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

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Wildlife Big game animals inhabiting the Section are elk, mule deer, mountain sheep, black bear and mountain lion. Populations of these big game species are currently increasing. However, the potential for these herds to increase is limited by the relatively small amount of available winter range, most of which is outside the National Forest. National Forest winter range is generally limited to small areas near the Amphitheater Campground and Dexter and Cutler Creeks, and a narrow strip of land extending from Independence Gulch north, along the eastern boundary of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Current estimates from the Colorado Wildlife Division indicate that about 2,300 elk, 5,700 mule deer, 100 bighorn sheep, and 90 bear inhabit the Section in the summer months. Smaller mammals include marten, weasel, mink, fox, coyote, bobcat, woodchuck, squirrel, muskrat, snowshoe hare, porcupine, pika and beaver. There are many species of birds including ptarmigan, blue grouse, bald eagle, golden eagle, and the more common small birds native to the Rocky Mountains. There are no known sightings of "rare" or "endangered" species. The northern bald eagle, golden eagle and pine marten are classed as "unique" species. Twenty -nine lakes (552 surface acres) and 147 miles of streams provide habitat for brook, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. The natural unstable character of the major drainages limits fisheries potential. Known elk calving sites in the Section are in the vicinity of Amphi- theater Campground, Big Willow Park, Alpine Plateau and High Bridge Creek. These sites are managed under multiple use plans which protect this value. Bighorn sheep spend their summer season on range located in the general vicinity of Whitehouse Mountain, Hayden Mountain to Imogene Pass, south of Abrams Mountain, and the higher elevations of the Cimarron and Cow Creek drainages. The key winter range for sheep is concentrated in the Ouray vicinity near Dexter and Cutler Creeks on both private and National Forest lands. There is little or no opportunity for improvement of wildlife habitat in the Primitive Area and other areas suitable for Wilderness. Roaded and developed lands at lower elevations provide more opportunities for wildlife management. These lands contain the few winter range areas on the National Forest, and abundant calving and fawning areas. Direct habitat management and management of related activities to enhance wildlife needs can be more effectively provided for on already roaded and developed lands. -16-