The vision of the Uncompahgre Plateau Native Plant Program is to develop an adequate supply of a variety of seed species native to the Colorado Plateau for use in restoration activities.

Collection of low rabbitbrush on the Uncompahgre Plateau

Native seed is currently not available for the majority of key native species needed for large-scale restoration projects in the Colorado Plateau Region.  A significant amount of high quality seed is needed to facilitate the restoration and rehabilitation of wildland burned areas, depleted rangeland, shrublands, woodlands, big game winter range and sage grouse habitat.  The Native Plant Program intends to facilitate the collection and propagation of native seed and make it available to agencies and private landowners for this restoration work.

The Native Plant Program has selected principal species considered suitable for a variety of ecosystems and restoration prescriptions.  Wildland collections of these native species will be made and the seed provided to Plant Material Centers to establish ‘foundation fields’.  Seed from these fields will then be provided to qualified growers for commercial production.  Native seed of several priority species will be available from certified commercial fields to federal and state agencies and private landowners in 2008 in sufficient quantities to begin seeding restoration projects in the Colorado River Region.

Members of the UP Technical Committee visiting BYU

The Program uses a comprehensive approach involving research and applied studies to ensure successful propagation and wildland seeding of native species.  Studies include: Plant Life History, Seedbed Ecology, Competition and Spacing Studies, Natural Recruitment, Species Adaptability, Seed Rearing, Wildland Stand Management, and Field Application Techniques.  These studies are being carried out at facilities around the west including: The Great Basin Station, UT; Colorado State University, CO; Brigham Young University, UT; Snow College, UT; Meeker Plant Materials Center, CO; FS Lucky Peak Nursery, ID; Lone Peak Nursery, UT and private growers.

The Program was expanded in 2004-05 from the Uncompahgre Plateau (an area of 1.5 million acres in SW Colorado) to encompass the Upper Colorado Plateau area.  Partners now include: USFS Regions 2 and 4, USDI BLM Colorado and Utah State Offices, and Colorado and Utah Division of Wildlife Offices. The UP Project is now working towards the formation of a Colorado Plateau Native Plant Initiative.