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OCJ728 lands ranging in elevation from 6,800 to 10,500 acres. The landform is characterized by south-facing slopes deeply dissected by the piedra River and its tributaries. A few isolated, plateau-like areas are scattered throughout. SPECIAL FEATURES: The piedra River provides outstanding white-water rafting and kayaking opportunities. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: As a result of RARE II, piedra was recommended suitable for wilderness designation. It was then designated a WSA by the 1980 Colorado Wilderness Act. This area is suitable for wilderness designation provided Colorado's water rights system is adequately protected. Further study would simply be a waste of scarce Forest Service resources. RELATION TO OTHER WILDERNESS: There are 15 wildernesses with over 1.3 million acres within a 100 mile radius of the area. VEGETATION: Coniferous vegetation covers over 70% of the area with the Douglas fir type representing one half of the total. spruce fir is second with 17%, and ponderosa pine with 3%. Aspen leads among deciduous species, covering 25% of the area. Only about 5% of the area is not timbered. WILDLIFE: Principal wildlife includes elk, mule deer, black bear and mountain lion. South and west facing slopes are used by deer and elk as winter range, although the primary big game use of the area is for summer and fall range. An important migration corridor for elk and deer passes through the area. Other wildlife species such as cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrels, pine and ground squirrels, badger, coyote, various weasels, pine marten, bobcat, band-tailed pigeon, and blue grouse are well represented within their respective habitat niches. FISHING: The piedra River and its major tributaries contain fair to excellent cold water fish habitat. Species present include cutthroat, brown, rainbow and brook trout. Periodic stocking is necessary to maintain fishable populations under present harvest pressure. This restocking would be prohibited within the wilderness segments of the river. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: There are no known federally designated endangered species occupying the area. However, the river otter, on the State of Colorado's threatened and endangered species list, was introduced into the piedra River in 1978. This appears to be successful. CONFLICTS: Except for the major water issues involved, there are very few potential conflicts with wilderness designation. Some mineral rights and timber resources exists outside of the study area but are avoided by this designation. WATER:: Water yield is estimated at 41,500 acre feet on an average annual basis of 1 acre foot/acre/year. All of this water drains into the Piedra River. The piedra River is being studied for possible wild and scenic river designation. Water quality is considered good to excellent. A potential hydroelectric site exists in the First Box Canyon of the piedra River and has the capacity of generating 40 million kilowatt hours annually. However, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has informed the