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Wilderness Qualities
Browns Canyon is topographically and ecologically one unit of wild land
divided in its administration between the BLM and the Pike-San Isabel
National Forest. The BLM has recommended the westerly portion of the area
for wilderness designation. In its RARE II process, the Forest Service did
not recommend the Aspen Ridge unit for designation, but in viewing the
proposed wilderness as a whole, it becomes clear that it is an area with
outstanding wild qualities. This opinion was shared by an overwhelming
majority of citizens who commented during the two agencies’ wilderness
study processes.
 Streams have cut steep gulches through the pinkish granite and metamorphic rock of the area. Pinyon-juniper forest dominates the arid lands in Browns Canyon along the Arkansas River. The vegetation changes dramatically as elevation increases, giving way to Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and the stands of aspen for which Aspen Ridge is named. Aspen Ridge at 10,000 feet affords magnificent views of the 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks of the Sawatch Range to the west.
The area is an important wintering ground for deer and elk, according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Twenty bighorn sheep were reintroduced into Browns Canyon in 1980, with an additional 20 in both 1982 and 1985.
It is estimated that there is currently a herd of 135 bighorns whose range includes Browns Canyon and portions of Aspen Ridge. Other mammals found
within the area include mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, pine martens and many smaller animals. Eight species of raptors have been sighted in the area, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, and great-horned owls.
Browns Canyon of the Arkansas River is widely known among whitewater boating enthusiasts. It is the busiest stretch of the river, totaling more than 115,000 user-days annually, according to figures compiled by BLM.
Protection of the wild country surrounding the river canyon will be appreciated by these visitors and the tourist industry which they support.
Hunting, hiking, fishing, and backpacking are among the other numerous
recreational pursuits possible in the area. |
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