exhibited migratory behavior and six exhibited 

local behavior. The passage rate for migrant raptors was 1.50 and 1.13 raptors per hour for fall 

and spring, respectively, with an overall mean passage rate for both seasons combined of 1.31 

raptors per hour. 

No nesting raptors were found within the boundaries of STM during spring 2011 surveys. 

Table 5. Raptor Survey Results, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010 and 2011 

Species 

Fall 2010 

Total (local)* 

Spring 2011 

Total (local)* 

Total (local)* 

Turkey vulture 

(Cathartes aura) 3 (0) - 3 (0) 

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) - 1 (1) 1 (1) 

Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter 

striatus) 1 (1) 3 (0) 4 (1) 

Cooper’s hawk 

(Accipiter cooperii) 3 (1) 4 (0) 7 (1) 

Northern goshawk (Accipiter 

gentilis) 1 (0) - 1 (0) 

Broad-winged hawk (Buteo 

platypterus) - 1 (0) 1 (0) 

Swainson’s hawk (Buteo 

swainsoni) 1 (1) - 1 (1) 

Red-tailed hawk (Buteo 

jamaicensis) 5 (5) 3 (3) 8 (8) 

Buteo species (Buteo sp.) 1 (0) - 1 (0) 

American Kestrel (Falco 

sparverius) 12 (7) 2 (1) 14 (8) 

Peregrine falcon (Falco 

peregrinus) 1 (1) - 1 (1) 

Prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) 1 (1) - 1 (1) 

Falcon species (Falco sp.) - 1 (1) 1 (1) 

25 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Table 5. Raptor Survey Results, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010 and 2011 

Species 

Fall 2010 

Total (local)* 

Spring 2011 

Total (local)* 

Total (local)* 

Migrant Raptor Total 12 9 21 

(Local Raptor Total) (17) (6) (23) 

Total Raptors – Migrant and 

Local 29 15 44 

Migrant Passage Rate (raptors 

per hour) 1.50 1.13 1.31 

*Values in parentheses () indicate the subset of total observations that were non-migratory local 

raptors. 

Large Mammals 

Results of the large mammal pellet plot counts is summarized by vegetation community in Figure 

5. It should be noted that of the 76 pellet plots established 10 plots were vandalized and stakes 

removed within the short-grass vegetation type on top of the mesa during the spring 2011 survey. 

In addition, due to the expansion development at NREL, two plots were destroyed from 

construction activities. 

Figure 5. Number of Pellet Groups Observed per Vegetation Type, Large 

Mammal Surveys, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010-2011 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

Pellet Groups 

Total # of Plots 

Vegetation Type 

The short-grass and mixed-grass grassland vegetation had the highest number of pellets with nine 

and six groups, respectively. The tall shrubland had three and both the short shrubland and ravine 

shrubland had one pellet group each. 

26 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Mammalian Predators 

A total of 40 tracks were detected during the predator surveys (Table 6). These include four 

species of predators: coyote (Canis latrans), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), striped skunk (Mephitis 

mephitis), and western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis). Of the four species, coyote was 

detected the most with 20 tracks, followed by red fox with 14 tracks, and skunk with four tracks. 

Two tracks were unidentified. Predator activity was primarily concentrated in the short-grass 

vegetation on the mesa top with 27 tracks throughout the seasons while the mesa toe had 13 

tracks. The winter months had highest activity with 20 different predator tracks detected. 

Of the four skunk tracks, one set was noticeably smaller. The three larger tracks are undoubtedly 

the striped skunk. The third track, observed in April 2011, is attributed to the western spotted 

skunk. 

Table 6. Mammalian Predator Survey Results, NREL South Table Mountain 

Site, 2010 and 2011 

Species Summer 

2010 Fall 2010 

Winter 

2010-

2011 

Spring 2011 Total Tracks 

Observed 

Coyote (Canis latrans) 1 4 10 5 20 

Red fox (Vulpes 

vulpes) 2 4 5 3 14 

Striped skunk 

(Mephitis mephitis) 3 3 

Western spotted 

skunk (Spilogale 

gracilis) 

1 1 

Unidentified 2 2 

Total 3 8 20 9 40 

Small Mammals 

Small mammal trapping results are summarized in Table 7. In July 2010, a total of 32 individual 

small mammals were captured, with seven recaptures over three survey nights. All captures were 

of Mexican woodrats (Neotoma mexicana), with the exception of one deer mouse (Peromyscus 

maniculatus). The woodrats were captured in ravine shrublands on Transects DA and DC (Figure 

1), and the deer mouse was captured at the top of Transect DC. 

In April 2011, a total of 40 individual small mammals were captured, representing three species 

(Table 7). There were nine recaptures. Mexican woodrats and deer mice were captured in roughly 

equal number, and 11 western harvest mice (Reithrodontomys megalotis) were captured in ravine 

shrubland in Transects DA and DB (Figure 1). 

The combination of both years reveals a species richness of three: deer mouse, western harvest 

mouse, and Mexican woodrat. Capture rates were slightly higher in April 2011 than in July 2010. 

27 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

In 2010, with 450 trap nights and a total of 39 captures (32 individuals and 7 recaptures), there 

was a 9 percent capture rate. In 2011, there was a total of 49 captures (40 individual captures and 

9 recaptures), representing an 11 percent capture rate, and for the two seasons combined, was an 

overall capture rate of 10 percent. 

Table 7. Small Mammal Captures, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 2010 and 2011 

Species Ravine 

Shrubland 

Short-grass 

Grassland 

Mixed-grass 

Grassland Total 

Summer 2010 (July 12 15) 

Deer Mouse 

(Peromyscus maniculatus) 1 0 0 1 

Mexican Woodrat 

(Neotoma mexicana) 30(7) 1 0 31(7) 

Total 32(7) 

Spring 2011 (April 25 28) 

Western Harvest Mouse 

(Reithrodontomys 

megalotis) 

11(1) 0 0 11(1) 

Deer Mouse 

(Peromyscus maniculatus) 7 6(3) 0 13(3) 

Mexican Woodrat 

(Neotoma mexicana) 16(5) 0 0 16(5) 

Total 40(9) 

2010 and 2011 Combined 

Total 72(16) 

Values based on 450 trap-nights per season, or 900 trap-nights for both years combined. There 

were 3 closed traps in 2010 and 10 closed traps in 2011. Values in parentheses ( ) indicate 

recaptures. 

Reptiles and Amphibians 

Only three species of reptiles were found: western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), racer (Coluber 

constrictor), and prairie lizard (Sceloporus sp.). Woodhouse’s toad (Bufo woodhousii) and tiger 

salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) were the only amphibians noted. The Woodhouse’s toad was 

detected during the nocturnal amphibian surveys discussed below in the Nocturnal Wildlife 

section. All reptiles and amphibians detections occurred within the summer season, with the 

exception of the tiger salamander, which was noted by NREL staff in 2011. 

Terrestrial Arthropods 

No terrestrial arthropod genera of specific concern were detected during surveys in June 2010. 

28 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Targeted Wildlife Surveys 

Breeding Bird Densities 

A total of 749 individual detections and 450 clusters from 41 different bird species were observed 

along the eight transects. Eight of the 41 species were defined as flyovers. To remain consistent 

with distance sampling methods, these flyover data were not analyzed. Density was not analyzed 

for 28 other avian species due to their sample size (n) being too small (n < 20). Buckland et al. 

(2001) suggest that a minimum sample size of 60 detections is needed for a reliable estimate of 

the detection function. Walsh was able to calculate densities for five avian species (Table 8). All 

species detected during distance sampling are summarized in Table 3. 

The avian species with the highest density was by far Western meadowlark, with a density of 0.29 

birds per hectare (Table 8). Although European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) had the second highest 

density of 0.22 birds per hectare, the co-efficient of variation of 0.22 was very high, causing the 

density measure to be unreliable and biased upwards. 

Table 8. Breeding Bird Density Estimates, NREL South Table Mountain Site, 

2011 

Species 

Sample 

size 

(clusters) 

Number of 

Individuals 

Density 

CV 

Density 

Estimate 

(Birds/hectare) 

Density 

95% 

Lower 

CI 

Density 

95% 

Upper 

CI 

Western 

Meadowlark 

(Sturnella 

neglecta) 

112 129 0.12 0.29 0.87 1.40 

European Starling 

(Sturnus vulgaris) 

25 49 0.22 0.22 0.13 0.28 

Spotted Towhee 

(Pipilo maculatus) 

51 52 0.13 0.20 0.10 0.39 

American Robin 

(Turdus 

migratorius) 

40 48 0.20 0.15 0.47 1.03 

Black-billed 

Magpie 

(Pica pica) 

34 52 0.21 0.08 0.06 0.11 

Nocturnal Wildlife 

Nocturnal playback surveys for eastern screech-owl failed to detect or elicit any responses during 

the March 2011 surveys. No other owl species were detected during nocturnal surveys for other 

genera. Great horned owls are known to occur in the area, although no nests have been found, 

they have been observed hunting (Brenda Beatty – NREL, pers. com. 2011). 

29 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

During the nocturnal amphibian surveys, Woodhouse’s toad was detected in the ephemeral ponds 

on the mesa top northeast of the Solar Industrial Mesa Test Area. The Wisconsin index value 

assigned to each observation was 2 = calls are overlapping, but individuals are still 

distinguishable. 

No bat species were detected during the acoustical bat surveys conducted in the summer of 2010. 

Mule Deer 

During the summer 2010 mule deer survey, four bucks, ten does, and two fawns were located 

(Figure 6). The mule deer concentrated in two groups with one group located on the southwestern 

facing hillside of the east drainage and the other located in the amphitheater. 

In winter of 2010, three bucks, eleven does, and five fawns were found in the east drainage. 

Carnivore Camera 

Throughout the four seasons, the Trailmaster monitors with connected cameras took three 

carnivore photographs, all of one predator species, the coyote. Coyotes were detected in the east 

drainage in the summer and winter of 2010 and one coyote was detected in the amphitheater in 

the spring of 2011. In addition, other detections included numerous mule deer, one cottontail 

(Sylvilagus sp.), one Mexican woodrat, and two black-billed magpies. 

Special Status Species 

A peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), which is a State Species of Special Concern, was 

observed. No other wildlife Special Status Species were observed during any surveys. 

30 

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U:\Pr ojects\900758.0001.020_nr el_stm \gis\m ap_mxd\Figure 6 Mule Deer Concentr ated U se at NREL_N WT_2010 and 2011.mxd 

Figure 6. Mule Deer Concentrated Use Observations, 

NREL South Table Mountain Site, 

2010 and 2011 

Mule Deer Survey: Summer, 2010 

Mule Deer Survey: Winter, 2010 

STM Boundary 

500 250 0 500 

Feet 

1:7,2 00 

1 in = 60 0 feet $ 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

DISCUSSION 

Vegetation Mapping 

Few changes in the plant community boundaries were noted since these areas were previously 

mapped (Plantae 2002). Observed trends in vegetation patterns include a general increase in 

invasive and noxious weed species diversity and extent across the site. Some factors that may be 

contributing to this apparent trend include changes in land use, such as surface disturbing 

activities since 2002, and drought conditions. 

Grasslands 

The Plantae (2002) vegetation mapping effort characterized the majority of the mesa top on the 

STM site as short-grass grassland. The community supports a diverse mix of grass species, as it 

did in 2002, but percent cover of weeds, especially musk thistle, has increased. One possible 

reason for the increase in noxious weeds might be drought conditions occurring in many of the 

growing seasons since 2002. 

The current mapping effort found mixed-grass grassland as the dominant community in the 

central and southern portions of the site. Characteristics of this community appear similar to those 

observed in 2002. The noxious weed species that has increased the most throughout this 

community appears to be Canada thistle. Three small seeps that were not observed in 2002 were 

found in the southeastern portion of this plant community. 

Upland Shrublands 

Herbaceous layer characteristics, including species composition and areas lacking cover, in both 

shrubland communities, remains comparable to 2002 observations. The most notable change in 

the upland shrublands since 2002 is that musk thistle has colonized these areas. 

Ravine Shrublands 

No significant changes to plant community boundaries were observed in 2010 as compared to 

2002. No new noxious weed species were observed here since these areas were last mapped in 

2002. 

Wetlands 

The areas of wetland vegetation have not been jurisdictionally delineated. Due to a dry winter in 

2010, followed by a dry spring in 2011, borders of wetland communities were not able to be 

confirmed with assurance for this report. 

The wetland community observed at the top of the southwest drainage in 2002 is still dominated 

by obligate and facultative wetland plants but the dominant species have changed from cattails to 

graminoids including sedges, rushes, and bulrush species. The peach-leaf willows observed in 

2002 were also observed in 2010. Changes in vegetation composition may be due to land use 

changes in nearby developed areas. 

When visited in late June 2010, the linear depression wetland contained saturated soils and 

standing water. Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) observed in this area in 2010, was not 

present in the wetland communities in 2002 (Plantae). Field bindweed may have established here 

as a result of surface disturbance due to construction activities adjacent to this wetland. 

32 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Disturbed/Reclaimed 

There are more disturbed/reclaimed communities within the STM boundaries than there were in 

2002. Likely the increase in surface disturbing activities contributed to the establishment of 

whitetop, Canada thistle, yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis), and common dandelion 

(Taraxicum officinale), all species observed for the first time in 2010. These species likely 

colonized areas of surface disturbance that resulted from construction activities. 

Noxious Weeds 

The STM site contains 12 plant species found on the State of Colorado Noxious Weed List (Table 

1). Of these species, five are included in the top ten priority weeds for Colorado, as listed in the 

Colorado Weed Management Act. These species are the most widespread and cause the greatest 

economic impact to the state and should be considered a priority-for-control for the STM site. 

Historically, the short-grass grassland found on the mesa top was probably dominated by blue 

grama grass and other short-grass species such as buffalo grass (Buchloë dactyloides). However, 

this entire mesa-top area has become dominated by cheatgrass, an aggressive noxious weed. This 

weed is changing the appearance and general species composition of the area by apparently outcompeting native plants. 

The majority of noxious weed populations have remained unchanged since the site was last 

surveyed in 2002 by Plantae. However, some weed populations have expanded such as musk 

thistle, dalmatian toadflax, Canada thistle, and diffuse knapweed. In addition, these weed 

populations will likely spread in response to the disturbance of large swaths of mixed-grass 

grassland associated with the construction of additional NREL facilities in 2010 and 2011. 

Wildlife Survey Results 

During 2010/2011 a total of 102 species of wildlife were observed at STM. In comparison, the 

1987 surveys (FORUM 1987) observed 31 species, and in 2004/2005 SAIC (SAIC 2005) 

observed 69 species (Table 3). In 1987, two reptile species, one bird species, and six mammal 

species were documented that were not seen in 2010/2011. In 2004/2005, two herptiles, 13 bird 

species, and six mammal species were documented for STM that were not observed in 

2010/2011. 

Surveys in 2010/2011 detected 77 species (four herptiles, 70 birds, and four mammals) not 

documented during surveys conducted in 1987. Forty-seven species were added to the site species 

list since surveys conducted in 2004/2005 (three herptiles, 41 birds, and three mammals). 

The cause of these differences may be attributed to the relative level of effort between different 

surveys, respectively. They may also be related to differences in observer ability, changes in 

species composition that affect occurrence of other species, observation conditions during 

surveys, and/or differences in seasonal weather patterns and recent site development activities. 

General Wildlife Surveys 

Birds 

The seasonal average for avian species richness, diversity (dominance) and total number of 

detections all approximately doubled since 2004/2005. This drastic increase in the bird 

community may be due to factors such as change in observers, level of effort, weather patterns, or 

other causes not apparent. 

The total number of birds detected during point counts in 2010/2011 was 1,216 (56 percent more 

birds detected when compared to 2004/2005). The species richness in 2010/2011 increased 

33 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

overall by 44 percent since 2004/2005. Avian diversity (dominance) also significantly increased 

by 38 percent since the 2004/2005. Evenness in spring, summer and fall of 2010/2011 remained 

similar to 2004/2005. Evenness in the winter 2010/2011 dropped from 47 in 2004/2005 to 28. In 

winter 2010/2011, rock pigeons made up 46 percent of the total detected birds, thus accounting 

for the decreased evenness. 

The western meadowlark was the most abundant species in spring and summer and remained the 

most abundant bird overall throughout both studies. In fall the most abundant species was the 

house finch for all years. In the winter, rock pigeons were most abundant in 2010/2011, while in 

2004/2005 the black-billed magpie was most abundant. Declines in population can be related to 

disease, changes in habitat, and shifts in food resources available to the species. 

Although avian diversity (dominance) (Simpson index) was estimated to remain consistent with 

the SAIC report, NREL may prefer to use the modified Shannon index in the future rather than 

dominance. Buckland et al. (2005) investigated what features define a good diversity index. 

Although they conclude that no single index can capture all aspects of diversity change, the 

modified Shannon index performed better than the Simpson’s index. Therefore Walsh 

recommends using the modified Shannon index in the future to more accurately monitor changes 

in biodiversity at NREL. 

Raptors 

Raptor observations during the two seasons of surveys were characteristic of local and migratory 

species known to occur within the region. In comparison to the 2004/2005 surveys in which 10 

species were observed (SAIC 2005), the 2010/2011 surveys detected four additional species for 

STM: turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), broad-winged hawk 

(Buteo platypterus), and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). In 1987 only two species were 

observed: red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and American kestrel (Falco sparverius) (FORUM 

1987). One species, golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), was detected in the 2004/2005 raptor 

surveys and was not observed in the 2010/2011 surveys. Overall the 2010/2011 raptor surveys 

detected 11 species plus two additional species identified only to genera (Buteo sp., Falco sp.). 

One additional species, northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) was observed outside the raptor survey 

periods. 

No nesting raptors were detected onsite. In comparison, 2004/2005 surveys detected nesting 

American kestrel, and 1987 surveys detected nesting red-tailed hawk and American kestrel. 

Although neither species were detected onsite, red-tailed hawks were known to be nesting just 

south of STM in Lena Gulch. The high number of non-migrant American kestrels (8) may be 

indicative of local nesting within habitat adjacent to STM. 

Large Mammals 

There is difficulty in comparing these data with the earlier SAIC (2005) data for two reasons: the 

current study collected the data after three months of pellet accumulation from 66 plots, whereas 

the earlier study collected data after six months from 97 plots. However, the trends of use of the 

different vegetation communities are similar between the two studies: the greatest use was in 

short-grass grassland, followed by mixed-grass grassland, tall shrubland, and short shrubland and 

ravine shrubland. During this and other field efforts, it was apparent that the mule deer use the 

ravine shrublands for cover and resting sites. The high number of pellet groups in the short-grass 

may be due to the location of 20 plots in this community type (the second largest number of plots 

after mixed-grass), and this community represented the type with the least amount of human 

disturbance. The mixed-grass community type, which had the most plots, had fewer pellet groups 

probably because this type was closest to the NREL development. 

34 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Mammalian Predators 

Coyote and red fox are very common predators along the Front Range, and their presence 

suggests that there is good denning and foraging habitat on site. The presence of the western 

spotted skunk is of interest as the species is generally present but not commonly detected. They 

use the short-grass habitat and likely den in the rocky ravine areas. Tracks were observed at 

Station 2, on the eastern edge of the mesa (Figure 1). 

The previous study found only coyotes. With the current study, three additional species have been 

detected: red fox, western spotted skunk, and striped skunk. The highest number of tracks was 

found during winter. 

Small Mammals 

Although results were generally consistent between the July 2010 and April 2011 trapping 

surveys, densities of small mammals undergo annual fluctuations as is reflected in trapping 

response and capture rates (Smith et al. 2009). Deer mice are a ubiquitous species, sometimes 

referred to as a weedy species due to their ability to occur in virtually all habitats except wetlands 

(Armstrong et al. 2011). What is surprising is the lack of captures of deer mice in 2010, when 

only one mouse was captured during 450 trap nights; and that deer mice did not dominate the 

captures in both periods. The reason for this is not clear. Deer mice are susceptible to hantavirus, 

although there has been no known outbreak of the disease in 2010 or 2011 along the Front Range. 

The species richness for three species of small mammals in 2010/2011 combined at STM is low 

for small mammals. Species richness was higher in 1987 and 2004/2005 when prairie voles were 

present (FORUM 1987) and in 2004/2005 (SAIC 2005). Prairie voles may have been 

experiencing a population low during the 2010/2011 surveys. Although prairie voles in Colorado 

may not experience the population cycles typical of the genus elsewhere, 2 to 4 year cycles have 

been found in other studies (Armstrong 2011). 

It is noteworthy that bushy-tailed woodrats (Neotoma cinerea) were found in 1987 (FORUM 

1987), but Mexican woodrats were not found. These two species are sympatric along a narrow 

corridor of the Front Range (Finley 1958). It is not known if the Mexican woodrat displaced the 

bushy-tailed woodrat or if it was present in 1987 but not detected. 

Reptile and Amphibians 

Western rattlesnakes, racers, prairie lizards, tiger salamanders, and Woodhouse’s toads are all 

widespread and common in Colorado. Habitats for racer include prairie grasslands, sandhills, 

open riparian woodlands, and shrubby foothills and canyons. The western rattlesnake occurs in 

virtually every terrestrial habitat within Colorado (Hammerson 1999). Woodhouse’s toad is the 

state’s most commonly encountered amphibian and tiger salamanders occur in virtually any 

habitat, provided there is standing water such as permanent or ephemeral ponds (Hammerson 

1999). 

Western rattlesnakes were found in 1987 (FORUM 1987) and again in 2004/2005 (SAIC 2005). 

However, tiger salamanders were found only in 2004/2005 (SAIC 2005) and Woodhouse’s toad, 

prairie lizards, and racers were all not detected during the previous surveys. The 1987, 

2004/2005, and 2010/2011 reptile and amphibian surveys were opportunistic and it is likely that 

most of these species were present but not detected. 

Terrestrial Arthropods 

Surveys for terrestrial arthropod genera did not detect any Species of Concern. Records from 

CNHP do not have any specific sightings from STM; most of the historic records (the most recent 

35 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

documented in 1991) are located north and west of STM (Appendix C). As most of the species 

depend on native grasses for larval food, further encroachment of noxious weed species limit the 

potential for any genera or species of concern to inhabit STM. The limited nature of these surveys 

should be noted. 

Targeted Wildlife Surveys 

Breeding Bird Densities 

Spring 2011 was the first year distance sampling was performed on the NREL STM avian 

community to estimate breeding bird densities. There were limitations in estimating breeding 

songbird densities because of low sample sizes and only one season of data. Continued 

monitoring of avian species may contribute to a better density estimate and is recommended. 

With increased sampling over additional years, more comprehensive density estimates may be 

obtained. 

Nocturnal Wildlife 

Limited cottonwoods and pine stands on the STM site likely preclude the presence of eastern 

screech-owl. Even though the eastern screech-owl has the broadest ecological niche of any owl in 

its range (Gehlbach 1995), they generally prefer mature stands of cottonwoods (Steve Jones 

personal communication 2011). 

Woodhouse’s toads were the only amphibians heard on site and they were heard at the only two 

pools. The lack of other amphibians is not surprising due to the general scarcity of surface water 

on the STM site. 

The absence of bat activity on the site was likely due to the limited sampling (one monitor for two 

nights) that was conducted in early June. This is not a time period of high bat activity. Typically, 

bats in Colorado are most active in July, August, and September. Some bats are still arriving at 

their summer roosts in June. A more comprehensive bat survey, including greater sampling effort 

and extension of the summer season, would surely be of use in documenting bat activity on the 

site. 

Mule Deer 

Mule deer are found throughout the state in every ecosystem with the foothills of the Front Range 

having one of the highest densities (Armstrong et al. 2011). Large herds of mule deer were noted 

on the STM site, with the highest concentrations found throughout the seasons in the steep and 

broken terrain of the shrublands, which provide abundant browse and cover. In the winter 

months, the size of herds increases in general and large numbers may congregate on wintering 

grounds (Armstrong et al. 2011). This behavior was consistent with mule deer surveys and 

observational results found on the STM site. In the summer months, the mule deer were found in 

small groups with the largest herd containing 14 individuals. Whereas in the winter survey one 

large herd was found containing 18 deer and an additional observation in January 2011 recorded 

during other wildlife surveys, noted a herd containing 28 mule deer. This suggests that the STM 

site is likely used as a wintering ground which is consistent with higher use found in the winter in 

previous surveys (SAIC 2005). Winter habitat is typically a limiting resource for big game 

species such as mule deer. 

Carnivore Camera 

Coyotes were the only predator detected in the mammalian predator surveys with scent stations in 

surveys done by SAIC in 2005 and the most common predator detected by Walsh in 2010/2011, 

36 

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National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

so it is no surprise that coyotes were the only carnivore detected with the cameras as well. 

Coyotes are found in every ecosystem throughout Colorado and are one of the most adaptable 

carnivores in North America (Armstrong et al. 2011). 

A small pack of four coyotes were noted in spring of 2011 above the amphitheater by the solar 

facility. This pack may have been associated with the nearby den found in the rocky outcrop by 

SAIC in 2005. The abundant rodents, rabbits, and fawns found on STM provide an essential food 

resource. In addition, evidence of these coyotes working cooperatively on the predation of a full 

grown buck in the east drainage was discovered in March of 2011. 

Special Status Species 

One Special Status Species, the peregrine falcon, was observed during the year-long surveys. 

Observed during the fall raptor surveys in 2010, it was characterized as a local bird by its 

behavior. No longer considered endangered by state and federal agencies, it remains a Species of 

Special Concern (non-statutory) for Colorado due to its specialized breeding habitat (undisturbed 

cliffs) and low reproductive rates. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

Based on the observations discussed above, there are several measures and recommendations that 

could minimize impacts to wildlife. These include: 

 Develop the smallest possible footprint for buildings, access roads, and other

infrastructure.

 Minimize disturbance to native plant communities to benefit native grassland species of

amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

 To protect native plant community biodiversity, eradicate small weed populations,

monitor for new weed infestations, and actively manage weeds onsite through NREL’s

Weed Management Program for the STM (6-2.12).

 Minimize the potential for weed invasions that replace the native grassland plants during

construction and ongoing activities in the conservation zones such as recreational

activities.

 Seek opportunities for creation of wildlife habitat corridors to connect to other nearby

areas of habitat, especially to the open spaces to the north and west, and to Lena Gulch to

the south.

 Protect the small hill seeps to the east of the Visitor Center from encroaching

construction activities.

 Conduct additional bat surveys, ensuring coverage of July, August, and September, as

well as multiple locations on site.

 Continued monitoring of avian species will contribute to more robust density estimates

and such surveys should be conducted at intervals shorter than five years.

37 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

REFERENCES 

Animal Care and Use Committee. 1998. Guidelines for the capture, handling, and care of 

mammals as approved by the American Society of Mammalogists. Journal of 

Mammalogy 79:1416-1431. 

Armstrong, D.M., J. P. Fitzgerald, and C. A. Meaney. 2011. Mammals of Colorado, Second 

Edition. University Press of Colorado, Niwot. 620 pp. 

Begon, M., C.R. Townsend, and J.L. Harper. 2006. Ecology: from individuals to ecosystems. 

Blackwell Publishing. Fourth Edition. 

Buckland, S. T., Anderson, D. R., Burnham, K. P., and Laake, J. L. 1993. Distance Sampling: 

Estimating Abundance of Biological Populations. London: Chapman and Hall. 

Buckland, S. T., Anderson, D. R., Burnham, K. P., Laake, J. L., Borchers, D. L., and Thomas, L. 

2001. Introduction to Distance Sampling. Oxford: Oxford University Press 

Buckland, S.T., A.E Magurran, R.E Green, and R.M Fewster. 2005. Monitoring change in 

biodiversity through composite indices. Phil Trans R Soc B, 360: 243-254. 

Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDOA). 2010. Colorado Noxious Weed List. 

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1174084048733. 

Accessed online 6/2010. 

Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW). 2010. Species of Concern. 

http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/SpeciesOfConcern/ThreatenedEndangeredList/ 

ListOfThreatenedAndEndangeredSpecies.htm 

Droege, S. Amphibian Calling Surveys. USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. 

http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/monmanual/techniques/amphibcallingsurveys.htm . Accessed 

online 3/2010 . 

Finley, R.B., Jr. 1958. The Woodrats of Colorado: distribution and ecology. University of Kansas 

Publications, Museum of Natural History, 10(6):213-552. 

Francis, C.M. and Bradstreet, M.S.W. 1997. Monitoring Boreal Forest Owls in Ontario using tape 

playback surveys with volunteers. In: Duncan, James R.; Johnson, David H.; Nicholls, 

Thomas H., eds. Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd 

International symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-190. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 175-184. 

Gehlbach, F. R. 1995. Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio), The Birds of North America 

Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of 

North America Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/165 

Hammerson, G.A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado: A Colorado Field Guide. Second 

Edition. University Press of Colorado and Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado. 

Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA). 2010. Daily reporting form 

instructions. http://www.hmana.org/documents/drf2.xls. Accessed online 3/2010. 

Linhart, S.B. and F.F. Knowlton. 1975. Determining the Relative Abundance of Coyotes by Scent 

Station Lines. Wildlife Society Bulletin 3(3):119-124. 

McShea, W.J. 2008 Butterfly Mapping Project. Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center. 

Front Royal, Virginia. 

38 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

Mills, J.N., T.L. Yates, J.E. Childs, R.R. Parmenter, T.G. Ksiazek, P.E. Rollin, and C.J. Peters. 

1995. Guidelines for working with rodents potentially infected with Hantavirus. Journal 

of Mammalogy, 76(3):716-722. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). No Date. EHS Program Number 6-2.12, Weed 

Management Program, STM Site (Draft). Golden, Colorado. 

Neff, D.J. 1968. The Pellet-Group Count Technique for Big Game Trend, Census, and 

Distribution: A Review. Journal of Wildlife Management 32(3):597-614. 

Pearson and Ruggiero. 2003. Transect versus grid trapping arrangements for sampling smallmammal communities. Wildlife Society Bulletin 31(2):597-614. 

Plantae Consulting Services. 2002. Vegetation Survey Report. National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory South Table Mountain Site. June 29, 2002. 

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). 2005. Wildlife Survey (Including 

Migratory Birds and Raptors) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory South Table 

Mountain Site Golden, Colorado. June 22, 2005. 

Sikes, R.S., W.L. Gannon, and the Animal Care and Use Committee of the American Society of 

Mammalogists. 2011. Guidelines of the American Society of Mammalogists for the use 

of wild mammals in research. Journal of Mammalogy, 92(1):235-253. 

Simpson, E.H. 1949. Meaurement of Diversity. Nature. Macmillian Publishers Ltd. 163: 688. 

Smith, M.H. et al. 2009. Density estimations of small mammal populations. Pp 25-53 in (F.B. 

Golley, K. Petrusewicz, and L. Ryszkowski, eds.) Small mammals: their productivity and 

population dynamics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 

The FORUM Associates, Inc. (FORUM) 1987. Solar Energy Research Institute Wildlife Report. 

September 1987. 

Thomas, L., S.T. Buckland, E.A. Rexstad, J. L. Laake, S. Strindberg, S. L. Hedley, J. R.B. 

Bishop, T. A. Marques, and K. P. Burnham. 2010. Distance software: design and 

analysis of distance sampling surveys for estimating population size. Journal of Applied 

Ecology 47: 5-14. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). July 2010. Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate 

Species and Designated Critical Habitat for Colorado Counties. 

http://www.fws.gov/mountain%2Dprairie/endspp/countylists/colorado.pdf 

Van Dyke, F. 2008. Conservation biology: foundations, concepts, applications. Springer, Second 

Edition. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=Evh1UD3ZYWcC&pg=PA91&dq=species+diversity 

+index+and+dominance&hl=en&ei=hOFCTu3MJcTcgQfjg7y2CQ&sa=X&oi=book_res 

ult&ct=bookthumbnail&resnum=7&ved=0CE0Q6wEwBg#v=onepage&q=species%20di 

versity%20index%20and%20dominance&f=false 

Weber, W.A. and R.C. Wittmann. 2001. Colorado Flora: Eastern Slope. University Press of 

Colorado. Third Edition. 

39 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

APPENDIX A 

Plant Community Species List 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

Legend to classification codes: 

Origin: 

Refers to origin of species 

N Native to the Front Range area 

I Introduced or exotic species 

Species: 

Refers to blooming/production season for grass species
 

C cold season (spring/early summer)
 

W warm season (mid to late summer)
 

Life Form: 

Refers to life form/strategy of species 

AF annual forb 

BF biennial forb 

PF perennial forb 

AG annual grass/graminoid (includes rushes and sedges) 

PG perennial grass/graminoid (includes rushes and sedges) 

SU succulent 

SS subshrub 

S shrub 

T tree 

V vine 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Adenolinum lewisii Linum lewisii Wild flax Linaceae - Flax Family N NA PF 

Aegilops cylindrica Jointed goatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C AG 

Agaloma marginata Snow-on-the-mountain Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family N NA PF 

Agoseris glauca False dandelion Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Agropyron cristatum Crested wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Allium sp. Wild onion Alliaceae – Onion Family N NA PF 

Alyssum parviflorum Alyssum minus Alyssum Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Anisantha tectorum Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C AG 

Apocynum cannabinum Indian hemp Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family N NA PF 

Argemone hispida Hairy poppy Papaveraceae - Poppy Family N NA PF 

Aristida purpurea Three-awn Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Artemisia biennis Sagewort Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Artemisia frigida Fringed sagebrush Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sagewort Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Asclepias pumila Plains milkweed Aclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family N NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Asclepias speciosa Showy milkweed Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family N NA PF 

Aster porteri White aster Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Astragalus drummondii Drummonds milk vetch Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Astragalus shortianus Milk vetch Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Bassia sieversiana Kochia scoparia Kochia Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family I NA AF 

Bouteloua curtipendula Side-oats grama Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Brickellia rosmarinifolia 

subsp. chlorolepis Kuhnia chlorolepis Brickellia Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Bromopsis inermis Bromus inermis Smooth bromegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Bromus japonicus Japanese brome Poaceae - Grass Family I C AG 

Carduus nutans Musk thistle Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Carex brevior Sedge Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Carex pensylvanica subsp. 

heliophila Sun sedge Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Castilleja integra Indian paintbrush Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family N NA PF 

Celtis reticulata Netleaf hackberry Ulmaceae - Elm Family N NA T 

Acosta diffusa Centaurea diffusa Diffuse knapweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF/PF 

Chamaesyce 

glyptopsperma 

Euphorbia 

glyptosperma Ridgeseed spurge Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family N NA AF 

Chenopodium berlandieri Goosefoot Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family N NA AF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Chondrosum gracile Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Chrysothamnus nauseosus 

subsp. graveolens Rubber rabbitbrush Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA S 

Breea arvensis Cirsium arvense Canada thistle Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Cirsium canescens Hairy thistle Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Cirsium undulatum Wavyleaf thistle Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA BF 

Commandra umbellata Bastard-toadflax Santalaceae - Sandelwood Family N 

NA PF 

Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed Convolvulaceae - Morning Glory I NA PF 

Coreopsis tinctoria Plains coreopsis Family N NA PF 

Coryphantha missouriensis Yellow pincushion Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Coryphantha vivipara var. 

vivipara Nipple cactus Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Critesion jubatum Hordeum jubatum Foxtail barley Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Cynoglossum officinale Houndstongue Boraginaceae – Borage Family I NA BF 

Dalea candida Petalostemon 

candida White prairie clover Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Dalea purpurea Petalostemon 

purpurea Purple prairie clover Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Delphinium carolinianum 

subsp. virescens 

Delphinium 

virescens Prairie larkspur Helleboraceae - Hellebore Family N NA PF 

Dyssodia papposa Fetid marigold Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Echinocereus viridiflorus Hen-and-chicks Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Echinocerus triglochidialis Claret cup Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian-olive Elaeagnaceae - Oleaster Family I NA T 

Eleocharis elliptica var. 

compressa Spikerush Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Elymus trachycaulus 

subsp. trachycaulus 

Agropyron caninum 

subsp. majus Slender wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Erigeron colo-mexicanus Fleabane Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Erigeron flagellaris Daisy fleabane Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA BF 

Eriogonum annuum Annual eriogonun Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA AF 

Eriogonum effusum Spreading wild buckwheat Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Eriogonum flavum Yellow wild buckwheat Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Eriogonum umbellatum Wild buckwheat Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Erodium cicutarium Filaree Geraniaceae - Geranium Family I NA AF 

Erysimum capitatum Western wallflower Brassicaceae - Mustard Family N NA BF 

Fraxinus pensylvanica var. 

lanceolata Green ash Oleaceae - Olive Family I NA T 

Gaillardia aristata 

Gaura parviflora 

Blanketflower Asteraceae - Sunflower Family 

N NA PF 

Gaura mollis Gaura Onagraceae - Evening-primrose N NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Gaura parviflora Smallflower gaura Onagraceae - Evening-primrose N NA AF 

Geranium caespitosum 

subsp. caespitosum Wild geranium Geraniaceae - Geranium Family N NA PF 

Grindelia inornata Rayless gumweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Grindelia squarrosa Curlycup gumweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA BF 

Helianthus annuus Common sunflower Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA AF 

Helianthus pumilus Sunflower Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Hesperostipa comata Stipa comata Needle-and-thread Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Heterotheca villosa Chrysopsis villosa Hairy golden aster Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Lesquerella ludoviciana Bladderpod Brassicaceae - Mustard Family N NA PF 

Liatris punctata Dotted gayfeather Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Linaria genistifolia subsp. 

dalmatica Linaria dalmatica Dalmatian toadflax Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family I NA PF 

Lithospermum incisum Narrowleaf gromwell Boraginaceae - Borage Family N NA PF 

Lupinus argenteus Silver lupine Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Lygodesmia juncea Rush skeletonplant Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Melilotus officinalis Yellow sweetclover Fabaceae - Pea Family I NA BF 

Mertensia lanceolata Bluebells Boraginaceae - Borage Family N NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis Mat muhly Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Nassella viridula Stipa viridula Green needlegrass Poaceae – Grass Family N C PG 

Nuttalia nuda Blazingstar Loasaceae - Loasa Family N NA PF 

Oligosporus pacificus Artemisia campestris Field sagewort Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Onopordum acanthium Scotch thistle Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Opuntia fragilis Brittle cactus Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Opuntia macrorhiza Plains prickly pear Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Opuntia phaeacantha New Mexican prickly pear Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Opuntia polyacantha Plains prickly pear Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Oxytropis lambertii Lambert locoweed Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Padus virginiana subsp. 

melanocarpa Prunus virginiana Chokecherry Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Paronychia jamesii James' nailwort Alsinaceae - Chickweed Family N NA PF 

Pascopyrum smithii Agropyron smithii Western wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Penstemon virgatus Penstemon Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family N NA PF 

Penstmon angustifolius Narrow beardtongue Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family N NA PF 

Phacelia heterophylla Phacelia hastata 

var. leucophylla Scorpionweed Hydrophyllaceae - Waterleaf Family N NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Physaria vitulifera Fiddle bladderpod Brassicaceae - Mustard Family N NA PF 

Physaria vitulifera Fiddle bladderpod Brassicaceae - Mustard Family N NA PF 

Plantago patagonica Woolly plantain Plantaginaceae - Plantain Family N NA AF 

Poa compressa Canada bluegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Poa secunda Poa canbyi Canby bluegrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Podospermum laciniatum Scorzonera laciniata False salsify Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA AF 

Populus deltoides Plains cottonwood Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA T 

Psoralidium tenuiflora Slimflower scurfpea Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Pterogonum alatum Erigeron alatum Winged buckwheat Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Ratibida columnifera Prairie coneflower Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Ratibida tagetes Coneflower Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Rhus aromatica var. 

trilobata Skunkbrush Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family N NA S 

Rosa arkansana Prairie rose Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Rumex crispus Curly dock Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Salsola iberica Russian-thistle Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family I NA AF 

Schedonnardus 

paniculatus Tumblegrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Schizachyrium scoparium Andropogon 

scoparius Little bluestem Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Scrophularia lanceolata Figwort Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family N NA PF 

Scutellaria brittonii Britton's skullcap Lamiaceae - Mint Family N NA PF 

Senecio integerrimus Grounsel Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA BF/PF 

Sisymbrium altissimum Tumbling mustard Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Solidago missouriensis Prairie goldenrod Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Solidago mollis Soft goldenrod Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Sorghastrum nutans Indian-grass Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow Malvaceae - Mallow Family N NA PF 

Sporobolus cryptandrus Sand dropseed Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Sporobolus sp. Dropseed Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Symphoricarpos 

occidentalis Western snowberry Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle 

Family N NA S 

Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Thermopsis divaricarpa Prairie goldenpea Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Tithymalus brachyceras Spurge Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family N NA PF 

Tithymalus montanus Spurge Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family N NA PF 

Toxicodendron rydbergii Poison ivy Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family N NA S 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Grassland Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Tradescantia occidentalis Spiderwort Commelinaceae N NA PF 

Tragia ramosa Noseburn Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family N NA PF 

Tragopogon dubius Goatsbeard Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Ulmus pumila Chinese elm Ulmaceae - Elm Family I NA T 

Verbascum thapsus Common mullein Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family I NA BF 

Verbena bracteata Prostrate verbena Verbebaceae - Verbena Family N NA PF 

Vicia americana American vetch Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Yucca glauca Yucca Agavaceae - Agave Family N NA SU 

Xanthium strumarium Cocklebur Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA AF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2. Upland Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Adenolinum lewisii Linum lewisii Wild flax Linaceae - Flax Family N NA PF 

Allium textile Wild onion Alliaceae - Onion Family N NA PF 

Alyssum alyssoides Pale alyssum Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Alyssum parviflorum Alyssum minus Alyssum Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Amerosedum lanceolatum Yellow stonecrop Crassulaceae - Stonecrop Family N NA PF 

Anisantha tectorum Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C AG 

Apocynum cannabinum Indian hemp Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family N NA PF 

Aristida purpurea Three-awn Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Artemisia frigida Fringed sagebrush Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sagewort Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Artemisia tridentata Big sagebrush Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA S 

Asclepias viridiflora Green flowered milkweed Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family N NA PF 

Astragalus drummondii Drummonds milk vetch Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Atriplex canescens Fourwing saltbush Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family N NA S 

Buchloë dactyloides Buffalograss Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Campanula rotundifolia Common harebell Campanulaceae - Bellflower Family N NA PF 

Carduus nutans Musk thistle Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Ceanothus fendleri Buckbrush Rhamnaceae - Buckthorn Family N NA S 

Celtis reticulata Netleaf hackberry Ulmaceae - Elm Family N NA T 

Cerastrium strictum Mouse-ear Alsinaceae - Chickweed Family N NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2. Upland Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Cercocarpus montanus Mountain-mahogany Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Chondrosum gracile Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Chrysothamnus nauseosus 

subsp. graveolens Rubber rabbitbrush Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA S 

Commandra umbellata Bastard-toadflax Santalaceae - Sandelwood Family N NA PF 

Critesion jubatum Hordeum jubatum Foxtail barley Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Drymocallis fissa Potentilla fissa Cinquefoil Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA PF 

Erigeron colo-mexicanus Fleabane Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Eriogonum effusum Spreading wild buckwheat Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Eriogonum umbellatum Wild buckwheat Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Erodium cicutarium Filaree Geraniaceae - Geranium Family I NA AF 

Gutierrezia sarothrae Broom snakeweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Helianthus pumilus Sunflower Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Hesperostipa comata Stipa comata Needle-and-thread Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Heterotheca villosa Chrysopsis villosa Hairy golden aster Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Ipomopsis aggregata subsp. 

candida Gilia Polemoniaceae - Phlox Family N NA PF 

Lathyrus eucosmus Elegant peavine Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Liatris punctata Dotted gayfeather Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Linaria genistifolia subsp. 

dalmatica Linaria dalmatica Dalmatian toadflax Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family I NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2. Upland Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis Mat muhly Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Onosmodium molle subsp. 

occidentale Marbleseed Boraginaceae - Borage Family N NA PF 

Opuntia macrorhiza Plains prickly pear Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Opuntia polyacantha Plains prickly pear Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Oreobatus deliciosus Rubus deliciousus Boulder raspberry Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Oxytropis lambertii Lambert locoweed Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Padus virginiana subsp. 

melanocarpa Prunus virginiana Chokecherry Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Pascopyrum smithii Agropyron smithii Western wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Penstemon virgatus Penstemon Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family N NA PF 

Phacelia hastata Whiteleaf phacelia Hydrophyllaceae - Water-leaf 

Family N NA PF 

Physaria vitulifera Fiddle bladderpod Brassicaceae - Mustard Family N NA PF 

Psoralidium tenuiflora Slimflower scurfpea Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Rhus aromatica var. trilobata Skunkbrush Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family N NA S 

Ribes cereum Wax current Grossulariaceae - Current Family N NA S 

Rosa woodsii Woods rose Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Scutellaria brittonii Britton's skullcap Lamiaceae - Mint Family N NA PF 

Selaginella densa Little club moss Selaginellaceae - Little Club-moss N NA PF 

Sisymbrium altissimum Tumbling mustard Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 2. Upland Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow Malvaceae - Mallow Family N NA PF 

Symphoricarpos occidentalis Western snowberry Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle 

Family N NA S 

Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Thlaspi arvense Fanweed Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Toxicodendron rydbergii Poison ivy Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family N NA S 

Tragopogon dubius Goatsbeard Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Vulpia octoflora Six-weeks fescue Poaceae - Grass Family N C AG 

Yucca glauca Yucca Agavaceae - Agave Family N NA SU 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3. Ravine Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Adenolinum lewisii Linum lewisii Wild flax Linaceae - Flax Family N NA PF 

Aegilops cylindrica Jointed goatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C AG 

Agropyron cristatum Crested wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Agrostis stolonifera Redtop Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Alyssum parviflorum Alyssum minus Alyssum Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Anisantha tectorum Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C AG 

Apocynum cannabinum Indian hemp Apocynaceae - Dogbane Family N NA PF 

Arctium minus Common burdock Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Aristida purpurea Three-awn Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Artemisia dracunculus Dragon sagewort Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Artemisia frigida Fringed sagebrush Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sagewort Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkweed Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family N NA PF 

Asclepias pumila Plains milkweed Aclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family N NA PF 

Asclepias speciosa Showy milkweed Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family N NA PF 

Asparagus officinalis Asparagus Asparagaceae - Asparagus Family N NA PF 

Aster porteri White aster Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Aster sp. Aster Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Astragalus drummondii Drummonds milk vetch Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Bassia sieversiana Kochia scoparia Kochia Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family I NA AF 

Bromopis inermis Bromus inermis Smooth bromegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3. Ravine Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Calochortus nuttallii Sego lily Liliaceae – Lily Family N NA PF 

Camelina microcarpa Small-seeded false flax Brassicaceae – Mustard Family I NA AF 

Carduus nutans Musk thistle Asteraceae – Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Carex praegracilis Slender sedge Cyperaceae – Sedge Family N NA PG 

Carex sp. Sedge Cyperaceae – Sedge Family N NA PG 

Celtis reticulata Netleaf hackberry Ulmaceae – Elm Family N NA T 

Centaurea diffusa Euphorbia Diffuse knapweed Asteraceae – Sunflower Family I NA BF/PF 

Chamaesyce glyptopsperma glyptosperma Ridgeseed spurge Euphorbiaceae – Spurge Family N NA AF 

Chrysothamnus nauseosus 

subsp. graveolens Rubber rabbitbrush Asteraceae – Sunflower Family N NA S 

Cirsium arvense Canada thistle Asteraceae – Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Clematis ligusticifolia Virgin’s bower Ranunculaceae – Buttercup Family N NA V 

Conium maculatum Poison hemlock Apiaceae – Parsley Family I NA BF 

Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed Convolvulaceae – Morning Glory 

Family I NA PF 

Crataegus macracantha var. 

occidentalis 

Crataegus 

succulenta Western hawthorn Rosaceae – Rose Family N NA S 

Cynoglossum officinale Houndstongue Boraginaceae – Borage Family I NA BF 

Dactylis glomerata Orchard grass Poaceae – Grass Family I C PG 

Dalea candida Petalostemon 

candida White prairie clover Fabaceae – Pea Family N NA PF 

Descurainia pinnata Tansy mustard Brassicaceae – Mustard Family N NA AF 

Descurainia sophia Tansy mustard Brassicaceae – Mustard Family I NA AF/BF 

Dipsacus sylvestris Teasel Dipsacaceae – Teasel Family I NA BF 

Echinochloa crusgalli Barnyard grass Poaceae – Grass Family I W AG 

Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian-olive Elaeagnaceae – Oleaster Family I NA T 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3. Ravine Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Eleocharis palustris Spike-rush Cyperaceae – Sedge Family N NA PG 

Elymus canadensis Canada wild rye Poaceae – Grass Family N C PG 

Elymus lanceolatus subsp. 

psammophilus Agropyron riparium Streambank wheatgrass Poaceae – Grass Family N C PG 

Fraxinus pensylvanica var. 

lanceolata Green ash Oleaceae – Olive Family I NA T 

Galium spurium Cleavers Rubiaceae – Madder Family I NA PF 

Gaura mollis Gaura parviflora Gaura Onagraceae – Evening-primrose 

Family N NA PF 

Gaura parviflora Smallflower gaura Onagraceae – Evening-primrose 

Family N NA AF 

Glycyrrhiza lepidota American licorice Fabaceae – Pea Family N NA PF 

Grindelia squarrosa Curlycup gumweed Asteraceae – Sunflower Family N NA BF 

Helianthus pumilus Sunflower Asteraceae – Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Heterotheca villosa Chrysopsis villosa Hairy golden aster Asteraceae – Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Juncus arcticus Rush Juncaceae – Rush Family N NA PG 

Juncus interior Rush Juncaceae – Rush Family N NA PG 

Juncus sp. Rush Juncaceae – Rush Family N NA PG 

Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Asteraceae – Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Lactuca tatarica subsp. 

pulchella Siberian lettuce Asteraceae – Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Lathyrus eucosmus Elegant peavine Fabaceae – Pea Family N NA PF 

Liatris punctata Dotted gayfeather Asteraceae – Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Linaria genistifolia subsp. 

dalmatica Linaria dalmatica Dalmatian toadflax Scrophulariaceae – Figwort Family I NA PF 

Mertensia sp. Bluebells Boraginaceae – Borage Family N NA PF 

Medicago sativa Alfalfa Fabaceae - Pea Family I NA PF 

Melilotus officinalis Yellow sweetclover Fabaceae - Pea Family I NA BF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3. Ravine Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Melilotus sp. Sweetclover Fabaceae - Pea Family I NA BF 

Monarda fistulosa Bee balm Lamiaceae - Mint Family N NA PF 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis Mat muhly Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Negundo aceroides Acer negundo Box elder Aceraceae - Maple Family N NA T 

Nepeta cataria Catnip Lamiaceae - Mint Family I NA PF 

Opuntia polyacantha Plains prickly pear Cactaceae - Cactus Family N NA SU 

Oxybaphus nyctagineus Mirabilis nyctaginea Wild four-o'clocks Nyctaginaceae - Four-o'clock 

Family N NA PF 

Padus virginiana subsp. 

melanocarpa Prunus virginiana Chokecherry Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Panicum capillare Witchgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N W AG 

Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Pascopyrum smithii Agropyron smithii Western wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Persicaria maculata Polygonum 

persicaria Lady's thumb Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family I NA AF 

Phacelia heterophylla 

Phacelia hastata 

var. 

leucophylla 

Scorpionweed Hydrophyllaceae - Waterleaf Family N NA PF 

Phleum pratense Common Timothy Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Physalis virginiana Virginia ground-cherry Solanaceae - Nightshade Family I NA PF 

Plantago major Common plantain Plantaginaceae - Plantain Family I NA PF 

Poa compressa Canada bluegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Populus deltoides Plains cottonwood Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA T 

Populus x acuminata Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA T 

Prunus americana Wild plum Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Psoralidium tenuiflora Slimflower scurfpea Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3. Ravine Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Pyrus malus Malus pumila Apple Rosaceae - Rose Family I NA T 

Ranculus abortivus subsp. 

acrolasius Buttercup Ranunculaceae - Buttercup Family N NA PF 

Ratibida columnifera Prairie coneflower Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Rhus aromatica var. trilobata Skunkbrush Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family N NA S 

Ribes aureum Golden current Grossulariaceae - Current Family N NA S 

Ribes cereum Wax current Grossulariaceae - Current Family N NA S 

Rosa arkansana Prairie rose Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Rosa woodsii Woods rose Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Rumex crispus Curly dock Polygonaceae - Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaf willow Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA T 

Salix exigua Sandbar willow Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA S 

Salix fragilis Crack willow Salicaceae - Willow Family I NA T 

Salix lutea Yellow willow Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA S 

Shepherdia argentea Silverberry Elaeagnaceae - Oleaster Family N NA S 

Sisymbrium altissimum Tumbling mustard Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Solidago mollis Soft goldenrod Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow Malvaceae - Mallow Family N NA PF 

Stipa viridula Green needlegrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Symphoricarpos occidentalis Western snowberry Caprifoliaceae - Honeysuckle 

Family N NA S 

Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Thlaspi arvense Fanweed Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Toxicodendron rydbergii Poison ivy Anacardiaceae - Sumac Family N NA S 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 3. Ravine Shrubland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Tragia ramosa Noseburn Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family N NA PF 

Tragopogon dubius Goatsbeard Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved cattail Typhaceae - Cattail Family N NA PF 

Typha latifolia Common cattail Typhaceae - Cattail Family N NA PF 

Ulmus pumila Chinese elm Ulmaceae - Elm Family I NA T 

Verbascum thapsus Common mullein Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family I NA BF 

Veronica catenata Speedwell Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family N NA PF 

Vicia americana American vetch Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Yucca glauca Yucca Agavaceae - Agave Family N NA SU 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 4. Wetland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Asclepias incarnata Swamp milkweed Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family N NA PF 

Asclepias speciosa Showy milkweed Asclepiadaceae - Milkweed Family N NA PF 

Carex praegracilis Slender sedge Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Carex sp. Sedge Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Carex utriculata Carex rostrata Sedge Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Celtis reticulata Netleaf hackberry Ulmaceae - Elm Family N NA T 

Clematis ligusticifolia Virgin's bower Ranunculaceae - Buttercup Family N NA V 

Comiun maculatum Poison hemlock Apiaceae - Parsley Family I NA BF 

Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed Convolvulaceae – Morning glory 

Family I NA PF 

Critesion jubatum Hordeum jubatum Foxtail barley Poaceae – Grass Family N C PG 

Cynoglossum officinale Houndstongue Boraginaceae - Borage Family I NA BF 

Eleocharis elliptica var. 

compressa Spikerush Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Dipsacus sylvestris Teasel Dipsacaceae - Teasel Family I NA BF 

Eleocharis palustris Spike-rush Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Elymus lanceolatus subsp. 

psammophilus 

Agropyron 

riparium Streambank wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Fraxinus pensylvanica var. 

lanceolata Green ash Oleaceae - Olive Family I NA T 

Glycyrrhiza lepidota American licorice Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Juncus arcticus Rush Juncaceae - Rush Family N NA PG 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 4. Wetland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Juncus balticus Baltic rush Juncaceae – Rush Family N NA PG 

Juncus interior Rush Juncaceae - Rush Family N NA PG 

Juncus sp. Rush Juncaceae - Rush Family N NA PG 

Lithospermum incisum Narrowleaf gromwell Boraginaceae - Borage Family N NA PF 

Melilotus sp. Sweetclover Fabaceae – Pea Family I NA BF 

Mentha arvensis Fieldmint Lamiaceae - Mint Family N NA PF 

Mertensia lanceolata Bluebells Boraginaceae - Borage Family N NA PF 

Monarda fistulosa Bee balm Lamiaceae - Mint Family N NA PF 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis Mat muhly Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Nepeta cataria Catnip Lamiaceae - Mint Family I NA PF 

Padus virginiana subsp. 

melanocarpa Prunus virginiana Chokecherry Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Pascopyrum smithii Agropyron smithii Western wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Poa compressa Canada bluegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Populus deltoides Plains cottonwood Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA T 

Populus x acuminata Prunus americana Wild plum Salicaceae - Willow Family 

Rosaceae - Rose Family N N NA NA T S 

Ribes aureum Golden current Grossulariaceae - Current Family N NA S 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 4. Wetland Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Ribes cereum Wax current Grossulariaceae - Current Family N NA S 

Rosa woodsii Woods rose Rosaceae - Rose Family N NA S 

Rumex sp. Dock Polygonaceae – Buckwheat Family N NA PF 

Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaf willow Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA T 

Salix exigua Sandbar willow Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA S 

Salix fragilis Crack willow Salicaceae - Willow Family I NA T 

Salix lutea Yellow willow Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA S 

Scirpus sp. Bulrush Cyperaceae - Sedge Family N NA PG 

Shepherdia argentea Silverberry Elaeagnaceae - Oleaster Family N NA S 

Symphoricarpos occidentalis Western snowberry Caprifoliaceae – Honeysuckle 

Family N NA S 

Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Typha angustifolia Narrow-leaved cattail Typhaceae - Cattail Family N NA PF 

Typha latifolia Common cattail Typhaceae - Cattail Family N NA PF 

Ulmus pumila Chinese elm Ulmaceae - Elm Family I NA T 

Veronica Americana American brooklime Scrophulariaceae – Figwort Family N NA AF 

Veronica catenata Speedwell Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family N NA PF 

Vibernum lantana Wayfaring tree Caryophyllaceae - Pink Family I NA S 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5. Disturbed/Reclaimed Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Agropyron cristatum Crested wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Agropyron intermedium Intermediate wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Alyssum parviflorum Alyssum minus Alyssum Brassicaceae - Mustard Family I NA AF 

Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Ambrosia trifida Giant ragweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA AF 

Andropogon gerardii Big bluestem Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Anisantha tectorum Bromus tectorum Cheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C AG 

Arctium minus Common burdock Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Aristida purpurea Three-awn Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Artemisia frigida Fringed sagebrush Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Artemisia ludoviciana Prairie sagewort Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Aster porteri White aster Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Atriplex canescens Fourwing saltbush Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family N NA S 

Bassia sieversiana Kochia scoparia Kochia Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family I NA AF 

Bouteloua curtipendula Side-oats grama Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Breea arvensis Circium arvense Canada thistle Asteraceae – Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Brickellia eupatorioides Brickellia Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Bromopis inermis Bromus inermis Smooth bromegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5. Disturbed/Reclaimed Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Bromus japonicus Japanese brome Poaceae - Grass Family I C AG 

Buchloë dactyloides Buffalograss Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Acosta diffusa Centaurea diffusa Diffuse knapweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF/PF 

Cardaria draba Whitetop Brassicaceae – Mustard Family I NA PF 

Chamaesyce glyptopsperma Euphorbia 

glyptosperma Ridgeseed spurge Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family N NA AF 

Chenopodium album Common lambsquarters Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family I NA AF 

Chondrosum gracile Bouteloua gracilis Blue grama Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Chrysothamnus nauseosus 

subsp. graveolens Rubber rabbitbrush Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA S 

Comiun maculatum Poison hemlock Apiaceae - Parsley Family I NA BF 

Convolvulus arvensis Field bindweed Convolvulaceae - Morning Glory 

Family I NA PF 

Critesion jubatum Hordeum jubatum Foxtail barley Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Dyssodia papposa Fetid marigold Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Echinochloa crusgalli Barnyard grass Poaceae - Grass Family I W AG 

Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian-olive Elaeagnaceae - Oleaster Family I NA T 

Epilobium brachycarpum Epilobium 

paniculatum Willowherb Onagraceae - Evening-primrose Family N NA AF 

Erodium cicutarium Filaree Geraniaceae - Geranium Family I NA AF 

Festuca sp. Fescue Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Glycyrrhiza lepidota American licorice Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5. Disturbed/Reclaimed Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Gutierrezia sarothrae Broom snakeweed Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA SS 

Helianthus annuus Common sunflower Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA AF 

Hesperostipa comata Stipa comata Needle-and-thread Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Lactuca serriola Prickly lettuce Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Linaria genistifolia subsp. 

dalmatica Linaria dalmatica Dalmatian toadflax Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family I NA PF 

Lophopyrum elongatum Agropyron 

elongatum Tall wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Malva neglecta Common mallow Malvaceae - Mallow Family I NA PF 

Melilotus officinalis Yellow sweetclover Fabaceae – Pea Family I NA BF 

Muhlenbergia richardsonis Mat muhly Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Negundo aceroides Acer negundo Box elder Aceraceae - Maple Family N NA T 

Nepeta cataria Catnip Lamiaceae - Mint Family I NA PF 

Onopordum acanthium Scotch thistle Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

Oxybaphus linearis Mirabilis linearis Narrowleaf umbrellawort Nyctaginaceae - Four-o'clock 

Family N NA PF 

Panicum capillare Witchgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N W AG 

Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Pascopyrum smithii Agropyron smithii Western wheatgrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Phleum pratense Common Timothy Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Physalis virginiana Virginia ground-cherry Solanaceae - Nightshade Family I NA PF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 5. Disturbed/Reclaimed Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Pinus edulis Pinon pine Pinaceae - Pine Family N NA T 

Pinus ponderosa Ponderosa pine Pinaceae - Pine Family N NA T 

Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass Poaceae - Grass Family I C PG 

Poinsettia dentata Euphorbia dentata Toothed spurge Euphorbiaceae - Spurge Family I NA AF 

Populus deltoides Plains cottonwood Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA T 

Psoralidium tenuiflora Slimflower scurfpea Fabaceae - Pea Family N NA PF 

Sabina scopulorum Rocky mountain juniper Cupressaceae - Cypress Family N NA T 

Salix amygdaloides Peach-leaf willow Salicaceae - Willow Family N NA T 

Salsola iberica Russian-thistle Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot 

Family I NA AF 

Schizachyrium scoparium Andropogon 

scoparius Little bluestem Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Setaria viridis Green floxtail Poaceae - Grass Family I W AG 

Seteria glauca Yellow foxtail Poaceae - Grass Family I NA AG 

Solidago missouriensis Prairie goldenrod Asteraceae - Sunflower Family N NA PF 

Sorghastrum nutans Indian-grass Poaceae - Grass Family N W PG 

Sphaeralcea coccinea Scarlet globemallow Malvaceae - Mallow Family N NA PF 

Stipa viridula Green needlegrass Poaceae - Grass Family N C PG 

Taraxicum officinale Commondandelion Asteraceae – Sunflower Family I NA PF 

Tragopogon dubius Goatsbeard Asteraceae - Sunflower Family I NA BF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

 

Table 5. Disturbed/Reclaimed Plant Community 

Plant Species List 

NREL South Table Mountain Site 

Scientific Binomial Synonomy Common Name Family Origin Season Life 

Form 

Tribulus terrestris Puncturevine Zygophyllaceae - Caltrop Family I NA AF 

Ulmus pumila Chinese elm Ulmaceae - Elm Family I NA T 

Verbascum thapsus Common mullein Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family I NA BF 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain 

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys 

APPENDIX B 

Photos 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

Photo 1. December 6, 2010. Short-grass grassland and tall shrubland (upper right). Two mule 

deer are resting in the grassland on the South Table mesa top. A pocket of mountain mahagony 

can be seen beyond the deer. 

Photo 2. June 23, 2010. Mixed-grass grassland north of the Visitor Center. On the rolling slopes 

and the flat land on either side of the ephemeral drainage, mixed grass grassland is the dominant 

plant community. In the upper reaches of the drainage, ravine shrublands are surrounded by 

grassland and grade into grassland plants toward the lower reaches of the east drainage. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

Photo 3. December 6, 2010. Tall shrubland (background) and short-grass grassland 

(foreground) on the mesa top, upslope and northeast of the amphitheatre drainage. Several 

species of upland tall shrubs, dominated by mountain mahagony can be seen beyond the 

grazing mule deer. 

Photo 4. June 9, 2010. Short shrubland along the east project boundary. One tall shrub of mountain 

mahagony was observed but this community is dominated by skunkbrush in this area. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

Photo 5. June 23, 2010. Ravine shrubland along the upgradient portions of the east drainage north 

of the Visitor Center. 

Photo 6. June 23, 2010. Ravine shrubland overstory in the upper reaches of the amphitheatre 

drainage 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
 

 

Photo 7. June 23, 2010. Wetland at the top of the drainage in the southwest of the project 

boundary. 

Photo 8. June 23, 2010. Same wetland as in Photo 7 (above) slightly further upgradient 

with various obligate wetland graminoids in the foreground and peachleaf willows in the 

background. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
Photo 9. June 23, 2010. Linear depressional wetland northeast of the solar facilty along the 

northern project boundary.

Photo 10. June 9, 2010. A disturbed community on the perimeter of the Solar Energy Research 

Facility near the central portion of the southern project boundary.

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
National Renewable Energy Lab, South Table Mountain

2010-2011 Vegetation and Wildlife Surveys

 

APPENDIX C

Colorado Natural Heritage Program Data Query Response

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
Knowledge to Go Places 

June 25, 2010 

Colorado Natural Heritage Program 

Colorado State University 

8002 Campus Delivery 

Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-8002 

(970) 491-1309 

FAX: (970) 491-3349 

www.cnhp.colostate.edu 

Janetta Shepard, P.W.S. 

Restoration Ecologist 

Walsh Environmental Scientists & Engineers, LLC 

4888 Pearl East Circle, Suite 108 

Boulder, Colorado 80301 

Dear Janetta: 

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is in receipt of your request for information regarding the 

NREL South Table Mountain site of interest in Jefferson County, Colorado. In response, I have searched our 

Biodiversity Tracking and Conservation System (BIOTICS) for natural heritage elements (occurrences of 

significant natural communities and rare, threatened or endangered plants and animals) documented from the 

vicinity of the area specified in your request, specifically within a two-mile buffered radius of the proposed 

project area as described by the shapefile provided to CNHP for the purposes of this review. 

The enclosed report describes natural heritage resources known from this area and gives location (by 

Township, Range, and Section), precision information, and the date of last observation of the element at that 

location. This report includes elements known to occur within the specified project site, as well as elements 

known from similar landscapes near the site. Please note that “precision” reflects the resolution of original 

data. For example, an herbarium record from “4 miles east of Colorado Springs” provides much less spatial 

information than a topographic map showing the exact location of the occurrence. “Precision” codes of 

Seconds, Minutes, and General are defined in the footer of the enclosed report. 

The report also outlines the status of known elements. We have included status according to Natural Heritage 

Program methodology and legal status under state and federal statutes. Natural Heritage ranks are 

standardized across the Heritage Program network, and are assigned for global and state levels of rarity. They 

range from “1” for critically imperiled or extremely rare elements, to “5” for those that are demonstrably 

secure. 

You may notice that some occurrences do not have sections listed. Those species have been designated as 

“sensitive” due to their rarity and threats by human activity. Peregrine falcons, for example, are susceptible to 

human breeders removing falcon eggs from their nests. For these species, CNHP does not normally provide 

location information beyond township and range. Please contact us should you require more detailed 

information for sensitive occurrences. 

There are no CNHP designated Potential Conservation Area (PCAs) and no Network of Conservation Areas 

(NCAs) located within the project area, but multiple PCAs are in the general vicinity (see enclosed shapefile 

and PCA site reports). In order to successfully protect populations or occurrences, it is necessary to delineate 

conservation areas. These conservation areas focus on capturing the ecological processes that are necessary to 

support the continued existence of a particular element of natural heritage significance. Conservation areas 

may include a single occurrence of a rare element or a suite of rare elements or significant features. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
The goal of the process is to identify a land area that can provide the habitat and ecological processes upon 

which a particular element or suite of elements depends for their continued existence. The best available 

knowledge of each species' life history is used in conjunction with information about topographic, geomorphic, 

and hydrologic features, vegetative cover, as well as current and potential land uses. The proposed boundary 

does not automatically exclude all activity. It is hypothesized that some activities will cause degradation to the 

element or the process on which they depend, while others will not. Consideration of specific activities or land 

use changes proposed within or adjacent to the preliminary conservation planning boundary should be 

carefully considered and evaluated for their consequences to the element on which the conservation unit is 

based. 

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has legal authority over wildlife in the state. CDOW would therefore be 

responsible for the evaluation of and final decisions regarding any potential effects a proposed project may 

have on wildlife. If you would like more specific information regarding these or other vertebrate species in the 

vicinity of the area of interest, please contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife. 

The information contained herein represents the results of a search of Colorado Natural Heritage Program's 

(CNHP) Biodiversity Tracking and Conservation System (BIOTICS), and can be used as notice to anticipate 

possible impacts or identify areas of interest. Care should be taken in interpreting these data. Sensitive 

elements are currently known from within the vicinity of the proposed project area (see enclosed Adobe PDF 

species report). Additionally, we also searched our observations database for species watch-listed but not fully 

tracked by CNHP and found no observations in the vicinity of the project area. Please note that the absence of 

data for a particular area, species, or habitat does not necessarily mean that these natural heritage resources do 

not occur on or adjacent to the project site, rather that our files do not currently contain information to 

document their presence. CNHP information should not replace field studies necessary for more localized 

planning efforts, especially if impacts to wildlife habitat are possible. 

Although every attempt is made to provide the most current and precise information possible, please be aware 

that some of our sources provide a higher level of accuracy than others, and some interpretation may be 

required. CNHP's data system is constantly updated and revised. Please contact CNHP for an update or 

assistance with interpretation of this natural heritage information. 

The data contained in the report is the product and property of the Colorado Natural Heritage Program 

(CNHP), a sponsored program at Colorado State University (CSU). The data contained herein are provided on 

an as is, as available basis without warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, including (but not limited to) 

warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. CNHP, CSU and the 

state of Colorado further expressly disclaim any warranty that the data are error free or current as of the date 

supplied. 

Sincerely, 

Michael Menefee 

Environmental Review Coordinator 

Enc. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
25 June 2010

Locations and Status of Rare and/or Imperiled Species and Natural Communities known from or likely to occur within a 

two-mile radius of 327 acres at NREL’s South Table Mountain facility in Jefferson County, CO

Report generated:

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

EO_ID major group scientific name common name Prec last obs Sec TRS Note grank srank ESA fed stat

Town/

Range st stat

eorank

8,530 Birds Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird G 1989-07-04 004S070W 07 G5 S2B H -

8,251 Insects Atrytone arogos Arogos Skipper M 1979-99-99 004S070W 13 G3 S2 H -

9,371 Insects Atrytone arogos Arogos Skipper M 1991-08-10 003S070W 27 G3 S2 E

003S070W 28

003S070W 29

003S070W 32

003S070W 33

003S070W 34

004S070W 03

004S070W 04

004S070W 05

-

Insects Callophrys mossii 

schryveri

8,014 Moss's Elfin G 1969-04-20 003S070W 20 G4T3 S2S3 H -

Insects Callophrys mossii 

schryveri

5,505 Moss's Elfin M 1982-04-11 003S070W 33 G4T3 S2S3 H -

9,842 Insects Doa ampla A Moth M 9999-99-99 004S070W 04 GNR S1 E -

6,874 Insects Erynnis martialis Mottled Dusky Wing G 1980-04-27 003S070W 20 G3 S2S3 H -

202 Insects Grammia sp. 1 A Tiger Moth M 9999-99-99 004S070W 04 G2G3 SNR E -

11,317 Insects Polites origenes Cross-line Skipper G 1984-07-03 003S071W 36 G5 S3 H -

Vascular 

Plants

Aquilegia 

saximontana

Rocky Mountain 

columbine

9,600 G 1947-99-99 003S070W 28 G3 S3 H -

Vascular 

Plants

Carex saximontana Rocky Mountain 

sedge

8,878 G 1920-05-29 004S070W 35 G5 S1 H -

Vascular 

Plants

4,986 Carex torreyi Torrey sedge G 1903-99-99 003S070W 28 G4 S1 H -

Vascular 

Plants

7,430 Spiranthes diluvialis Ute ladies' tresses S 2008-07-28 003S069W G2G3 S2 B

003S069W

003S069W

LT

page 1

precision codes: S = "seconds", location known within 100m; M = "minutes", location known within 1 mile; G = "general", location known within 5 miles

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
25 June 2010

Locations and Status of Rare and/or Imperiled Species and Natural Communities known from or likely to occur within a 

two-mile radius of 327 acres at NREL’s South Table Mountain facility in Jefferson County, CO

Report generated:

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

EO_ID major group scientific name common name Prec last obs Sec TRS Note grank srank ESA fed stat

Town/

Range st stat

eorank

Insects Callophrys mossii 

schryveri

1,310 Moss's Elfin G 1982-04-28 003S071W 36 G4T3 S2S3 H -

7 Insects Celastrina humulus Hops Feeding Azure M 1982-07-03 003S070W 33 G2G3 S2 H -

9,087 Insects Polites origenes Cross-line Skipper M 1929-07-04 003S070W 33 G5 S3 H -

Vascular 

Plants

Carex saximontana Rocky Mountain 

sedge

468 G 1878-06-20 003S071W 36 G5 S1 H -

page 2

precision codes: S = "seconds", location known within 100m; M = "minutes", location known within 1 mile; G = "general", location known within 5 miles

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 1 

Data Dictionary for 

Potential Conservation Area 

Transcription Reports from the 

Colorado Natural Heritage Program 

This Data Dictionary defines terms used in Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Reports exported 

by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) from our Biodiversity Tracking and 

Conservation System (BIOTICS) database. 

Introduction to Potential Conservation Areas 

In order to successfully protect populations or occurrences, it is necessary to delineate 

conservation areas. These potential conservation areas focus on capturing the ecological 

processes that are necessary to support the continued existence of a particular element of natural 

heritage significance. Potential conservation areas may include a single occurrence of a rare 

element or a suite of rare elements or significant features. 

The goal of the process is to identify a land area that can provide the habitat and ecological 

processes upon which a particular element or suite of elements depends for their continued 

existence. The best available knowledge of each species' life history is used in conjunction with 

information about topographic, geomorphic, and hydrologic features, vegetative cover, as well as 

current and potential land uses. The proposed boundary does not automatically exclude all activity. 

It is hypothesized that some activities will cause degradation to the element or the process on 

which they depend, while others will not. Consideration of specific activities or land use changes 

proposed within or adjacent to the preliminary conservation planning boundary should be carefully 

considered and evaluated for their consequences to the element on which the conservation unit is 

based. 

Element Occurrence 

An Element Occurrence (EO) is defined as a specific example of an Element at a geographic 

location characterized by a habitat capable of sustaining or contributing to the survival of the 

species, or by a landscape that supports the ecological integrity of the community. 

Element 

A biodiversity unit of conservation attention and action for which a Heritage Conservation Status 

Rank is assigned. 

Elements may be recognized at any taxonomic level (although typically are only recognized at the 

species level and below for organisms, and the Ecological System, Alliance, and Association levels 

for communities). 

Elements may also be recognized for biodiversity units for which there is no systematic hierarchy 

(e.g., animal assemblages, community Complexes). 

Elements may be native or exotic at a particular location and collectively represent the full array of 

biological and ecological diversity for the geographic area covered. Elements may serve as the 

targets of Heritage inventory. Typically, these targets include native, regularly occurring vulnerable 

species (including infraspecific taxa and populations) and exemplary ecological communities. 

REPORT HEADER

Name 

The official CNHP site name, usually corresponding to a local place name or nearby geographic feature. 

Site Code

Unique identifier previously used in the BCD for a site record. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 2 

IDENTIFIERS

Site ID 

Unique identifier for a site. 

Site Class

Value that indicates whether a site is a Potential Conservation Area (PCA) or Network of 

Conservation Areas (NCA).

Domain values for Site Class are: 

 PCA 

 NCA 

Site Alias 

Other names commonly associated with the PCA. These can include informal names, old site 

names, names used by other offices or cooperating organizations, or the original survey site 

name. 

Network of Conservation Areas (NCA)

A Network of Conservation Areas (NCA) will fit one of the following definitions: 

A. A landscape area that encompasses Potential Conservation Areas (PCAs) that share similar 

species or natural communities and ecological processes. NCAs include unoccupied or unsurveyed 

areas that are within the same ecological system that the species or natural communities require. 

NCAs contain PCAs with an obvious repeating pattern (that is, the same species or natural 

communities are in each associated PCA). 

B. A mostly intact, lightly fragmented landscape that supports wide-ranging species and large scale 

disturbances. NCAs include unoccupied or unsurveyed areas that demonstrate the connectivity of 

the landscape. NCAs contain PCAs that may occur at a variety of ecological scales. 

NCA Site ID 

Site ID of the NCA associated with this PCA. 

NCA Site Code 

Site code of the NCA associated with this PCA. 

NCA Site Name 

Official CNHP site name of the NCA associated with this PCA. 

Site Relations

Comments that explain the relationship between this site and any nested, overlapping, or 

adjacent sites. 

LOCATORS

Nation 

State 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 3 

Latitude 

Degrees, Minutes, Seconds. Datum is NAD 27. Calculated in GIS. 

Longitude 

Degrees, Minutes, Seconds. Datum in NAD 27. Calculated in GIS. 

USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle 

Calculated in GIS. 

Quad Code 

 Quad Name 

County 

Calculated in GIS. 

Watershed Code 

8 digit U.S.G.S. hydrological unit code. Calculated in GIS. 

Watershed Name 

U.S.G.S. watershed name. Calculated in GIS. 

Township/Range/Section (TRS) - Public Land Survey System 

Calculated in GIS. 

Township/Range 

 Section 

 Meridian 

 TRS Note 

Site Directions [provided with Level 1 data only]

Specific directions to the site provided by the designer or version author. 

SITE DESCRIPTION

Minimum Elevation 

Minimum elevation provided by the designer or version author. 

Maximum Elevation 

Maximum elevation provided by the designer or version author. 

Site Description 

General visual description (or word picture) of the principal physical and natural features on the 

site. 

Key Environmental Factors

Description of the driving factors or key environmental variables that are known to exert a major 

influence on the biota at the site (e.g., seasonal flooding, wind, soil type). 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 4 

Climate Description

General comments concerning climate and weather patterns, wind patterns, seasonal and annual 

variations, as well as temperature and precipitation patterns characteristic of the site. 

Land Use History

Comments concerning past land uses on this site (such as mining, logging, shifting cultivation, 

etc.). 

Cultural Features

Comments concerning any historic, cultural, or archaeological features found on the site (e.g., 

pictographs, petroglyphs, burial mounds, prehistoric artifacts). 

SITE DESIGN

Site Map 

Indicates whether a site boundary was field verified or drawn from desktop references. 

Domain values for Site Map are: 

 P – partial; drawn from desktop references 

 Y – field verified by CNHP personnel 

Mapped Date 

Date site boundary was last redrawn. 

Designer 

CNHP biologist responsible for drawing the site boundary. 

Boundary Justification

Explanation of the biological rationale used to determine the ecological boundaries for the site. 

Primary Area 

Area of PCA polygon. Calculated in GIS. 

SITE SIGNIFICANCE

Biodiversity Significance Rank

Value that indicates the rating that best describes the significance of the site in terms of its 

biological diversity. 

Domain values for Biodiversity Significance are: 

 B1: Outstanding Biodiversity Significance 

 B2: Very high Biodiversity Significance 

 B3: High Biodiversity Significance 

 B4: Moderate Biodiversity Significance 

 B5: General interest/open space 

 B?: Unknown 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 5 

Biodiversity Significance Comments

Comments that justify the rating assigned for the site in the Biodiversity Significance field. 

Other Values Rank

Value that indicates the rating that best describes the significance of the site in terms of its 

aesthetic, recreational, open space, and other ecological values; this includes its role in 

maintaining ecosystem health (e.g., by providing game and wildlife habitat, aquifer recharge 

functions, erosion control). 

Domain values for Other Values are: 

 V1 - Outstanding values 

 V2 - High values 

 V3 - Moderate values 

 V4 - No known values 

 V5 - Negative or counter values 

 V? - Unknown 

 (null) - Not assessed 

Other Values Comments 

Comments that justify the rating assigned for the site in the Other Values field. 

Protection Urgency Rank [provided with Level 1 data only]

Value that indicates the rating that best describes the urgency to protect the site. The urgency for 

protection action (not to be confused with the urgency for management action) will generally 

increase with impending threats to the site until legal, political, or other administrative measures 

are taken. 

Domain values for Protection Urgency are: 

 P1 - Immediately threatened/outstanding opportunity 

 P2 - Threat/opportunity within 5 years 

 P3 - Definable threat/opportunity, but not within 5 years 

 P4 - No threat or special opportunity 

 P5 - No action to be taken on this site 

 P? - Unknown 

Protection Urgency Comments [provided with Level 1 data only]

Comments that justify the rating assigned for the site in the Protection Urgency field. 

Management Urgency Rank [provided with Level 1 data only]

Value that indicates the rating that best describes the urgency to manage one or more Elements at 

the site. The urgency for management action (not to be confused with the urgency for legal 

protection action) requires stewardship intervention in order to maintain EOs at the site. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 6 

Domain values for Management Urgency are: 

 M1 - Essential within 1 year to prevent loss 

 M2 - Essential within 5 years to prevent loss 

 M3 - Needed within 5 years to maintain quality 

 M4 - Not needed now; no current threats; may need in future 

 M5 - Not needed; no threats anticipated 

 M? - Unknown 

Management Urgency Comments [provided with Level 1 data only]

Comments that justify the rating assigned for the site in the Management Urgency field. 

LAND MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Land Use Comments

Description of the current and past land use, improvements, and structures on the site. 

Natural Hazard Comments

Description of the potential natural hazards (e.g., cliffs, caves, waterfalls) on the site, along with 

any precautions that should be taken by stewards. 

Exotics Comments

Description of potentially damaging exotic (i.e., alien) flora and fauna (e.g., kudzu, honeysuckle, 

purple loosestrife, periwinkle, English ivy, feral goats, pigs) on the site. 

Offsite

Description of off-site land uses (e.g., farming, logging, grazing, dumping, watershed diversion), 

and how these uses might affect the site, Elements on the site, and management of the site. 

Information Needs

Summary of the information that is still needed in order to effectively manage the site and 

Elements on it. 

Management Needs [provided with Level 1 Data only]

Summary of the expected management needs for the site and the Elements on it. 

Managed Area Relations [provided with Level 1 Data only]

Explanation of the site/Managed Area relationship, if a Managed Area has been (or will be) 

established to protect the site. 

Protection Comments [provided with Level 1 Data only]

Summary of the general level of protection currently afforded the site that indicates the current 

protection status of component Tracts. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 7 

ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS OF BIODIVERSITY

(Tracked Elements known from the area of a given PCA.) 

Element 

A biodiversity unit of conservation attention and action for which a Heritage Conservation Status 

Rank is assigned. 

Elements may be recognized at any taxonomic level (although typically are only recognized at the 

species level and below for organisms, and the Ecological System, Alliance, and Association 

levels for communities). 

Elements may also be recognized for biodiversity units for which there is no systematic hierarchy 

(e.g., animal assemblages, community Complexes). 

Elements may be native or exotic at a particular location and collectively represent the full array of 

biological and ecological diversity for the geographic area covered. Elements may serve as the 

targets of Heritage inventory. Typically, these targets include native, regularly occurring 

vulnerable species (including infraspecific taxa and populations) and exemplary ecological 

communities. 

Element State ID 

Unique state identifier for an Element. 

State Scientific Name

State scientific name for an Element having occurrences associated with this PCA. 

State Common Name

State common name for an Element having occurrences associated with this PCA. 

Global Rank 

The global element rank that best characterizes the relative rarity or endangerment of the element 

worldwide. Factors other than the number of occurrences may be considered when assigning a 

global rank. Global ranks are derived primarily by staff at the Central Heritage Conservation 

Science Department, unless CNHP has lead responsibility for that element. 

Domain values for Global Rank are: 

 G1 - Globally critically imperiled; typically 5 or fewer occurrences 

 G2 - Globally imperiled; typically 6 to 20 occurrences 

 G3 - Globally vulnerable; typically 21 to 100 occurrences 

 G4 - Globally apparently secure; usually > 100 occurrences 

 G5 - Globally demonstrably secure although it may be rare in parts of its range 

 G#G# - A range between two of the numeric ranks; indicates uncertainty about the rarity 

of the element 

 G? - Unranked; element is not yet ranked globally 

 GU - Unrankable; not enough information is known 

 GH - Historically known with hopes of rediscovery 

 GX - Extinct; unlikely to be rediscovered 

 T# - Rank applies to a subspecies or variety 

 Q - Taxonomic status is questionable 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 8 

 C - Element is extant only in captivation or cultivation 

 GNR - Not ranked globally 

State Rank 

The state element rank that best characterizes the relative rarity or endangerment of the element 

statewide. Factors other than the number of occurrences may be considered when assigning a 

state rank. State ranks are derived by CNHP staff. 

Domain values for State Rank are: 

 S1 - State critically imperiled; typically 5 or fewer occurrences 

 S2 - State imperiled; typically 6 to 20 occurrences 

 S3 - State vulnerable; typically 21 to 100 occurrences 

 S4 - State apparently secure; usually > 100 occurrences 

 S5 - State demonstrably secure 

 S#S# - A range between two of the numeric ranks; indicates uncertainty about the rarity 

of the element 

 S? - Unranked; element is not yet ranked in the state 

 SU - Unrankable; not enough information is known 

 SH - Historically known with hopes of rediscovery 

 SX - Extinct; unlikely to be rediscovered 

 SE - An exotic established in the state; native to a nearby region 

 SA - Accidental; includes species (usually birds or butterflies) recorded once or twice or 

only at very great intervals, hundreds or thousands of miles outside their usual range 

 B - Rank refers to the breeding population of the element 

 N - Rank refers to the nonbreeding population of the element 

 C - Element is extant only in captivation or cultivation 

 SNR – Not ranked in the state 

Driving Site Rank 

Yes or No, indicates whether this EO is the EO which is driving the biodiversity rank of this 

PCA. A combination of Global Imperilment Rank, State Imperilment Rank, and EO Rank 

factors determine if a given EO drives the biodiversity rank of a PCA that supports it. 

REFERENCES

Reference ID 

The identifier for a reference available for this PCA. 

Full Citation 

Formal citation for a reference associated with the PCA. 

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

Additional Topics 

Specific comments on any significant additional nonstandard topics that have not been formally 

addressed by one of the standard fields in this record. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
July 2005 9 

VERSION

Version Date 

Date report information for the PCA was last reviewed or updated. 

Version Author 

Author of the current version of the transcription in this report. 

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Clear Creek to Golden Site Code S.USCOHP1*1928

IDENTIFIERS

Site ID 1928 Site Class PCA

Site Alias Clear Creek Waterfront

Site Alias Clear Creek at 6th Avenue

Network of Conservation Areas (NCA)

NCA Site ID NCA Site Code NCA Site Name

 - No Data

Site Relations Shares a boundary with Deadman Gulch (S.USCOHP1*2016) and Indian Gulch 

(S.USCOHP*1705).

LOCATORS

Nation United States Latitude 394446N

State Colorado Longitude 1051818W

Quad Code Quad Name

39105-F3 Evergreen

39105-G3 Ralston Buttes

39105-G2 Golden

39105-F2 Morrison

County

Watershed Code Watershed Name

10190004 Clear

Township/Range Section Meridian Note

003S071W 35 6P

003S071W 36 6P

004S071W 01 6P

004S070W 05 6P

003S070W 29 6P

003S070W 32 6P

003S070W 31 6P

004S070W 06 6P

003S070W 33 6P

003S070W 28 6P

SITE DESCRIPTION

Minimum Elevation - Feet - Meters

Maximum Elevation - Feet - Meters

Site Description

The site includes a narrow band of riparian vegetation along Clear Creek and adjacent slopes in the canyon.

Key Environmental Factors

No Data

Climate Description

No Data

Land Use History

No Data

Cultural Features

No Data

SITE DESIGN

Site Map P - Partial Mapped Date 09/11/2008

Designer Panjabi, S.S.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Clear Creek to Golden Site Code S.USCOHP1*1928

Boundary Justification

Includes the plant occurrences and significant up and downstream areas. Although most local ecological 

processes are included in the boundary, the largest scale forces that support the plants originate upstream; 

therefore, watershed management strategies that support the conservation of the elements will be 

necessary for long-term viability.

Primary Area 845.03 Acres 341.97 Hectares

SITE SIGNIFICANCE

Biodiversity Significance Rank B2: Very High Biodiversity Significance

Biodiversity Significance Comments

This site includes a good (B-ranked) and a fair (C-ranked) occurrence of a globally imperiled (G2G3/S2) and 

federally listed plant species, Ute ladies' tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis). The downstream occurrence in good 

condition is the type locality. There is also an unranked occurrence of a state rare plant, blue-eyed grass 

(Sisyrinchium demissum).

Other Values Rank No Data

Other Values Comments

No Data

LAND MANAGMENT ISSUES

No Data

Land Use Comments

Natural Hazard Comments

No Data

Exotics Comments

No Data

Offsite

No Data

Information Needs

No Data

ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS OF BIODIVERSITY

State Common Name

Global 

Rank

State 

Rank

Element

 State ID State Scientific Name

Driving 

Site Rank

 17998 Spiranthes diluvialis Ute ladies' tresses G2G3 S2 No

 24424 Sisyrinchium demissum blue-eyed grass G5 S2 No

 17998 Spiranthes diluvialis Ute ladies' tresses G2G3 S2 Yes

REFERENCES

Reference ID Full Citation

 - No Data

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS

Original site design by Pague, C.A. 1994-09-12.

Additional Topics

VERSION

Version Date 09/11/2008

Version Author Panjabi, S.S.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

Print Date 6/25/2010 2

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Deadman Gulch Site Code S.USCOHP1*2016

IDENTIFIERS

Site ID 1323 Site Class PCA

Site Alias Lookout Mountain

Network of Conservation Areas (NCA)

NCA Site ID NCA Site Code NCA Site Name

 - No Data

Site Relations No Data

LOCATORS

Nation United States Latitude 394327N

State Colorado Longitude 1051406W

Quad Code Quad Name

39105-G2 Golden

39105-F2 Morrison

39105-F3 Evergreen

County

Watershed Code Watershed Name

10190004 Clear

10190002 Upper South Platte

Township/Range Section Meridian Note

004S070W 04 6P

004S070W 06 6P

004S070W 07 6P

004S070W 10 6P

004S070W 17 6P

003S070W 32 6P

004S070W 16 6P

004S070W 08 6P

004S070W 15 6P

004S070W 05 6P

003S070W 33 6P

004S070W 03 6P

004S070W 09 6P

003S070W 34 6P

SITE DESCRIPTION

Minimum Elevation 5,800.00 Feet 1,768.00 Meters

Maximum Elevation 7,220.00 Feet 2,201.00 Meters

Site Description

[Pineda 1998:] Elevation: 5800 to 7220 feet (1767 to 2200m). The geology of this area is mostly of the 

Ratake-Cathedral-Rock outcrop complex containing slopes and ridges that face east, west or south, with 25 

to 60 percent slopes. The soils in this complex are mostly formed in clayey and loamy material derived from 

sedimentary rocks. Soils are suitable for wildlife habitat, woodland, recreation areas, pasture, grazing, 

community development, and some crops. Soils are typcially shallow and well drained. Soil blowing is 

minimal, and rock fragments make up about 35 to 80 percent of the soil volume. A mosaic of plant 

communities exists here. The higher areas are mostly Ponderosa pine communities with a graminoid 

understory, most of which is young growth, and no fire scars are apparent. Midslopes are dominated mostly 

by mountain mahogany shrubland communities and yucca with big blue stem grass in the understory. 

Bottoms of slopes are typically of shrubland/grassland communities, mostly plum, chokecherry, sumac 

andbuckbrush, with an abundant accumulation of exotic flora at this level. Hillsides are definitely much less 

weedy than upslope. Graminoids at all levels include one or more of the following: big blue stem, little blue 

stem, blue grama, western weat, and buffalo grass.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Deadman Gulch Site Code S.USCOHP1*2016

Key Environmental Factors

Fire, erosion, low annual precipitation.

Climate Description

Average annual precipitation is 17 to 20 inches (43 to 50 cm). Average annual air temperature is 43 to 47 

degrees Fahrenheit (6.1 to 8.3 C). Average frost-free season is 76 to 125 days, depending on elevation.

Land Use History

At least within the last 100 years, this area was used for grazaing of livestock.

Cultural Features

No Data

SITE DESIGN

Site Map P - Partial Mapped Date 01/11/1999

Designer Pineda, P.M.

Boundary Justification

The boundaries are meant to enclose a small watershed, and management should consider what upslope 

management has on the lower slopes. It is meant to allow for genetic exchange to occur between rare 

element occurrences. Areas adjacent or encompassing residential development are included to manage for 

weedy floral invasions.

Primary Area 4,865.77 Acres 1,969.12 Hectares

SITE SIGNIFICANCE

Biodiversity Significance Rank B3: High Biodiversity Significance

Biodiversity Significance Comments

This site contains occurrences of a G2 butterfly, as well as a diverse variety of butterfly and skipper 

occurrences that are peculiar to mixed grass communities of the Colorado Front Range.

Other Values Rank No Data

Other Values Comments

No Data

LAND MANAGMENT ISSUES

Historically probably used for grazing of livestock, and more recently has been found to be suitable for 

residential development.

Land Use Comments

Natural Hazard Comments

No Data

Exotics Comments

Bromus tectorum, Bromus japonicus, Alyssum, Linaria dalmatica, and very thick, impenetrable stands of 

Carduus nutans, especially at the bottom of the slopes.

Offsite

Housing developments, roads, freeways, highways, trails, retail development, water diversions, City of 

Denver, City of Golden, quarries, agricultural develompent, livestock grazing.

Information Needs

No Data

ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS OF BIODIVERSITY

State Common Name

Global 

Rank

State 

Rank

Element

 State ID State Scientific Name

Driving 

Site Rank

 17076 Grammia sp. 1 A Tiger Moth G2G3 SNR No

 16895 Atrytone arogos Arogos Skipper G3 S2 No

 16895 Atrytone arogos Arogos Skipper G3 S2 No

 20146 Celastrina humulus Hops Feeding Azure G2G3 S2 Yes

 22043 Doa ampla A Moth GNR S1 No

 19678 Erynnis martialis Mottled Dusky Wing G3 S2S3 No

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Deadman Gulch Site Code S.USCOHP1*2016

REFERENCES

Reference ID Full Citation

 173854 Field Survey (temporary placeholder citation)

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS

No Data

Additional Topics

VERSION

Version Date 01/11/1999

Version Author Pineda, P.M.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

Print Date 6/25/2010 5

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Indian Gulch Site Code S.USCOHP*1705

IDENTIFIERS

Site ID 1301 Site Class PCA

Site Alias None

Network of Conservation Areas (NCA)

NCA Site ID NCA Site Code NCA Site Name

 - No Data

Site Relations No Data

LOCATORS

Nation United States Latitude 394520N

State Colorado Longitude 1051547W

Quad Code Quad Name

39105-G3 Ralston Buttes

39105-G2 Golden

39105-F3 Evergreen

County

Watershed Code Watershed Name

10190004 Clear

Township/Range Section Meridian Note

003S070W 32 6P

003S071W 25 6P

003S070W 29 6P

003S070W 31 6P

003S070W 30 6P

003S071W 36 6P

003S070W 28 6P

SITE DESCRIPTION

Minimum Elevation - Feet - Meters

Maximum Elevation - Feet - Meters

Site Description

Indian Gulch drains into Clear Creek just above the City of Golden and provides an excellent example of the 

lower timberline transition zone. It is an area with extreme topography. Indian Gulch drops over 1,400 ft in 

elevation in less than 1.5 miles, producing steep slopes and occasional 100 ft cliffs. The dry, low elevation 

slopes are dominated by needle grass, or more commonly a mountain mahogany / needle grass community 

with occasional patches of skunkbrush. Towards the upper end of Indian Gulch (7,000 ft), the slopes become 

less steep and gradually become scattered amongst the mountain mahogany shrubs, with big bluestem, little 

bluestem, and needle grasses dominating the ground layer. Large patches of big bluestem dominate a few of 

the gentle slopes, while the ridgetops are forested with a mature ponderosa pine stand.

Key Environmental Factors

No Data

Climate Description

No Data

Land Use History

No Data

Cultural Features

No Data

SITE DESIGN

Site Map P - Partial Mapped Date 09/12/1994

Designer Pague, C.A.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

Print Date 6/25/2010 6

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Indian Gulch Site Code S.USCOHP*1705

Boundary Justification

Includes all the significant plant associations and rare plants plus the mature ponderosa pine forest. The 

watershed boundaries and slightly beyond are used as the best approximation of a means of assuring the 

protection of the integrity of the ecosystem. Zoological inventory was not conducted at this site, but is highly 

recommended.

Primary Area 1,640.05 Acres 663.71 Hectares

SITE SIGNIFICANCE

Biodiversity Significance Rank B2: Very High Biodiversity Significance

Biodiversity Significance Comments

Site hosts good to fair (B-ranked, BC-ranked) occurrences of globally imperiled (G2/S2) natural community 

types (Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus montanus / Andropogon gerardii and Cercocarpus montanus / 

Hesperostipa comata) as well as a poor (D-ranked) occurrence of a globally imperiled (G2/S2), federally 

Threatened plant species, Ute ladies' tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis).

Other Values Rank No Data

Other Values Comments

No Data

LAND MANAGMENT ISSUES

No Data

Land Use Comments

Natural Hazard Comments

No Data

Exotics Comments

No Data

Offsite

No Data

Information Needs

No Data

ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS OF BIODIVERSITY

State Common Name

Global 

Rank

State 

Rank

Element

 State ID State Scientific Name

Driving 

Site Rank

Foothills Ponderosa Pine Scrub 

Woodlands

 24587 Pinus ponderosa / Cercocarpus montanus / G2 S2? No

Andropogon gerardii Wooded Herbaceous 

Vegetation

 17998 Spiranthes diluvialis Ute ladies' tresses G2G3 S2 No

 24531 Cercocarpus montanus / Hesperostipa comata Mixed Foothill Shrublands G2 S2 Yes

Shrubland

REFERENCES

Reference ID Full Citation

 - No Data

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS

No Data

Additional Topics

VERSION

Version Date 09/12/1994

Version Author Pague, C.A.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

Print Date 6/25/2010 7

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name North Table Mountain Site Code S.USCOHP1*1927

IDENTIFIERS

Site ID 255 Site Class PCA

Site Alias None

Network of Conservation Areas (NCA)

NCA Site ID NCA Site Code NCA Site Name

 - No Data

Site Relations No Data

LOCATORS

Nation United States Latitude 394652N

State Colorado Longitude 1051236W

Quad Code Quad Name

39105-G2 Golden

County

Watershed Code Watershed Name

10190004 Clear

Township/Range Section Meridian Note

003S070W 21 6P

003S070W 23 6P

003S070W 28 6P

003S070W 15 6P

003S070W 16 6P

003S070W 14 6P

003S070W 27 6P

003S070W 22 6P

SITE DESCRIPTION

Minimum Elevation - Feet - Meters

Maximum Elevation - Feet - Meters

Site Description

The North Table Mountain is a prominent landmark in the Denver-Golden area and has little development on 

the slopes or on top of the mesa. The mountain is a mesa that is surrounded by the Great Plains except for 

it's counter part, South Mountain. North Table Mountain consists of rolling hills, extensive grasslands, 

shrublands, riparian areas, rock outcrops, and small ponds. The top of the mountain is primarily grassland 

with several types of grass. The slopes are densely vegetated with shrubs on the upper slopes and grasses 

on the lower slopes. There are three ponds on the top, one of which is naturally formed. Cattle have 

compacted the soil around all ponds, although tiger salamanders continue to breed in the natural ponds. The 

current use is light grazing, although certain areas show intensive past grazing. Mineral extraction has 

affected a number of sites, including a noticeable area on the southwest corner of the mesa. Prairie Falcons 

feed and probably breed on the cliffs of the mountain, although the nest could not be located. Two nests of 

Red-tailed Hawks were observed, only one active. Other raptures use the area during migration. It is worthy 

to note that a large number of ground-nesting birds use this site, including some short-grass prairie species 

such as the Lark Buntings. The butterfly community contained no rare species; rather, it showed the effects of 

disturbance. Kilburn and White (1992) give extensive coverage to this area and should be consulted for 

additional information.

Key Environmental Factors

No Data

Climate Description

No Data

Land Use History

Historically the area has been used for homesteading, grazing, and mining.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

Print Date 6/25/2010 8

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name North Table Mountain Site Code S.USCOHP1*1927

Cultural Features

No Data

SITE DESIGN

Site Map P - Partial Mapped Date 09/12/1994

Designer Pague, C.A.

Boundary Justification

The boundary includes top of the mountain and surrounding slopes. The slopes are included as habitat for 

important components of the North Table Mountain ecosystem, including large colonies of White-Throated 

Swifts, Violet-Green Swallows, and at least occasional raptors. In addition, the slopes also provide a buffer 

from extensive transfers of invasive and weedy plants and animals.

Primary Area 1,799.11 Acres 728.08 Hectares

SITE SIGNIFICANCE

Biodiversity Significance Rank B3: High Biodiversity Significance

Biodiversity Significance Comments

The site supports a fair (C-ranked) occurrence of a globally imperiled (G1G2/S1S2) Hesperostipa comata

Great Plains mixed grass prairie. Current field surveys could elevate the biodiversity rank.

Other Values Rank No Data

Other Values Comments

No Data

LAND MANAGMENT ISSUES

No Data

Land Use Comments

Natural Hazard Comments

No Data

Exotics Comments

No Data

Offsite

No Data

Information Needs

No Data

ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS OF BIODIVERSITY

State Common Name

Global 

Rank

State 

Rank

Element

 State ID State Scientific Name

Driving 

Site Rank

 24703 Hesperostipa comata Colorado Front Range Great Plains Mixed Grass Prairie G1G2 S1S2 Yes

Herbaceous Vegetation

REFERENCES

Reference ID Full Citation

 158822 Kilburn, P. and S. L. White. 1992. North Table Mountain its history and natural 

features. Jefferson County Natural Association.

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS

No Data

Additional Topics

VERSION

Version Date 09/12/1994

Version Author Pague, C.A.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

Print Date 6/25/2010 9

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Prospect Park Site Code S.USCOHP*352

IDENTIFIERS

Site ID 1633 Site Class PCA

Site Alias None

Network of Conservation Areas (NCA)

NCA Site ID NCA Site Code NCA Site Name

 - No Data

Site Relations No Data

LOCATORS

Nation United States Latitude 394627N

State Colorado Longitude 1050726W

Quad Code Quad Name

39105-G1 Arvada

39105-G2 Golden

County

Watershed Code Watershed Name

10190004 Clear

Township/Range Section Meridian Note

003S069W 20 6P

003S069W 22 6P

003S069W 21 6P

003S069W 29 6P

003S069W 14 6P

003S070W 25 6P

003S069W 19 6P

003S069W 30 6P

003S069W 28 6P

003S069W 26 6P

003S069W 23 6P

003S070W 24 6P

003S069W 27 6P

SITE DESCRIPTION

Minimum Elevation 5,280.00 Feet 1,609.00 Meters

Maximum Elevation 5,450.00 Feet 1,661.00 Meters

Site Description

Clear Creek flows through the the Prospect Park site from west to east. The site includes the Wheat Ridge 

Greenbelt, and a narrow area of connectivity to the Jefferson County Open Space to the west, which is 

evidently used by wildlife such as mountain lions. The overpass at Kipling Street fragments the site, and 

marks the eastern limit of the wide part of the greenbelt where residential development has not proliferated on 

the floodplain. From Kipling to the 44th Street overpass, the floodplain is more developed but significant areas 

of the riparian corridor and floodplain remain, with good examples of cottonwood riparian woodlands and 

marginal habitat for Ute ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis). Most of the area was floodplain historically. The 

dominant vegetation types are cottonwood riparian woodlands and non-native grasslands dominated by 

smooth brome (Bromus inermis). There are many former creek channels which are typically dominated by 

wetland vegetation such as cattails (Typha spp.) and coyote willow (Salix exigua). Small creeks flow across 

the floodplain throughout the summer that are fed by seeps along the ridge to the south and by storm water 

runoff. Many of these creeks flow through dense vegetation that is virtually impenetrable, such as thickets of 

common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). One occurrence of Ute ladies'-tresses is found within the site and 

is composed of approximately 18 subpopulations. Counts of over 400 individuals have been obtained in past 

years (i.e. 1999, a very good year at this location) for the two large subpopulations. A species of earth star 

(Mycenastrum sp. nov.) that is new to science has also been recently documented in the greenbelt west of 

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

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Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Prospect Park Site Code S.USCOHP*352

the Miller Trailhead, and thus far is known only from this location. This report has yet to be verified, and the 

species description has not yet been published. Two areas in the site have components of rare communities. 

These include the Plains cottonwood - chokecherry woodland and the Plains cottonwood - snowberry 

woodland. The size of these areas is small and the condition is affected by the presence of non-native and 

invasive species. However, these examples may be remnants of the community type that naturally occurred 

there. Although their quality is poor, these areas could serve as references for restoration of these community 

types in other parts of the greenbelt where conditions would be appropriate for their establishment.

Key Environmental Factors

No Data

Climate Description

No Data

Land Use History

Grazing, haying, homesteading, gravel mining, and recreational open space.

Cultural Features

No Data

SITE DESIGN

Site Map Y - Yes Mapped Date 01/17/2001

Designer Anderson, D.G.

Boundary Justification

The boundary encompasses a broad area known to support Spiranthes, inlcuding areas that the species is 

apparently expanding its range into appropriate habitat. Due to the occasional presence of potential habitat 

along the riparian corridor of Clear Creek, and the presence of several small subpopulations, all of the 

corridor east to a historically known location for the state-rare Ribes americana is included. The extensive 

cottonwood riparian woodland in the floodplain is circumscribed due to the potential for restoration to high 

quality natural communities throughout the area. The area west of the Miller Trailhead is included due to the 

presence of an undescribed species of earth star (Mycenastrum sp. nov.). In general, the entire floodplain, 

both private and public portions, between Youngsfield Street and 44th Street is included to encompass a 

functional portion of the riparian system on which the plants depend.

Primary Area 3,860.84 Acres 1,562.43 Hectares

SITE SIGNIFICANCE

Biodiversity Significance Rank B2: Very High Biodiversity Significance

Biodiversity Significance Comments

This site is drawn for the Ute ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis), a federally listed plant species. This site 

contains a good (B-ranked) occurence of this globally imperiled (G2G3/S2) species.

Other Values Rank No Data

Other Values Comments

No Data

LAND MANAGMENT ISSUES

No Data

Land Use Comments

Natural Hazard Comments

No Data

Exotics Comments

Exotic species that are threatening Ute ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) in order of priority are teasel 

(Dipsacus laciniatus), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), Canada thistle (Breea arvensis), Russian olive 

(Elaeagnus angustifolia), and yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris).

Offsite

No Data

Information Needs

No Data

ASSOCIATED ELEMENTS OF BIODIVERSITY

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

Print Date 6/25/2010 11

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications
Potential Conservation Area (PCA) Report

Name Prospect Park Site Code S.USCOHP*352

State Common Name

Global 

Rank

State 

Rank

Element

 State ID State Scientific Name

Driving 

Site Rank

 17998 Spiranthes diluvialis Ute ladies' tresses G2G3 S2 Yes

REFERENCES

Reference ID Full Citation

 167313 Anderson, D. and J. Stevens. 2001. Wheat Ridge Open Space Biological Inventory. 

Prepared for the City of Wheat Ridge.

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS

No Data

Additional Topics

VERSION

Version Date 01/17/2001

Version Author Anderson, D.G.

Copyright © 2010. Colorado State University. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. All Rights Reserved.

Print Date 6/25/2010 12

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications