WSP07790 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

0007Q3 UNCOMPAHGRE AND WILSON MOUNTAINS PRIMITIVE AREAS SAN JUAN AND UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FORESTS The 69,253 acre Uncompahgre Primitive Area, within the National Forest of the same name, is composed of two units separated by U. S. Highway 550 and the Town of Ouray, Colorado. Containing perhaps the most beautiful alpine scenery in the State, the Primitive Area also has the distinction of containing more privately-owned land-16,001 acres-than any other Primitive Area or Wilderness in the National Forest System. These private inholdings consist of hundreds of patented (deeded) mining claims, acquired during the late 1800's and early 1900's when mining activity was extensive and towns like Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton were booming. In later years, with higher-grade ore diminished and the country in an economic depression, many of the properties were abandoned or held in an inactive status by owners hoping for the day "when mining would come back." Recognizing that extensive private inholdings tend to complicate National Forest administration, Forest Supervisor J. S. Veeder nevertheless recommended establishment of the Uncompahgre Primitive Area under Regulation L-20. His report, dated October 29, 1931, noted, "Although this primitive area includes a considerable number of patented mining claims, it is not believed that the patented land will be detrimental to the primitive order designation. Certainly, the rough character of the country will preclude the use of these old mining claims for purposes incompatible to the order," adding, "The primitive designation will not, of course, prevent further mining. development." Supervisor Veeder's report and management plan were approved by Regional Forester Allen S. Peck on May 16, 1932, and by Chief of the Forest Service R. Y. Stuart on March 28, 1932, creating the two-unit Primitive Area. A short distance southwest of the Uncompahgre Primitive Area are the Wilson Mountains, a comparatively small range forming the boundary of the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests. Although not extensive, the peaks are usually rugged and beautiful, with some over 14,000 feet in elevation. The Wilsons were once entirely within the Montezuma National Forest, but that administrative unit was eliminated and the affected lands added to the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. A. F. Hoffman, Montezuma National Forest Supervisor, recommended establishment of the Wilson Mountains Primitive Area on March 22,1930. His report and management plan were revised and resubmitted on January 29, 1932, and approved by Regional Forester Allen S. Peck on April 11, 1932. Chief Forester R. Y. Stuart gave final approval on October 1, 1932, and the 27,347 acre Primitive Area was established under Regulation L-20. Hoffman reported no private inholdings, although 771 acres of private land exist in the Primitive Area in 1974. The gross acreage of the area is now 30,875 acres, the slight increase over the original being due to improvements in the base maps used to calculate acreage.