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<br />The Forest supports a large number of wildlife species including deer, elk,
<br />bighorn sheep, mountain lion, grey fox, bobcat, black bear, chipmunk, weasel,
<br />beaver, rabbit, and various ,rodents. Birds such as blue grouse, passerines,
<br />jays, flickers, band-tailed pigeons, ravens, red-tailed hawks, golden and bald
<br />eagles, and peregrine falcons also occur.
<br />
<br />
<br />AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
<br />
<br />PHYSICAL, BIOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SETTING
<br />
<br />The White River National Fores t' s planning area is located in north central
<br />Colorado. It stretches from the Continental Divide west almost to DeBeque.
<br />The Forest has been divided into six different geologic areas: the Flat Tops,
<br />the White River Plateau, the Grand Hogback, the mountainous terrain, and the
<br />lower lying sedimentary rock terrain. Climate is variable, based upon the
<br />topography. The Forest is characterized by a 'Tegetation mosaic of mountain
<br />grasslands and forested areas including Englemann spruce-subalpine fir, lodge-
<br />pole pine, aspen, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and pinon-juniper.
<br />
<br />The primary area of social and economic influence of the Forest are in Summit,
<br />Eagle, Pitkin, eastern Rio Blanco, and Garfield Counties. It is estimated
<br />that Forest related outputs of goods and services account for about 45 percent
<br />of the jobs in this five county area. Although the area has had a past in
<br />agriculture, mining, and logging, the development of the recreation industry
<br />and downhill skiing, in particular, have become the dominant economic force.
<br />Energy exploration, primarily oil shale, could have a substantial effect on
<br />growth in the future - mostly in Garfield and Rio Blanco Counties. Rapid
<br />social and economic change appears to be the future for the area. Recreation
<br />development is expected to continue in Summit, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties.
<br />Development of the energy industry appears to be the driving force in Garfield
<br />and Rio Blanco Counties, although they also have strong recreation and
<br />resource sectors.
<br />
<br />RESOURCE AND SUPPORT ELEMENTS
<br />
<br />The discussion below is intended to portray the current and expected future
<br />management situation as it relates to the various resource and support elem-
<br />ents. The elements are discussed separately to emphasize important aspects of
<br />the current situation. In order to understand the overall current management
<br />situation on the Forest, the elements must be combined.
<br />
<br />Vegetation
<br />
<br />Forest vegetation contributes to the character of the White River National
<br />Forest more than most landscape features. The species, size, color, texture,
<br />form, and distribution of natural vegetation is easily discernable to the
<br />human eye and society perceives it to have both beauty and utility.
<br />
<br />Relatively low levels of vegetation management activities and modern fire
<br />control methods have permitted mature vegetation to become dominant on the
<br />Forest. The process of natural succession leads towards mature vegetation
<br />types characterized by low vigor, high levels of mortality, insects and
<br />disease, and greater risk of wildfire. A more balanced distribution of ages
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