Animals
Numerous streams, lakes, reservoirs, varied topography, climate,
and vegetation of the San Juan National Forest are habitats
for an abundance of native fish and wildlife.
Ecology
Learn about the ecology of forests and grasslands—ties
between the land, water, plants, animals, fire, weather, and
other resources and factors that occur together over time.
Geological Resources
Dinosaurs, igneous rocks, and gold, oh my! Find out about
geological resources and processes—rocks, formations,
caves, fossils, minerals, and energy sources—within
our mountains, plateaus, and plains.
Geology of the Colorado Plateau (You will leave the San Juan NF web site.)
Heritage Resources
The San Juan National Forest is rich not only in natural
history, but also in human history. Learn more about archaeological
activities and the human history of the Forest.
Visit this site for information on local wildflowers, ferns,
trees, and noxious weeds (you will leave the San Juan National
Forest Web site).
Rangelands are valuable and extensive ecosystems within the
San Juan National Forest and BLM Field Office, comprising
about 50% of the public land in our area. They provide clean
water, forage for grazing and browsing animals, cover for
many wildlife species, and a variety of recreational opportunities
for our visitors. Rangelands are also of vital economic importance
to our local communities.
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Research
The Rocky
Mountain Research Station supports our natural resource
programs through research and development of state-of-the-art
management tools.
Water, Air, and Soil
The stewardship of water, soil, and air resources is an important
part of San Juan National Forest management.
Four Corners Air Quality Task Force
The Four Corners Air Quality Task Force was created to work on the air quality issues and challenges facing the Four Corners region.
Four Corners Air Quality Task Force (You will leave the San Juan NF web site.)
Wild Horses
The Dolores Public Lands Office manages the Spring Creek
Basin Wild Horse Herd Management Area. Just north of Disappointment
Creek, this 22,000-acre expanse is open to a variety of multiple
uses. The principal management emphasis is on maintaining
a healthy, viable population of wild horses that exist in
natural ecological balance with other resources. We maintain
a minimum of 35 adult horses and generally gather the excess
when their numbers exceed 65.
According to local lore the horses are descendents of those
brought to the Disappointment Creek area in the late 1800s
by a horse rancher from Montana. The legend continues that
he subsequently had to leave in a hurry, just ahead of the
law, and some of his horses were left behind. DNA and blood
testing have indicated that Thoroughbred and Morgan are the
primary breed influences in this herd.
Travel in the area is restricted to existing roads. This
is a remote area and none of the roads in the herd area are
graveled; the roads can quickly become impassable when wet.
For information on viewing opportunities and local management
questions contact Bob Ball at (970) 882-7296.
If you are interested in adopting a wild horse or burro,
a wide selection is generally available from the BLM wild
horse facility in Canon City, Colorado. For more information
call (719) 269-8500, or visit www.co.blm.gov/wildhb/wildhb.htm.
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