WSP01656 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

!'l r,~ r:. t t.' (J J _ V ..l. .. K, CULTURAL RESOURCES NO cultural resource inventories have been completed within the Oh- Be-Joyful Wilderness Study Area, so no cultural resource sites have been recorded. Inventories in adjacent areas indicate that the probability of prehistoric sites in the area is low. A moderate density of historic sites is expected. This is based on knowledge of 19th century mining activity in the area and on known, but unrecoreded, sites. Cultural resource inventories will be made prior to any ground-disturbing activities. L, VISUAL RESOURCE Scenic quality is broadly described by the Variety Class rating as defined in National Forest Landscape Management, Volwne ~, Chapter 1. The premise is that th~ landscape with the most variety also have the greatest attractiveness for recreation use. See Map 111-12 for the Variety Class rating for the Study Area. Landscapes within the F~egion are grouped into similar character subtypes, The Oh-Be-Joyful Wilderness Study Area is within Landscape Character Subtype SR26 which includes such well known landforms as Maroon Bells, the Eagles Nest, the Mount of the Holy Cross and the highest peak in Colorado, Mt. Elbert. Persons using these varie":y classes must recognize that this subtype is highly scenic in com} ,arison to surrounding subtypes. Following are descriptions of the variety classes in the Study A 'ea: 1, Variety Class A Three units containing 28% of the St'J.dy Area are considered Vari, ~ty Class A: the lake portion of Peeler Basin; Garfield and Peeler ')eaks; and the upper cirques between Hancock Peak and Purple Peak, incl'llding Blue Lake. A large variety of dist~Lnctive landscapes is found in these three areas. Glacial fea ture~:; include cirque basins and headwalls, Sf rrated ridge~:;, and sharply sculptured peaks and cl lffs. These areas of expos(!d rock dominate the landscape and contrast sharply with nE-arby vegetclted areas. Water features include nwnerous small intermittent streams, water falls and cascades, small lakes, ponds, and wet neadows. The lcLkes and ponds are situated in cirque basins, or on benche.!: in the glacial valleys. Vegative features include spruce and fir t.rees in lo...,er, more protected spots and alpine vegetation in the higller areas. Alpine vegetation includes low growing sedges, grasses, herbs, small shrubs, and wildflowers. 2. Vc~iety Clasf"~ A unit encompassing 61% of the Study Area, ircluding Democrat Basin, upper Peeler Basin, and most of Oh-Be-Joyful Creek is considered Variety Class B. 41