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I Typically, soils developing from sandstones and shales support the majority of the ponderosa pine stands on the National Forest. Most of the soils developing from igneous parent materials and those developing from limestone support Engelmann spruce and true fir timber stands. Most of the soils on the San Juan National Forest are fertile and very productive, particularly on the lower slopes in the spruce-fir timber type and on the gently rOlling mesas underlain by sandstone in the ponderosa pine zone. The majority of problems associated with soil erosion and mass soil movement is in areas where shale is the dominant geologic material. 5 . !:@ill. High quality water is one of the key renewable resources produced by the National Forest. Average annual water yield is 2.1 million acre feet or nearly 14 percent of all the water produced in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Water quality and quantity records are available from monitoring stations for the major drainages on the National Forest. The water is of high quality and exceeds Colorado Water quality standards for Class Bl streams (cold water fisheries) except for the upper Animas River area which is affected by heavy metals from mine drainage. Natural suspended sediment loads vary considerably but are generally low. (See Appendix G for State Water Quality Standards.) The Dolores Project (McPhee Dam and Reservoir) has been authorized by Congress, and its construction and use may have a minor effect on timber management. A land use plan will be prepared and will include the area of the project. If the land use plan indicates the need for changes in the proposed Timber Management Plan, such changes will be made. 6..Wildlife and Fisheries Numerous species of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles inhabit the San Juan National Forest. Big game hunting and sport fishing are very important to the local economy attracting sportsmen from allover the country. In addition to hunting, there is the increasing, nonconsumptive value of wildlife to photographers, bird watchers, and general viewers. Most recent population figures for the San Juan National Forest estimate about 24,000 mule deer, 14.000 elk, 1600 black bear, 200 bighorn sheep, 20 mountain goats, 60 mountain lions, and 1100 turkeys. The National Forest provides both summer and winter range for big game animals, over 200 species of birds, and more than 20 species of small mammals. Summer range for game animals is plentiful and presents few management problems. Winter range is the critical limiting factor. for game populations and herd sizes; it is this range with which managers are most concerned. Overall, the condition of this winter range is good. Within the San Juan tlational Forest, there are about 1100 miles of streams, 1000 acres of natural lakes primarily at the hi9her elevations, and 3200 acres of impounded water which support fish and are open to sportsmen. Brook, native, rainbow, and brown trout are found in streams and lakes on the Forest. Northern pike is plentiful in Vallecito Reservoir. The record Colorado brown trout and northern pike came from this Reservoir. 7. Endanoered and Threatened Sped es The prairie falcon and the American peregrine falcon are known nesting inhabitants of the Forest. Though reports have been made of grizzly bear, black footed ferrets, and wolves .on the San Juan National Forest, intensive efforts to verify their presence have been un- successful. B. Domestic Livestock Grazing by domestic livestock is an important use of the National Forests. The San Juan National Forest is used by some 200 individual ranchers to graze about 2B,900 cattle and 47,700 sheep each year. Cattle use the National Forest for about five months from June through October. Sheep graze the higher elevations from July through September. About 350,000 acres of San Juan National Forest lands are suitable for grazing domestic livestock. Suitable forage intermingled with all timber types and the multiple use practice of grazing in such mixed vegetation is planned for the future. 14