Correspondence on Bonneville Unit of Central Utah Project

Page 18

Areas £3 and #4. Both of these areas contain critical watershed and important spax/ning areas for trout, including remnants of the Green River Cutthroat Trout. .All efforts should be made to preserve those resources. Given the moderate erosion potential of the soils, the planned timber sales pose a serious threat to important watershed and spawning areas. Therefore, we recommend that wilderness study be initiated in order to explore the need for protection of those critical values. Area #5. The general recreation use and potential use and the excellent fishing in this area make it a good candidate for wilderness. Due to the short growing season which produces slow-growing timber of low quality, the planned timber sales seem to'be a very unwise use of the resource. We recommend wilderness study for this area. Area #6• All of the numerous outstanding features of this area establish it as a prime candidate for wilderness designation and.we recom­mend wilderness study. Area #7. Since this area provides a scenic resource for automobile travellers on U-44, and the soil in the heads of the drainages 1? is shallow and has moderate erosion potential, we question the advisability of the planned timber sales. This area should be protected and therefore needs further study. Area #8. This area possesses valuable resources for wildlife, recreation, and is a critical watershed for the Uintah Basin, It will un­doubtedly become an important recreation area. Given these factors, the relatively short groxv'ing season, and the shallow soils with moderate erosion potential, the large scale timber sales planned for this area seem -unwise. Further study for x^ilderness should be initiated. Area #9. This area contains the outstanding natural feature of Ashley Creek Gorge and a variety of wildlife which is becoming more rare all the time. Since it is also a critical watershed for the Uintah 3asin, especially the city of Vernal, and has some very fragile soils, It should be protected. We recommend a study for wilderness. Area #10. This interesting area possesses good recreation potential and • a relatively short growing season. Since it is an important watershed and is subject to flood development, it should be managed very carefully. Timber sales should be viewed critically and the area should receive further study. Area #11. The vital nature of this critical watershed, the recreation potential3 and the scenic values establish this area as a strong candidate for wilderness. Logging seems a poor management for this area, and we recommend a wilderness study. Area #12. This area has all of the earmarks of outstanding wilderness: magnificent peaks, beautiful scenery, unusual x^ildlife, exceptional fishing, including the magnificent Whiterocks River. There is no question about this area as a prime candidate for wilderness study.