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<br />0007\)6 <br /> <br />., <br /> <br />Clark noted that approximately 23,000 sheep under Forest Service permit grazed the area <br />during the summer months; and Hutton reported 43,000 sheep using the San Juan side. The <br />timber resource was considered to be extensive in both areas. The San Juan estimate was <br />200 million board feet, with the Rio Grande side containing an additional 229 million board <br />feet. Both management plans provided for the eventual cutting of timber within the <br />Primitive Areas under guidelines to prevent undue damage to the "primitive values." <br /> <br />In spite of the economic considerations inherent in these and other management plans for <br />L.20 Primitive Areas, it is apparent that the Forest Service personnel involved felt they were <br />pioneering a new concept as part of the overall land use approach to National Forest <br />management. During these years no real or even identifiable base of public opinion existed <br />to support or champion the National Forest wilderness concept. Hutton's words illustrate <br />this point well: "Public sentiment is only lukewarm regarding the area," adding, <br />prophetically, ". . ,public opinion will increase in its favor as time goes on. , ,. The average <br />tourist, however, and in fact the average citizen does not know that such an area exists. . . ." <br />Supervisor Clark, however, reflecting on the situation on the Rio Grande side, said simply, <br />"it is predicted that no opposition will be met in the classification and management of this <br />area as a "Primitive Area." <br /> <br />Public interest in the San Juan and Upper Rio Grande Primitive Areas in 1974 is keen. <br />Acting under the mandate of the 1 964 Wilderness Act, the Forest Service has reviewed the <br />two Primitive Areas and recommended their combination as the Weminuche Wilderness. The <br />Congress is now considering legislation to accomplish this and, in Hutton's words, ensure, <br />". , .the benefits to be derived from the creation and administration of an area dedicated <br />primarily to 'primitive things: as part of a balanced pattern of land use." <br />