WSP06388 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

! VI. CRITERION 6 - Diversity in the National Wilderness Preservation System A. Expanding the diversity, of natural systems and features, as represented by ecosystems and landforms. ! As identified by the Bailey-Kuchler Ecosystem map of ecoregions of the United States the Papa Keal unit is in the southwestern spruce-fir forest of the Rocky Mountain Forest Province. In Colorado there are approximately 844,000 acres of existing wilderness and 215,300 acres of WSAs in the southwestern spruce-fir forest vegetative classification of the Rocky Mountain Forest Province. I', " The region surrounding this unit (which includes the San Luis Valley) is entirely in the Rocky Mountain Forest Province. Along with this unit there are an additional 40,000 acres of spruce-fir forest vegetative classification in the contiguous USFS Sangre de Cristo Range being studied for potential wilderness designation. For more detailed information see Appendix B, Table I. B. Expanding the opportunities for solitude or primitive recreation within a day's driving time (5 hours) of major population centers. This unit can be reached within 1 day of driving from four population centers: Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. detailed information, on the relationship of this WSA to other WSAs, wilderness and major population centers, see Appendix B-2. major For more designated C. Balancing the geograph~c distribution of wilderness areas. A "Wilderness Status Map" is available in the BlM Canon City District Office showing the location of all Federal lands under study for wilderness designation and all areas either already designated or recommended to Congress as wilderness within the state of Colorado. -t r "2'" ,. · t'~1 {~Ii A-39