WSP00792

• File Number: 7630.010
• Description: Wild and Scenic - Black Canyon of the Gunnison
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 9/1/1971
• Author: National Park Servic
• Title: Wilderness Recommendation - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument - Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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classified as Class III even when they do not involve the
environment of either Class I V, Class V, or Class V I lands. In
natural areas, "natural environment" lands are sometimes referred
to additionally as "wilderness threshold" when they abut or
surround wilderness.

The "wilderness threshold" lands afford the newcomer an
opportunity to explore the mood and the temper of the wild
country before venturing into the wilderness beyond. Here, in the
wilderness threshold, is an unequalled opportunity for
interpretation of the meaning of wilderness.

Class III lands also serve important research needs of the Service,
as well as of many independent researchers and institutions of
higher learning.

The only facilities planned in these "natural environment" lands
are the minimum required for public enjoyment, health, safety,
preservation, and protection of the features, such as one-way
motor nature trails, small visitor overlooks, informal picnic sites,
short nature walks, and wilderness-type uses. Such limited facilities
must be in complete harmony with the natural environment.

Class IV lands are those which contain unique natural features.
These lands usually represent the most fragile and most precious
values of a natural area. Class IV identifies the terrain and objects
of scenic splendor, natural wonder, or scientific importance that
are the heart of the park. These are the lands which must have the
highest order of protection so that they will remain "unimpaired
for the enjoyment of future generations." Nothing in the way of
human use should be permitted on Class IV lands that intrude
upon or may in any way damage or alter the scene. The sites and
features are irreplaceable. They may range in size from large areas
within the Grand Canyon to small sites such as Old Faithful
Geyser or a sequoia grove.

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Class V are the primitive lands that have remained prist me and
undisturbed as a part of our natural inheritance. They include in
some instances, moreover, lands which, through National Park
Service management, have been restored by the healing processes
of nature to a primeval state. There are no mining, domestic stock
grazing, water impoundments, or other intrusions of man to mar