The basin was identified as one of the top 17 priority conservation areas in Colorado by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and The Nature Conservancy. Within the basin are species of endangered plants and animals. Seven key conservation corridors have been identified and six broad conservation areas deserve special attention for their natural values as educational resources. Roads such as US 85 alter the way streams and riparian areas function. Chemicals such as de-icers can contaminate surface and ground water.
Roads facilitate the invasion of exotic plants.
Roads displace and fragment or isolate wildlife habitat. Movement of wildlife becomes difficult across the new environment of concrete, asphalt, and huge, noisy, speeding objects. Mortality and injury for wildlife users becomes high. Crossing the road is often not easy or environmentally safe for human life. U.S. 85 is both a corridor and a barrier.