From Deer to Landscape-Scale Assessments

• 1998- A study of mule deer habitat on the Uncompahgre Plateau by CDOW brings multiple agencies (BLM, USFS, and CDOW) and community members (PLP) together to discuss current conditions.  It becomes apparent that mule deer survival rates are simply an indicator of a larger ecosystem issue problem.

• 1999- The Partners collectively realize the need to work together, across agency boundaries and with private landowners, addressing the management needs of the Plateau as a one unit. The Uncompahgre Plateau Project begins.

• 2000- The UP Team begins formally meeting. The PLP creates Unc/Com., Inc., as a 501-c-3 to administer PLP and UP grants and funds.  This non-profit entity also solicits bids, and pays invoices.

Up and Running

• 2001- The PLP receives a Ford Foundation Grant for a community-based forestry demonstration program. The USFS, BLM, CDOW, and PLP sign a Cooperative Agreement/Memorandum of Understanding (CA/MOU) formally recognizing the UP Partnership.  A technical coordinator and a public education and outreach coordinator are hired.  Public meetings, the newsletter, website and field trips begin.

• 2002- The UP Plan is drafted using collaborative input from all Partners. It is understood that comprehensive studies of the existing ecological conditions on the Plateau are needed.  Therefore, several studies are initially launched including a landscape assessment, Mosaic Driver process project, Priority Watershed process project, Interagency GIS data compilation, fire history studies, and mule deer studies.  A financial coordinator and grant writer coordinator are hired.   The Native Plant Program is initiated. 

• 2003- The USFS and BLM Watershed Environmental Assessments are completed. Intensive project planning and implementation begin in the Spring Creek/Dry Creek watersheds.

• 2004- Over 30,000 total acres of projects are completed. WAPA and Tri-State become formal partners. Native Plant Program expands into the Upper Colorado Plateau Region.

• 2005- The Ecology and Management of Pinyon-Juniper and Sagebrush Communities Conference is held in Montrose, CO. A Collaborative Weed Management Area (WMA) Plan is initiated with the 148,000-acre Horsefly WMA.

• 2006- The Ironhorse Landscape Assessment is completed. The Collaborative Weed Management Area Plans continue into the 250,000-acre Tabaquache and Mesa Creek WMAs.  UP co-sponsors a Native Plant Community Restoration Workshop in Ephraim, UT with the Utah DWR.