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OOJ713 January, 1990 FOSSIL RIDGE ACREAGE: 47,400 acres in the Wilderness study Area DESIGNATION RECOMMENDATIONS: FOREST SERVICE ARMSTRONG unsuitable 43,300 * . proposed National Recreation Area WIRTH 55,560 FOREST: Gunnison COUNTY: Gunnison Land Area Public Land sq. miles % of total 3,328 78 Forest Service land % 61 LOCATION: In the southwest corner of the state, 125 air miles from Denver, about 8 miles NE of Gunnison. RECOMMENDATION: This area is unsuitable for wilderness, but is proposed to be designated a National Recreation Area. Given the high mineral potential and extensive motorized trail system, as well as the proximity of the area to other wilderness areas, this area should not be designated as wilderness. The Forest Service has documented over 40 mining claims, 182 acres of private land, and 9 adjudicated water rights in the proposed area. Further, the proposed Union Creek Reservoir project may conflict with the northern and eastern boundaries of the area. Existing motorized recreation has a substantial beneficial impact on the local economies in the region. The National park service is currently studying the Paleozoic fossils in the sedimentary rock to determine if that area should be designated a National Natural Landmark. Wilderness designation would be difficult to administer and is not needed to protect the natural values of the area. Because adequate solitude must be provided to visitors to wilderness areas, the Forest Service believes they may have to resort to a limited permit system, allowing only a certain number of visitors into the area at any given time. Current management practices, coupled with those required of a National Recreation Area will protect the area without compromising existing rights. A National Recreation Area designation would enable all of the study area to be given protective status, and allow optimum management of the extensive outdoor recreation uses. Trail development and maintenance will be facilitated to meet rising demands for a variety of recreational uses for all ages and groups. GENERAL FEATURES: The area is characterized by steep V-shaped valleys below timberline, and cirque basins with headwalls, serrated ridges, and sharp peaks and cliffs above timberline. Elevation varies from 9,000 to 13,200 feet. SPECIAL FEATURES: About 2,700 acres of the area is under study by the National Park Service for inclusion in the National Natural Landmarks Program. This designation, if justified, would adequately protect the Paleozoic fossils in the area. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: The area was studied during RARE II and was recommended unsuitable. It was studied again after the 1980 Colorado Wilderness Act, and again found unsuitable for wilderness