WSP06388

• File Number: 8507
• Description: Rio Grande Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Date: 8/1/1982
• Title: Sangre De Christo Wilderness Study Area Report - San Isabel & Rio Grande National Forests part 3
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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Papa Keal
Unit No. CO-050-137

1.

CRITERION 1 - Evaluation of Wilderness Values

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Each of the following components contributes to the overall value of an area for
wilderness purposes.

A. Quality of the area's mandatory wilderness characteristics.

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1. Naturalness - This unit (1,020 acres) consists of the western
facing slopes of the lower portion of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The
vegetation on the slopes is a transition from the conifer. of the upper Sangre de
Cristo Range to the juniper-pine in the lower elevations.

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An old fence runs through the middle of this unit. It is in
disrepair and has fallen over in some places. Another fence runs along the
border between the USFS and public lands. This fence is also in disrepair.
These are wire strand and wood pole fences which blend into the existing color
of the surroundings.

In the northwest corner of Sec. 28 there is an old log cabin
which is falling down due to weathering. Because of its log construction it
visually fits into the environment.

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The overall influence of human imprints in this unit is not very
significant when combined with the contiguous USFS land being studied for
wilderness. These imprints will return to a substantially unnoticeable
condition by natural processes. A minimal amount of hand labor would be needed
to rehabilitate the imprints.

2. Outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and
unconfined recreation

a. Solitude - Outstanding opportunities for solitude exist
within the slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Due to topographic features
and vegetation, visitors can easily be screened from one another in
approximately 50 percent of the unit.

Outside sights and sounds originate mostly from traffic on
Colorado State Highway 150 going to the Great Sand Dunes Wilderness, National
Park Service (NPS). The effects of this traffic are not imposing on the
solitude of this unit and would not outweigh the benefits of wilderness
designation.

b. Primitive and unconfined recreation - This unit, combined
with the contiguous USFS unit being studied for wilderness designation, provides
outstanding opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and photography.

This unit is classified as roaded-natural.

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