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000253 APPENDIX: HEARING OFFICER'S REPORT INTRODUCTION Public hearings on the proposal to establish a wilderness unit within Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument were held at the Colorado-Ute Electric Association Auditorium, Wood gate Road, Montrose, Colorado, on December 3, 1970, and at the Quigley Hall Recital Auditorium, Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado, on December 5, 1970. The Montrose hearing was opened at 9:00 a.m. by Hearing Officer, Mr. John M. Davis, 7272 East Camino Valle Verde, Tucson, Arizona 85715. Approximately 56 persons were present, with 14 giving oral statements. After everyone wishing to make a statement was heard, the hearing was closed at 11 :00 a.m. on the same day. The Gunnison hearing was opened at 9:00 a.m. on December 5 by Mr. Davis. Approximately 65 persons were present, with 14 giving oral statements. After everyone wishing to make a statement was heard, the hearing was closed at 11:45 a.m. on the same day. Reporter service was provided by Mr. James P. Ford, Official Reporter, of the Federal Reporting Service, 991 Ursula Street, Denver, Colorado 80010. THE PRELIMINARY WILDERNESS PROPOSAL The Monument Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument is located in Montrose County on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains in southwestern Colorado. U.S. Highway 50 passes within 6 miles of the south entrance of the monument. State Highway 347, off U.S. 50, 8 miles east of Montrose, Colorado, provides the approach to the South Rim area. And the approach to the North Rim of the area is via 11 miles of graded, unpaved road off State Highway 92. The nearest towns are Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray, and Grand Junction, Colorado. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument was established by Presidential proclamation on March 2, 1933. At that time, it was recognized as "a spectacular gorge with inherent scenic value plus scientific and educational potentia!." Since then, two 14