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Resource Information
Timber is not a valuable commercial resource of Browns Canyon. The trees of the higher Aspen Ridge unit are mainly ponderosa pine and Douglas fir in spotty stands. Topography and low volumes per acre limit commercial opportunity. There have been no past timbe r sales in Aspen Ridge and none are planned for the future. The lower unit, Browns Canyon, contains only low value pinyon-juniper woodlands in extremely rugged terrain.
A small amount of livestock grazing takes place in Browns Canyon proposed Wilderness. Two grazing allotments cover the area. Due to the rugged topography and limited forage, grazing is very limited in the area. Grazing is allowed in Wilderness.
The Forest Service manages the majority of the proposed wilderness with a wildlife emphasis and the remainder for livestock grazing.
There is no potential for oil and gas resources within the proposed wilderness due to the igneous nature of the geologic strata.
 The GEM mineral evaluation of Browns Canyon by BLM reports that the area has little or no mineralization of commercial value. There are currently no active patented or unpatented mining claims within Browns Canyon proposed wilderness. Historic mining occurred outside of the proposed wilderness near the town of Turret. Some mineral exploration occurred within the proposed Wilderness and these prospect pits remain today. The prospect pits are limited in the proposed wilderness and do not impact the areas wilderness character.
The boundaries of Browns Canyon do not include the Arkansas River due to the railroad on the east bank of the river. The area is largely a headwaters area containing several ephemeral streams. |
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