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"No timber operations are planned for the area at the <br /> • present time due to marginal timber stands and inacces- <br /> sibility of stands for timber sales . " <br /> Source : Dalton L . Ellis <br /> District Ranger <br /> Paonia Ranger District <br /> Gunnison National Forest <br /> Pastureland : As noted in the discussion of <br /> cropland use , the short growing season and soil characteristics <br /> of the area would tend to hinder the success of hay crops . <br /> In addition, steep terrain would make planting and harvesting <br /> operations difficult . <br /> Industrial/Commercial : Coal Basin has been <br /> used for mining since the turn of the century. However , the <br /> harsh winters and steep terrain make operations difficult <br /> and increase production costs . Such factors would inhibit <br /> • development of Coal Basin for other industrial uses . <br /> The transportation of goods and services <br /> would prove a further difficulty to industrial users since <br /> the nearest train loadout is located in Carbondale. <br /> Trade and lodging facilities in the Coal <br /> Basin might accompany development of the post-mining recreational <br /> land use . However , absent recreational development , the <br /> potential for success of such facilities seems questionable . <br /> Residential : Development of Coal Basin as a <br /> residential area is economically infeasible at this time . <br /> It should be noted , however , that during the time the <br /> Colorado Fuel & Iron Co . operated its mine in the Coal <br /> • <br /> 26 <br />