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Welcome to Region 6
The Mountain-Prairie Region consists of 8 states in the heart of the American west including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
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Science
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long tradition of scientific excellence and always uses the best-available science to inform its work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat for the benefit of the American public.
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National Wildlife Refuges
Where Wildlife Comes First
Created in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, today's National Wildlife Refuge System protects habitats and wildlife across the country, from the Alaskan tundra to subtropical wetlands. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System's 560-plus refuges cover more than 150 million acres and protect nearly 1,400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
While national wildlife refuges were created to protect wildlife, they are for people too. Refuges are ideal places for people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural world. We invite you to learn more about and visit the national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
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Ecological Services
The Mountain-Prairie Region's Office of Ecological Services (ES) works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, ES personnel work with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to avoid, minimize, and mitigate threats to our Nation's natural resources.
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Migratory Birds
Providing leadership in the conservation of migratory bird habitat through partnerships, grants, and outreach for present and future generations. The Migratory Bird Program is responsible for maintaining healthy migratory bird populations for the benefit of the American people.
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Fish and Aquatic Conservation
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program in the Mountain-Prairie Region helps conserve, protect, and enhance aquatic resources and provides economically valuable recreational fishing to anglers across the country. The program comprises 12 National Fish Hatcheries.
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Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. The Office of Law Enforcement contributes to Service efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation.
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External Affairs
External Affairs staff in the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides support to the regional office and field stations to communicate and faciliate information about the Service's programs to the public, media, Congress, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders in the 8-state region.
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Upper Arkansas River - Leadville, CO - California Gulch
Jump to a section: Public documents, links and contacts | « Back to Contaminants
Arkansas River Near Leadville, CO. Credit: USFWS.
Background: The Leadville Mining District (California Gulch) has hundreds of abandoned mines, many miles of underground tunnels and shafts, large waste rock and tailings deposits and numerous processing facilities (some 75 mills and 44 smelters). Waste products including mill tailings, slag, and dust were frequently placed in piles or tailings ponds; often in or adjacent to flood plain locations. Over 2,000 waste rock piles cover approximately 627 acres. Many of these exposed dumps remain as metal sources to the Arkansas River and other Basin tributaries. In addition, blow outs of mine drainage tunnels combined with heavy spring runoff have transported an estimated 115,000 cubic yards of fluvial tailings to the flood plain of the Arkansas River. These fluvial tails are being actively eroded by the river and result in ongoing metals releases.
The Arkansas River is used for recreation, irrigation of agricultural and range lands, and municipal drinking water. Irrigation of rangeland and agricultural land with high metal content water may contribute to elevated levels of metals in animals and plants. High metals concentrations along riverbanks can reduce or eliminate riverside vegetation, which increases erosion potential. High metals concentrations in stream water can cause degradation of fish habitat, recreational areas, and agricultural land. The Arkansas River seasonally exceeds state aquatic life standards for several metals including zinc, lead, cadmium, and copper.
The Department of the Interior (DOI), State of Colorado (State), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and two of the primary potentially responsible parties (PRPs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which sets up a two part process to restore the Upper Arkansas River Basin. The first part of the process is to determine natural resource injury based on data and information currently available. Upon Completion of injury determination, restoration alternatives will be developed. The second part of the process will set up a facilitated negotiation intended to resolve the PRPs potential liability.
