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

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The record of the 1971 hearings reveals that while conservation groups generally supported deletion of lands unsuited for Wilderness classification from the Primitive Area, most favored inclusion into the National Wilderness Preservation System that acreage which meets the suitability criteria both within the Primitive Area and on contiguous lands. Most groups recognized that the many nonconforming uses present within the roaded areas of Canyon Creek, Sneffels Creek, Corkscrew Gulch, Poughkeepsie Gulch, Mineral Creek and the Uncompahgre River precluded their Wilderness classification. They emphasized the scenic, recreation, wildlife and wilderness values of portions of the contiguous lands and supported these for inclusion in the Wilderness System. At the hearing, concern was expressed regarding vehicle use in the Area. The recreation value of four -wheel drive travel was recognized and there was support for the continuation and maintenance of primitive road and travel conditions. However, the need for control of off -road vehicular traffic and coordination of land use planning to assure com- patible use of public and private lands was stressed by many people. Representatives of the mining industry, at the hearing, expressed concern for the high mineral values of the Review Area. They also recognized the need to conduct exploration and extraction of these minerals with minimum environmental damage. They expressed willingness to make mining and recreation compatible and suggested means by which they could increase recreation opportunities in mining areas. RESOURCES OF THE REVIEW AREA RESOURCES WildPrnPSs Both Primitive Areas have been administratively managed for more than 40 years in an effort to protect their resources, including the remaining wilderness. However, portions of both have had historic and current legislatively authorized impacts adversely affecting their wilderness values. The Uncompahgre Primitive Area has been subject to major mineral exploration and development activities, and the Wilson Mountains Primitive Area was subject to a heavy insect infestation which resulted in several miles of road for access in combating the epidemic, and is currently being prospected for minerals, principally copper. However, several areas con- sidered suitable for designation as Wilderness remain within and adjacent to the Primitive Areas. (See Current Situation Map) Recreation and Scenery Both Sections are renowned for their superlative alpine scenery which creates a unique setting for many recreation activities. The economies of towns within or adjacent to the Review Area are heavily dependent on the tourist industry. -3-