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

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BACKGROU11D INFORMATIOINI The Review Area is the broader area to be considered in conjunction with the Uncompahgre and Wilson Mountains Primitive Areas pursuant to the Wilderness Act of 1964. It consists of the alpine section of the Uncompahgre National Forest and a portion of the San Juan National Forest (see Current Situation Map). This Area includes 445,980 acres of National Forest land and about 73,600 acres of private land. Although there are no large population centers within the Review Area, over 2,000,000 people live within 300 miles. The communities of Telluride and Ouray are located within the Review Area. Silverton, Lake City, and several historic mining towns are nearby. For discussion purposes, the Area was divided into two Sections, each of which contains a Primitive Area. They are: 1. East Section encompassing the Uncompahgre Primitive Area of 69,253 acres, approximately 103,800 acres of non - developed lands which adjoin the Primitive Area, and some 164,565 acres of roaded and developed lands. About 33,450 acres in this Section are privately owned. 2. West Section encompassing the Wilson Mountains Primitive Area of 30,915 acres, approximately 16,865 acres of non - developed lands which adjoin the Primitive Area, and some 134,185 acres of roaded and developed lands. About 40,150 acres in this Section are privately owned. The Area is characterized by high, jagged peaks and deep, narrow canyons interspersed with forested and open alpine grassland ridges. Elevations range from 7,400 feet above sea level in valley bottoms to 14,309 feet on top of Uncompahgre Peak. Other renowned peaks are: Mount Sneffels, 14,150 feet; Wetterhorn Peak, 14,015 feet; E1 Diente, 14,159 feet; Mount Wilson, 14,246 feet; and Wilson Peak, 14,017 feet. There are at least 40 named peaks over 13,000 feet. Peaks over 12,000 feet in elevation are too numerous to mention. Portions of the area near Ouray are commonly described as the "Switzerland of America." The beauty and ruggedness of this portion of the San Juan and San Miguel Mountains has always appealed to man. Indians camped and hunted here. The country near the present town of Ouray was a favorite camping place for Ute Indians who bathed in the curative hot springs bubbling from the floor of the valley. Uncompahgre, the name of the Primitive Area, originates from the Ute word meaning "Hot Water Springs." The elusive promise of quick wealth brought the early miners to the area in the 1870's. The old mining wagon roads and trails of this era are now the four -wheel drive vehicle roads used by the public to mine, explore, view and visit the area. The mining era remnants and ruins are a major attraction for visitors. The wild flower "gardens" of