APPENDIX W WILD AND SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY SUMMARY

Oh Be Joyful Creek Location & General Description: The Oh-Be-Joyful Quadrangle, Gunnison County, . 6th PM: T.13S., R.86W., Sections 19, 20 (BLM); T.13S., R.87W., Sections 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. See Figure 1.

Oh-Be-Joyful River 2 Wild and Scenic River Eligible Segments

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Legend: 11/10/05 OWNERSHIP GMUG National Forest BLM Private Lands State Adminsitered Lands Lands in Other Federal Administration WSR Eligible River Segment

Figure 1. Oh-Be-Joyful River Eligible River Segments.

Ten miles of the Oh-Be-Joyful Creek, including the three forks (Democrat Basin, Dippold Basin, and Blue Lake) are located on the with 0.2 mile of stream on Bureau of Land Management, Gunnison Resource Area. The terminus of Oh-Be-Joyful Creek is

approximately 5 miles north, northwest of Crested Butte. Elevations range from 11,200 feet to 9,000 feet at Slate River confluence; vegetation ranges from high-alpine meadows and basins to dense conifer forests.

Segment 1A –Class = WILD (4.8 miles) Located within the . Beginning: At the headwaters beginning at Blue Lake flowing 3.9 miles to the Raggeds Wilderness Area boundary, plus 1 mile of the Democrat Basin fork and 1 mile of the Dippold Basin fork. Termini: The Raggeds Wilderness Area boundary. ORV – Scenery; Botanical (hanging garden) Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Oh-Be-Joyful Creek

Describe the ORV: Oh-Be-Joyful Creek and its tributaries offer outstanding scenery due to views of the Ruby Range, a number of waterfalls, lakes and tarns associated with the creek, wild high- alpine flower-filled basins, steep canyons and the wild nature of the roaring creek itself. A hanging garden with sensitive sub-alpine plants, among them, Sullivantia hapemanii var. purpusii resides within the stream corridor.

Segment 1B –Class = RECREATION (1.2miles) Beginning: At the Raggeds Wilderness Area boundary, traveling 2.1 miles. Termini: The Confluence with the Slate River. ORV – Recreation (kayaking)

Describe the ORV: The outside-of-wilderness segment is world-class kayaking. During the spring run-off, Oh-Be-Joyful Creek attracts kayakers from around the world. The attraction is the series of 18’ to 25’ waterfalls.

Management Consideration: This river segment is listed on the State of Colorado’s list of water quality impaired waters in accordance with Section 303d of the Clean Water Act. The impairment is listed as cadmium and zinc, a result of past mining activities.

Segment 1C –Class = WILD (3.1 miles) Located within the Raggeds Wilderness. Beginning: At the headwaters above Peeler Lakes. Termini: The confluence with Oh-Be-Joyful Creek. ORV - Scenery

Describe the ORV: The Peeler Lakes tributary segment offers outstanding scenery due to: the wild high-alpine flower-filled cirque-like setting of the tributary along with the three Peeler Lakes, the large waterfall below the lakes, the wild nature of the roaring creek itself, and the steep canyon associated with the waterfall.

Segment 1D – Class = SCENIC (1.2 miles) Beginning: At the headwaters in Redwell Basin. Termini: The confluence with Oh-Be-Joyful Creek. ORV – Botanical (Iron Fen G2, S2)

Describe the ORV: A unique plant community and Iron Fen, Carex aquatilis-sphagnum angustifolium (S2) resides within the stream corridor.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 2 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Slate River

Slate River Location & General Description: The Oh-Be-Joyful Quadrangle, Gunnison County, Colorado. 6th PM: T.12S., R.87W., Sections 22, 23, 26, and 35. See Figure 2.

Slate River & East River Wild and Scenic River Eligible Segments

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Legend: 11/22/05 WSR Eligible River Segment Wilderness Area National Forest System Lands BLM Administered Lands Raggeds Private and Other Lands Wilderness State Adminsitered Lands Lands in Other Federal Administration GMUG National Forest Boundary

Figure 2. Slate River and East River Eligible River Segments.

Elevations range from 11,400 feet below Yule Pass to 9,700 feet; vegetation mostly comprises of alpine meadows to isolated conifer forests. The termini of Slate River is approximately 8 miles north, northwest of Crested Butte. The entire segment is located on National Forest lands.

Segment 2 –Class = WILD (3.5 miles) Beginning: At the headwaters, below Yule Pass, traveling approximately 3.4 miles. Termini: Approximately 0.5 miles above the Pittsburg townsite. ORV – Scenery

Describe the ORV: Slate River offers outstanding scenery due to the narrow canyon in which Slate River resides, along with: views of the Ruby Range and the series of waterfalls throughout the canyon, the wild nature of the roaring river itself, and the wild high-alpine flower-filled “V”- shaped canyon. In the canyon, snowfields are common throughout the year.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 3 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary East River

East River Location & General Description: The Quadrangle and the Oh-Be-Joyful Quadrangle, Gunnison County, Colorado. 6th PM: T.12S., R.86W., Sections 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, and 33. See Figure 2.

Elevations range from 10,400 feet at Emerald Lake to 9,500 feet at Gothic; vegetation mostly comprises of alpine meadows to dense conifer forests and willow-lined river banks. The termini of East River is approximately 8 miles north of Crested Butte. Most of the river segment is located on National Forest lands (5.8 miles), 0.9 miles is located on private lands.

Segment 4 –Class = RECREATION (6.7 miles) Beginning: At the headwaters, beginning at Emerald Lake, traveling approximately 4.5 miles. Termini: The Gothic townsite. ORV – Scenery; Botanical (Riparian Willow Carr S2)

Describe the ORV: East River offers outstanding scenery due to: views of the Elk Range, number of oxbows/meanders, wetlands, and ponds associated with the river, the scenic nature of the flowing river itself, fishing opportunities, and the steep narrow canyon below Emerald Lake. Areas of sensitive, riparian willows plant community, (Willow Carr, Salix wolfii/Calamagrostis Canadensis (S2)) reside along the length of this segment.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 4 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Lower Taylor River

Lower Taylor River Location & General Description: The Taylor Park Reservoir Quadrangle, the Matchless Mountain Quadrangle, the Crystal Creek Quadrangle, and the Almont Quadrangle, Gunnison County, Colorado. 6th PM: T.14S., R.83W., Sections 24, 25, 26, and 35; T.15S., R.83W., Sections 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, and 18; T.15S., R.84W., Sections 13, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, and 32. NMPM: T.51N., R.1E., Sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 22, and 23. See Figure 3.

Lower Taylor River Wild and Scenic River Eligible Segments

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Legend: 11/22/05 WSR Eligible River Segment Wilderness Area National Forest System Lands BLM Administered Lands Private and Other Lands State Adminsitered Lands Lands in Other Federal Administration GMUG National Forest Boundary

Figure 3. Lower Taylor River Eligible River Segment.

Elevations range from 9,300 feet at Taylor Park Reservoir dam to 8,000 feet at the town of Almont; vegetation mostly comprises of dense conifer forests, cottonwood-lined river banks, to open grassy parks. The terminus of Taylor River is approximately 10 miles north of Gunnison. Of the 20 miles of eligible stream, 6.4 miles is located on non-National Forest lands.

Segment 5 –Class = RECREATION (20.2 miles) Paved road access and adjacent developments. Beginning: Taylor Reservoir Dam Termini: Almont ORV – Recreation (rafting), fisheries (gold medal), wildlife (bighorn sheep)

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 5 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Lower Taylor River Describe the ORV(s): Fishing, rafting and kayaking. From Taylor Reservoir traveling downstream, the ORVs are as described: Reservoir to private land – Gold Medal fishing Private land to NF Lotis Creek – This segment is entirely on private land Lotis Creek to Slot – Class 4 rafting and kayaking Slot to South Bank – Class 3 rafting and kayaking South Bank to Five Mile Creek – Class 2 rafting and kayaking Five Mile Creek to Almont – Class 1-2 rafting and kayaking

The Taylor River is the seventh busiest river in the State of Colorado in terms of commercially guided rafting. The majority of the commercial and private rafting and kayaking use occurs below Lotis Creek. Approximately 15,000 persons per year use commercial services. Hundreds to thousands of visitors raft or kayak the river.

When the River runs clear, commercially guided and private fishermen wade and/or line the banks for trout.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 6 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary West Elk Creek Upper West Soap Creek

West Elk Creek Location & General Description: The West Elk Peak Quadrangle, the West Elk Peak SW Quadrangle, and the Little Soap Park Quadrangle, Gunnison County, Colorado. 6th PM: T.15S., R.88W., Sections 27, 34, and 35. NMPM: T.51N., R.3W., Sections 8, 9, 17, 19, 20, and 30; T.51N., R.4W., Sections 25 and 36; T.50N., R.4W., Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, and 36; T.49N., R.4W., Sections 2 and 11. See Figure 4.

West Elk Creek & Upper West Soap Creek Wild and Scenic River Eligible Segments

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Legend: 11/22/05 WSR Eligible River Segment Wilderness Area National Forest System Lands BLM Administered Lands Private and Other Lands Gunnison State Adminsitered Lands Lands in Other Federal Administration GMUG National Forest Boundary

Figure 4. West Elk Creek & Soap Creek River Eligible River Segments.

Elevations range from 12,000 feet in West Elk Basin to 7,500 feet at Blue Mesa Reservoir; vegetation ranges from alpine meadows, though dense conifer forests, down to sage covered hills and cottonwood-lined creek banks. The termini of West Elk Creek is approximately 25 miles west of Gunnison. The entire segment is located on National Forest lands.

Segment 7 – Class = WILD (15.8 miles) Located within the . Beginning: At the headwaters of West Elk Creek in West Elk Basin, along the southern flank of West Elk Peak. Termini: Bureau of Land Management. ORV – Geologic; Scenery

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 7 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary West Elk Creek Upper West Soap Creek Describe the ORV: West Elk Creek (the Creek) offers outstanding scenery and wildness due to the steep, narrow canyon in which it resides and the wild nature of the Creek itself. The Creek flows unrestricted for 15 miles through National Forest System lands in and out of the West Elk Wilderness Area, then onto Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service lands to Blue Mesa Reservoir. The Creek corridor is characterized by steep canyons with canyon wall rock outcrops comprised of West Elk Breccia. Due to uneven weathering depending on the hardness of the rock, breccia provides unique formations to the visitor. The Creek’s canyon depth averages 2000 feet on the east side and 1500-2000 feet on the west side. The Creek offers a wild experience due to its inaccessibility and lack of trails; less than 4 miles of trail follow the Creek.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 8 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary West Elk Creek Upper West Soap Creek

Upper West Soap Creek Location & General Description: The Big Soap Park Quadrangle, Gunnison County, Colorado. 6th PM: T.15S., R.89W., Sections 33 and 34. NMPM: T.51N., R.4W., Sections 7, 18, and 19. See Figure 4.

Elevations range from 10,400 feet, below Porcupine Cone to 8,800 feet in Big Soap Park; vegetation ranges from alpine meadows, though dense conifer and aspen forests, and down through cottonwood-lined creek banks. The termini of West Soap Creek is approximately 40 miles northwest of Gunnison. The entire segment is located on National Forest lands.

Segment 8 – Class = WILD (2.8 miles) Located within the West Elk Wilderness. Beginning: At the headwaters of West Soap Creek, southwest of Porcupine Cone. Termini: Below West Soap Creek canyon. ORV – Geologic; Scenery

Describe the ORV: West Soap Creek (the Creek) offers outstanding scenery and wildness due to the steep, narrow canyon in which it resides, a large waterfall along with lesser waterfalls, and the wild nature of the Creek itself. The lower one-half of the Creek corridor is characterized by a narrow, steep canyon with canyon wall rock outcrops comprised of West Elk Breccia. Due to uneven weathering depending on the hardness of the rock, breccia provides steep, spectacular and unique formations to the visitor. The Creek’s canyon depth averages 1,400 feet on the both sides; elevation drops to the creek occur in less than one-half mile. The Creek offers a wild experience due to its inaccessibility and lack of trails.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 9 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Bear Creek (Ouray)

Bear Creek Location & General Description: , , and Ouray Quadrangles, Ouray County, Colorado. New Mexico PM: T.44N., R.7W., Section 13. New Mexico PM: T.43N., R.7W., Sections 8, 9, 10, 11, and 14. See Figure 5.

Bear Creek (Ouray) Wild and Scenic River Eligible Segments Ouray

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Legend: 11/22/05 WSR Eligible River Segment Wilderness Area National Forest System Lands BLM Administered Lands Private and Other Lands State Adminsitered Lands Lands in Other Federal Administration GMUG National Forest Boundary

Figure 5. Bear Creek (Ouray) Eligible River Segment.

Elevations range from 8,500 feet, at the confluence with Uncompahgre River to 12,600 feet at the boundary of BLM land; vegetation ranges from alpine meadows, though dense conifer forests. The termini of Bear Creek is approximately 3 miles south of Ouray. Two miles are located on National Forest lands and1.0 mile is located on private lands.

Segment 23 – Class = SCENIC (3.0 miles) Parallels Bear Creek National Recreation Trail Beginning: At the headwaters of Bear Creek, west of Engineer Mountain. Termini: confluence with Uncompahgre River. ORV –Scenery, Recreation

Describe the ORV: Bear Creek offers outstanding scenery and wildness due to the steep, narrow canyon in which it resides. Much of the lower portion of the watershed is accessible by a trail system uniquely constructed along canyon walls. The trail offers views of the adjacent canyon wall and several waterfalls. Evidence of historic mining dot the stream corridor, providing for both a scenic and cultural recreation experience. Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 10 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Cow Creek

Cow Creek Location & General Description: Wetterhorn Peak Quadrangle, Ouray County, Colorado. New Mexico PM: T.44N., R.6W., Sections 19, 20, 29, and 30, . NMPM: T.44N., R.7W., Sections 2, 11, 13, and 24. See Figure 6.

Cow Creek Wild and Scenic River Eligible Segments

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Legend: 11/22/05 WSR Eligible River Segment Wilderness Area National Forest System Lands Ouray BLM Administered Lands Private and Other Lands State Adminsitered Lands Lands in Other Federal Administration GMUG National Forest Boundary

Figure 6. Cow Creek and Tributaries Eligible River Segments.

Elevations range from 8,400 feet, at the Uncompahgre Wilderness boundary to 12,000 feet at the top of the watershed; vegetation ranges from alpine meadows, though dense conifer forests, and down through cottonwood-lined creek banks. The terminus of Cow Creek is approximately 10 miles southeast of Ridgway. All river segments are located on National Forest lands.

Segment 24 – Class = WILD (5.1 miles) Located entirely within the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Beginning: At the headwaters of Cow Creek, east of Wildhorse Peak. Termini: Uncompahgre Wilderness Boundary. ORV – Geologic; Scenery

Describe the ORV: Cow Creek offers outstanding scenery and wildness due to the steep, narrow canyons in which they reside. Much of the upper portion of the watershed is inaccessible due to steep canyon walls, which gives this section of Cow Creek its wild designation. The creek’s canyon depth averages 1,400 feet on both sides. Large waterfalls and unique geologic formation

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 11 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Cow Creek

give these creeks its scenic nature. Cow Creek offers a wild experience due to its inaccessibility and lack of trails. Wetterhorn Creek Location & General Description: Wetterhorn Peak Quadrangle, Ouray County, Colorado. New Mexico PM: T.44N., R.7W., Section 13. New Mexico PM: T.44N., R.6W., Sections 16, 17, and 18. The entire segment is located on National Forest lands.

Elevations range from 9,200 feet, at the confluence with Cow Creek to 14,000 feet at the top of the watershed; vegetation ranges from alpine meadows, though dense conifer forests. The terminus of Wildhorse Creek is approximately 10 miles southeast of Ridgway. See Figure 6.

Segment 24-A – Class = WILD (1.0 miles) Located entirely within the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Beginning: At the headwaters of Wetterhorn Creek, west of Wetterhorn Peak. Termini: confluence with Cow Creek. ORV – Geologic; Scenery

Describe the ORV: Wetterhorn Creek offers outstanding scenery and wildness due to the steep, narrow canyon in which it resides. Much of the lower portion of the watershed is inaccessible due to steep canyon wall, which gives this section of Wetterhorn Creek its wild designation. Large waterfalls and unique geologic formations give the creek its scenic nature. The upper portion of the watershed opens into a large meadow which offers great views of geologic formations in Wetterhorn Creek and the surrounding area and of nearby peaks. Wetterhorn Creek offers a wild experience due to its inaccessibility and lack of trails. Wildhorse Creek Location & General Description: Wetterhorn Peak Quadrangle, Ouray County, Colorado. New Mexico PM: T.44N., R.7W., Sections 24, 25, 35, 36. See Figure 6.

Elevations range from 9,200 feet, at the confluence with Cow Creek to 12,600 feet at the top of the watershed; vegetation ranges from alpine meadows, though dense conifer forests. The terminus of Wildhorse Creek is approximately 10 miles southeast of Ridgway. See Figure 6.

Segment 24-B – Class = WILD (1.4 miles) Located within the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Beginning: At the headwaters of Wildhorse Creek, west of Wildhorse Peak. Termini: confluence with Cow Creek. ORV – Geologic; Scenery

Describe the ORV: Wildhorse Creek offers outstanding scenery and wildness due to the steep, narrow canyon in which it resides. Much of the lower portion of the watershed is inaccessible due to steep canyon wall, which gives this section of Wildhorse Creek its wild designation. Large waterfalls and unique geologic formations give the creek its scenic nature. The upper portion of the watershed opens into a large meadow which offers great views of geologic formations in Wildhorse Creek and the surrounding area, and of nearby peaks. Difficulty Creek offers a wild experience due to its inaccessibility and lack of trails. Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 12 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Cow Creek

Difficulty Creek Location & General Description: Wetterhorn Peak Quadrangle, Ouray County, Colorado. New Mexico PM: T.44N., R.7W., Sections 14, 23, 26, and 34. See Figure 6.

Elevations range from 8,800 feet, at the confluence with Cow Creek to 12,600 feet at the top of the watershed; vegetation ranges from alpine meadows, though dense conifer forests. The terminus of Difficulty Creek is approximately 10 miles southeast of Ridgway.

Segment 24-C – Class = WILD (1.8 miles) Located within the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Beginning: At the headwaters of Difficulty Creek, west of Wildhorse Peak. Termini: confluence with Cow Creek. ORV – Geologic; Scenery

Describe the ORV: Difficulty Creek offers outstanding scenery and wildness due to the steep, narrow canyon in which it resides. Much of the lower portion of the watershed is inaccessible due to steep canyon walls which gives this section of Difficulty Creek its wild designation. Large waterfalls and unique geologic formations give the creek its scenic nature. The upper portion of the watershed opens into a large meadow which offers great views of geologic formations in Difficulty Creek, and the surrounding area, and nearby peaks. Difficulty Creek offers a wild experience due to its inaccessibility and lack of trails.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 13 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Ingram Falls Bridal Veil Falls

Ingram Falls Location & General Description: The Telluride Quadrangle, San Miguel County, Colorado. T42N., R8W., Section 4, 5 (NFS and private land).

Ingram and Bridal Veil Falls Wild and Scenic River Eligible Segments

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Legend: 06/12/06 OWNERSHIP GMUG National Forest BLM Private Lands State Adminsitered Lands Lands in Other Federal Administration WSR Eligible River Segment 1010.5 Miles

Figure 7. Ingram and Bridal Veil Falls Eligible River Segments.

This segment of Ingram Creek crosses through a mix of National Forest and private land. The terminus of Ingram Creek is approximately 2 miles ESE of the town of Telluride. Elevations range from 11,000 feet at the top of the Falls to 9,600 feet near the Base of the Black Bear Road (FSR 648). This creek segment flows through aspen and spruce-fir forest types.

Segment 27 - Class = RECREATION (.03 mile) within close proximity to roads. Beginning: At the top of the falls at the western edge of Ingram Basin. Terminus: The intersection of Ingram Creek with the Black Bear Road (FSR 648). ORV – Scenery (falls)

Describe the ORV: Ingram Falls provides an outstanding scenic feature in the upper San Miguel River basin. The Falls can be seen even from the Town of Telluride (a distance of 1.5 miles),

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 14 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Ingram Falls Bridal Veil Falls standing out against a panoramic backdrop of sheer cliffs and mountain peaks. The Black Bear Road, a 4WD road, crosses the Falls, allowing visitors to experience the force of the falls up close.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 15 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Ingram Falls Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Location & General Description: The Telluride Quadrangle, San Miguel County, Colorado. T42N., R8W., Section 8 (NFS and private land).

The terminus of the Falls is approximately 1.5 miles SE of the town of Telluride. Elevations range from approximately 10,600 feet at the top of the Falls to 9800 feet at its base. The creek tumbles down over steep cliffs that are interspersed with mixed stands of aspen and spruce fir.

Segment 26 - Class = RECREATION (.02 mile) within close proximity to roads. Beginning: At the top of the Falls at the Ames Power Station adjacent to the Bridal Veil Road. Terminus: The base of the falls; at the second switback on the Black Bear Road (FSR 648). ORV – Scenery (falls), Recreation (ice climbing)

Describe the ORV: Bridal Veil Falls provides an outstanding scenic feature in the upper San Miguel River basin. The falls stand out against a panoramic backdrop of sheer cliffs and mountain peaks and are one of the most photographed features in the Telluride area. The Black Bear Road, a 4WD road, provides motorized access to both the base and top of the Falls, allowing visitors to experience the force of the falls up close.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 16 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Tabeguache Creek Dry Fork Escalante Creek

Tabeguache Creek

Location & General Description: The Nucla, Big Buck Creek, and Starvation Quadrangles, Montrose County, Colorado. T48N., R15W., Sections 34,35, and 36; T47N R15W Section 3 (NFS).

Tabeguache Creek & Escalante Creek Wild and Scenic River Eligible Segments

Dry Fork Escalante Creek

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Legend: 11/22/05 WSR Eligible River Segment Wilderness Area Tabeguache & Roubideau Areas National Forest System Lands BLM Administered Lands Private and Other Lands State Adminsitered Lands Lands in Other Federal Administration GMUG National Forest BoundaryNucla

Figure 8. Tabeguache Creek and Dry Fork of Escalante Creek Eligible River Segments.

This segment of Tabeguache Creek begins at the creek’s confluence with the North Fork of Tabeguache Creek and terminates approximately 3.5 miles downstream at the Uncompahgre National Forest boundary. Elevations range from approximately 6560 feet at the confluence to 5900 feet at the terminus. The creek meanders through a sandstone canyon lined with mature cottonwood riparian vegetation. Pinyon-juniper stands are the dominant forest type within the canyon. The entire segment is located on National Forest lands.

Segment 14 - Class = WILD (3.7 miles) Located within Tabeguache Area. Beginning: At the confluence of Tabeguache Creek with its tributary, the North Fork.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 17 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Tabeguache Creek Dry Fork Escalante Creek

Terminus: Downstream at the Uncompahgre National Forest boundary with BLM land. ORV – Scenery, Cultural Resource values

Describe the ORV: This segment of Tabeguache Creek has both remarkably outstanding scenic and cultural resource values. The creek winds through a deep, “red rock” sandstone canyon that has a high density of cultural resource sites. Both historic sites (“Robber’s Roost”) and prehistoric sites have been identified and evaluated within this area. A system trail (Indian Trail) follows the creek for approximately one mile (Section 34). Otherwise, there is no other road or trail access along this creek segment, giving the area a fairly primitive and wild feel.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 18 Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Summary Tabeguache Creek Dry Fork Escalante Creek

Dry Fork of Escalante Creek Location & General Description: The Kelso Point Quadrangle, Montrose and Mesa Counties, Colorado. Sections 14, 22, and 23, T49N R14W NMPM

The eligible creek segment is located between roads Forest Road 504, Cottonwood Road and Forest Road 501. Elevations range from approximately 8000 feet at the confluence to 8200 feet at the terminus. The eligible segment is entirely within the Dry Fork of Escalante Research Natural Area all of which is located on National Forest lands.

Segment 15 - Class = SCENIC (1.5 miles) within close proximity to roads. Beginning: .2 miles from Forest Road 504. Terminus: The boundary of the RNA above Forest Road 501. ORV – Botanical values

Describe the ORV: The creek supports a relatively undisturbed stand of Blue spruce (Picea pungens). The spruce is primarily restricted to the creek bottom and rapidly disappears upon departure from the riparian zone. This area is the first example of this cover type nationally to be set aside as a Research Natural Area. This area meets the State requirement for designation as a Colorado Natural Area.

Comprehensive Assessment Appendix W 19