San Juan National Forest

WATERSHED VALUES

Water for municipal and irrigation use in the towns of Durango, Silverton, Bayfield, and Pagosa Springs, in Colorado, and Aztec and Farmington, in New Mexico, and adjacent farming communities, is obtained from the rivers and streams of the San Juan National Forest. The welfare and maintenance of these communities are dependent on proper management of the several watersheds within the boundary of the forest.

The Navajo, Blanco, San Juan, Piedra, Pine, Florida, Animas, and La Plata Rivers, with their numerous tributaries combine to make up the San Juan River, the main drainage system of the San Juan Basin, and one of the principal tributaries of the Colorado River, on which the Boulder Dam is located. Also, on Pine River and within the forest boundary is located the Vallecito Reservoir, recently constructed by the United States Reclamation Service for the irrigation of farming lands in the general vicinity of Bayfield. This reservoir will impound irrigation water to provide a supplemental supply for 36,400 acres now under constructed canals, and 30,600 acres which can later be brought under irrigation.

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, the dam is 143 feet high and 4,000 feet long. The storage capacity is 126,000 acre feet and the surface area of the impounded waters is 2,723 acres. The Southern Ute Indians own approximately 18,000 acres within the project, of which 6,000 acres are now irrigated.

It is recognized that forest and other vegetative cover exerts a marked regulatory influence on the flow of streams, and that an adequate forest cover is essential for the protection of a watershed, to insure a constant and uniform flow of water, to safeguard against floods, and to prevent erosion. The forest is managed and the use of its resources is regulated to prevent damage to its watersheds.

Vallecito Dam, where water is impounded for the irrigation of farming lands. F—412166

FORAGE VALUES

The livestock industry is one of the important industries of the San Juan Basin. The herds and flocks of cattle and sheep are owned by farmers and ranchers who are largely dependent on the forest ranges for summer pastures. The forage crop of the forest will support approximately 11,600 cattle and 100,000 sheep annually. In 1940, this privilege was used by 300 stockmen. The permanent ranch owner is given preference in the use of the forest range, which contributes to community welfare and tends to give stability to the industry.

The proper management of livestock on forest ranges necessitates a definite plan of use, designed to prevent damage to the forest cover and perpetuate the forage resource. Forest officers, working in cooperation with stockmen, constantly strive to improve the management of the forest ranges by conservatively utilizing the forage crop which otherwise would be wasted. Harvesting the crop by grazing also prevents accumulation of dry grass and weeds which would add enormously to the forest-fire hazard.

The average annual revenue derived by the United States for grazing of livestock on the San Juan National Forest is approximately $26,000.

Farmers and ranchers are largely dependent on San Juan Forest ranges for summer feed. F—406921

GAME ANIMALS AND FISH

Big game animals are abundant in most parts of the San Juan National Forest. Estimates made by forest officers at the close of 1940 indicated that there were approximately 4,200 deer, 2,700 elk, 920 bear, and 160 mountain sheep on the forest. The elk, deer, and bear are showing substantial annual increases, and the State law provides for the removal of surplus animals by hunters. Mountain sheep are showing no increase and are protected from hunting.

Small game animals and birds include rabbits, squirrels, band-tailed pigeons, ducks, grouse, and ptarmigan; and the largest group of wild turkeys in the State is found in and adjacent to the forest. Fur-bearing animals on the forest are beaver, fox, martin, mink, badger, ermine, muskrat, and skunk. Among the predatory animals are mountain lion, coyote, lynx, and wildcat.

The forest contains a total of 475 miles of streams and 1,300 acres of lakes stocked with trout which provide fishing in season for those interested in this sport. These waters are stocked with young trout native, rainbow, eastern brook, and Lochleven, grown in State and Federal hatcheries and distributed in cooperation with the Forest Service, game and fish clubs, and individuals.

RECREATION

The forest contains many areas of high recreational value which are used by an ever increasing number of local residents and tourists, who come from more distant points, for picknicking, camping, fishing, hunting, and other related sports. Improved camp and picnic grounds, equipped with fireplaces, tables, and sanitary facilities, have been developed by the Forest Service at many points throughout the forest for the convenience and use of the public. The use of established campgrounds by the public is encouraged as it tends to lessen the danger of forest fires and the contamination of springs and streams. The cooperation of the public in controlling these menaces to the forest is solicited and is the only price of admission to the enjoyment of the recreational attractions of the forest.

Hotels, resorts, and cabin camps are conveniently located in towns and communities within or adjacent to the forest for the accommodation of visitors who do not wish to establish a camp. Saddle and pack stock for 1-day or camping trips into the more inaccessible and remote parts of the forest may be obtained at resorts or nearby ranches.

A young bull elk photographed from 50 feet. F—341479