The 34,845-acre HD Mountains, just 25 miles east of Durango, include some of the highest quality old-growth ponderosa pine left in the San Juan Mountains, and in Colorado for that matter. The HD Mountains also include the largest, roadless stands of oakbrush and pinyon-juniper forest on the San Juan NF. This wild enclave -- prime habitat for mule deer, elk, wild turkeys, black bears and the rare Mexican spotted owl -- serves as a vital link in a wildlife corridor that connects to portions of the Carson National Forest in New Mexico and tribal forests of the Southern Utes and Jicarilla Apaches. More than 100 ancient, undamaged, pre-Puebloan cultural sites in the roadless area testify to a rich American Indian heritage.
Oil and gas extraction, particularly development of coal-bed methane, now threatens the wildlife habitat and cultural tradition preserved within HD Mountains. The Forest Service has leased 6,000 additional acres in and around this roadless area. In response, industry submitted plans to drill 200 new coal-bed methane wells on the San Juan National Forest. More than 100 of the potential well sites are inside the boundaries of HD Mountains. Up to four wells can be drilled per section, with associated pipelines, power lines and 60 miles of roads scarring the landscape-essentially obliterating the roadless area.
"Roadless areas are necessary to preserve some biodiversity integrity, water systems, and especially wildlife habitat. A lot of the roads, especially those used for logging, should be closed after they are used. The timber industry has already made enough profit, they should just leave some of it alone. A lot of ranchers around here are against more roads into the Forest, especially where they might graze their livestock. Irresponsible people use these roads, harass livestock, and leave gates open which lets livestock escape. We used to have to get around on horses and that was just fine, but we can't do that anymore because of all the vehicle traffic from increasing roads in the area."
- Betty Feazel, At Last Ranch, Pagosa Springs.
Roadless Rule Would Protect HD Mountains from Logging and New Oil and Gas Leasing
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule would protect nearly 60 million acres of unspoiled National Forest land across the United States, including 4.4 million acres in Colorado, from road building and most logging. It would also prevent new oil and gas leasing within roadless areas, a major threat to the HDs. The Rule is under assault by the Bush administration, which appears intent on dismantling it as quickly as possible.
That would be bad news for Colorado and the more than 550,000 roadless acres on the San Juan National Forest, which lies at the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. If the Rule is revoked, the HD Mountains Roadless Area and dozens of other equally beautiful roadless wildlands on the San Juan National Forest could be opened up to oil and gas development.
Other Roadless Areas on the San Juan National Forest
The Hermosa Roadless Area, at 150,000 acres, the largest remaining unprotected roadless area on the San Juan NF, and perhaps the entire Southern Rockies, falls within the Hermosa Creek watershed. The Hermosa Roadless Area contains the most diverse array of forest habitats on the entire San Juan NF, with numerous superb examples of old-growth ponderosa pine stand, and two significant proposed Natural Research Areas.
Roadless Areas Sustain Colorado's High Quality of Life
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule makes good economic sense for Colorado. Our economy and quality of life are tied to Colorado's outstanding public wildlands. Millions of tourists and numerous new businesses and residents come to Colorado each year to enjoy these special places, not to see clearcuts and sediment-filled streams caused by logging and road building. Logging and wood products industries contribute less than one percent to the state's pool of jobs. The Rule would not limit public access to roadless lands for recreation nor would it close any existing roads.
Coloradans Support the Roadless Rule
The Forest Service issued the Rule after three years of research and analysis that included extensive public involvement. More than 600 public meetings were held nationwide, including 27 in Colorado. More than 1.6 million public comments were submitted, including more than 28,000 from Coloradans. The vast majority of comments nationwide and 92 percent of those from Colorado supported the Rule or urged stronger protection for roadless areas than the Rule would provide.
