Barren chalk encarpment in Colorado, United States
Chalk Bluffs in the Pawnee National Grasslands, Weld County, Colorado The Chalk Bluffs is a barren chalk escarpment in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Colorado , stretching from the Wyoming border east of I-25 to near the South Platte River in Logan County and Weld County . [1]
Geology
The Chalk Bluffs exposes the Ogallala , Fox Hills and Arikaree Formations . Miocene , Eocene and Paleocene vertebrate fossils are found. [1]
Ecology
Most of the escarpment lies within the Pawnee National Grasslands .
As the bluffs are primarily barren and protected from fire. However trees normally found in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains are found there, including: Ponderosa pine , Rocky Mountain juniper , limber pine , and mountain mahogany .
Numerous raptors nest on the cliffs including Swainson's hawks , ferruginous hawks , golden eagles , and prairie falcons . The bluffs are a favorite site for birdwatching . It has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as a site of "global importance".
Chalk Bluffs Natural Area
A 640-acre (2.6 km2 ) portion of the Chalk Bluffs in Weld County were set aside in September 2001 by the Colorado State Parks Natural Areas Program as the Chalk Bluffs Natural Area . [1]
Wind farm
The bluffs are adjacent to the Cedar Creek Wind Farm .
