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<br />OQ2308 <br /> <br />FOSSIL RIDGE <br /> <br />Statistics <br /> <br />Jurisdiction: Gunnison National Forest, US <br />Inventoried RARE II Area: <br />Wilderness Study Area: <br />RARE II Recommendation: <br />Reagan Administration Recommendation: <br />State of Colorado Recommendation: <br />Conservationists' Recommendation: <br /> <br />Forest Service <br />92,000 acres <br />47,400 acres <br />Non-wilderness <br />Non-wilderness <br />55,560 acres <br />57,000 acres <br /> <br />Location <br /> <br />The Fossil Ridge Wilderness Study Area is a mountainous region <br />located about eight miles northeast of Gunnison, <br /> <br />Wilderness Qualities <br /> <br />Fossil Ridge is characterized by high peaks and stream-fed alpine <br />lakes, which are surrounded by steep, forested slopes. It is <br />named for the fossiliferous limestone ridge that runs southwest to <br />northeast in the southern part of the area. Fossil Ridge has been <br />rated by the Forest Service as one of the wildest in the state.l6 <br /> <br />The proximity of Fossil Ridge to a number of population centers <br />affords an excellent opportunity for recreation on a one-day or <br />week-long basis. Recreation and tourism are mainstays of Gunnison <br />County's economy and much of this activity is dependent on the <br />existence of the nearby wilderness.l7 Fossil Ridge is heavily <br />used by both hunters and fishermen. <br /> <br />It is estimated that 800-1200 elk use Fossil <br />and calving. A dozen or more mountain goats <br />round, surrounded by its imposing beauty. <br />eagles and peregrine falcons have been sighted <br /> <br />Ridge for migration <br />reside there year- <br />In addition, golden <br />in the area.l <br /> <br />The excellent water quality of Fossil Ridge is essential to the <br />surrounding resort communities. The streams within the area drain <br />into the Taylor and Tomichi Rivers, both tributaries of the <br />Gunnison River. Fossil Ridge is also important for its scientific <br />values. It is full of sea fossils laid down 275-600 million years <br />ago. The area plays a vital role in the study of acid rain, as <br />well. It offers an excellent opportunity for scientific research <br /> <br />l6RARE II Final EIS, 1979. <br /> <br />l7Fossil Ridge WSA Study Report, September 1983. <br /> <br />18Individual sightings, 1980-83, Friends of Fossil Ridge <br />Report, <br /> <br />13 <br />