Segment C extends from Beaver Creek to Cheesman Reservoir. The ORVs are:
Fisheries:
This segment contains nationally renowned brown and rainbow trout populations and habitat. The fishery in this segment is solely supported by self-reproducing rainbow and brown trout, and as such, is designated as Colorado Wild Trout Water. This section of river contains the second highest amount of habitat in the study segments (next to Segment D). The area is recognized by DOW as an important quality trout fishery in the state. Along with other study segments of the South Platte, this segment is a nationally important producer of brown and rainbow trout and draws people from all over the region. Although the size of the trout is not as exceptional as in other segments, the catch rates are quite high due to the abundance of fish present.
Wildlife:
This segment contains Pawnee montane skipper butterfly populations and habitat. The Pawnee montane skipper qualifies under the wildlife population ORV defined for this analysis. The montane skipper is a globally rare subspecies found only in the area of Platte Canyon from near the unincorporated community of South Platte up to approximately 7400 feet in elevation. To add to the significance of this value, this sub-species of the skipper is listed in the Federal Register (52 FR 36176) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Populations occur in this segment upstream to the Corral Creek area. The river, over time, has created the rugged canyon topography that is now the butterfly’s preferred habitat.
Scenic:
The study corridor, located between 8500 and 6860 feet, possesses great diversity in landform, water, color, and vegetation, notable in the geographic region. It includes large outcrops of granitic rock and a steep, forested canyon with several small waterfalls. In addition, it contains a diversity of vegetation, including meadows, aspen, willows, Douglas fir, and ponderosa pine forests. The area lies within an undeveloped canyon that is a vestige of primitive America and draws people from all over the region because of its ruggedness, remoteness, and scenic Findings of Eligibility and Classification ˜ 3-9 beauty. A Pike National Forest visual resource inventory classified the entire canyon as “Class A–Distinctive” due to the highly scenic features found in the area.
Geologic:
The area is known for its variety of rare and exemplary geologic features. The segment lies in an area of relatively young topography, with north-south- trending complex mountains cut by deep, rugged canyons. As in Segment A, the entire area is underlain by Precambrian granite, which forms rocky outcrops throughout the segment. Massive rock outcrops are exposed in the canyon walls, except where the bedrock is covered by talus and soil. However, the outcrops in this segment are more numerous and much more vertical and dominant than those in Segment A, and they form massive granite cliffs that tower over the river.