WSPC06644 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

GfJ2384 conservationists' proposals did not include this area due to a belief that the corridor between the weminuche and the piedra had already been impacted by roadbuilding. Recent investigation has revealed that a roadless corridor still exists and is highly qualified for protection through wilderness designation. 3. The eastern and northeastern WSA boundary has been extended to include the Sandbench area, which contains significant old-growth trees and wildlife habitat. The proposal follows the boundary contained in legislation introduced in 1983 by Senator Gary Hart (S. 2032) to a point 200 feet east of the Sand Creek Trail, southeast of Forest Road 624. At this point the extension boundary crosses Sand Creek and follows a ridge line and the natural contours back to the WSA boundary west of Forest Road 624. The modification from the Hart proposal was made to exclude an area that has been logged and is no longer roadless. The remainder of the Sandbench area has strong public support for wilderness designation. 4. The eastern boundary has also been extended to include First Box Canyon. This area is one of the most wild sections of river in the state. A proposed Bureau of Reclamation dam site exists on this section, but has not been seriously considered for many years. It should be noted that there is additional, contiguous roadless land on the southeast side of the Piedra River in the Middle Mountain area, as well as some additional acreage east of Little Sand Creek. Also, a roadless area exists to the west of the Piedra River in the Trout Creek area. These areas have not been included in this proposal due to conflicts with proposed timber sales and other management concerns expressed by the Forest Service. However, they are all within the original RARE II boundary and still possess their wilderness character. 25