5.5 Proposed Recommendations

5.5.1 Recommendations for PUMA

1. Continue to conduct and refine the monthly wildlife inventories to track species occurrence in the Planning Area.
2. Set up a long-term breeding bird monitoring study.
3. Develop research and monitoring programs for high priority species as identified in the text, including lynx, boreal toad, Abert’s squirrel, Lepidoptera (butterflies), bats, and black bear denning sites.
4. Based upon research results, delineate and map critical habitats. Riparian areas, wetlands, lacustrine habitats, aspen groves, native grasslands and old-growth forest should be priorities.
5. Submit appropriate research findings and critical wildlife habitat mapping to appropriate agencies.
6. Update and refine the Species of Concern list for the Planning Area every 3-5 years to identify priorities for research and monitoring.
7. Promote the use of the Planning Area for research by students at the University of Colorado
8. Document and monitor effectiveness of critical habitats.
9. In conjunction with the CDOW, Boulder County and the Forest Service, develop an educational program for homeowners in the Planning Area. This would include dos and don'ts for homeowner safety, such as how to handle a lion or bear encounter, methods of trash disposal, composting, bird and pet feeding which do not entice bear, coyote, raccoon or dog depredation, tips for fencing which will not trap or injure elk. Education should emphasize the cumulative effect humans have upon wildlife. PUMA can be instrumental in getting pamphlets and other educational material produced by the management agencies to area residents.
10. Work with the affected landowners and the relevant public agencies to retain beaver in the Planning Area, while mitigating or eliminating unwanted effects of beaver activity upon private property.

5.5.2 Recommendations for Public Agencies

PUMA supports the public land managers with jurisdiction in the Planning Area in their efforts to work cooperatively to implement policies designed to further forest health and wildlife biodiversity goals, with special emphasis on native indicator species and sensitive or endangered species. This will involve a policy of maintaining areas designated as “effective habitat” as undisturbed from the creation of new roads and trails, except for appropriate measures designed to promote a combination of forest health and wildlife habitat. There must be effective monitoring and enforcement of any regulations. Members of PUMA are willing to assist with efforts to monitor use and abuse of recreational opportunities in the area.