Plans for the future

The San Juan National Forest and interested stakeholders in southwest Colorado are crafting plans for the future of the 150,000-acre Hermosa Roadless Area, and over 62 miles of Hermosa Creek and tributaries. Several simultaneous actions are currently underway:

• The Hermosa Creek River Protection Workgroup meets monthly, is open to all interested residents, and is contemplating the best means for protecting Hermosa Creek’s river values that include its outstanding native trout fishery and primitive recreation opportunities. The Hermosa Workgroup anticipates a recommendation by 2009.
• The San Juan National Forest is currently assessing the most appropriate boundaries for a potential new wilderness area that would include Hermosa’s western half, with a final decision anticipated in 2010.
• Travel management analysis about appropriate recreational use of the interconnecting trail systems in Hermosa should start later in 2009, with the Forest Service inviting public comment and participation.

Values

The Hermosa Creek watershed encompasses one of Colorado's largest, biologically diverse forests, including at least 17 separate ecosystems, ranging from rocky scrub oak and pinyon-juniper at lower elevations to aspen, spruce, and fir. Tracts of virgin timber exist at elevations as low as 7,000 feet, well below the typical elevation of most protected forested areas in Colorado. Hermosa contains some of the largest stands of old-growth ponderosa pine remaining in the San Juan Mountains. One of Hermosa’s most compelling attributes is the large majority of the watershed is roadless and generally unimpacted by past human activities.

Hermosa Creek’s tributaries harbor genetically pure strains of native Colorado River cutthroat trout in some of the most important populations in Colorado. The Hermosa watershed provides ideal habitat for rare Canada lynx, and sustains vast herds of deer and elk that draw thousands of hunters annually. Hermosa’s pristine beauty and large trail system entices countless hikers, mountain bikers, hunters, horseback users, and numerous other recreational enthusiasts.

Existing Status

Currently, Hermosa has modest protections against development under the 2001 National Roadless Rule. The Forest Service has proposed a Research Natural Area designation in the Hope Creek watershed because of the unbroken sequence of undisturbed life zones that provide a scientific reference. Hermosa Creek itself has been accorded the highest level of water quality protection as a state outstanding natural water. The Colorado Water Conservation Board holds minimum streamflows on Hermosa Creek and several tributaries.