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0(2951) g. Rec~eation The diversity of recreation opportunities and attractions, terrain, and weather combine to make the San Juan National Forest a prime attraction to people from throughout the Nation. Its unusual and even. unique features make it a well-known destination attraction. Because of the high productivity of commercial forest lands and the inherent attractiveness of the area for the public, it is essential that the conduct of timber management practices are compatible with and, in the long run, enhance or, at least, maintain scenic, retreation, and wildlife values. The total recreation use of the San Juan National Forest in 1974 was about one and one-half million visitor days.l!I Family camping accounted for about 28 percent of the use; dis- persed use such as backpacking, hunting, cross-country skiing about 27 percent; and, pleasure driving about 20 percent. Management of the timber resource is particularly important in relation to the following activities: There are 73 developed recreation sites with a total capacity of 9,200 people at one time. The sites occupy about 1000 acres, most of which are forested. In addition, there are 580 inventoried sites that can be developed as the need arises and funds become available. The Durango-to-Sllverton narrow gauge railroad carries about a hundred thousand visitors annually through the National Forest along the Animas River. The diversity of the Forest vegetation and scenery Is equal to anything in Colorado. This diversity, plus the coloring of the aspen in the fall, attracts droves of automobile sightseers. Mining activities during the early part of this century created a Jeep road system which attracts people from aJ1 over the world.. Although many consider this area to be the Jeeping capital of the Nation, lower elevation Forest development roads also have high levels of recreation driving use. Ski areas prOVided about 70,000 visitor days of use In 1974. They are of national importance, attracting large numbers of skiers from ColoradO, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and other areas. The developed and proposed expansion areas lie in highly prOductive spruce-fir forests which have been managed for timber production for three decades. A private golf resort lies in the Animas Valley in the heart of the National Forest. It promises to be of international importance. The ponderosa pine forests surround- ing the resort must be managed, or In the long run, the Same insect problems plaguing towns along the Front.Range of the Colorado mountains wil! occur. Recent legislation has designated three segments of the Dolores River, the Piedra River with tributaries and headwaters, and the Los Pinos River inside the Weminuche Wilderness for study for possible inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The Dolores and Piedra River portions involve Significant acres of commercial forest land. The ColoradO t40untain Trail is a trail system being designed for family use to begin in Denver and terminate on this Forest. It will be located at lower elevations and pass through forests now under intensive management. The aesthetics along this trail are of utmost importance. The Forest is a training ground for Outward Bound and many' other outdoor education- oriented organizations. . These are some highlights of San Juan National Forest recreation. Other uses include fishing, river trips, photography, 9uided packsaddle trips, organization camps, and visits to cultural areas. . l!I Visitor Day: 1 person for 12 hours or 12 persons for 1 hour, or combination. 15