OCR Text |
Show The three dams on the San Juan River would have little potential recreational value and, as previously stated, would eliminate the thrills of boating down the twisting canyoned river to the Colorado. This trip has been popular in recent years under the guidance of Norman D. Nevills of Mexican Hat. If it is eventually determined to be in the best interest of the people of the Nation to construct these large dams, the present wilderness character of the side canyons and the adjoining country can still be preserved, though the mighty rivers responsible for this wilderness will have become mill- ponds. The dams would be lost in the canyons and have little or no effect on the surrounding scenery. On the other hand, the construction camps and roads, and the transmission lines could be objectionable features, destroying the present wilderness character of limited areas if not planned and constructed in the least conspicuous locations. For instance, transmission lines located where they are silhouetted against the sky are considerably more conspicuous than when they have a background. Other resources.- The area is large enough and varied enough to permit the continued use and development of its resources. The unusual, colorful scenery and spectacular geological features, the canyoned rivers, the wealth of archeological material, and the great open, undeveloped spaces are considered by many people as recreational resources of the highest order which, under proper management, can become major economic assets to the State and Nation. The area is used extensively for grazing cattle and sheep and this use should continue under sustained- yield management. While no extensive mineral resources have yet been discovered and there is little indication that they will be, it remains a potentiality. Oil, magnesium salt, vanadium, soft coal, and some gold have been found. The limited forest areas are important for watershed protection, recreation, and grazing, but unimportant for timber production. Except in certain limited sections where a single use is essential to obtain the greatest benefits, these resources can be developed and used simultaneously. The need is for each interest to understand, appreciate, and recognize the multiple values of the area. The vast unfenced range with its wandering herds and cowboys and sheepherder camps have a definite appeal to the recreational visitor. The old cow camp may be developed into a camp for vacationists wishing to ride the trails, see the canyons, and visit archeological features. A new development for the accommodation of tourists may double as a headquarters for cowboys and miners. The range will not give full recreational value or the best beef and wool without limiting grazing to a conservative sustained- yield basis, which assures a good ground cover and checks erosion. Roads can be constructed to serve recreational travel and provide access to the range and mines. Elk Ridge in the La Sal National Forest has been an important summer grazing area but it is showing signs of overuse. As the area becomes better known it is certain to be one of the major recreation centers in the Canyon Lands. It is believed to be a suitable location for lodges, camps, and possibly a landing field serving people visiting Natural Bridges, Arch Canyon, Dark Canyon, Beef Basin, Fable Valley, Gypsum Canyon, and other places of interest in the surrounding canyon lands. Eventually the recreational use of Elk Ridge may be of primary consideration, with grazing a secondary use. Grays Pasture and Lands End are other sections of major recreational value, where grazing and other uses should be subordinate to that major value. The other centers of recreational importance- Navajo Mountain, Rainbow Bridge, Monument Valley, Hole in Rock, Escalante River Canyons, and The Needles- have little value except for recreation. Administration.- In the administration of the national forests, the Forest Service recognizes recreation as one of the important uses of forests, along with timber production, grazing, watershed protection, and wildlife production. Areas where public recreation interests are concentrated are dedicated exclusively for recreational use to protect the area and the public. A function of the Bureau of Land Management is to plan, manage, and execute a broad conservation program for the development, protection, and restoration of the soil, water, and forage resources on the Federal range, and to regulate the grazing therein, so that the dependent livestock industry 185 |