Los Pinos River Recomendations - Laserfiche WebLink

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CULTURAL RESOURCES The portion of the 1979 study area that was found to be eligible for designation contains one historic site and two natural land marks that were considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The Granite Peak Guard Station, previously mentioned, was constructed sometime between 1907 and 1908 as a station for the administration of land within the newly established San Juan National Forest. The Forest was established June 5, 1905, by proclamation of President Theodore Roosevelt. Through the years the original character of the cabin was maintained, although its use changed to temporary headquarters for Forest Service crews working in the wilderness. La Ventana (The Window) is a rock and cliff formation used as a pass and a landmark during the early Spanish gold expeditions. Also carved into the rock on one side are the words "Stewart's Gap", referring to an early cavalry expedition that passed through the area in 1858. The Rio Grande Pyramid is a prominent peak used by Spaniards as a landmark in their quest for gold. The peak is clearly visible from the northern New Mexico lowlands. Subsequent studies of the significance of the above features determined that they did not merit national register status. SOCIAL-ECONOMIC EFFECTS The economy of the region has historically been tied to mining, agriculture, and lumbering. Mining activity, both fuel and non-fuel is now foreclosed because of the wilderness legislation. Domestic livestock production is declining because many of the region's ranchers and farmers have capitalized the value of their lands by selling off portions for low density subdivisions. The livestock situation remains unchanged from the 1979 study report. In recent years less than 1000 head of sheep have grazed in the river corridor. The lower river, below Lake Creek, is included within the Vallecito cattle allotment. This portion of the allotment, while being important to the management of the livestock, does not contribute a significant amount of grazing capacity. The economic sector created by outdoor recreation and tourism is limited because of wilderness resource considerations. Visitor use will be curtailed to prevent depreciation of wilderness character and values. The net effect on the region's economy caused by visitor regulation is expected to be insignificant. Irrigation is the cornerstone of agriculture in the region. Ranching and feed grain production are the main agricultural activities. Facing uncertainties of weather, price, and production costs, the emphasis of the small family farm is fast disappearing. This has also contributed to the sell off of farm lands for