WSP09240

• File Number: 7630.290
• Description: Wild and Scenic - Great Sand Dunes National Monument
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 9/1/1972
• Author: National Park Servic
• Title: Wilderness Recommendation - Great Sand Dunes National Monument - Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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JOHN A. LOVE
Governor

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JOHN W. ROLD
Director

COLORADO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
254 COLUMBINE BUILDING - 1845 SHERMAN STREET
DENVER. COLORADO 80203
PHONE [phone]

July 15, 1970

Superintendent
Great Sand Dunes National Monument
Box 60
Alamosa, Calorado 81101

Gen tlemen:

RE: RECOMMENDATION: WILDERNESS PROPOSAL
GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL MONUMENT

The Colorado Geological Survey backs the proposal for the creation of a Wilderness
Area within the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. Our opinion is based upon a
study of material released by the National Park Service, Colorado Open Space
Council, Wilderness Workshop and Sierra Club, as well as U.S. Geological Survey
and other maps, and evaluation of testimony presented at the July 1st hearing
which was attended by Mr. R. B. Sennett, an inspection trip to the Monument by
Mr. Sennett, and impressions received by the writer on a personal camping trip
ta the Monument last year. The Calorado Gealogical Survey recommends the accep-
tance of the National Park Service boundaries and proposals for the following
reasons:

(1) A 1/8th mile (660 foot) boundary maintenance zone around the edge of the
National Monument would probably cause less impact on the environment than a nar-
rower 100 foot zone proposed by the Colorado Open Space Council. Vehicle access
around the perimeter of the Wilderness Area will be necessary for boundary main-
tenance) fire prevention and possible enforcement. Allowing vehicles 660 feet of
width in order to pick their way over steep terrain would cause less ecological
impact than would 100 foot zone which would force steeper trails) and cause
greater erosion and surface damage.

(2) The major need at the Sand Dunes National Monument is not for an enlarged
Wilderness Area) but rather increased facilities for the average tourist visit.
The Monument needs additional campground) picnic ground and other accommodation
facilities. Present campgrounds and picnic grounds are deteriorating rapidly
from over-use and over-crowding of people and vehicles. On a camping trip with
my family Memorial Day weekend last year, we found all available camping and park-
ing space filled, with visitors being turned away by five o'clock Friday evening.
The Citizens Committee boundary proposals would prevent the needed additional