Management Proposals for the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests, Public Hearing Notice

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EAST SECTION Wilderness The Forest Service has attempted to manage, for over 40 years, the National Forest lands within the Uncompahgre Primitive Area for their wilderness resource. However, because of the large amount of private land, 16,001 acres, as well as lawful activities associated with mining, fifty -four percent of the Primitive Area bears substantial "evidence of man's works" in the form of roads, buildings, mining developments, etc., and thus does not meet the suitability criteria as defined by the Wilderness Act. The suitable portion of the Primitive Area, 31,795 acres, as detailed on Current Situation Map, provides an opportunity for the preservation of an enduring resource of wilderness, solitude and the enjoyment of a primi- tive and unconfined type of recreation. It has been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the evidence of man's activity limited to trails and the infrequent remains of an old cabin or mining excavation, a few bridges and signs. Some 103,800 acres of roadless land contiguous to the Primitive Area are judged suitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. These areas, (see Current Situation Map) are being administered as non - developed roadless lands to retain their near - natural character. Por- tions of these lands have been used by trail bikes, contain patented and unpatented mineral claims, some speculative mineral values, and isolated improvements such as drift fences or small buildings. Thus, approximately 135,595 acres in the East Section have been "affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable," and meet suitability criteria for con- sideration as Wilderness. The remaining roaded and developed lands bear substantial "evidence of man's work" in the way of roads, second growth forest, reservoirs, water transmission facilities, mine workings and structures, and various structures which make them unsuitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Recreation and Scener Recreation is a significant item in local economies. The visitor service industry (food, gas, motels, four -wheel drive and horse rentals, etc.) furnishes an important local economic base and helps the visitor to enjoy the recreational opportunities available. Some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Colorado and the western United States is centered around the Town of Ouray. U. S. Highway 550, originally a wagon road and later known as the "Million -14-