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OOij71~ designation by the Forest Service. RELATION TO OTHER WILDERNESS: There are several large wildernesses close to the WSA. 739,500 wilderness acres are within 50 miles, and 2,136,000 within 100 miles of the WSA. The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness is 12 miles to the north, the Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness is 15 miles northwest, the West Elk Wilderness is 18 miles west and the La Garita Wilderness is 35 miles to the southwest. VEGETATION: Coniferous vegetation, primarily Engelmann spruce and lodgepole pine, covers 60% of the area. Aspen occurs in 10% of the area. The remainder of the area is mostly grassland and rock. Sedge and fescue are the most abundant other vegetation. The higher peaks consist almost entirely of surface rocks. WILDLIFE: The area provides summer range for a small herd of mule deer and an estimated 80 to 100 elk. There is no winter range inside the WSA which is the main factor limiting deer and elk populations. The area may be historic range for bighorn sheep, but there is not a resident population there at this time. Bighorn sheep from the nearby Taylor canyon occasionally move through the area. A herd of mountain goats occupies the Henry Mountain area year round. FISHING: There are six lakes in the area. Fishing pressure is light except for Lamphier Lakes. None of the lakes can withstand heavy fishing pressure due to their small size, low temperatures and the periodic winter-kill problems. Aerial restocking of cutthroat is carried out about every two years. National Recreation Area status will allow this restocking to continue, but wilderness designation would not. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: There are no known threatened or endangered species in the area. Although bald eagles occasionally fly over the area, typical bald eagle habitat does not occur. CONFLICTS: Numerous conflicts exist in the area. Recreation is extensive in the area; it includes many retired persons using mechanized or motorized vehicles, who would be excluded by a wilderness designation. Recreation with motorized and mechanized vehicles has a beneficial impact on several small local businesses, and on the area's economy as a whole. 182 acres near Brush Creek is privately owned, and over 40 mining claims have been identified. The Bureau of Mines has identified this area as one of high mineral potential. Concern with several agricultural grazing permits has been expressed. Watershed management to increase water yield through small timber harvests is a desirable option. The proposed Union Park Reservoir may be impacted WATER: Although generally a headwaters area, Forest Service records show 6 adjudicated water rights exist. However, the Colorado River Water Conservancy District has documented 16 adjudicated water rights within the proposed area. The area is located on the watershed divide between the Taylor River and Gold Creek. Annual runoff is estimated to be 50,000 acre feet. Data indicate the water is of high quality, and water yield can be increased by proper timber management. The proposed Union Park Reservoir may encroach on the area when the reservoir is at its