McKenna Peak, with its unique wildlife, geology, and rugged beauty is a great example of Western Slope wildlands that deserve more protection.
Jon Broholm, Durango
San Juan Mountains Wilderness Proposal
The San Juan Mountains Wilderness proposal enjoys the enthusiastic support of San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan Counties, local towns, and numerous stakeholders such as ranchers, outfitters, and thousands of local residents. This overwhelming support has resulted in the introduction of The San Juan Wilderness Act in the 111th Congress in both the House and Senate. The Bill made much progress in Committees, but ultimately did not reach the President’s desk.
The proposal would permanently protect over 60,000 acres of pristine lands in San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan Counties:
Wilderness Designations:
- 3,170 acres will be added to the existing Lizard Head Wilderness Area in San Miguel County
21,606 acres will be added to the existing Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area in San Miguel and Ouray County.
8,614 acres of the McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area in San Miguel County, located in the Disappointment Valley, will be designated as wilderness (representing the first designation in the Dolores River watershed.
Designate Additional Protections:
- 21,697 acres in San Juan and San Miguel County including Ice Lakes basin outside of Silverton and the high alpine peaks near Ophir will be designated as the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area. Existing uses including heliisking will be allowed to continue, but no new roads or other development will be permitted. The area will automatically become wilderness should the heliiski company cease to operate in the area.
- 6,595 acres will be withdrawn from eligibility for mineral leasing in Naturita Canyon, near Norwood in San Miguel County
