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MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS Structures and Activities There are approximately 108 miles of horse and foot trails within the proposed boundary. These are necessary for the administration and use of the area. Some ad- ditional trail mileage will be needed to distribute use and for administration to protect the wilderness resource. About 2.7 miles of the trail on Elliott Ridge was improved for vehicular access for the Engelmann Spruce Bark Beetle control project in the early 1950's. One and one-fourth miles of this trail has minor cut and fill sections in moderate side slopes. 1.05 miles has some evidence of disturbance, but is reverting to near natural appearance, and on the remaining 0.4 mile only wheel tracks are in evidence. The trail is now closed to motorized traveL It is reverting to mltural tundra condition and will be used for foot and horse travel as an intregal part of the management of the Wilderness resource. Seven recreation campsites have been developed with rustic type improvements. There are 11 fireplaces, 7 toilets, 7 garbage pits, 2 tables, 2 hitching racks. and 1 corral. The fireplaces, garbage pits, and tables will be removed since they are not necessary for the protection or enjoyment of the wilderness resource. The toilets will be replaced with more suitable wilderness-type sanitary facilities where they are necessary to protect the wilderness resource. Only those hitching rails and corrals which are necessary for protection of a given site will be maintained. Rustic type signs are and will be used to guide and distribute wilderness users. The graves of twu early-day pioneers are situated at the junction of the Main Gore Creek-Gore Lake Trail. These will not be disturbed. There are a number of old miner and trapper cabins in various stages of decay within the proposed boundary. They will be permitted to disintegrate and disappear. Fire Records show that there have been 9 fires in the Primitive Area since 1940. All but one of these fires burned less than ]/~ acre. One of the fires was caused by lightning and eight were man-caused. Fire will not be a critical factor in wilderness management of the area. Insects and Disease The devastating Engelmann Spruce beetle epidemic of the late 1940's hit areas just to the north and to the west of the proposed Wilderness. It had little affect on the proposed area. Endemic attacks by fir and spruce bark beetles have continued over the years. As long as the attacks remain endemic, they will not be a factor in wilder- ness management. There are no significant areas of tree disease. l 1339 31 '~ .. ~ ."