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' Reserve aQH76 .5 .N6U54 1971 A Proposal Aldo Leopold Wilderness Gila NaXiottaCFooe^C- New Mexico • • • beyond civilization lies Wilderness, where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. » UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library ror rrebtrvunun ua The Wilderness Act (Public Law 88-577) signed by the President on September 3, 1964, requires that: The Secretary of Agriculture shall, within ten years after the enactment of this Act, review, as to its suitability or nonsuitability for preservation as wilderness, each areainthe national forests classified on the effective date of this Act by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Chief of the Forest Service as ‘primitive’ and report his findings to the President. The President shall advise the United States Senate and House of Representativesof hi s recommendations with respect to the designation as ‘wilderness’ or other reclassification of each area on which review has been completed, together with maps and a definition of boundaries. The described review and action is required on the 5,477,740 acres included in the 34 Primitive Areas that were inexistence when the Wilderness Actwas signed. Similar action may also be required on other areas proposed for wilderness that are not Primitive Areas. The following report describes an area that has been studied by the Department of Agriculture to determine its suitability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Similar reports will be prepared for each of the 34 Primitive Areas and for other National Forest areas on which studies have been made.

PROPOSED ALDO LEOPOLD WILDERNESS NEW MEXICO °CT " 2 2003 Recommended By: (Chief, U.S. Forest Service)/^ j (Date) Report Approved: (, /U{ (Sf£$tary of Agriculture) (Date)

REPORT ON THE PROPOSED ALDO LEOPOLD WILDERNESS GILA NATIONAL FOREST NEW MEXICO Recommendation This proposal 'recommends that 151,024 acres of the Black Range Primitive Area and 37,155 acres of contiguous lands in the Gila National Forest, State of New Mexico, be designated as Wilderness by an Act of Congress, and added to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The designated area would be called the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Gila National Forest, and would be administered in accordance with all provisions of the Wilderness Act, Public Law 88-577, dated September 3, 1964, and the Regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, Title 36 C.F.R. 251.70-251.84. It is further recommended that Primitive Area classification be lifted from nine tracts of land covering 31,191 acres now included within the Black Range Primitive Area. U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southwestern Region Albuquerque, New Mexico

TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMARY 1 Location 1 Natural Resources 1 Distinguishing Characteristics 2 Proximity to Population and to Other Wildernesses 3 Acreage Summary 3 THE AREA 3 General Description 3 Principal Topographic and Scenic Features 6 Climate 6 RESOURCES 7 Wilderness 7 Recreation 7 Wildlife 8 Water 9 Minerals 10 Timber 12 Forage 13 MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS 15 Structures and Activities 15 Insects and Diseases 15 Fire 16 Private Land 16 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS 16 PUBLIC REACTION 18 CONCLUSIONS 21 Areas Suitable for Wilderness Designation 21 Areas Not Suitable for Wilderness 23 APPENDICES A Description of Aldo Leopold Wilderness Boundary 29 B Views of Other Government Agencies and Organizations 35 C Wilderness Act 85 D Regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture 92 v

Aldo Leopold in 1910, a young forester beginning his career in the Southwest. vi

SUMMARY This proposal Agriculture, and from interested groups and C.F.R. 251.74. is a result of field studies by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of consideration of recommendations received from governmental agencies and individuals during time periods specified by the Wilderness Act & Title 36 Location The proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness is located astride the crest of the Black Range of southwestern New Mexico. The northern half of this crest is a portion of the Continental Divide. The area is located between Silver City, New Mexico, 35 miles to the southwest, and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, 50 miles to the east. Access from the east is by several secondary roads from New Mexico State Highways 52 and 90 and Interstate Highway 25. Southern access is provided by New Mexico State Highway 90. New Mexico State Highway 6 1 provides western access. A secondary road from New Mexico State Highway 59 serves as northern access to the area. Natural Resources Rising from hot dry desert and semidesert the Black Range stands as a prominent land feature from nearly all directions. The proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness contains the most rugged and wild portion of this mountain range. The deep canyons and precipitous timbered ridges typical of this area extend to the east, south and west and support a natural blending of resources making the area outstanding as a Wilderness. The mark of man and evidence of his activities are relatively obscure. Over a wide range in elevation a network of deep canyons, rincons, timbered benches and many high vista points offer solitude and an opportunity for the visitor to escape the clutches of a mechanistic civilization. The superlative beauty of this wild and broken country is a natural setting for spiritual refreshment through self evaluation. Commercial timber stands occupy 58 percent or 108,700 acres of the total area with an estimated volume of 378 million board feet. Of this area, 83,629 acres support timber that could be harvested, with an estimated volume of 321 million board feet. There are 79,479 acres, of pinyon-juniper-oak woodland, and brush areas in large bums. There are scattered patches of aspen at higher elevations and small patches of chaparral on lower elevation slopes. Principal tree species are ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, Engelmann spruce, southwestern white pine, pinyon pine and aspen. Several species of oak and New Mexico locust grow within the area, along with less common species such as Colorado blue spruce, Chihuahua pine, Arizona pine and several species of hardwoods native to southwestern stream bottoms. Forage values are significant over most of the area for both wildlife and domestic livestock. About 1000 head of cattle are permitted to use the area on a yearlong basis with high elevation use restricted by climatic conditions to the summer months. Browse species are shared by cattle and deer during fall and winter months. The area provides habitat for mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, turkey, mountain lion, bear, bobcat, and coyote. A great variety of smaller game, mammals, and birds live within the area. Gila trout, an endangered species of fish, live in the headwaters of Diamond Creek at the northern end of the area. 1

Water is an important resource of the proposed Wilderness. The area supplies a stable amount of high quality water that many downstream farmers and ranchers depend upon for irrigation and domestic use. Wilderness classification would have little effect on water yield improvement as possibilities are severely limited by rugged topography and shallow soils. There are no water storage reservoirs existing or planned within the area, with the exception of small earthen tanks and rock masonry catchment dams used to collect water for livestock and wildlife use. Rugged country on the east side of the Black Range. Distinguishing Characteristics The proposed Wilderness with its long mountain range, deep canyons, and sharp ridges descending from the crest in many directions is unusual in this part of the southwest. The varied contrast provided by distant views of arid lands, of timbered benches below the ridge lines and outstanding scenery from many vantage points gives this area superb wilderness character. Broad-leafed tree species in the canyon bottoms and slopes present in the fall a panoramic display of bright color laced with dark green conifers and jutting rock formations. 2

Elevations ranging from 6,300 feet to 10,165 feet make this area a biotic storehouse of plant and animal life. Life zones from the Upper Sonoran to the Canadian are represented, with varied habitats within each zone due to the rough, broken topography. Climatic conditions also vary with elevation. At higher elevations more precipitation is received during all seasons. Summers are relatively moist and cool with heavy snow accumulations in the winter. Lower elevations are warmer in the summer with less rainfall and little snow accumulation during winter months. Past history adds to the enchantment of this proposed Wilderness. The area was the home of several Apache Chiefs and their people. The movements of settlers and miners into this portion of the southwest began in the 1870’s but made little imprint on the proposed Wilderness. Few were hardy enough to challenge the wily and well-armed Apaches and the inhospitable ruggedness of the mountains. Proximity to Population and to Other Wildernesses The proposed Wilderness is relatively close to approximately three million people in the southwest. Major population centers such as Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Amarillo, Lubbock and El Paso, Texas, are within easy driving distance. There are five National Forest Wildernesses in New Mexico covering 679,436 acres. The nearest of these and the largest is the 433,690 acre Gila Wilderness, having the distinction of being the first area ever administratively classified as Wilderness. It is located 1 1 miles west of the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness. The Gila Primitive Area and a portion of the Blue Range Primitive Area are also in New Mexico, covering 166,235 acres. Gross Acreage Summary Black Range Primitive Area 182,215* 13 additions, A through M 37,155 9 exclusions, 1 through 9 31,191 Net Change + 5,964 188,179 Acreage of Primitive Area computed from new and more accurate base maps and revised from the previous listing of 169,984 to 182,215. THE AREA General Description Aldo Leopold began his career with the Forest Service in the Southwest in 1909. His work presented an opportunity to see much of nature unspoiled by man. Through his intimate association with this virgin land, he began to sense the need to preserve some areas from the encroachment of man. While employed as Assistant District Forester in Albuquerque, an inspection trip took him to the Gila National Forest in 1922. Here he found avast expanse of unspoiled land that he felt must be preserved as wilderness. As a result of his pleas and a convincing inspection report, the Gila Wilderness, which included the present Black Range Primitive Area, was designated in 1924 by District Forester Frank Pooler, becoming the first area of this type. 3

Separated from the Gila area by North Star Road (later designated as State Highway 61), the Black Range was officially designated as a Primitive Area by the Chief, Forest Service, on June 8, 1933, under Regulation L-20. To meet the criteria of the Wilderness Act, this Wilderness proposal includes adjustments in the existing Primitive Area boundary. Appendix A gives a detailed description of the recommended boundary as shown on Map 1 presented on page ii. The types of adjustments and acreages are tabulated in Table 1 below. TABLE I Acres Private National Total *Previously Reported Black Range Primitive Area 628 169,356 169,984 **Corrected Black Range Primitive Area 549 181,666 182,215 Additions A 0 12,507 12,507 B 0 1,528 1,518 C 0 2,739 2,739 D 0 215 215 E 0 7,593 7,593 F 0 19 19 G 0 3,863 3,863 H 0 986 986 I 1,796 Additions Proposed After Public Response Analysis J 0 507 507 K 0 2,125 2,125 L 0 1,645 1,645 M 0 1,642 1,642 Plus Total Additions 0 37,155 37,155 Exclusions 1 0 62 62 2 0 78 78 3 6 5,465 5,471 4 453 21,586 22,039 5 0 1,934 1,934 6 0 894 894 7 0 272 272 8 3 430 433 9 3 5 8 Minus Total Exclusions 465 30,726 31,191 Area of Proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness 84 188,095 188,179 Acres shown in the President’s Sixth Annual National Wilderness Preservation System Report, August 5, 1970, page 15. Computed acreage from new and more accurate base maps showing existing boundary refinement and reflecting changes in status record. 4

The existing Black Range Primitive Area and the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness are within the Gila National Forest in the State of New Mexico. Both areas include parts of the Beaverhead, Black Range and Mimbres Ranger Districts. County acreage totals for the Black Range Primitive Area and the proposed Wilderness are as shown in Table 2. Black Range TABLE 2 Proposed Catron County National Forest Private Total Primitive Area 14,249 92 14,341 Additions Exclusions 14,249 92 14,341 Leopold Wilderness Grant County National Forest Private 56,417 160 16,980 6,955 160 66,442 Total 56,577 16,980 7,115 66,442 Sierra County National Forest 1 1 1 ,000 20,175 9,522 121,653 Private 297 213 84 Total 111,297 20,175 9,735 121,737 Total National Forest 181,666 37,155 30,726 188,095 Private 549 465 84 Total 182,215 37,155 31,191 188,179 The area is located approximately 35 miles northeast of Silver City, New Mexico and 50 miles west of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Access to the proposed Wilderness from the west is from New Mexico State Highway 61 and Forest Road 6152, the McKnight Road. Access from the south is from New Mexico State Highway 90. Eastern access from Interstate Highway 25 and New Mexico State Highways 52 and 90 is provided by several secondary roads. New Mexico State Highway 59 provides northern access via Forest Road 6225. The Gila Wilderness, located on the Gila National Forest to the west of this proposed Wilderness, is the largest in New Mexico and the only other such area on the Forest. The Aldo Leopold Wilderness would be the second largest in the State. The area recommended for Wilderness classification has been designed to include high wilderness quality within well defined boundaries following natural land features that can be readily identified on the ground. A geologic cross section of the proposed Wilderness would reveal a wide variety of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock types. Rock structures range from ancient pre-Cambrian to early Quaternary with a substantially continuous geologic sequence for a period in excess of 500 million years, except for a period of quiescence of 130 million years during the Mesozoic era. 5

Relatively recent volcanics have intruded and covered the Paleozoic sediments with a massive sequence of tuffs, basalts, andesites and rhyolites so that there are now only scattered exposures on the surface. The volcanic sequence deposition began 40 million years ago with the most recent deposits being 2 million years ago. The Black Range represents a different pattern of block faulting and intermontain basins than most. The Black Range is not a single block fault mass, but instead has had complex faulting with structure masking by volcanics obscuring the pattern of diastrophic activity. Soil types within the proposed wilderness are equally complex. Limited studies of one portion of the area indicate at least 5 major soil groups are present. Most soils rate moderate to low for herbage and timber production, and possess the unfavorable characteristic of being highly erodible. Principal Topographic and Scenic Features The crest of the Black Range Mountains runs north and south through the approximate center of the proposed Wilderness. The highest point is McKnight Mountain with an elevation of 10,165 feet. Other high points in the range are Reed’s, Diamond, and Hillsboro Peaks, and Sheep and Aspen Mountains. Most are accessible by Forest Service trails. The Continental Divide enters the area from the southwest, joining the crest of the Black Range at Reeds Peak, then continues north out of the area. At the higher elevations along the divide, Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, Douglas-fir, white fir, southwestern white pine, and ponderosa pine predominate. The minimum elevation within the proposed wilderness is about 6,300 feet, where the proposed boundary crosses Animas Creek on the east side. Most of the Wilderness is rough and rugged country with many box canyons, rock escarpments, and talus slopes. There are some exceptions such as the high gentle country near Mimbres Lake, timbered benches, and some mesa type country at lower elevations. The McKnight fire of 1951 covered approximately 26,000 acres within the proposed Wilderness. Pioneer species associated with recovery such as New Mexico locust, squawbush, aspen and fire willows now cover much of the area. Main drainage patterns of the area are into the Rio Grande River east of the Black Range Crest, into the Mimbres River between the crest and the Continental Divide on the southwest, and into the Gila River west of the Continental Divide. The area east of the Black Range Crest is most spectacular with abrupt drops in elevation, deep canyons and spectacular rock formations. Climate Average annual precipitation varies with elevation from 16” at the lower east edge to over 30” annually along the Black Range Crest. Severe thunderstorm activity is typical during July and August preceded by a dry season during May and June. It is usually dry and cool from September through November. The higher portions are usually snow-covered from December to April. Summertime maximum temperatures reach above 95 degrees at lower elevations while summit temperatures may be no more than slightly above 80 degrees. Winter minimum temperatures vary from above 10 degrees at lower elevations to 30 degrees below zero in the high valleys. Snow accumulations are at times above 4 feet in the high country. 6

RESOURCES Wilderness If Lieutenant Emory, a young cavalry officer who crossed the Black Range in 1846, or Victorio, the renowned Apache Chief who harassed early settlers, could return to the Black Range today they would find the country just about as they left it. The quality and value of the wilderness resource is probably this area’s outstanding asset. This unusual part of the American Southwest contrasts with the usual impression that New Mexico is desert and grassland. Here the Canadian Life Zone is less than 100 miles from Mexico, at probably the lowest latitude for so much of this environment in North America. In the proposed Wilderness visitors can enjoy both climatic and environmental relief. It is possible to spend weeks in the remoteness of this impressive country without seeing another person. The rugged forested mountains offer an abundance of terrain where the visitor can enjoy nature in its wildest form. For visitors, nearby Forest users, and those who manage the area, the proposed Wilderness will be a place where old skills will live on. Such things as the axe, cross cut saw, and pack mule will remain a part of the scene in this preserved part of the original American Southwest. A network of over 240 miles of trails provides access to most of the area. The Continental Divide trail, proposed as a part of the National Scenic Trail System, will cross this area, generally on present trail alignments. Outdoor Recreation The proposed Wilderness is within a day’s drive of over three million people. Major population centers such as Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Amarillo. Lubbock and El Paso, Texas, are within this distance and contain over half of the population of the circular area. Even though the existing Black Range Primitive Area has good access from most directions and numerous trails leaving road access points, public use has been relatively light. Estimated use during calendar year 1969 was 2,800 visitors and 5,900 visitor-days of use. Major activities are hunting, backpacking, riding, camping, fishing, nature study, and search for solitude. Several factors account for the relatively light use. There are few developed trailhead facilities at area entrance points to serve visitors. Commercial outfitters and guide services are not now generally available. As nearby population centers continue to grow, social pressures increase, and people seek to escape these pressures, visits to the proposed Wilderness will undoubtedly increase. Publicity from the Wilderness proposal alone has resulted in a considerable increase in use. Each year the number of visitors has increased as more people seek to make contact with wilderness. With the renewed and expanding desire of Americans to experience once again the rich heritage of the West as it was, this type of use will soon surpass all others. 7

The proposed area has no developed recreation sites or improvements and none are forseen as necessary to meet future demands for outdoor recreation. The area proposed as Wilderness is not considered suitable now or in the future for large scale recreation development. This rugged and largely inaccessible country will always better lend itself to the individual primitive-type use characteristic of wilderness. Wildlife The diversified topography, elevation, and vegetation provide an environment favorable to a large variety of wildlife species. Big game species include Rocky Mountain mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, turkey, mountain lion, and bear. Mule deer over-populated much of the Black Range during the 1920’s. Even with a reduced population, partially due to a special hunt in 1931 resulting in the harvest of 2333 deer, die-off and habitat deterioration continued. Competition between cattle and deer for available food supply was severe during this period of excessive deer population. At present the deer population is generally low, but believed to be stable. Over much of the proposed Wilderness population is below capacity of the range. It is estimated that 25% of the total deer population is composed of white-tailed deer. Merriam Elk originally inhabiting the area became extinct prior to 1 900. Elk from northern sources were released at other locations within the Gila National Forest in 1924 and 1950. These elk and their offspring moved into portions of the Black Range. Merriam’s turkey range throughout the area and are frequently seen. Habitat is generally fair to good, but populations fluctuate from year to year. Black bear are common, but are not often seen by visitors. The number of mountain lions living within the area is not known, but total population is believed to be fairly stable. 8

Coyote populations within the proposed Wilderness fluctuate, but are not believed to be excessive. Control may be needed periodically in the country surrounding the proposed Wilderness. Small game species include red squirrel, rock squirrel, Abert squirrel and cottontail rabbits. Other fur bearing species include the gray fox, badger, bobcat, weasel, raccoon, beaver, and two species of skunk. Game birds include Gambel, scaled, and Meams quail. Band-tailed pigeons and mourning doves are quite common. The overall population of birds fluctuates from year to year. Habitat is provided for an unusually large number of songbird species. Rare or endangered bird species including the spotted owl, several species of hawks, and bald and golden eagles. Fishing streams in the proposed Wilderness include Holden Prong, Animas Creek, Mimbres River, Main Diamond Creek, South Diamond Creek and Black Canyon. Fishing is relatively light due to remoteness and rugged access into fishing waters. The upper three and one-half miles of main Diamond Creek contain Gila trout, an endangered species of fish. Fishing in Diamond Creek and its tributaries is prohibited by State Law to protect the Gila trout. The Gila trout is being studied to determine present population and to analyze the habitat. Future management of the trout and its habitat will be within the constraints of the Wilderness Act and the appropriate Code of Federal Regulations. Water The portion of the proposed Wilderness west of the Continental Divide is drained by the Main, Middle, East, and South Forks of Diamond Creek, and Black Canyon, all flowing into the Gila River. Between the Continental Divide and the southern part of the Black Range crest drainage is via the Mimbres River into an inland basin south of Deming, New Mexico. On the east side of the Black Range, drainage is by Palomas Creek, Animas Creek and several other drainages, into the Rio Grande. Water contributed to the Rio Grande and Mimbres River is of importance to nearby communities where it is used for irrigation and for domestic purposes. Annual precipitation averages about 16 inches at lower elevations, and about 30 inches along the crest of the mountains. Heavy summer thunderstorms produce much of the runoff from this area and moderate to severe flooding in the lower canyons is common. The quality of runoff following severe storms is generally poor compared to that of water from melting snow in the spring. About half of the precipitation at higher elevations falls as snow, with accumulations at times exceeding 40 inches. Locally heavy rains cause stream siltation and severe high-intensity storms often cause the movement of debris, blocking trails and access roads. Loss of soil is usually confined to immediate storm areas. Large areas of bare rock, thin soils, and steep slopes exist within the proposed Wilderness. With conditions such as these, little can be done to improve the quality and regulate the quantity of water yield from the area. 9

Minerals Most of the early mining activity associated with the Black Range Mountains was concentrated outside of the proposed Wilderness. Activity was centered east of the Black Range around Kingston, Hermosa and Chloride in the late 1 800’s. Although old mining claim comers can be found within the area, particularly east of the crest, no legal record of their location has been found. The closest mining activity outside of the proposed Wilderness is located in the Mineral Creek — Percha Creek area to the southeast, and Chloride Creek — Mineral Creek area to the northeast. Tin and kaolin claims have been located north of the proposed Wilderness. An on-the-ground mineral examination of the proposed Wilderness and the proposed exclusions was completed in 1970 by the U.S. Geological Survey. Their report, which is part of the Public Record, indicated the presence of deep-lying structures with the possibility of associated mineral deposits. The report summary is quoted: A mineral appraisal and geologic studies were made of the Black Range Primitive Area, southwestern New Mexico, as part of broad investigations of wilderness and primitive areas of the United States. The region on which this report is based is in the central part of the Black Range and comprises a total area of about 565 square miles, of which 265.6 square miles is in the established Black Range Primitive Area, and the remainder in the contiguous area. The Black Range is in the Basin and Range physiographic province and is at the eastern side of the Mogollon Plateau. No commercial or potentially commercial mineral deposits were found in the Primitive Area, but the area is near the well-known Silver City-Santa Rita mining district, and a possibility for existence of buried ore deposits cannot be eliminated. Many small ore deposits occur along the eastern and southern sides of the area studied, within a few miles of the Primitive Area Boundary. The mineral resources of the Black Range Primitive Area and the surrounding area were appraised by systematic geochemical sampling of stream sediments and rocks, by search for visible altered and mineralized zones, by geologic mapping to locate favorable host rocks and structural features, and by an aeromagnetic survey to locate magnetic mineral deposits of buried structures such as faults and intrusive bodies that might be related to mineral deposits. About 2,000 samples of stream sediments and rocks were collected, each of which was analyzed. All rocks showing evidence of hydrothermal alteration or other evidence of mineralization were studied and sampled with particular care. More than 1 ,000 miles of foot and horseback traverses were made. A helicopter was utilized to visit some of the more inaccessible areas. The Datil Formation unconformably overlies the andesite sequence of early Tertiary age at some places, marine sedimentary rocks of Paleozoic age at others, and igneous and metamorphic rocks of Precambrian age at still other places. The Datil volcanic rocks are overlain locally by a unit of basaltic andesite and by the Gila Conglomerate and Santa Fe Formation of late Tertiary and Quaternary age. The Datil Formation consists of many discontinuous mappable units of rhyolite and quartz latite ash-flow tuffs and lava flows and andesite to latite lava flows. The maximum aggregate thickness of the Datil Formation is about 14,000 feet, but no single unit is continuous over the entire area, and the maximum thickness at any one place in the primitive area is estimated to be less than 5,000 feet. The early andesite sequence 10

which crops out in the eastern part of the area, is about 2,000 feet in maximum thickness, whereas the basaltic andesite is about 600 feet. Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks crop out in a narrow belt in the southeastern part of the area. The Paleozoic sedimentary rocks comprise each Paleozoic system and have an aggregate thickness of about 2,400 feet in the area studied. However, these rocks have been faulted and eroded so that a complete stratigraphic section is not present at any one locality. Granite and hornblende-chlorite schist of Precambrian age are the basement rocks of unknown thickness. The major structural features are a broad north-trending elongated dome, which is centered in the outcrop area of the Kneeling Nun Tuff Member of the Datil Formation and many north-trending steeply dipping faults that are most numerous and presistent near the eastern side of the area. Layering in the volcanic rocks is nearly horizontal along the crest of the dome and generally dips 5°-15° on the limbs. Many of the faults can be traced for several miles, but maximum displacements on most of them are estimated to be only a few hundred feet. The aeromagnetic map shows anomalous features that are probably related to buried structural features, but it is not possible to estimate whether any of these structures have associated mineral deposits. The most distinctive feature of the aeromagnetic map is a pronounced magnetic low in the southern third of the map area. This low extends over the outcrop area of the Kneeling Nun Tuff Member, and is bordered by steep magnetic gradients on two sides which shows a complex internal pattern of elongate positive and negative magnetic anomalies. The geologic and aeromagnetic characteristics of the area of outcrop of the Kneeling Nun suggest that this area may be a resurgent dome in a cauldron that was a major eruptive center of the Kneeling Nun. The aeromagentic low may be due to a cauldron fill of weakly magnetic rocks such as rhyolite tuff in more strongly magnetic rocks such as the andesite of early Tertiary age. The faults on the eastern side of the map area may be due in part to cauldron collapse during and after eruption and thus mark the cauldron border. The steep magnetic gradients at the northern and western borders of the pronounced magnetic low also may indicate the walls of the cauldron. No minable mineral deposits were found in the primitive area, and it is concluded that such deposits do not occur in the volcanic rocks of the Datil Formation in this area. On the other hand, minable mineral deposits occur in an early Tertiary andesite sequence that underlies the Datil and in Paleozoic and Precambrian rocks in nearby areas, and similar deposits may occur in these rocks beneath the Datil volcanic rocks in the primitve area. The known distribution of fossil fuels - oil, gas, and coal - in southern New Mexico and the degree of volcanism and faulting in the Black Range indicate that it is unlikely that fuel resources exist in sedimentary rocks in or near the Black Range Primitive Area.

Timber Timber stands with commercial value cover 58 percent or 108,700 acres of the proposed Wilderness with an estimated volume of 378 million board feet. Timber, that could be harvested covers 83,629 acres of this area with an estimated volume of 321 million board feet. Much of the area considered to be of commercial value would present difficult harvesting problems and could be logged only through expensive road building and with probable damage to other resources. Areas with other vegetation types cover 79,479 acres. The pinyon-juniper-oak woodland is the most common. There are four major vegetative types within the proposed Wilderness. Mixed conifer is found on northern exposures between 7,500 and 9,500 feet elevation and generally on all exposures above 9,500 feet elevation. The type is generally a mixture of Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, white fir, southwestern white pine and aspen. Pure stands of aspen scattered throughout this type make up about five percent of the total area. At elevations approaching 10,000 feet up to the mountain tops Engelmann spruce is a dominant component of the stand. Several drainages above 8,000 feet in elevation have pure stands of Colorado blue spruce of limited size. Throughout the type are small open meadows. Ponderosa pine type is found in the canyon bottoms and on northern exposures from 6,000 to 7,500 feet elevation. It is the most common cover type at elevations below 7,500 feet. Chihuahua pine occasionally occurs in small groups at lower elevations within this type. Arizona pine, a variety of ponderosa pine, is found in Rocky Canyon within the proposed Wilderness. Pinyon-juniper-oak woodland is common below 7,500 feet in elevation and often occupies southern exposures up to about 8,000 feet elevation. At the lowest elevations, particularly on south slopes east of the crest, there are patches of Chaparral. Brush type occupies large portions of the proposed Wilderness where past forest fires have occurred. Pioneer species on these areas, scattered throughout the mixed conifer and ponderosa pine types, are New Mexico locust, aspen, squawbush and various species of oak. Remnants of timber cover spared by fires are scattered in the brush stands. The largest area of this type is that covered by the McKnight fire in 1951, 26,000 acres of which are included in the proposed Wilderness. TABLE 3 Harvestable Timber Volume Ponderosa Pine Type 218,381 MBF Mixed Conifer Type* 102,517 MBF 320,898 MBF includes patches of aspen and small acreage of spruce-fir type This volume would support an annual allowable harvest of slightly over 5 million board feet. Denial of this volume to present processing plants will not cause undue hardship to the local economy, since none are now totally dependent on this volume. 12

Forage The history of grazing in the Black Range is similar to that of most of the Southwest. Extreme abuse of range resources during the early 1900’s was followed by gradual improvement since the end of World War II. Although present range conditions are fairly satisfactory, many problem areas remain in all allotments. Special problems are located within the Gallinas and Noonday Allotments. Improvement of these areas can be accomplished through better management. Portions of 1 2 grazing allotments are within the proposed Wilderness. The acreage of land supporting forage utilized by permitted livestock varies between allotments. Table IV shows the grazing allotments and the estimated stocking of each of the existing Black Range Primitive Area and the area recommended for Wilderness. There are 1 1 grazing permittees on the 12 allotments. None of them live or have their ranch headquarters within the boundaries of the proposed Wilderness. Most of them are dependent upon their ranching income for livelihood. A few are absentee owners, living as far away as Roswell, New Mexico, and Tucson, Arizona. Browse consisting of mountain mahogany, aspen and various species of oak is common throughout the proposed Wilderness. It serves as staple livestock forage throughout the fall and winter months. Range analysis and wildlife studies reveal that there is considerable competition for browse between cattle and deer, especially during winter months. This condition would exist with or without Wilderness designation. Future management objectives will be to reduce this conflict. Most of the proposed Wilderness is not good livestock grazing country. About 75% of the total area is non-range or area that should not be grazed due to highly erodible soils or steep topography. Improved management of the allotments included within the area should provide for improved conditions on these allotments. This should result in reduced use by livestock on the non-range high country. Structures on the portions of the 12 grazing allotments within the proposed Wilderness consist of 147 miles of fence, 7 earthen stock tanks, 13 developed springs. 24 corrals, and 4 rock masonry dams. Each existing and planned improvement will be carefully evaluated. Unnecessary improvements will be removed. Those which are essential, will be made less obtrusive. 13

TABLE IV GRAZING USE ON ALLOTMENTS WITHIN BLACK RANGE PRIMTIIVE AREA AND PROPOSED ALDO LEOPOLD WILDERNESS USE PERMITTED ON TOTAL ALLOTMENT GRAZING USE WITHIN PRESENT PRIMITIVE AREA GRAZING USE WITHIN PROPOSED WILDERNESS Range Allotments Tot. Ctl. Permtd. Animal % in Number Animal % in Prop. Number Animal on Allot. Season Months Area Cattle Months Wilderness Cattle Months Diamond Bar 1600 Y.L. 19,200 40 640 7,680 25 400 4,800 Powderhorn 364 Y.L. 4,368 29 106 1,272 36 132 1,584 Sapillo 808 Y.L. 9,696 5 40 480 3 24 288 Mimbres 630 Y.L. 7,560 2 13 156 0 0 0 East Canyon 175 Y.L. 2,100 0 0 0 10 18 216 South Fork 241 Y.L. 2,982 16 39 468 12 29 348 North Palomas 138 Y.L. 1,656 1 1 12 20 28 336 Hermosa 450 Y.L. 5,400 16 72 864 34 162 1,944 Cave Creek 167 Y.L. 2,004 23 37 444 34 57 684 Kingston 300 Y.L. 3,600 0 0 0 10 30 360 Noonday 155 Y.L. 1,860 0 0 0 74 115 1,380 Gallinas 125 Y.L. 1,500 0 0 0 2 2 24 Turkey Run 94 Y.L. 1,128 70 66 792 75 71 852 GRAND TOTAL 5247 62,964 1,014 12,168 1,068 12,816 14

MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS Structures and Activities Administrative sites within the area include fire lookout towers and associated supporting improvements at Reed’s Peak and Diamond Peak. The Reed’s Peak site includes a cabin, bam. lookout tower, toilet, two corrals, spring fed water system and administrative pasture. It is essential, at least in the foreseeable future, for fire detection in the proposed Wilderness and surrounding areas. The Diamond Peak improvements are no longer used and will be removed. There are 78 helispots in the proposed Wilderness. A study is in progress to determine which helispots will be retained. Non-essential helispots will not be maintained and will revert to natural cover. A network of 240 miles of trails serves the proposed Wilderness. Revisions of the trail system may be needed, including the abandonment of certain trails no longer considered essential and the construction of others to standards compatible with Wilderness. The Continental Divide Trail proposed as a part of the National Scenic Trail System will traverse this area, generally on present trail alignments. There has been comparatively little motor vehicle invasion into the area proposed as Wilderness. Exceptions include the tractor-built fire line, made along a portion of the Black Range Crest during the McKnight fire of 1951. For about 10 years following the fire occasional jeep use was made of the fire line. Structural range improvements are listed in the Forage Resource Section. Many structures which are no longer used will be removed from the proposed Wilderness. Included are 1 1 old barbed wire livestock traps, 1 1 unserviceable corrals, 20 miles of old telephone line, and several miles of barbed wire fence. Three old cabins remaining in the proposed Wilderness are scheduled for removal. Structures in Diamond Creek are necessary for the preservation of the Gila trout. A total of 321 structures are in Animas Creek, Mimbres River, South Diamond Creek, Black Canyon, and Burnt Creek. Insects and Diseases There are no serious insect or disease conditions within the proposed Wilderness. Should this situation change, epidemics would be treated only if they seriously threaten values outside of the Wilderness. 15

Fire The proposed Wilderness has fuel types, topography, and general aspect which are conducive to fires becoming difficult to control within a fairly short time. Because of high potential for damage to important water-producing areas and difficult overland access, fires in the proposed Wilderness require prompt helitack action. Helitack units are stations at MeOwn Helitack Base to the west of the proposed area and at Emory Pass south of the area. For these helitack bases to effectively suppress fires in the proposed Wilderness, many of the existing helispots will be retained. They will be modified as necessary to meet Wilderness standards. An annual average of 28.2 lightning fires occur in the proposed Wilderness. This is a relatively high fire occurrence justifying continued fire detection improvements at Reed’s Peak. Private Land Private land within the proposed Wilderness includes the following tracts: a. 43.56 acres located in the SW lA NW XA Sec 31 T11SR10W owned by John Donaldson who is the grazing permittee on the Diamond Bar Allotment. b. 40 acres located in the NW lA SW lA Sec 29 T14S R9W owned by Diamond A Cattle Company, permittee on the Hermosa and Cave Creek Allotments. Neither of the two have road access or existing improvements other than fences. These lands are used in conjunction with permitted livestock grazing. Possibilities for acquisition in each case are good. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190, 83 Stat 852) became effective January 1, 1970. Among the purposes of the Act were “encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment; . . . prevent or eliminate damage to the environment . . .; to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources . . .” The Council on Environmental Quality was also formed by the Act. It is the National policy that “before undertaking major action . . . that significantly affects the environment, Federal agencies will, in consultation with other appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, assess in detail the potential environmental impact in order that adverse affects (sic.) are avoided, and environmental quality is restored or enhanced to the fullest extent practicable.” Since hearings were held and the record completed before requirements of the Act were known, it was necessary to reexamine the proposal in light of the Environmental Policy Act. A total of 33 Federal agencies and 9 State and local agencies were contacted by letter or meeting, requesting their analysis of the proposal to designate the area as Wilderness. Of the 15 responses, nine considered the recommended proposal as favorable for preservation of a healthy environment, four were non-committal in their response, one believed the area should be declassified to allow commodity production and utilization, and one offered no recommendations but urged consideration of facts over emotion in final selection and designation. 16

Resources of all areas in question have been inventoried, evaluated and analyzed. Review by responsible persons in various fields of environmental management shows that there will be little adverse impact upon the physical environment should classification as Wilderness be effected. The human environment conceivably would be adversely affected to some degree by denial of economic gains to be realized from resource uses such as logging, water development, recreation development and the associated access construction connected with these uses. These adverse economical effects are considered minor when compared to the enduring social value of the area preserved “to secure for the American people of present future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of Wilderness”. The proposed wilderness is a land of deep canyons and steep rocky slopes. 17

PUBLIC REACTION On September 29, 1970, a Public Notice was issued announcing the hearings on the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Proposal. Interested parties were invited to submit either a written or oral statement. Two public hearings were held, one at Silver City, New Mexico, on December 4, 1970, and another at Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, on December 5, 1970. The hearing record was held open for receipt of additional statements through January 4, 1971. The two days of hearings produced a 727 page hearing record containing oral statements made by 171 persons. Represented were the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological Survey, other Federal agencies, local governments, logging companies, mining interests, livestock men, farmers, water users, conservation organizations, outdoor clubs, several other interest groups and individuals. Prehearing and posthearing responses for inclusion in the hearing record totalled 787 against and 1,654 in favor of an Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Of the responses opposing reclassification as Wilderness, approximately 70 percent were form letters. Of the total 2,441 responses, with oral hearing statements included, 2,105 were from residents of New Mexico and 336 were from residents of other states. Of those who responded in favor of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, the majority favored the proposal as put forth by the Forest Service, although there was a lack of definition in some cases. Those who responded as being merely in favor of the basic concept of Wilderness were construed to favor the Forest Service proposal since it was the proposal to which they were initially exposed, and from which their conclusions were probably formed. Of the 1,654 who recommended Wilderness, 996 favored the Forest Service proposal as presented in the proposal brochure. A proposal put forth by conservation groups, either singly or as an amalgamation, drew the support of 658 of these who responded. Drawing the most support was the proposal put forth by the Wilderness Society. (See Appendix B). Those 787 persons who opposed the proposal did not suggest a reduced area or any modification. They were solidly against the establishment of an Aldo Leopold Wilderness of any size. Fifteen agencies of the Federal government responded to an invitation to comment on the proposal. Nine agencies favored the concept of the Forest Service and six were non-committal or had other recommendations. Fourteen members of the Congress were contacted, including those in Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas. Thirteen did not respond and one from the State of Arizona gave his endorsement of the proposal. The Governors of the States of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas were advised of the proposal, yet none submitted a statement. Out-of-state officials were contacted only as a courtesy. Both Sierra and Grant counties, in which the bulk of the proposal is located, submitted resolutions opposing the reclassification. That portion of the Black Range Primitive Area within Catron County is proposed for declassification. It is reasonable to assume that this contributed to Catron County’s lack of interest in submitting a statement on the proposal. Almost all towns with an organized town or city government in the vicinity of the proposed Wilderness submitted a resolution opposing the reclassification. 18

Several reasons were advanced against the proposed reclassification and for subsequent complete declassification of the Primitive Area: The need to determine the mineral potential; the need to develop the area for all forms of recreation; the need for better access for many purposes, such as economic development and skyline scenic drives; the need to bring about maximum economic development as an aid to the economy of surrounding communities; a desirability of “multiple use” over “single purpose use” as a land management ethic; and the lack of need for additional wilderness because of the proximity of such areas. The reasons were advanced even though the area having possible mineral potential covers only a portion of the proposed Wilderness; only a part of the commercial timber type is operable for logging; and rough, steep terrain would limit range improvement work and recreation development to only a portion of the area. Several other reasons were advanced that lacked objectivity or pertinence and showed a basic misunderstanding of Wilderness concept. These reasons included: Only rich people and hardy adults can enjoy Wilderness; formation of this Wilderness would cause an increase of Federally owned land in the county and state; the area would remain wilderness due to the nature of the terrain even though it were declassified and land should not be taken out of “multiple use" production to create this Wilderness. The fact that the area has been a Primitive Area and managed essentially as Wilderness since 1924 was often overlooked in the responses. Many of those who testified against the proposal were also seemingly unaware that the reclassification proposal is a requirement of the Wilderness Act and not an arbitrary action by the Forest Service. Opponents to the reclassification proposal advocated not establishing a Wilderness of any size even though the entire area might not be unsuitable for Wilderness purposes. There were no significant compromises advanced to merely reduce the size or modify the Forest Service proposal. A number of respondents equal to about two-thirds of those who favored the Forest Service proposal favored the larger area proposed by conservation groups. These groups advanced several reasons in favor of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, including: 1. The need to have such areas for a “measuring stick” in order to further scientific studies of ecological changes occurring in surrounding areas. 2. The need of people to be able to “get away” and obtain a measure of solitude. 3. The need to have areas such as this in order to preserve the quality of life in a social structure that is rapidly disintegrating. Those who felt a larger area was justified substantiated this position by characterizing a critical need to preserve all remaining areas which possess some Wilderness characteristics, regardless of their quality. Practically none of the proponents advocated a middle ground proposal although they agreed with the additions as proposed by the Forest Service. Considerable on-the-ground review was made by several members of the conservation groups who presented the consolidated position for a larger Wilderness. Although the si/e ol the area proposed by conservation groups proposal was somewhat larger, it was built around the f orest Service proposal. A few individuals and groups supported the general concept of the larger Wilderness, but their approach to the final proposal did not agree entirely with the additions and exclusions proposed by the conservationists. 19

20

CONCLUSIONS Wilderness was defined by Congress in Section 2(c) of the Wilderness Act as “. . . an area where earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man ... an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character . . and as an area which “. . . (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding opportunities for solitude . . .” Direction was given by Congress to the Secretary of Agriculture to study Primitive Areas for possible inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System or declassification. Section 3(b) states in part “. . . The Secretary of Agriculture shall . . . review, as to its suitability or nonsuitability for preservation as wilderness each area in the national forests classified ... as ‘primitive’ . . .” It was within this context that the subject Forest Service study was made. Conclusions were reached after full consideration of all comments made at public hearings on December 4 and 5, 1970, and submitted for the record. Environmental considerations based on other agency judgment and comment were also carefully evaluated. Areas Suitable for Wilderness A total of 151,024 acres of the proposed Wilderness have been managed and used as a part of the original Gila Wilderness from 1924 to 1933 and as the Black Range Primitive Area since 1933. The studies by the Forest Service, the comments submitted by other agenices of Government, and comments made a part of the public hearing record show that no reason has developed to discontinue wilderness-type management and use of this area. Rather, these studies and comments show that the boundaries should be extended to include contiguous areas which have the topographic character, vegetative cover, and remoteness which make them suitable for management as part of the proposed Wilderness. The areas which the Forest Service initially proposed as Wilderness are shown on Map II on Page 20. On this map the Black Range Primitive Area suitable for Wilderness is shown as “P”. Portions A through I are the initially proposed Forest Service additions, all considered fully suitable for classification as Wilderness. These nine areas include a total of 3 1,236 acres. Prompted by the strong public support given the conservation group proposal recommending an enlarged Aldo Leopold Wilderness, this proposal was carefully analyzed and evaluated by the Forest Service. The Forest Service wilderness proposal presented at the Public Hearings represents the prescription for a Wilderness having the most practical and manageable boundary around as much quality Wilderness as possible. In order to obtain a boundary of the highest standard, some areas possessing Wilderness characteristics were left out. However, portions of some of the conservation group proposed additions are suitable for Wilderness, although the boundary around them is not as “strong” as that proposed by the Forest Service. Those areas found suitable by the Forest Service and worthy of addition to initially proposed Wilderness are indicated as Additions J. K, L and M, on Map II. These additions contain 6,212 acres, with 293 acres of Addition J originally being a part of Forest Service exclusions 4 and 5 as indicated on Map II. Page 20. These four areas are described as follows: Addition J is a part of the 1,895 acre AreaO, recommended in the joint conservation group proposal for Wilderness consideration (see map, page 81). It contains 800 acres with 293 acres being south of Hoyt Creek and formerly proposed for declassification as parts of exclusions 4 and 5. The revised boundary would be located on land features of less prominence than the originally proposed 21

22 Proposed Additions E & K will include land with wilderness characteristics, bounded by identifiable topographic features. Proposed Exclusion 5 will strengthen the boundary in this area.

line, but the added section of Hoyt Creek enhances the overall wilderness quality of the total proposal. There are no improvements within this addition. The addition contains .526 million board feet of operable and 1.287 million board feet of inoperable sawtimber. Addition K contains a 2,125 acre portion of the 12,270 acre Area P proposed for addition by the conservation groups and many individuals. This addition includes portions of Whiskey Spring and Moccasin John Canyons along with Moccasin John Mountain, shown in the record to have strong support for Wilderness inclusion. Forest Service-proposed Addition E to the west was not originally extended to include this additional acreage in order to utilize a superior boundary location at the east edge of Addition E. The acceptable alternate boundary around Addition K is relatively strong and would contain acreage considered suitable for Wilderness. Very little is added in the way of man-made improvements other than 3l/z miles of range fences. More than half of the addition is pinyon-juniper-oak vegetative type, adding a substantial amount of lower elevation country as recommended by those supporting a larger Wilderness. The addition includes .427 million board feet of operable sawtimber and .737 million board feet of inoperable sawtimber. The 1 ,645 acre Addition L and Addition M containing 1 ,642 acres are parts of conservation group proposed Area S containing 6,300 acres. Located along the lower eastern slope of the Black Range, these additions are suitable for inclusions in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Proposal. Addition L surrounds Flagpole Mountain adjacent to Addition G. Addition M includes Magner Park and the upper drainages of Cave Creek Adjacent to Addition H. These areas were studied by the Forest Service prior to preparing the original Aldo Leopold Wilderness proposal. They were found suitable for Wilderness, but they were not included in the proposal because the boundaries of proposed Additions G and H followed more readily identifiable natural land features. Improvements include 1% miles of grazing allotment boundary fence and one corral in Addition L, and Vz mile of pasture division fence in Addition M. Both Additions contain considerable lower elevation country with pinyon-juniper-oak vegetative type. Timber volumes are .320 million board feet operable sawtimber and .930 million board feet of inoperable timer in Addition L with 1.112 million board feet of operable sawtimber and 1.368 million board feet of inoperable timber in Addition M. Areas Not Suitable for Wilderness Many of those commenting upon the original Forest Service proposal including conservation groups such as the Wilderness Society and the Sierra Club advocated establishing a Wilderness containing 231,737 acres. They specifically recommended including areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, 1. J and K along with all or portions of Forest Service proposed Exclusions 1,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Portions of this expanded proposal were found by the Forest Service to be suitable for Wilderness. A total of 31,191 acres of Black Range Primitive Area are proposed by the Forest Service for declassification. This acreage is represented on Map II, page 20 by Exclusions number 1. 2, 3. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Proposed Exclusions 1 and 2 contain 62 and 78 acres and they are designed to eliminate land containing marks of man’s activities. Exclusion 1 is unsuitable for Wilderness because it contains Hillsboro Peak Administrative Site improvements supporting a fire lookout tower which is necessary for fire detection both within and outside of the proposed Wilderness. Exclusion 2 has lost its wilderness characteristics due to construction of the McKnight road which courses in and out of the Primitive Area at several points. The road is essential for administrative and Wilderness access purposes. The proposed boundary would be 300 feet east of and below the road.

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Exclusion 3 with 5,471 acres and Exclusion 4 with 22,039 account for a large portion of the excluded acreage. They are similar in that they both display much evidence of man's activities in the form of several rut roads difficult to protect from motor vehicle access due to gentle terrain. Both include many range improvements such as fences, stock tanks, and corrals. Both include tracts of private land with 6 acres in Exclusion 3 and 453 acres in Exclusion 4. Two tracts in Exclusion 4 have improvements such as houses, bams and a motorized well. Exclusion 4 shows additional signs of man’s activities in the form of timber sale areas and 520 acres of juniper control range improvement work. There are 4 additional water wells within Exclusion 4, three with motorized pumps. The imprint of man’s work in these Exclusions is substantially noticeable in contrast to the area proposed as Wilderness. The Exclusions will draw the proposed Wilderness back to strong identifiable topographic features and solve boundary protection problems existing along the North Star Road. Exclusion 5, containing 1,934 acres, eliminates private land in Hoyt Creek and areas with evidence of old logging in Turkey Run Creek to the north of the proposed Wilderness. A road along portions of these creeks, located partially in the Primitive Area, will be excluded from the proposed Wilderness. The adjusted boundary utilizes strong identifiable topographic features. Exclusion 6 is proposed to exclude an area with evidence of past logging activities. This 894 acre tract, located on Morgan Creek, also includes several range improvements and a short section of old road which probably served as access to the logged area. Exclusions 7 and 8 contain 274 and 433 acres respectively. They are considered essential to locate the proposed Wilderness boundary on identifiable land features. Although these exclusions are similar to the proposed Wilderness they will eliminate 4Vz miles of fence from the proposed Wilderness, besides placing the boundary on well defined topographic features. Exclusion 9, containing only 8 acres, would eliminate 3 acres of private land from the proposed Wilderness, besides deleting a short section of road. A superior boundary location can be made along natural terrain features. The 3,300 acre Area J included in the conservation group proposal along with AreaR covering 3,080 acres and the remaining portions of Areas P and S containing a total of 13.158 acres are not suitable for Wilderness for similar reasons. All contain portions of improved roads presently in use and serving as access to private tracts, mining and prospecting sites, or existing range improvements. Portions of each area have possibilities of being highly mineralized and all have evidence of past mining or prospecting activities. The Mineral and Carbonate Creek sections of Area J may contain mineral deposits of sufficient economic value to warrant future investigation. Area J, if accepted as proposed Wilderness, would cause inclusion of the Hillsboro Peak Administrative Site in the proposed Wilderness. Area P as proposed includes mineralized areas at the head of Cuchillo Negro Creek and 3 roads totaling 4 miles in length. The exterior boundary formed by this proposed addition would be poorly located and nearly impossible to identify. AreaR would be 433 acres of Forest Service proposed Exclusions 8 and 16 acres of Exclusion 7. It would skirt around two large tracts of private land which would protrude into the proposed addition 'j and Wz miles. Area K contains 4,1 10 acres in the Rabb Park area southwest of Forest Service proposed Addition A. This area was studied by the Forest Service and found to be unsuitable. The imprint of man and his activities is substantially noticeable throughout the area. Soil erosion resulting from 25

26

past overgrazing, mineral exploration, woodcutting roads, telephone lines, and an assortment of other improvements are in evidence. The area was settled approximately 50 years ago and several old dwellings and access roads remain. Mechanical means of range and watershed rehabilitation are needed to speed recovery of depleted surface resources. Area K would add no quality to the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness. It is not considered by the Forest Service as an area worthy of inclusion. Area L proposed by the conservation groups contains 2,750 acres in the Aspen Canyon, East Canyon and Bear Trap Canyon drainages to the west of Forest Service proposed Addition B. Over 80% of the area has been cut over by timber operations of varied ages. The most recent logging was done in 1969. Roads extend up Aspen and Bear Trap Canyons to well within the proposed Area. The Forest Service proposed boundary for Addition B is located at the western extreme of country meeting suitability requirements for Wilderness. The proposed area is not suitable for inclusion as Wilderness. Portions of Area M containing 5,105 acres have also been logged. Evidence of this activity exists even though there has been no recent logging. Roads within the area extend almost to the Forest Service proposed boundary providing motor vehicle access that would be difficult to control. The area also includes a portion of McKnight Creek to which Gila trout were recently transplanted. To insure the success of this transplant of the endangered species, stream improvement structures are needed and planned for installation. Area N contains 2,920 acres mainly within Forest Service proposed Exclusion 3. The proposed boundary of this area would make control of motorized vehicle entry impossible. Several existing roads enter the proposed Area. The suggested boundary is weak and identification on the ground would be difficult. The Forest Service proposed boundary provides the most westerly boundary location acceptable. The remainder of Area O proposed by the conservation groups for inclusion in the Wilderness contains 1,095 acres unacceptable to the Forest Service for Wilderness. Included are 807 acres within Forest Service Exclusion 5. The area west of the portion suitable for Wilderness has several rut roads on mesa tops, and gentle slopes allow vehicle access from the north. The boundary proposed by the conservation groups in Hoyt and Turkey Run Creeks follows a line a specified distance from the creeks. This would be extremely difficult to locate on the ground. An undetermined amount of area with past logging activity is also included. Included in proposed Area Q are 960 acres of which 894 acres were proposed by the Forest Service as Exclusion 6. A portion of the Morgan Creek area was logged in the past, and it is necessary to exclude a larger area than that logged to locate the proposed boundary on identifiable land features. Those testifying in favor of this proposed area suggest that evidence of old logging in the area is not sufficient to warrant exclusion. The Forest Service viewpoint on this exclusion has not changed. Even though the logging is old, stumps and debris are still evident. The area is not now suitable Wilderness. Area T as recommended for Wilderness by the conservation groups contains 7,080 acres within Forest Service proposed Exclusion 4. In addition to private land tracts and motorized wells scattered through this Exclusion, Area T contains much evidence of man's activities and is not suitable as a part of the proposed Wilderness. The assortment of improvements contained in this area include 5 miles of road. 6 stock tanks, 2 corrals and one mile of fence. Portions of existing roads have eroded to a point where mechanized equipment will be needed to repair the damage. The gently rolling terrain typical of this area does not provide a boundary that would be identifiable and manageable for the prevention of motor vehicle use. 27

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APPENDIX A BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION PROPOSED ALDO LEOPOLD WILDERNESS The proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness is on the Gila National Forest in Sierra and Grant Counties in the State of New Mexico. The following description refers to the map titled “Proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Gila National Forest, Southwestern Region. ' which is on file at the Forest Service Regional Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Office of the Forest Supervisor. Gila National Forest, Silver City, New Mexico; and District Rangers Offices at Beaverhead. Mimbres and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. All land hereinafter described is in surveyed townships, except for those in T. 15 S.. R. 9 E. T. 16 S., R. 9 E., and T. 16 S., R. 10 E. All distances are map distances, and therefore are approximate. A Wilderness boundary reference point brass cap marked “Wilderness Ref. P.T. No. 1 4/23/1971” cemented in a basalt boulder is the beginning and ending point of the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness boundary. This monument is locate N. 79°59’30” W., 1,235.04 feet, from the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Hillsboro Peak Triangulation Point Brass Cap, marked “Hillsboro PK 1945,” and located 213.49 feet, WNW from a U.S. Forest Service station mark brass cap set under the Hillsboro Peak Fire Lookout Tower. Beginning at Wilderness Reference Point monument number one the boundary runs southeasterly .20 mile downslope to a sharp rocky ridge line which it follows southerly downslope for .60 mile into East Railroad Canyon; thence crossing East Railroad canyon at a junction of 3 headwater forks, continuing in a southerly direction up a prominent ridge, a distance of 1 mile to the summit of Cross-0 Mountain; thence angling southwesterly .50 mile over a narrow saddle to the southwestern extension of elongated Cross-0 Mountain; thence in a southerly direction, down a small ridge line .3 mile where it connects with the main ridge between Little Bear Canyon on the north and Iron Creek on the south; thence following that ridge in a southwesterly direction 1 mile to a point where Little Bear Canyon turns south into Iron Creek; thence .25 mile down a spur ridge into Little Bear Canyon, to intersect this canyon at its last major tributary junction before emptying into Iron Creek; thence northwesterly .40 mile up a small ridge intersecting with the main ridge between Little Bear and Gallinas Creeks; thence southwesterly .50 mile along this ridge; thence westerly .60 mile, crossing Gallinas Creek on spur ridges to the top of Thumb Ridge; thence southwesterly 2 miles along Thumb Ridge to a point .25 mile north of New Mexico State Highway 90; thence northwesterly .25 mile down a spur ridge into Dry Gallinas Canyon; thence northwesterly up a small ridge .50 mile to a north-south ridge that divides Dry Gallinas Canyon from Noonday Canyon; thence westerly .60 mile following' a ridge into the first eastern side drainage of Noonday Canyon, north of New Mexico State Highway 90; thence northwesterly on a flat-top ridge .25 mile, passing through a circular shaped patch of white colored bare soil and bedrock; thence southwesterly .20 mile following a ridge into Noonday Canyon and intersecting this canyon .20 mile north of the line cabin in that same canyon; thence northwest .55 mile up a small ridge to the main ridge between Noonday Canyon and Rabb Canyon; thence northerly 5.50 miles following rock outcroppings on the ridge between Noonday Canyon on the east, Rabb Canyon, Cureton Canyon, and Shepherd Canyon headwaters on the west to the center of a high point of land at the headwaters of Quaking Aspen. Shepherd and Noonday Canyons; thence northeasterly .25 mile following a low ridge around the head of a south side 29

drainage of Lost Trail Canyon; thence northwesterly .25 mile crossing Lost Trail Canyon on small ridges returning to the major ridge west of Lost Trail Canyon; thence northerly .25 mile crossing a small side drainage of Lost Trail canyon, to the center of a high point to the north; thence northerly .25 mile connecting prominent high points on the south and north of East Canyon, crossing this East Canyon at a drainage junction from the north side; thence northeasterly along a low ridge .30 mile, to a large area of exposed rock on the sharp ridge between East Canyon and Bear Trap Canyon; thence northeast .20 mile following a razor-back ridge downslope into the main southside drainage of Bear Trap Canyon; thence north-northwesterly .25 mile following an intersecting line of rocks and extending over a rocky ledge north of Bear Trap Canyon, proceeding north to Board Gate Saddle and a point 300 feet due south of the McKnight Cabin Road; thence following the Black Range Crest 2.8 miles, except where sections of the McKnight Road cross to the south and east of the Crest at which points the boundary is 300 feet below and to the south or east of the road, to a westerly intersecting ridge between the South and North Forks of McKnight Creek; thence westerly, .70 mile on this ridge; thence northerly .75 mile along an extension of this same ridge sloping down to its intersection with the North Fork of McKnight Creek; thence northerly 1 mile up to the toe of an opposite ridge; thence northwesterly 2.0 miles following this ridge to a round peak between upper South Fork of Powderhom Canyon and Main Powderhom Canyon; thence northerly 1 mile on an extension of this ridge to a prominent point immediately south of Powderhom Canyon thence continuing north .50 mile crossing Powderhom Canyon to a high point on the opposite ridge between Powderhom and Heffner Canyons; thence southwesterly 2.25 miles from the center of the high point following the ridge between Powderhom and Heffner Canyons to Hay Mesa; thence .75 mile following the north edge of Hay Mesa to its western edge; thence northwesterly .65 mile into Heffner Canyon following a spur ridge between two side drainages crossing the canyon and leaving Heffner Canyon on an opposite spur ridge leading to a knoll on the main ridge between Heffner Canyon and the Mimbres River; thence following this ridge westerly .10 miles to the next knoll; thence northwesterly .15 mile down a side ridge intersecting the Mimbres River at a point .3 mile north of its junction with Heffner Canyon; thence northwesterly .75 mile up a ridge to a high point at the head of a western drainage of Corral Canyon; thence northerly . 1 5 mile across a saddle between Cooney and Corral Canyons to the first high point east of Cooney Canyon; thence westerly .18 mile crossing Cooney Canyon to the center of a rocky point west of Cooney Canyon; thence northerly .50 mile along the rocky west edge of Cooney Canyon to a high point on the Continental Divide; thence northwesterly .70 mile crossing Terry Canyon to a rocky high point on the opposite ridge between Terry and Rocky Canyons; thence northwesterly 1 mile following a ridge between two side drainages to its intersection with Rocky Canyon, where a north-south fork enters the Canyon; thence northeasterly 2.1 miles to a ridge between two major forks of Rocky Canyon, following this ridge in a northerly direction to a high point between the heads of Squaw Creek, West Aspen Canyon, and Rocky Canyon; thence northeasterly and northerly 4 miles along the divide between Aspen Canyon, Squaw Creek and along the west edge of a major north-south drainage of Black Canyon to the head of Hodge Canyon; thence northeasterly .75 mile along a spur ridge into Black Canyon at the point of junction of Black and Bonner Canyons; thence northeasterly .75 mile up a sharp, rocky ridge to the divide between Black Canyon and a fork of Diamond Bar Canyon; thence northerly .80 mile along a spur ridge into a fork of 30

Diamond Bar Canyon, crossing this fork and leaving the canyon on a spur ridge to a high point west of a major easterly turn of Diamond Bar Canyon; thence northerly .25 mile downslope to Diamond Bar Canyon intersecting at a major sourtherly turn of the canyon; thence northeasterly .55 mile following a spur ridge out of Diamond Bar Canyon, to the edge of Diamond Bar Mesa and following northerly to the top of Me Own Hill; thence northwesterly .30 mile down a major ridge to the break in topography above South Diamond Creek; thence northeasterly .70 mile down to South Diamond Creek on a spur ridge between two minor drainages crossing South Diamond Creek and ascending a spur ridge to the top of a flat-topped ridge dividing South and East Diamond Creeks; thence northwesterly 2 miles along the east edge of a narrow ridge west of East Diamond Creek, intersecting East Diamond Creek at a point where 2 major forks join; thence northerly .25 mile up a spur ridge to the main ridge north of East Diamond Creek; thence easterly .30 mile along the main ridge north of East Diamond Creek: thence northeasterly .80 mile following the south rim of a major east-west tributary of East Diamond Creek, crossing a fork from the south at rock outcroppings; thence northerly .45 mile into this north fork of East Diamond Creek, crossing the Creek and traveling up a northern side drainage to a rocky saddle; thence northerly .25 mile down a steep side drainage of Middle Diamond Creek to its intersection with Middle Diamond Creek; thence westerly 1.25 miles following the rim south of Main Diamond Creek, leaving the rim and swinging around a side drainage to a high point in the middle of the ridge. thence northeasterly .55 mile across main Middle Diamond Creek and its major north fork to a high point; thence northeasterly .45 mile crossing four minor tributaries of the north fork of Main Diamond Creek to a high point; thence northwesterly .40 mile across more minor tributaries of the north fork of Middle Diamond Creek to a prominent high point on the ridge south of Baily Creek; thence .25 mile easterly along the top of a ridge south of Baily Creek to the next high point; thence northerly .50 mile down a side ridge and over a cliff into Baily Creek; thence northeasterly .15 mile upslope from Baily Creek to the south edge of the ridge north of Baily Creek; thence .40 mile along the south edge of this ridge; thence northerly .70 mile to the north edge of this east-west ridge, passing over a saddle between the heads of two minor drainages of Main Diamond Creek and dropping to and crossing Main Diamond Creek via the west ridge of the eastern minor drainage; thence westerly .20 mile along the cliffs north of Main Diamond Creek to a ridge above a minor drainage from the north; thence northwesterly .70 mile up this ridge to the east of this minor drainage to a high point on the ridge between Main and Dry Diamond Creeks: thence easterly .25 mile to the first high point on this same ridge; thence northerly .75 mile down a side ridge into Dry Diamond Creek, crossing the creek and following up a side ridge to the main ridge between Dry Diamond Creek and Hoyt Creek; thence northeasterly .25 mile along the ridge between Hoyt and Dry Diamond Creeks; thence northwest down a sharp rocky ridge .30 mile intersecting Hoyt Creek where it passes between exposed section of a rock dike; thence northerly .55 mile up a sharp ridge breaking steeply towards Hoyt Creek; thence northeasterly .75 mile following the top of the north slope into Hoyt Creek; thence .25 mile easterly crossing a northerly side canyon of Hoyt Creek, and returning to the top of the north slope above Hoyt Creek: thence northerly .30 mile along the ridge top between two northerly side drainages of Hoyt Creek; thence northeasterly .60 mile down an intersecting spur ridge into a large side drainage of Hoyt Creek, and up a spur ridge to the top of the slope above and to the north of Hoyt Creek; thence northeasterly .25 mile following the divide between Hoyt Creek and its tributary to the 31

north; thence easterly .35 mile following an extension of this same divide to a rocky point near the western head of a side drainage of Hoyt Creek; thence southerly .60 mile down a rocky spur ridge and crossing Hoyt Creek on the exposed sections of a rock dike a short distance east of its intersection with Turkey Draw; thence .35 mile up a spur ridge between Hoyt Creek and Turkey Draw to a high point overlooking a deep, southside drainage of Hoyt Creek; thence northeasterly .30 mile crossing this unnamed drainage to a high point on the ridge south of Hoyt Creek; thence .50 mile northeasterly down this ridge south of Hoyt Creek to a point where it joins a small bench above and to the south of Turkey Run; thence easterly .20 mile on a spur ridge to the bottom of a small drainage entering Turkey Run from the south; thence southerly .35 mile up a ridge to its intersection at a high point with the main ridge south of Turkey Run; thence easterly .20 mile down a spur ridge crossing a side canyon of Turkey Run; thence southeasterly .35 mile following first a spur ridge and then the main ridge south of Turkey Run; thence northeast .35 mile dropping down a spur ridge to cross an unnamed side drainage of Turkey Run; thence southeasterly 2.5 miles following the main ridge south of Turkey Run to a point overlooking a large drainage entering Turkey Run from the south; thence northerly .15 mile down a spur ridge to a point on this ridge south of Turkey Run and west of the side drainage; thence easterly .10 mile to the mouth of a large drainage from the southeast into Turkey Run; thence southeasterly .30 mile up the main ridge between Turkey Run and its drainage from the southeast to a high point; thence southeasterly 1.55 miles following the main ridge south of Turkey Creek to the ridge between Turkey Run and Diamond Creek; thence easterly .50 mile following the ridge line between Turkey Run and Diamond Creek; thence southsoutheasterly .60 mile following this same ridge to Trail #642 at the edge of a steep decline into Diamond Creek; thence southeasterly 2.8 miles following the ridge between Turkey Run and the main Diamond Creek drainage to the northern foot of Fisherman Rock; thence northerly .25 mile following the Continental Divide to an intersecting ridge line between Byers Run and North Fork Palomas Creek; thence easterly 3.15 miles following the ridge line between Byers Run and North Fork Palomas Creek; thence southerly .60 mile down a prominent spur ridge to the intersection of North Fork Palomas Creek and a major tributary of it from the north; thence southerly .50 mile up an opposite spur ridge to an intersecting ridge between North Fork Palomas Creek and the northern most drainage of Moccasin John Canyon; thence easterly 1.20 miles along this ridge; thence southerly .25 mile down an intersecting spur ridge to a major northern tributary of Moccasin John Canyon; thence southwesterly .40 mile up a spur ridge to the southeast edge of a broad ridge to the northwest of Moccasin John Canyon, and dropping down a spur ridge to the intersection of Moccasin John Canyon and its second major tributary from the north; thence southwesterly .55 mile up a spur ridge to its intersection with the main ridge north of Moccasin John Canyon; thence southerly .50 mile down a sharp rocky spur ridge to the main Moccasin John Canyon; thence southeasterly .25 mile following rocky ledges and crossing a minor side drainage from the south into Moccasin John Canyon; thence southwesterly .40 mile up a narrow and sharp ridge between Moccasin John Canyon and Willow Creek drainages to a point where it intersects with the divide between Whiskey Spring and Moccasin John Canyons; thence southeasterly 1.10 miles following the divide between Whiskey Spring Canyon and Willow Creek to a rocky point where another ridge from the south intersects; thence southerly .80 mile down the ridge between Whiskey Spring Canyon and its eastern tributary; thence .30 mile southwesterly crossing Whiskey Spring Canyon on spur ridges to the south end of a large rock outcropping between Whiskey Spring Canyon and Circle Seven Creek; 32

thence meandering 2.0 miles northwesterly along rock outcroppings and along the top of the steep slope into Circle Seven Canyon to a point of intersection with the southwest corner of Moccasin John Mountain; thence southwest down a small ridge to Circle Seven Canyon crossing the Canyon 390 feet west of Circle Seven Well; thence southeasterly 1 mile up the ridge between CircleSeven and Mud Spring Canyon to the head of Hickland Canyon; thence southerly 1.25 miles following the ridge directly east of Mud Spring Canyon to the canyon bottom north of its point of intersection with Morgan Creek; thence westerly and northerly 1.25 miles following the winding ridge between Mud Spring Canyon and Morgan Creek to the top of Mud Spring Mountain; thence southwesterly .50 mile down a major ridge to Morgan Creek crossing a side drainage of this creek to the north of Morgan Creek; thence northerly 1.15 miles up the west ridge between Morgan Creek and this same side drainage to a high point on the ridge; thence westerly .50 mile on a ridge between two southern most minor drainages of Trail Canyon down to the bottom of Trail Canyon; thence northwesterly .10 mile up a spur ridge to its intersection with the ridge between Morgan Creek and Trail Canyon; thence southwesterly .25 mile crossing Morgan Creek to the first ridge line west of and parallel to Morgan Creek; thence southeasterly on this ridge 1.60 miles crossing Rattlesnake and Skid Canyons; thence easterly 1 mile following the main ridge south of Morgan Creek to a prominent unnamed peak; thence southwesterly .80 mile following a ridge line curving in this direction and intersecting the main ridge north of Cherry Creek; thence southeasterly .85 mile toward Cherry Creek following the ridge north of Cherry Creek; thence southerly .45 mile crossing Cherry Creek, passing through a saddle and into a western drainage of Cherry Creek, up a spur ridge to a high point on the divide between Cherry Creek and South Fork Palomas Creek; thence southeasterly .50 mile down a sharp ridge into and across South Fork Palomas Creek; thence southwesterly .75 mile on a ridge between South Fork Palomas Creek and Spud Patch Creek and onto a spur ridge dropping into Spud Patch Creek; thence southerly .65 mile following the ridge dividing Spud Patch Creek and Marshall Creek to a high point on the ridge; thence southeasterly .75 mile down a southeast extension of this ridge to Marshall Creek; thence southeast .20 mile from Marshall Creek along a spur ridge to the divide between Marshall Creek and North Seco Creek; thence southerly .75 mile along the east edge of a flat ridge crossing Falls Gulch 900 feet from its mouth at the top of the falls to a high point on the ridge between Falls Gulch and North Seco Creek; thence southeasterly crossing North Seco Creek on spur ridges to the main divide between North and Middle Seco Creeks; thence easterly 2 miles following this divide; thence southwesterly .30 mile down a spur ridge to Middle Seco Creek crossing the creek; thence southeasterly 1.15 miles following the ridge rim above Middle Seco Creek with Conley Canyon to the south; thence from a rocky point on this ridge, southerly .10 mile across Conley Canyon on spur ridges to a narrow divide between Conley Canyon and South Seco Creek; thence easterly .20 mile on this divide to the intersection of Conley Canyon and South Seco Creek; thence southerly .25 mile up a spur ridge to the main ridge line south of the South Seco drainage; thence southwesterly 1.75 miles following the First main ridge south of South Seco drainage; thence northwesterly .80 mile following the divide between South Seco Creek and Las Animas Creek; thence southwesterly .25 mile down a spur ridge toward a rocky crag north of an unnamed side canyon of Las Animas Creek near its bend; thence .10 mile southwesterly crossing this canyon to a rocky crag on the opposite side; thence southwesterly .75 mile down a rocky ridge crossing Massacre Canyon between two rocky crags on opposite sides of the canyon. 33

thence southerly .50 mile up a spur ridge to the main ridge west of Massacre Canyon then down this ridge to Las Animas Creek; thence up a spur ridge .15 mile to the divide between Las Animas Creek and West Curtis Canyon; thence easterly .55 mile, crossing East Curtis Canyon on spur ridges, to the steep divide between East Curtis Canyon and Las Animas Creek; thence southeasterly 1.50 miles following the divide between East Curtis Canyon and Las Animas Creek to its intersection with the northernmost point of Magner Park; thence southeasterly 1.25 miles around the northeast rim of Magner Park crossing 4 minor drainages of Las Animas Creek to the southeast comer of Magner Park; thence southeasterly 1.15 miles down the ridge between Cave Canyon and Cave Creek to where it intersects Cave Creek; thence southerly .10 mile up a spur ridge to the divide between Cave Creek and McCann Gulch; thence southwesterly .25 mile along this divide to its intersection with a spur ridge into McCann Gulch; thence .50 mile southwest crossing McCann Gulch at its headwater forks on spur ridges and on to the divide between McCann Gulch and Dumm Canyon; thence westerly 2.5 miles along the rocky breaks of Dumm Canyon, onto the divide between the head of East Curtis Canyon and North Percha Creek to the top of Granite Peak; thence southerly 1.15 miles down a prominent ridge to North Percha Creek; thence southerly .80 mile crossing North Percha Creek from the east end of a sheer rock wall, to the north of the creek, to and over a rocky crag to the south of the creek and up a narrow ridge passing 200 feet west of a large jagged rock outcrop, to the divide between North Percha and Mineral Creeks; thence southwesterly 1.5 miles along the divide between North Percha and Mineral Creeks to the divide between South Animas Canyon and Mineral Creek; thence southerly .30 mile along the South Animas Canyon-Mineral Creek divide; thence westerly .20 mile on a spur ridge into South Animas Canyon passing over a large rock outcropping, crossing the canyon and ascending to a ridge line west of the eastern headwater fork of South Animas Canyon; then southerly and southeasterly .30 mile up this ridge to the divide west of Hillsboro Peak and the point of beginning, “Wilderness Reference Point Monument #1,” containing 188,179 acres, more or less. 34

APPENDIX B VIEWS OF OTHER AGENCIES OF GOVERNMENT AND ORGANIZATIONS WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL 1025 VERMONT AVENUE NW. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 SUITE 900 EXHIBIT Members Observers Secretary of the Interior Attorney General Director, Office of Management & Budget Chairman Secretary of Agriculture Secretary of the Army Secretary of Health, Educat ion , and Welfare Secretary of Transportation Cha irman , Federal Power October 19, 1970 Chairman, Council on Environments 1 Quality Chairmen, River Basin Commi as i ons Great Lakes New England Pacific Northwest Souris - Red - Rainy Commission Assoc iate Members Secretary of Commerce Secretary of Housing and Urban Deve lopment Mr. A. W. Greeley Associate Chief, Forest Service U. S. Department of Agriculture Room 3010, South Building Washington. D. C. 2 02 50 Dear Mr. Greeley: Receipt is acknowledged of the material you sent us concerning the Aldo Leopold Wilderness proposal (Black Range Primitive Area), Gila National Forest, New Mexico. The Water Resources Council has no comments concerning this proposal. We appreciate the opportunity to review this material. Sincerely yours Regional Leader Western States 35

EXHIBIT UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE Post Office Box 2007, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103 October 28, 1970 Mr. William D. Hurst Regional Forester Fbirest Service, Region 3 517 Gold Avenue, SW Albuquerque , New Mexico Dear Bill, Regarding the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness, I have no specific comments or recommendations. There is a potential problem related to our snow survey courses. No existing snow courses are located within the proposed boundary but there is a site about two miles inside which we have been interested in as a possible alternative. As you probably know, we have two courses in the Gila Wilderness which we have been permitted to continue on a temporary basis. It is of considerable concern to me that the Wilderness concept be interpreted in such a way as to allow continued operation of the hydrologic data installations. It is not practical to operate some of the snow course installations without mechanized equipment. Ke State Conservationist 36

EXHIBIT OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Region VI 314 West 11th Street Austin, Texas 78701 f Mr. William D. Hurst, Regional Forester United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 3 517 Gold Avenue, SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Mr. Hurst: Thank you for your recent letter concerning the Black Range Primitive Area. At this time, this office has funded programs only in Catron and Grant Counties of the Black Range Primitive Area. Catron is one of four Counties served by the Mid-West New Mexico Community Action Program. In Grant County, we have a Limited Purpose Agency which is funded for a Family Planning program only. Based on the information we have received from the agencies we have funded in two of the Counties you are proposing to be added to the National Wilderness Preservation System, we cannot offer you any pertinent information. We are forwarding a copy of your letter to the Executive Director of the Mid-West New Mexico Community Action Program, however, and asking him to contact you and assist you in any way possible. The Community Action Agencies that we fund work with many governmental and private agencies in the communities they serve. Mr. Jesus Sanchez, Director of Mid-West New Mexico CAP, will be contacting you soon and may be able to provide useful information with respect to the effect of your proposal. Mr. Sanchez' office is located in Grants, New Mexico; his telephone number is 505-287-3584. You should feel free to call Mr. Sanchez if you desire. Sincerely : James W. Griffith, birector Region VI, Dallas/Ftt:. Worth I « 37

IN REPLY REFER TO: EXHIBIT United States Department of the Intenor BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION MID-CONTINENT REGION BUILDING 41, DENVER FEDERAL CENTER DENVER, COLORADO 80225 D72 NOV 1 3 1970 Mr. William D. Hurst, Regional Forester U. S. Forest Service Southwestern Region 3 517 Gold Street S.W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Mr. Hurst: This is in response to your October 6, 1970 letter requesting our environmental impact comments on the Aldo Leopold Wilderness proposal. Our delay was not due to any lack of interest. The volume of other wilderness matters being handled by this office along with our desire to prepare a meaningful reply has precluded an answer until now. We plan to have a representative attend the December 4th public hearing in Silver City. After the hearing we expect to prepare comments on the wilderness proposal for submission to our Director, which is standard operating procedure. He, in turn, will submit the Bureau's comments to the Chief Forester. Originally, we had intended to include, with our comments to the Director, our analysis of your proposed Environmental Impact Statement for this proposal. We understand your office is currently preparing the statement. We would appreciate a copy when it is completed. Although our review of your initial proposal has not been completed, we feel, in the interest of being responsive, that there are several items that would be appropriate for your consideration in your impact statement. Our experience with environmental impact statements reveals that most efforts we've seen thus far fail to discuss environmental trends for the subject and surrounding areas. A careful analysis of the surrounding area is important since the environmental impact of this proposal may have a direct bearing on the environment a considerable distance from any selected boundary. We suggest your environment statement discuss trends both past and future with and without the proposed action. Let us be specific: 1. A wilderness designation may limit the methods and intensity of land management in and around the proposed area. Emphasis should be given 39

to the possibility of more complete resource management possibilities under your multiple-use concept for the area if the wilderness designation were not made. They may include reforestation, range management and erosion control measures to prevent avoidable soil losses and subsequent damages to properties lower in the watershed. Undoubtedly, either intensive management or no management of the proposed wilderness area would have substantial effects on downstream areas. 2. The proposed action would have a tendency to limit development of intensive recreation use facilities in and possibly adjacent to the area. With the increasing demand on forest resources by recreationists, this withdrawal could have a varying effect on your inventory of undeveloped sites and increase future demand for existing develop3. The designation as wilderness may limit or preclude future options for transportation routes as well as water supply and may merit discussion. We have recognized these limitations in other proposals and feel they should be identified. 4. Access into wilderness areas to disperse use may be critical in this area. Additional road construction in peripheral areas to provide this access may be required. This would affect management plans for areas adjacent to the proposal. 5. The designation of this area as wilderness would undoubtedly add some prestige to the area with a possible result of an accelerated use rate over current projections. This may require additional management and maintenance personnel for your organization as well as the obvious impact on the rather fragile alpine setting. This may be appropriate for discussion in the statement. We hope the above comments will be of assistance to you in preparing the Environmental Impact Statement. Thus, we submit the foregoing with full cognizance that our comments may already be fully covered in the statements you are preparing. We appreciate the opportunity to comment. ments . Sincerely yours. 40

EXHIBIT IN REPLY REFER TO: RF UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE POST OFFICE BOX 1306 ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 87103 Mr. William D. Hurst, Regional Forester United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 3 517 Gold Avenue, S. W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Mr. Hurst: Thank you for the well prepared information and brochure concerning the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness. It is indeed fitting that it bear the name of such a noted former employee of the Forest Service. We appreciate the invitation to participate but do not plan to present a statement at this time. We will continue to work with you to enhance the opportunity for all Americans to experience a wilderness outing. October 22, 1970 Sincerely yours, Acting Regional Director Region 2 41

EXHIBIT NOV 2 0 1970 Mr. A. W. Greeley, Associate Chief Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250 Dear Mr. Greeley: Thank you for your letter of October 1, 1970 to Secretary Stans concerning the hearings to be held on December 4 and 5, 1970, in New Mexico to provide public review of the Aldo Leopold Wildnerness proposal within the Gila National Forest, New Mexico. The Department of Commerce has no comment at this time. Note is being made for the opportunity of this Department to present its views at the public hearings or to submit them in writing by January 4, 1971. We support the concept of designating wilderness areas as a very important part of our heritage and maintenance of the quality of our environment. Sincerely, John W. Townsend, Jr. Acting Associate Administrator 42 uicl

EXHIBIT IN REPLY REFER TO United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT STATE OFFICE P. 0. Box 1449 6294.4 (300) Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 October 20, 1970 Mr. William D. Hurst Regional Forester Southwestern Region 517 Gold Avenue, S. W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Mr. Hurst : Your letter of October 6, 1970, requested our comments on the proposal that 150,731 acres of the Black Range Primitive Area and 31,236 acres of contiguous lands be added to the National Wilderness Preservation System as the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. There are no vacant public domain lands affected by this action and the proposal would be considered as beneficial to the public interest. We appreciate being informed of your activities in the environmental area. Sincerely yours W. j. miuersou State Director 43

EXHIBIT DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT WASHINGTON, D. C. 20410 OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR IN REPLY REFER TO: METROPOLITAN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Office of Resources Development NOV 2 3 1970 Mr. A. W. Greeley Associate Chief Forest Sen/ice TJ.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, D. C. 202^0 Dear Mrr-Grere’leyT ■* Secretary George Romney has asked me to respond to your recent letter regarding the Aldo Leopold Wilderness proposal (Black Range Primitive Area), Gila National Forest, New Mexico. We believe that as our nation continues to experience environmental problems it is important to preserve some areas, such as that described in this proposal, in a natural state. These areas allow man to achieve solitude and change from much of the hectic, modem environment. In addition, such areas can help advance the science of ecology and maintain a balance of different types cf"' environment in the nation. Sincerely, Dwight /„ ;tl Director Open Spare and Urban Beautification Division 44

EXHIBIT DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY LOS ANGELES DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS P. O. BOX 271 1 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90053 SPLED-PS 19 November 1970 Regional Forester 517 Gold Avenue SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sir: This is in answer to the Notice of Public Hearing for the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Proposal sent to the Chief of Engineers by the Chief of the Forest Service. Establishment of the proposed wilderness area would have no significant effect on any existing or contemplated Corps of Engineers projects in the Albuquerque or Los Angeles Districts. Sincerely yours, M Chief COEHMV K0EHMN Engineering Division 45

DEPARTMENT OF TRF 'nORTATiON FEDERAL AVIATION .iDMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20SS0 EXHIBIT 2 7 OGT 1370 Mr. A. W. Greeley Associate Chief Forest Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D. C. 20250 Dear Mr. Greeley: This is in reply to your letter of 1 October 1970 inviting the Federal Aviation Administration to comment on the establishment of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness (New Mexico) area. We have no objection to the establishment of this wilderness area, and have sent a letter (copy enclosed) indicating this position to your Regional Forester in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this proposal . Sincerely , CHESTER G. BOSSES DIRECTOR, AIRPORTS SERVICE AS-i. Enclosure 46

EXHIBIT OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WASHINGTON, D. C. 20301 INSTALLATIONS AND LOGISTICS LR £ o OCT 1970 Regional Forester U. S. Forest Service 517 Gold Avenue, S. W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sir: By letter of October 1, 1970 to the Secretary of Defense, Mr. A. W. Greeley, Associate Chief of the Forest Service, submitted notice of a public hearing on a proposal that 181,967 acres of land within the Gila National Forest in the State of New Mexico be designated as the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. The Department of Defense has no objection to the proposals and representation at the December 4-5 meetings in Silver City and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico is not contemplated at this time. Sincerely yours, 47

EXHIBIT Federal Power Commission WASHINGTON 20426 DEC 2 4 1970 Honorable Clifford M. Hardin Secretary of Agriculture Washington, D. C. 20250 Reference: 2320 Dear Mr. Secretary: This Is in response to the letter of October 1, 1970, from Mr. A. W. Greeley, Associate Chief of the Forest Service, Inviting comments by the Commission relative to the proposal to establish the Aldo Leopold Wilderness In the State of New Mexico. As proposed, the Aldo Leopold Wilderness would consist of 181,967 acres within and contiguous to the Black Range Primitive Area in the Gila National Forest. The area straddles the Continental Divide and Is drained by streams flowing west Into the Gila River, south into the closed Mimbers River basin, and east to the Rio Grande. Except for two small parcels of private land, the area is publicly owned. The Commission staff has reviewed the proposal to establish this wilderness to determine Its effects on matters affecting the Commlss ion's responsibilities. Tne review shows that within the proposed wilderness area there are no existing, and no known plans to construct, hydroelectric projects, steam- elec trie plants, power transmission lines, or natural gas pipelines. There are no applications pending before the Commission for preliminary permits or licenses for hydroelectric projects In the wilderness area. Also, no lands In the area have been withdrawn for power purposes. Staff examination of topographic maps of the proposed wilderness shows that there are numerous large differences In elevation between water courses. However, there appear to be no particularly favorable sites for pumped storage development. Furthermore, such developments would be of limited value for the foreseeable future because of the area's remoteness from major power load centers. Presumably, there are sites at least as favorable located outside of the wilderness and nearer to major load centers.

Honorable Clifford M. Hardin -2Based on Its consideration of your Department's proposal and the review by its own staff, the Commission concludes that establishment of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness would not adversely affect matters for which It has responsibilities. Sincerely, S/JOESf John N. Nasslkas Chairman 49

EXHIBIT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Water Hygiene Program 1114 COMMERCE STREET DALLAS, TEXAS 75202 December 10, 1970 Regional Forester, Region III Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture 517 Gold Avenue, SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sir: This is in response to Mr. A. W. Greeley's letters of October 1, 1970, to Honorable Elliot L. Richardson, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare; Dr. Raymond T. Moore, Acting Commissioner, Environmental Control Administration, DHEW; and Dr. John T. Middleton, Commissioner, National Air Pollution Control Administration, DHEW, in which he requested consultation with respect to "A Proposal, Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Gila National Forest, New Mexico." In accordance with Reorganization Plan No. 3, effective December 2, 1970, these authorities and responsibilities have been transferred to the Environmental Protection Agency. We are pleased to provide the following information for your consideration in the preparation of your environmental statement. The Proposal states that "Establishment of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, as proposed, would not materially affect current administration and management of the area." We note also that present use is relatively light, with only about 3,000 people going into the area each year for fishing, hunting, backpacking, riding, rock hounding, camping, and to study nature. Although visits to the proposed Wilderness will undoubtedly increase, the Proposal states that the area has no developed recreation sites, and none are foreseen as necessary to meet future demands for outdoor recreation. Our review of the map and brochure indicates no reason to expect significant adverse environmental effects due to air pollution, solid wastes, water supply, and health aspects. 50

Page 2 - Regional Forester, Region III Inasmuch as use of the Wilderness Area will be limited to the aforementioned types of recreation, we recommend that, in addition to State and local requirements, appropriate health guidelines outlined in the following publications be employed during the development and operation of the project : Prevention and Control of Vector Problems Associated with Water Resources (Public Health Service monograph, January 1965) Environmental Health Practices in Recreational Areas (Public Health Service publication no. 1195) When your agency develops an environmental statement, as required by Sec, 102(2) (C) of NEPA, your request for review and comments should be addressed to: Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency 1129 20th Street, NW Washington, D. C. 20260 Sincerely yours Water Hygiene Representative Environmental Protection Agency 51

CD UNTV COMMISSIONERS A. V. (GABBY) HAYES FIRST DISTRICT L. E. MORRISON SECDND DISTRICT FRED L. MCCAULEY THIRD DISTRICT ADD IE ATHEY CLERK DF THE BOARD ADDIE ATHEY COUNTY CLERK LEWIS H. BROWN PROBATE JUDGE KENNETH MYERS PURCHASING AGENT Office Of The Grant County Clerk SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO EXHIBIT November 10, 1970 Regional Forest 517 Gold Ave., SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Gentlemen: The Board of County Commissioners of Grant County, New Mexico, in its regular meeting of November 10, 1970, unanimously expressed its opposition to the establishment of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness . It is the position of the Board that the Gila Wilderness, as presently established, is sufficient. The addition of further Wilderness areas in this portion of the state will obviously be detrimental to the economy of this area, and will close to use by all but the idle rich and the rugged backpackers areas which should be available to the common run of mankind and especially to the senior citizens who have insufficient time, money, and stamina to avail themselves of the wilderness areas with its restrictions on modern means of access. Grant County is happy to have the Gila Wilderness. This is a large area, and can serve the Wilderness needs in this part of the state for all time to come. Let us have no more in this part of New Mexico. Respectfully submitted, BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GRANZ^OUNTY, NEW MEXICO By Chairman 52

EXHIBIT New Mexico State Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources Socorro, New Mexico 87801 Business/Publications Office: 505-835-5410 Director's Office: 505-835-5420 The following statement was issued by Don H. Baker, Jr. , Director of the New Mexico State Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, for presentation at the meeting on the Black Range Primitive Area in Silver City, New Mexico on December 4, 1970: Potential Mineral Resources of the Black Range Primitive Area A review of the mineral resource potential of the Black Range Primitive Area by the Bureau staff confirms the published reports of the U. S. Geological Survey and U. S. Bureau of Mines. As reported by geologists of these organizations, no exposed commercial mineral deposits were found in the primitive area. However, along the eastern edge of the primitive area, Kingston, Hermosa, Chloride, Winston, and Taylor Creek, ore deposits do occur in host rocks that in the primitive area are deeply buried beneath younger volcanic rocks. The highly productive Silver CitySanta Rita mining district lies about 25 miles to the southwest of the primitive area, and contains large reserves of copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver, molybdenum, iron and manganese. Most of these Santa Rita-Silver City ores occur in older rocks, similar to those of the Kingston and Chloride mining districts. Thus, there is some geologic possibility of Silver City-Santa Rita types of mineral deposits being present in the Black Range Primitive Area, but buried by the younger volcanic rocks that crop out at the surface in much of the Black Range. Deposits of tin, kaolin, perlite, and moonstone occur in or near the primitive area in the younger volcanic rocks. While these are not minable at present prices, being too low in grade, too small in size as presently exposed, or too contaminated by waste rock, future prices or future improvement of mining and extracting techniques may make the deposits of kaolin and tin commercially attractive. The geochemical and aeromagnetic studies by the U. S. Geological Survey and the U. S. Bureau of Mines do suggest possible buried deposits of metallic ores in the primitive area. A large amount of expensive exploration by 53

geologists, geophysicists, and by drilling would be necessary to determine the existence of commercial ore bodies at depth in the Black Range. At present metal prices, such deep exploration probably would not be economically possible. While scientists and engineers of the present, do have a number of techniques and tools for ore exploration available to them, new concepts and new exploration techniques and equipment may be expected in the future to disclose ore deposits in areas and rocks now thought to be relatively barren. New techniques in metallurgical processing will allow recovery of mineral values from rocks that at present contain concentrations of metals that are too low to be minable. Care and scientific fact and not emotion must be excercised in selecting areas to be included or excluded from wilderness and primitive areas. 54

EXHIBIT RESOLUTION THIS RESOLUTION, Made and Adopted by the Farm Bureau of _?k Grant County, New Mexico, on the ^day of Noverriber, 1970. WHEREAS , BE IT RESOLVED, That the Farm Bureau of Grant County, New Mexico, is opposed to the establishment of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness in the Gila National Forest for the reasons that it would not b© to the best of interest of all concerned that same be established and that it would work undue hardship upon the Permittees whose Forest grazing permits fall within said area. Dated, November , 1970. FARM BUREAU OF GRANT COUNTY, NEW MEXICO 55

EXHIBIT KENNECOTT COPPER CORPORATION metal mining division Chino Mines Division Hurley, New Mexico 88043 December 31, 1970 Mr. Richard Johnson Forest Supervisor Gila National Forest 301 West College Avenue Silver City, New Mexico 88061 Dear Mr. Johnson: I wish to join others in the Southwestern New Mexico area in opposing the Forest Service proposal to add the Aldo Leopold Primitive Area to the Wilderness System and to recommend further that this area be returned to multiple use management. Details of some of our objections were presented during the recent hearings by Mr. W. W. Baltosser, Division Geologist for the Chino Mines Division. Briefly, we believe that the history of the area, together with its proximity to known mineral deposits, makes it a likely site for future prospecting. New prospecting techniques quite possibly may result in a minimum disruption of the area, but it is also possible that roads would have to be built to accommodate some of the equipment. As you know, the copper industry of the United States depends largely on the development of low-grade ore bodies and in the future most of these will be of a type which are not immediately apparent to the casual observer. The use of sophisticated exploration equipment would appear to be a must if we are to continue to supply the nation with its metal needs. Yours very truly. B. B. Smith General Manager BBS/abc 56

EXHIBIT HOWARD E. ROTHROCK CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST CONSULTANT SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO 88061 LITTLE WALNUT ROAD ROUTE 8 BOX 139-A December 31, 1970 PHONE: 538-5803 AREA CODE 505 Regional Forester Forest Service, U.S.D.A. 517 Gold Avenue, S.W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sir : I am opposed to the establishment of the Waldo Leopold Wilderness in the Gila National Forest, New Mexico, for the following reasons: Such action 1) would repudiate the original commendable purpose of "Multiple Use" for which the area was established; 2) would limit use o>f the area to robust vacationers only, because of restrictions on travel and so; 3) would exclude — and thus discriminate against 97% to 98% (Forest Service data) of the vacationers using Forest Service areas; 4) would not be necessary to preserve scenic lands, forests, water resources, special environments, etc., because the Forest Service has the knowledge, facilities and experience to regulate public use of such areas without significant damage; 5) would violate vested rights in patented claims by the severe restrictions imposed on ingress and egress and on development of essential auxiliary facilities by the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964; 6) would prevent development of mineral resources, which have considerable potential (see U.S.G.S. Bull. 1319-E) by unrealistic restrictions on methods of prospecting and development; 7) would withdraw all this area from all forms of appropriation (including patented mining claims) after January 1, 1984. 57

Regional Forester 2 December 31, 1970 8) would not be essential, according to some knowledgable sources, to the preservation of wildlife. Very truly yours , cc: Forest Supervisor Gila National Forest HOWARD E. ROTHROCK CONSULTING GEOLOGIST 58

EXHIBIT Grant County Agriculture Planning Board Forrest Delk, Chairman Santa Rita, New Mexico 88059 December 28, 1970 Regional Forester Forest Service, U.S.D.A. 517 Gold Avenue, SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sirs: The Grant County Agriculture Planning Board, which is a group composed of representatives of the various agriculture organizations and commodity group of the county, met December 21st, for the purpose of discussing various problems which confront agriculture in Grant County. At this time the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness was discussed. The Board can appreciate the concern of people across the United States for open space and areas where they can appreciate nature. We, however, do not feel that the present Wilderness Systems are fulfilling this need. The large majority of United States citizens will not have an opportunity to penetrate these areas. We feel this need could best be met under the multiple use act of the regular Forest system. We feel it is wrong to deny the use of the area to the overwhelming majority of our population in an effort to maintain it in a wilderness condition of which no man or agency is capable of doing. It will and must change - the law of nature has so decreed. Therefore we can see no real purpose in setting aside the area as a wilderness. We would in turn suggest it be used in the best interest of conservation of resources including grazing, timber, recreation, water shed and mining if deemed advisable under the multiple use concept. We heard the argument presented that if we set it aside and saw that it was a mistake the decision could be reversed. This on the surface seems logical, however, you have not been in a wilderness area if you can accept this theory. Economics will not permit cleaning up the he^v underbrush, wasted and rotting timber which would be necessary tu^nactify the fire, disease and water shed threat presently on our Great Gila Wilderness as well as the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Therefore 59

Regional Forester December 28, 1970 Page 2 we wish to oppose this designation as a threat to the economy and life blood of our County and the agriculture industry in the area and suggest it be returned to multiple use forest land. Yours truly r Grant County Agriculture Planning Board cc: Clinton P. Anderson Joseph M. Montoya Harold Runnel Manuel Lujan 60

EXHIBIT Shantz & Dickson BEN SHANTZ ATTORNEYS AT LAW 212 NORTH ARIZONA STREET SILVER CITY, NEW MEXICO 00061 P. O. BOX 1219 TELEPHONE HILTON A. DICKSON,. November 23, 1970 Regional Forester Forest Service, U.S.D.A. 517 Gold Avenue, S.W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sir: I wish to express my opposition to the establishment of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness in the Gila National Forest, New Mexico. As you are aware, this part of New Mexico has already furnished a very fine Wilderness in the Gila Wilderness. We are now being called upon to set aside other parts of this area for the Blue Wilderness and for the Black Range Wilderness. In my opinion the Gila Wilderness is a very fine thing for New Mexico and the country, but any further Wildernesses in this area I consider unwise and unwarranted. It is for this reason that I am opposing the establishment of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness or any other Wilderness areas in this part of New Mexico. Yours very truly BS :kp 61

RAYMOND F STEYSKAL Professional Encjineer dox 048 Hurley, New Mexico 88043 EXHIBIT Forest Supervisor Gila National Forest 301 W. College Ave„, Silver City, N. M. SS061 Dear Sir: My wife and I wish to register our opposition to the establishment of the proposed Leopold Wilderness Area. It is our contention that the existing Gila Wilderness Area is more than sufficient an area to preserve for posterity. We further believe that any additional appropriations should be spent on taking care of and improving the existing wilderness area instead of enlarging it and thus compounding expenses. We also resent the fact that we will be deprived of many enjoyable hours we now spend on our numerous sightseeing trips throughout this area during the year. Very truly yours 62

EXHIBIT O & ***«“*** AND Mosr H*^cuUAr£ Of SIERRA COUNTY xn CHAMBER OF eOMMF>]ReF> POST OFFICE BOX 31, TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NEW MEXICO November 20, 1970 Regional Forester Forest Service,U.SiD.A. 517 Gold Avenue, 3.W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sir: Ne submit the enclosed resolution as our stand on the Leopold Wilderness Proposal and request that it be made a part of the public hearing to be held on December 5 in Truth or Consequences. We feel that retention of the National Forest areas as such, rather than as a wilderness area, is of vital importance to present and future benefits and enjoyment of the people of our area, hs well as of the state as a whole. We emphasize the fact that We feel that the Forest Service , in its well-planned management of the forests , protects it satisfactorily so that making it a wilderness area is unecessary and would disallow the enjoyment of it to the majority of the people through inaccessibility to them. Respectfully your^, end. resolution ELR: ce cc/ Forest Supervisor, Gila National Forest, Silver City, New Mexico 63

EXHIBIT ^Cefu (iKsxico ^tate Senate j&arrta Jfe fred a. gross, jr. 24 N ovember 1 970 R— BERNALI LLQ — 40 HOME address: 2916 CHAMA, N.E. ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. 87 1 1 C HOME TELEPHONE: 299-7019 COMMITTEES: MEMBER: EDUCATION CONSERVATION Regional Forester U. S. Forest Service 517 Gold Avenue SW Albuquerque, N. M. 87101 Dear Bill: As I shall be unable to attend the hearings on the A ldo Leopold Wilderness I am submitting the following comments and request that they be made part of the hearing record. First I support the establishment of the A ldo Leopold Wilderness in the Black Range. I concur in the Forest Service plan to add areas A through I and to delete units 1 through 9. I further support the proposal of the Wilderness Society and the allied conservation groups to add Area K, Rabb Park; Area L, upper East Canyon; Area M, upper North Fork of McKnight Canyon; Area N, Rocky Canyon; and Area O, Turkey Run - Hoyt Creek. Yours in conservation. 64

EXHIBIT John D. McKee 1302 Vista Drive, NW Socorro, New Mexico 87801 December 30, 1970 Regional Forester U. S. Forest Service 517 Gold Avenue SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sir: We strongly support the establishment of the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness in the Black Range, to the extent of 231,737 acres, rather than the 181,967 acres proposed by the Forest Service. Our greatest resource is neither timber aor mineral wealth, nor even the Gross National Product, but the human resource. If, for the sake of corporate wealth, we remove, piece by piece from our land, the areas where that human resource may find spiritual and physical refreshment and restoration; if, through our greed, we substitute wasteland for wilderness; if, in order to make a living from it, we make the earth unlivable, we shall have perpetrated the greatest possible crime against ourselves. We are, after all, whether we acknowledge it or not, only a part of the totality of all nature; and what we inflict upon that part of nature external to ourselves, we inflict ultimately upon ourselves. For the sake of ourselves, then, and for the sake of those who will come after us, and who might otherwise know nothing at all of free space and free land, we urge the establishment of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. We ask that this letter be made a part of the hearing record. Sincerely / / t/Jeannette H. McKee 65

EXHIBIT NOTICE OF RESOLUTION BY TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES AND SIERRA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AS OPPOSED TO THE PROPOSED CONVERSION OF THE BLACK RANGE PRIMITIVE AREA TO THE ALOO LEOPOLD WILOERNESS AREA. WHEREAS , it is proposed that 150,731 acres of the Black Range Primitive area and 31,326 acres of contiguous lands be added to the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, and WHEREAS, approximately one-half of the above lands lie within the boundaries of Sierra County and comprise the area of supreme importance, both economically and esthetlcally, to the people of this area, and WhEREAS the Forest Service, in recognition of these facts, has called for expressions of opinion from the people and organizations in the affected areas, at a public hearing to be held on December 5, 1970, at the Convention Center in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and WfEREAS the Truth or Consequences-S i erra County Chamber of Commerce has a membership of 135 businesses and individuals who are vitally interested in the lands in question and directly affected by decisions taken concerning their present and future ut 1 1 izat ion, and WfCREAS it is not only the right but the duty of the Truth or Consequences-Si erra County Chamber of Commerce to express its views concerning this matter of direct importance to its membership, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the above named Chamber of Commerce, by official action taken at its meeting on the 16th day of November, 1970, do hereby state that It is opposed to the designation of the proposed area as Wilderness for the following reasons: 1. The severe restrictions placed upon a Wilderness area would prohibit construction of access roads into the area, prohibit the building of camping or picnicking facilities, prohibit any hiking trails or other means of facilitating access to or use of the area by the people. 2. The designation of the area as a Wilderness would mean that the actual use of the area would be limited to a relatively few rugged individuals, denying its use to senior citizens and many others unable to withstand the physical hardships and potentially dangerous primitive conditions encountered by those entering a Wilderness area. 3. The creation of the Wilderness Area would not permit any further introduction of modern scientific practices for careful and planned use of timber resources, grazing, etc., for proper balanced use and maintenance of the natural resources of the area, thus eliminating possibility of any future benefits accruing to the people from the proper management of their public lands in the proposed area. 4. The addition of further wilderness in this area is unnecessary since this area Is already blessed with the Gila Wilderness, a huge area of 434,000 acres, located only II miles from the proposed site of the new Wilderness, and sufficient to provide all the benefits that a Wilderness could conceivably supply for centuries to come. 5. The rejection of the proposal to make the proposed area into a Wilderness will not mean that this will open it to"exp I o i tat ion" by man; rather, this area would continue to be administered by the government as a National Forest, and would benefit from all present and future actions taken in accordance with proven and enlightened policy followed by the U.S. Forest Service in administering National Forests for the benefit of the greatest number of people. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THEREFORE, that the Board of Directors of the Truth or Consequences-S I erra County Chamber of Commerce strongly urges the U.S. Forest Service and all other interested governmental agencies to decide against the conversion of this area into a Wilderness, and , instead, to concentrate their coordinated efforts and considerable energies upon developing and maintaining this area for the enjoyment and welfare of many people rather than for the benefit of a few. DATED THIS I8TH DAY OF NOVEMBER , 1970 TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES & SIERRA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE s/By EVERETT L. REB President, Board of Directors 66

NEW MEXICO HOUSE COUNCIL 400 Elm N. E. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87 102 Telephone 243-2201 Area 505 OFFICERS: DR. LEONARD BLACH, PRESIDENT J. L. FOUTZ, 1 ST VICE PRESIDENT DR. BOBBY J. RANKIN, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT JIMMIE RANDALS, 3rd VICE PRESIDENT DR. J. R. GALLOWAY, TREASURER MISS PEGGY MC CLURE, SECRETARY DIRECTORS: MRS. RUTH SIMMS FLOYD B. "SKIPPER" RIGDON EXHIBIT January 2, 1971 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY JACK H. BATES BOARD OF TRUSTEES: ROBERT O. ANDERSON TOM BOLACK MRS. PAULINE HARMS Mr. W. D. Hurst Regional Forester U. S. Forest Service 517 Gold Ave. SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Mr. Hurst: ED HONNEN GEORGE MALOOF FINLAY MACGILLIVRAY ALBERT K. MITCHELL ALFRED SCHWARTZMAN JOHN F. SIMMS, JR. JOSEPH R. SKEEN The New Mexico Horse Council, which represents horsemen and horsewomen throughout the state of New Mexico, supports the proposal for the 231,000 acre Aldo Leopold wilderness in the Black Range and Mimbres Mountains. Although we appreciate the need for multiple-use of forest land to support various extractive industries, we strongly feel that the areas proposed to be added to the forest service proposal will substantially enhance the wilderness. With regard to the wilderness proposal per se, we feel that it is vital to set aside this area in its wild state. I would like to have this letter included as part of the hearing record of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Sincerely, Lowell P. Martin, Chairman NMHC Trails Committee Rt. 1, Box 676 Albuquerque, N. M. 87105 For the Purpose of Promoting the Horse Industry in New Mexico 67

EXHIBIT CITY OF LAS CRUCES P.0. BOX 7i0 • US CRUCES. NEW MEXICO 88001 • PHONE 524-8(71 • CITY MANAGER: A. J. VASIUKIS COMMISSIONERS: GEORGE W. MILLER • BEN ALEXANDER • T. J. GRAHAM, MAYOR • ALBERT N. JOHNSON • HERCULANO FERRALEZ The Las Cruces Park and Recreation Board, meeting in regular session December 14, 1970, after due consideration of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness proposal, acted in behalf of the Las Cruces City Administration by giving the proposal unanimous approval and its support. Charged with the recreational interests of the people of this community, fh-.s board has a serious concern for the future use of this area which is within one hour's driving time from Las Cruces. The vast outdoor recreational opportunities afforded by this wilderness area should be enjoyed not only by the present generation of our population, but also by the generations to come. This wilderness area should be preserved because the qualities of a natural resource of this kind will always be needed to inspire and challenge the spirit of man in nature's own way. This board urges that favorable consideration be given to adopting the conditions as set forth by the Aldo Leopold Wilderness proposal. Please include this letter as part of your hearings record. December 31, 1970 Regional Forester U.S. Forest Service 517 Gold Avenue, S.W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Sir: Las Cruces Park § Recreation Board RP:mag cc: Bill Adams 68

EXHIBIT lOBBHT ©. AOTEES©U BOX lOOO 1o8wm,l, Kew Mexico 88901 Mr. R. C. Johnson Forest Supervisor U. S. Department of Agriculture 301 West College Avenue Silver City, New Mexico 88061 Dear Mr. Johnson: I had hoped to attend the public hearings on December 5th in Truth or Consequences, but unfortunately my schedule was such that I could not make a personal appearance. I wish to go on record as favoring the Aldo Leopold Wilderness proposal as submitted by the Department of Agriculture. I am a firm believer in the Wilderness System and feel that much must be done if we are to retain the Wilderness areas here in New Mexico. The only exception that I would make to it is the Exclusion 6 on Morgan Creek, together with Exclusion 7 and 8. I do not feel that the limited damage done these areas is in conflict with the Wilderness Act and one must recognize that we are setting these lands aside in perpetuity rather than for the near term future. Re -forestation and re -vegetation will eventually cover the majority of the man-made scars, and for that reason, I feel very strongly that these areas should not be excluded but should be retained in the Wilderness Area. Please feel free to call on me for any further information and I hope that this proposal becomes a successful part of our National Wilderness System. December 22, 1970 cc Regional Forester, Albuquerque 69

Neu/ Mexico Wildlife and Conservation Association, Inc. Dedicated to The Conservation of Soil, Forests, Waters, Wildlife, and All Natural Resources November 2, 1970 William D* Hurst Regional Forester New Federal Building 517 Gold Ave SW Albuquerque NM 87101 Dear Mr* Hurst: At our Board meeting October 24, 1970 at Conchas Dam, a majority voted to endorse the Forest Service* s proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area, with the exception that Boundary Area #6, an 894-acre abandoned timber operation designated for exclusion by the Forest Service, be included in the wilderness proposal* Sincerely, P. O. BOX 1542, SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87501 Affiliated with NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION EXHIBIT

MORRIS K. UDALL 2d District of Arizona EXHIBIT COMMITTEES: INTERIOR AND INSULAR AFFAIRS POST OFFICE AND CIVIL SERVICE Congress of tfje Unite*) States Spouse o! Eepresentatibes (Mastfjmgton, 2H.C. 20515 October 8, 1970 Mr. William D. Hurst Regional Forester Forest Service - Region 3 517 Gold Avenue, SW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 Dear Mr. Hurst: Thank you for sending me your proposal on the Aldo Leopold Wilderness area. You are to be congratulated for the fine work you have done in putting together this project and I can assure you that you will have my support on this all the way. I don't think it will be necessary for me to submit my views to the hearings that will be held on the matter this December. However, you can be sure that when we move into the deliberations on it in the Interior Committee that I will be giving the bill my close attention. Sincerely, / plb 71

EXHIBIT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, in less than one year the Council of the Town of Silver City is advised of another proposal to classify a portion of a nearby national forest a Wilderness Area, based upon the recommendation of the Forest Service that such classification is desirable and in keeping with the public interest as reflected by the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, and WHEREAS, the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness constitutes a part of the Gila National Forest located in close proximity to the Town of Silver City and is frequently visited and enjoyed by the residents of and visitors to this community, the majority of which residents and visitors is without the time, means or capacity to enjoy the restricted environs of a Wilderness Area, and WHEREAS, previously there has been designated an extensive part of the Gila National Forest as the Gila Wilderness Area which is administered pursuant to the restrictions, prohibitions and regulations authorized by the aforesaid Wilderness Act, and WHEREAS, the Town of Silver City is dependent largely upon the unrestricted appreciation and use of all natural resources within the vicinity of said Town. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF SILVER CITY THAT: The recommendation of the Forest Service for the 72

establishment and classification of lands identified as the Aldo Leopold Wilderness in the Gila National Forest New Mexico is opposed and that multiple use of this public land area be permitted without restriction for development and use of water, wildlife resources, forest products, agriculture, mining, and recreation purposes. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor of the Town of Silver City, or his delegate, be and is hereby authorized and requested to present this resolution for inclusion in the record of the public hearing in Silver City, New Mexico^ scheduled on December 4, 1970 and, further, to transmit this resolution to the Congressional Delegation of the State of New Mexico for their advice and guidance on the occasion of any possible future consideration of the proposal referred to herein. PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED this 1st day of December, 1970. TOWN OF SILVER CITY ATTEST :

C. J. DUGAN President EXHIBIT C. J. DUGAN III Vice President OTERO MILLS, INC. P. O. Box 51 Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310 Telephone 505-437-2401 3 Mile. North on U. S. Highway 54 December 2, 1970 U. S, Dept, of Agriculture Forest Service Dear Sirs: I would like to make the position of Otero Mills known in regard to the proposed wilderness area. At the present time, the productive capacity of the Gila National Forest has been cut in half by the existing wilderness areas. To place even greater areas in the non-productive status of a wilderness area is at least ridiculous. In the present areas, all that we can expect is uncontrolled bug infestation and uncontrolable fires, in that there is no way to get fire fighting equipment into the area and no possibility of removing infected trees. It is a proven fact that dead and dying timber, rotting in the forest, is the way of life in all of the existing wilderness areas. With the vast areas already committed to this form of waste, we certainly object to any areas being added. A brief examination of the recorded penetrations of the existing wilderness areas during the past twelve month period should serve as further proof that additional areas are not needed. We firmly believe that the only rational' approach to the management of all publicly owned lands Is the multiple use concept properly applied. Very truly yours, 74

EXHIBIT 949 marine , D9 Boulder, Colo. 80302 Hearing Officer, U.S.F.3. Aldo Leopold Wilderness Gila National Forest We wish to go on record in support of the establishment of the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness in the Black Range. This area, while used only lightly at the present time, seems destined to show increasing useage as population increases in the surrounding urban centers. Wildlife values of the area are quite high; the Diamond Creek drainage is especially important as the home of the Gila trout. While there are stands of theoretically operable timber, these stands do not appear to be actually feasible for coramerical logging; they are important for watershed protection and for their enhancement of the values of wilderness. The U.S. Geological Survey has reported that there are no appreciable mineral values in the proposed area. Wilderness classification would not appreciably affect present use by local ranchers for grazing purposes. It appears, therefore, that the highest possible use of this area is for wilderness, and that it is deserving of protection under the Wilderness Act. The U.S. Forest Service is to be commended for its plan to establish the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, as being in the best interests of the people. However, there are significant additions that should be made to their plan for a wilderness of 181, 967 acres, in order that the Aldo Leopold may be made into a more complete unit. Without taking the time to ennumerate precisely the additions and deletions to be supported or disagreed with, we wish to support the proposal made jointly by the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, et. alia., for an area of 231 >737 acres. John & Phyllis Liebson 75

EXHIBIT peOPLEjjNITB TOj^ClAIM MjWlRONHRNT RO. 50X 731 BOULMR.COLORMX) m02. Aldo Leopold wilderness, Black Range, Gila National forest The Gila Wilderness was established in 1924, the first such area in the United States, due to the effort of Aldo Leopold; it is fitting that the Aldo Leopold Wilderness should be established in his honor to give legal protection to the Black Range Primitive Area, part of the original Gila wilderness. It is important to determine what the best use is for each part of our federally owned lands; wilderness is one such use. The area being considered for protection as the Aldo Leopold wilderness fits quite well the definition of wilderness, and its best use is as such. Recreational values of wilderness are beginning to be recognized by more and more people, as opposed to the exploitative values. 'While grazing would continue to be an accepted use, other uses should give way to use by those seeking an experience not afforded anywhere except in wilderness areas. People United to Reclaim the Environment (P.U.R.E.) wish to go on record in commending the U.S. Forest Service for its proposal to establish a wilderness area of 181,967 acres, but feel that this is not sufficient. Therefore, in order to establish an Aldo Leopold Wilderness which would be an ecological entity, we support the conservationists* proposal for an area of 231,737 acres as described in the statement issued by the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, et. alia. John Liebson for P.U.R.E. 76

The Wilderness Society * 729 Fifteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D. C. 20005 ♦ EXHIBIT November 23, 1970 JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT OF HEARINGS University of New Mexico Mountaineering Club New Mexico Conservation Coordinating Council Southern Arizona Hiking Club New Mexico Mountain Club Friends of the Earth New Mexico Ornithological Society New Mexico Wilderness Study Committee Sierra Club New Mexico Horse Council The Wilderness Society Albuquerque Chapter, New Mexico Wildlife and Conservation Association Committee for the Environmental Conference, Southwest New Mexico Wilderness Committee, Arizonans for Quality Environment Los Alamos Chapter, Izaac Walton League of America ALDO LEOPOLD WILDERNESS (Black Range Primitive Area) 9 a.m. Friday, December 4 9 a.m. Saturday, December 5 Fine Arts Auditorium Convention Center Western New Mexico University Truth or Consequences Silver City, New Mexico New Mexico (Both hearing records open for letters until January 4, 1971) If you desire to see the magnificent wilderness of the Black Range preserved and established with proper boundaries, please plan now to attend one of these public hearings and make a supportive statement. If you cannot attend either hearing, be sure to send a letter expressing your views to Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service, 517 Gold Avenue S.W., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 before January 4, 1971. Ask that your letter be made part of the hearing record. In 1909 a young forester named Aldo Leopold began his career with the Forest Service in the Southwest. His work entailed frequent trips through the National Forests in Arizona and New Mexico. During this period, he became impressed with the need to preserve from man's encroachment some of the many thousands of 77

acres of undisturbed wild lands through which he traveled. In the Gila National Forest, he identified a remote and untouched area which he recommended be designated as a wilderness. His objective was finally realized in 1924, when District Forester Frank Pooler established the heart of the Black Range, along with other areas, as a part of the Gila Wilderness. The Gila was the first wilderness area to be designated on federal lands. Later, the unit was divided into two separate areas. The area west of the North Star Road retained the name Gila. The part east of the road was called the Black Range Primitive Area. Leopold was one of the first exponents of the wilderness concept. His profound love of wilderness brought him into close contact with The Wilderness Society soon after its establishment in 1935, and he served with distinction for several years as a member of the Society's governing Council. FOREST SERVICE WILDERNESS PROPOSAL The Forest Service has proposed that 150,731 acres of the Black Range Primitive Area and 31,236 acres of contiguous lands be added to the National Wilderness Preservation System as the 181,967-acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness. It has also recoirmtended that nine areas encompassing 31,484 acres now included within the Black Range Primitive Area be deleted from wilderness protection. The Black Range, ancient home of the Apache Indian, rises from the hot, dry desert and semidesert of southwestern New Mexico. The range can be seen as a prominent landmark from nearly all directions. Abrupt canyons penetrate it from the east, west, and south, until they are lost among the lofty peaks which form a portion of the Continental Divide. Elevations vary from 6,300 feet at Animas Creek to 10,165 feet on McKnight Mountain. Within this climatic and geological span flourishes a wide variety of plant and animal life unusual to the Southwest. Permanent streams, virgin pine and fir forests, aspen groves, wildf lower meadows, big game, and colorful birds afford the visitor the stillness, solitude, and natural beauty vital to his spiritual refreshment. Trails are ideally located and well established. Magnificent panoramic views from the many high points along the range permit the foot and horseback traveler to scan much of New Mexico, including the impressive Rio Grande Valley to the east. Wildlife found in the area includes elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, Merriam turkey, bald and golden eagles, and many smaller mammals and birds. The only known remnant of the Gila trout, an endangered species, is found in the Diamond Creek drainage in the northwestern portion of the area. For scientists and educators, the area is an unspoiled biological reservoir that deserves to be preserved for study. Although some 80,000 acres are reported to have theoretically operable commercial timber stands, these stands are widely scattered, and their chief values are as watershed protection, game cover, scenery, and wilderness. The U.S. Geological Survey indicates that there are no significant minerals in the proposed Wilderness. About 1,000 cattle graze the area all year. Grazing will continue in accordance with the provisions of the 1964 Wilderness Act. Although the area has had relatively light recreational use to date, it offers tremendous opportunities for high quality 78

Mimbres Lake, Black Range - Joanna C. McComb outdoor recreation. Wilderness hunting, horseback riding, backpacking, camping, nature study, rockhounding , fishing, and solitude are available. Principal population centers expected to make substantial use of the area in the foreseeable future include El Paso, Tucson, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Silver City, and Las Cruces. The combined population of these cities may approach five million by the year 2000. Even though white settlers visited the region between 1872 and 1900, the inhospitable ruggedness of the mountains presented a formidable barrier across which few ventured and even fewer left evidence of their passing. As a result, the superb area proposed for wilderness remains today much as the Indian and the pioneer knew it. CONSERVATIONISTS RECOMMEND 231,737-ACRE WILDERNESS During the past several years, members of The Wilderness Society and other conservation organizations represented in this announcement made numerous trips into all parts of the region, carefully investigating the wilderness character of the area, its resources and attributes, and determined, in their opinion, the most desirable wilderness boundaries. As a result of these investigations and studies, The Wilderness Society and cooperating conservation organizations recommend the establishment of a *231, 737-acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Our detailed recommendations: We support the Forest Service plan to add nine Areas, A through I (see map), to the Wilderness (Area A, Noonday-Ga Hinas Canyons, 12,507 acres; Area B, Lost Canyon, Upper Bear Trap, and East Canyon, 1,518 acres; Area C, Powderhorn and 79

North Fork of McKnight Canyon, 2,739 acres; Area D, Heffner Canyon, 215 acres; and five other additions, E through I containing 14,257 acres contiguous to the eastern side of the Primitive Area. We agree with the Forest Service in its recommendations to exclude Unit 2 (McKnight Cabin Road), 78 acres; and Unit 7 (Cherry Mountain), 272 acres. These deletions are necessary to establish a more easily defined boundary, and to eliminate roads and other man-made developments. We also agree that the following parts of units should be deleted to exclude substantial works of man: Unit 3-A (North Star Road), 2,891 acres; Unit 4-A (Diamond Creek), 15,068 acres; and Unit 5 (Turkey Draw), 329 acres. We strongly recommend that Units 1, 6, 8, and 9, proposed by the Forest Service for exclusion--together with the rest of Units 3, 4, and 5, which total approximately 12,847 acres — be retained within the proposed wilderness. We urge that the Forest Service further revise and extend its wilderness boundaries to include the following areas, which we have listed as Areas J through T (see map): Area J, Hillsboro Peak, 3,300 acres - Inclusion of this area in the Wilderness would protect several additional miles of the crest of the Black Range. The Forest Service did not include it primarily because of a possibility of mineral development. However, the mere possibility of mineral development should not preclude wilderness protection. Improvements associated with the Hillsboro Peak fire lookout in this area are similar to those on Reeds Peak which the Forest Service proposes for wilderness status. Area K, Rabb Park, 4,110 acres - This undeveloped area is similar to other areas proposed by the Forest Service for wilderness classification and would make a significant addition to the Wilderness. Extremely limited evidences of man's activities in this area do not disqualify the area as a whole from wilderness protection. Area L, upper East Canyon, 2,750 acres; and Area M, upper North Fork of McKnight Canyon, 5,105 acres. These areas were not recommended by the Forest Service for inclusion in the Wilderness because a limited amount of selective logging took place in parts of them many years ago. Evidence of this activity is now largely confined to a few deteriorating stumps which do not affect the wilderness qualities of these lands as a whole. Inclusion of these areas would add several miles of permanent streams to the Wilderness. Area N, Rocky Canyon, 2,920 acres. The Forest Service wilderness proposal excludes this undeveloped area of high wilderness character which should be made a part of the Wilderness. Area 0, Turkey Run-Hoyt Creek, 1,895 acres. This area includes two and one-half miles of the wild Hoyt Creek Canyon below the private inholding at the Hoyt Creek74 Draw junction. It also contains 1,110 acres of Unit 5 excluded by the Forest Service. The road and other non-conforming activities along Turkey Run and Hoyt Creek would be excluded from this area. This would make the wilderness boundary more readily identifiable to the public than the boundary recommended by the Forest Service. 80

81 Truth or Consequences (37m.)

Area P. Cobb Mountain-Sugarloaf Peak, 12,270 acres; Area Q, Morgan Creek, 960 acres; Area R, Lake Mountain, 3,080 acres; and S. Apache Peak, 6,300 acres. These areas include all of Units 6, 8, 9, and part of 5, which the Forest Service has proposed for deletion. The inclusion of these areas in the Wilderness would add significant' zones of riparian woodlands along Byers Run and Circle Seven, Morgan, North Seco, and Las Animas Creeks. Riparian woodland areas below 7,000 feet are poorly represented in the Forest Service wilderness proposal. Inclusion of Area P would also give wilderness protection to four additional miles of the Continental Divide and probable route of the proposed Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Limited selective logging in the Morgan Creek area in the late 1890's and early 1920 's is not substantially noticeable. Additional evidence of man's activities in these areas is confined to a few unimproved jeep trails and minor range improvements. The jeep trails should be closed and allowed to revert to nature. The range improvements are permitted under the Wilderness Act. Area T, Middle and East Diamond Creeks, 7,080 acres. This part of Unit 4 proposed by the Forest Service for deletion appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature and should be retained within the Wilderness. Man's activities in this area have been limited to a few earthen stock tanks and abandoned vehicle trails. Although we agree that some 15,068 acres, Unit 4-A in the Diamond Creek area, contain substantial evidence of the works of man and do not qualify as wilderness, their further development and use with motorized vehicular equipment will have an adverse impact on the truly wild country beyotid. Accordingly, Unit 4-A should be managed without further development or motorized vehicular use -- except for existing use by the local rancher -- and allowed to revert to nature. OUR VIEWS IN SUMMARY In summary, here is the position recommended by the organizations listed in this announcement : 1. Support establishment of the proposed Aldo Leopold Wilderness in the Black Range . 2. Agree to the Forest Service plan to add Areas A through I to the Wilderness. 3. Agree to the Forest Service deletions of Units 2 and 7, as well as parts of Units 3, 4, and 5. 4. Oppose deletion of Units 1, 6, 8, and 9, as well as the rest of Units 3, 4, and 5, as proposed by the Forest Service. 5. Strongly urge extending the wilderness boundaries to include Areas J through T. 6. Support a 231,737 -acre Aldo Leopold Wilderness, instead of a 181,967-acre Wilderness as proposed by the Forest Service. (The present Black Range Primitive Area comprises 182,215 acres.) 82

YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED FOR WILDERNESS! Representatives of the mining and timber interests are expected to be present in force at the hearings, and to oppose wilderness for this exceptionally beautiful area. Whether the wild country of the Black Range which Aldo Leopold preserved as wilderness nearly half a century ago will receive permanent protection under the Wilderness Act depends on you and your friends ! It is urgent that as many conservationists as possible appear and present statements at the December 4 hearing in Silver City and the December 5 hearing in Truth or Consequences. If you cannot present a statement at the hearing, please send a letter supporting the recommendations above to Regional Forester, U.S. Forest Service, 517 Gold Avenue, S.W., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87101 before January 4, 1971. Ask that your letter be made a part of the hearing record. Brant Calkin, Chairman Rio Grande Chapter Sierra Club Rt. 1, Box 267 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 Bob E. Watt, Chairman New Mexico Wilderness StudyDirector of Held Services The Wilderness Society 5850 East Jewell Avenue Denver, Colorado » 80222 Committee 1447 - 45th Street Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544 Gerald Q. Wilson, President Albuquerque Chapter of The New Mexico Wildlife and Conservation Association Conference, Southwest New Mexico Post Office Box 135 Green Valley, Arizona 85614 Henry M. Zeller, Chairman Pro Tern Committee for the Environmental Max Linn, Vice President Friends of the Earth 8016-G Zuni S. E. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108 Box 1234, Albuquerque, N. M. 87013 Arizonans for Quality Environment P.O. Box 17117 Tucson, Arizona 85710 Clifford Crawford, President New Mexico Conservation P.O. Box 142 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103 Coordinating Council Eugene M. Wewerka President Los Alamos Chapter Izaak Walton League of America Los Alamos, New Mexico C. A. Hundertmark Conservation Chairman New Mexico Ornithological Society Box 277 Cedar Crest, New Mexico 87008 Lowell P. Martin Trails Committee Chairman New Mexico Horse Council 400 Elm N. E. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 Robert Kyrlach, President New Mexico Mountain Club P.O. Box 4151 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 Steve Schum, President UNM Mountaineering Club Student Union Building University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106 Guy K. Chambers President Southern Arizona Hiking Club P.O. Box 12122 Tucson, Arizona 85711 83

NEED TRANSPORTATION TO THE HEARING? If you would like transportation to one of the hearings, call: Albuquerque - Milo Conrad, 9601 Haines, N.E., Albuquerque, N.M. Phone: 298-2989 Santa Fe Tucson Brant Calkin, 107 Cienega, Santa Fe , N.M. 87501 Phone: (505) 983-1739 John McComb, 752 South Forgeus Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85716 Phone: (602) 623-2048 El Paso Joseph Leach, 735 De Leon, El Paso, Texas Phone : 584-2969 Powderhorn Ridge Trail Black Range Photo by Joanna C. McComb 84

APPENDIX C Public Law 88-577 88th Congress, S. 4 September 3, 1964 an act To establish a National Wilderness Preservation System for the permanent good of the whole people, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled , SHORT TITLE Section 1. This Act may be cited as the “Wilderness Act”. WILDERNESS SYSTEM ESTALLISHED STATEMENT OF POLICY Sec. 2. (a) In order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within tne United States and its possessions, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness. For this purpose there is hereby established a National Wilderness Preservation System to be composed of federally owned areas designated by Congress as “wilderness areas”, and these shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use ana enjoyment as wilderness, and so as to provide for the protection of these areas, the preservation of their wilderness character, and for the gathering and dissemination of information regarding their use and enjoyment as wilderness; and no "Federal lands shall be designated as “wilderness areas” except as provided for in this Act or by a subsequent Act. (b) The inclusion of an area in the National Wilderness Preservation System notwithstanding, the area shall continue to be managed by the Department and agency having jurisdiction thereover immediately before its inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System unless otherwise provided by Act of Congress. No appropriation shall be available for the payment of expenses or salaries for the administration of the National Wilderness Preservation System as a separate unit nor shall any appropriations be available for additional personnel stated as being required solely for the purpose of managing or administering areas solely because they are included within the National Wilderness Preservation System. DEFINITION OF WIIJ3ERNES8 (c) A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. An area of wilderness is further defined to mean in this Act an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions and which (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of pature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable ; (2) has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation ; (3) has at least five thousand acres of land or is of sufficient size as to make practicable its preservation and use in an unimpaired ..condition ; and (4) may also contain ecological, geoWildemess Aot. 78 STAT. 890. 78 STAT. 891. 85

Pub. Law 88-577 - 2 - September 3, 1964 logical, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION SYSTEM EXTENT OF SYSTEM Classification, Presidential recommendation to Congress, Congressional approval. 78 STAT. 8917 78 STAT, 892, Sec. 3. (a) All areas within the national forests classified at least 30 days before the effective date of this Act by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Chief of the Forest Service as “wilderness’’, “wild”, or “canoe” are hereby designated as wilderness areas. The Secretary of Agriculture shall — (1) Within one year after the effective date of this Act, file a map and legal description of each wilderness area with the Interior and Insular Affairs Committees of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, and such descriptions shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act : Provided , however , That correction of clerical and typographical errors in such legal descriptions and maps may be made. (2) Maintain, available to the public, records pertaining to said wilderness areas, including maps and legal descriptions, copies of regulations governing them, copies of public notices of, and reports submitted to Congress regarding pending additions, eliminations, or modifications. Maps, legal descriptions, and regulations pertaining to wilderness areas within their respective jurisdictions also shall be available to the public in the offices of regional foresters, national forest supervisors, and forest rangers. (b) The Secretary of Agriculture shall, within ten years after the enactment of this Act, review, as to its suitability or nonsuitability for preservation as wilderness, each area in the national forests classified on the effective date of this Act by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Chief of the Forest Service as “primitive” and report his findings to the President. The President snail advise the United States Senate and House of Representatives of his recommendations with respect ro the designation as “wilderness” or other reclassification of each area on which review has been completed, together with maps and a definition of boundaries. Such advice shall be given with respect to not less than one-third of all the areas now classified as “primitive” within three years after the enactment of this Act, not less than two-thirds within seven years after the enactment of this Act, and the remaining areas within ten years after the enactment of this Act. Each recommendation of the President for designation as “wilderness” shall become effective only if so provided by an Act of Congress. Areas classified as “primitive” on the effective date of this Act shall continue to be administered under the rules and regulations affecting such areas on the effective date of this i?ct until Congress has determined otherwise. Any such area may be increased in size by the President at the time he submits his recommendations to the Congress by not more than five thousand acres with no more than one thousand two hundred and eighty acres of such increase in any one compact unit ; if it is proposed to increase the size of any such area by more than five thousand acres or by more than one thousand two hundred and eighty acres in any one compact unit the increase in size shall not become effective until acted upon by Congress. Nothing herein contained shall limit the President in proposing, as part of his recommendations to Congress, the alteration of existing boundaries of primitive areas or recommending the addition of any contiguous area of national forest lands predominantly of wilderness value. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may complete his review and delete such area as may be necessary, but not to exceed seven thousand acres, from the southern tip of the Gore Range-Eagles Nest Primitive Area, 86

September 3, 1964 - 3 - Pub. Law 88-577 Colorado, if the Secretary determines that such action is in the public interest. (c) Within ten years after the effective date of this Act the Secretary of the Interior shall review every roadless area of five thousand contiguous acres or more in the national parks, monuments and other units of the national park system and every such area of, and every roadless island within, the national wildlife refuges and game ranges, under his jurisdiction on the effective date of this Act and shall report to the President his recommendation as to the suitability or nonsuitability of each such area or island for preservation as wilderness. The President shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of his recommendation with respect to the designation as wilderness of each such area or island on which review has been completed, together with a map thereof and a definition of its boundaries. Such advice shall be given with respect to not less than one-third of the areas and islands to be reviewed under this subsection within three years after enactment of this Act, not less than two-thirds within seven years of enactment of this Act, and the remainder within ten years of enactment of this Act. A recommendation of the President for designation as wilderness shall become effective only if so provided by an Act of Congress. Nothing contained herein shall, by implication or otherwise, be construed to lessen the present statutory authority of the Secretary of the Interior with respect to the maintenance of roadless areas within units of the national park system. (d) (1)* The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall, prior to submitting any recommendations to the President with respect to the suitability of any area for preservation as wilderness — (A) give such public notice of the proposed action as thev deem appropriate, including publication in the Federal Register and in a newspaper having general circulation in the area or areas in the vicinity of the affected land ; (B) hold a public hearing or hearings at a location or locations convenient to the area affected. The hearings shall be announced through such means as the respective Secretaries involved deem appropriate, including notices in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in the area : Provided. That if the lands involved are located in more than one State,- at least one hearing shall be held in each State in which a portion of the land lies; (C) at least thirty days before the date of a hearing advise the Governor of each State and the governing board of each county, or in Alaska the borough, in which the lands are located, and Federal departments and agencies concerned, and invite such officials and Federal agencies to submit their views on the proposed action at the hearing or by no later than thirty days following the date of the hearing. (2) Any views submitted to the appropriate Secretary under the provisions of ( 1 ) of this subsection with respect to any area shall be included with any recommendations to the President and to Congress with respect to such area. (e) Any modification or adjustment of boundaries of any wilderness area shall be recommended by the appropriate Secretary after public notice of such proposal and public hearing or hearings as provided in subsection (d) of this section. The proposed modification or adjustment shall then be recommended with map and description thereof to the President. The President shall advise the United States Senate and the House of Representatives of his recommendations with respect to such modification or adjustment and such recomReport to President. Presidential reoomnendation to Congress. Congressional approval. Suitabili-ty. Publication in Federal Register. Hearings. Publioation in Federal Register. 78 STAT. 692, 78 SWT. 693'. Proposed modification* 87

16 USC 475. 16 USC 528-531. 16 USC 577-577b. 16 USC 577o-577h, 16 USC 577d-l, 577g-l, 577h. 39 Stat. 535. 16 USC 1 et seq. 41 Stat. 1063. 49 Stat. 838. 78 STAT. 893. 78 STAT. 894. Pub. Law 88-577 - 4 - September 3, 1964 mendations shall become effective only in the same manner as provided for in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. TJSE OF WILDERNESS AREAS Sec. 4. (a) The purposes of this Act are hereby declared to be within and supplemental to the purposes for which national forests and units of the national park and national wildlife refuge systems are established and administered and — (1) Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to be in interference with the purpose for which national forests are established as set forth in the Act of June 4, 1897 (30 Stat. 11), and the MultipleUse Sustained-Yield Act of June 12, 1960 (74 Stat. 215). (2) Nothing in this Act shall modify the restrictions and provisions of the Shipstead-Nolan Act (Public Law 539, Seventyfirst Congress, July 10, 1930; 46 Stat. 1020), the Thye-Blatmk Act (Public Law 733, Eightieth Congress, June 22, 1948; 62 Stat. 568), and the Humphrey -Thye-Blatnik-Andresen Act (Public Law 607, Eighty-fourth Congress, June 22, 1956; 70 Stat. 326), as applying to the Superior National Forest or the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture. (3) Nothing in this Act shall modify the statutory authority under which units of the national park system are created. Further, the designation of any area of any park, monument, or other unit of the national park system as a wilderness area pursuant to this Act shall in no manner lower the standards evolved for the use and preservation of such park, monument, or other unit of the national park system in accordance with the Act of August 25, 1916, the statutory authority under which the area was created, or any other Act of Congress which might pertain to or affect such area, including, but not limited to, the Act of June 8, 1906 (34 Stat. 225; 16 U.S.C. 432 et seq.) ; section 3(2) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796(2) ) ; and the Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666; 16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.). (b) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, each agency administering any area designated as wilderness shall be responsible for preserving the wilderness character of the area and shall so administer such area for such other purposes for which it may have been established as also to preserve its wilderness character. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, wilderness areas shall be devoted to the public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use. PROHIBITION OF 'CERTAIN USES (c) Except as specifically provided for in this Act, and subject to existing private rights, there shall be no commercial enterprise and no permanent road within any wilderness area designated by this Act and, except as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area for the purpose of this Act (including measures required in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons within the area), there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area. 88

September 3, 1964 - 5 Pub. Law 88-577 SPECIAL PROVISIONS (d) The following special provisions are hereby made : (1) Within wilderness areas designated by this Act the use of aircraft or motorboats, where these uses have already become established, may be permitted to continue subject to such restrictions as the Secretary of Agriculture deems desirable. In addition, such measures may be taken as may be necessary in the control of fire, insects, and diseases, subject to such conditions as the Secretary deems desirable. (2) Nothing in this Act shall prevent within national forest wilderness areas any activity, including prospecting, for the purpose of gathering information about mineral or other resources, if such activity is carried on in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilderness environment. Furthermore, in accordance with such program as the Secretary of the Interior shall develop and conduct in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, such areas shall be surveyed on a planned, recurring basis consistent with the concept of wilderness preservation by the Geological Survey and the Bureau of Mines to determine the mineral values, if any, that may be present ; and the results of such surveys shall be made available to the public and submitted to the President and Congress. (3) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, until mid- Mineral night December 31, 1983, the United States mining laws and all laws claims, pertaining to mineral leasing shall, to the same extent as applicable prior to the effective date of this Act, extend to those national forest lands designated by this Act as “wilderness areas”; subject, however, to such reasonable regulations governing ingress and egress as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture consistent with the use of the land for mineral location and development and exploration, drilling, and production, and use of land for transmission lines, waterlines, telephone lines, or facilities necessary in exploring, drilling, producing, mining, and processing operations, including where essential the use of mechanized ground or air equipment and restoration as near as practicable of the surface of the land disturbed in performing prospecting, location, and, in oil and gas leasing, discovery work, exploration, drilling, and production, as soon as they have served their purpose. Mining locations lying within the boundaries of said wilderness areas shall be held and used solely for mining or processing operations and uses reasonably incident thereto; and hereafter, subject to valid existing rights, all patents issued under the mining laws of the United States affecting national forest lands designated by this Act as wilderness areas shall convey title to the mineral deposits 78 STATi within the claim, together with the right to cut and use so much of the 78 stat, mature timber therefrom as may be needed in the extraction, removal, and beneficiation of the mineral deposits, if needed timber is not otherwise reasonably available, and if the timber is cut under sound principles of forest management as defined by the national forest rules and regulations, but each such patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act: Provided , That, unless hereafter specifically authorized, no patent within wilderness areas designated by this Act shall issue after December 31, 1983, except for the valid claims existing on or before December 31, 1983. Mining claims located after the effective date of this Act within the boundaries of wilderness areas designated by this Act shall create no rights in excess of those rights which may be patented under the leases, etc. 894. 895. 89

Pub. Law 88-577 - 6 September 3, 1964 provisions of this subsection. Mineral leases, permits, and licenses covering lands within national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act shall contain such reasonable stipulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture for the protection of the wilderness character of the land consistent with the use of the land for the purposes for which they are leased, permitted, or licensed. Subject to valid rights then existing, effective January 1, 1984, the minerals in lands designated by this Act as wilderness areas are withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral leasing and all amendments thereto. Water resources. (4) Within wilderness areas in the national forests designated by this Act, (1) the President may, within a specific area and in accordance with such regulations as he may deem desirable, authorize prospecting for water resources, the establishment and maintenance of reservoirs, water-conservation works, power projects, transmission lines, and other facilities needed in the public interest, including the road construction and maintenance essential to development and use thereof, upon his determination that such use or uses in the specific area will better serve the interests of the United States and the people thereof than will its denial; and (2) the grazing of livestock, where established prior to the effective date of this Act, shall be permitted to continue subject to such reasonable regulations as are deemed necessary by the Secretary of Agriculture. (5) Other provisions of this Act to the contrary notwithstanding, the management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, formerly designated as the Superior, Little Indian Sioux, and Caribou Roadless Areas, in the Superior National Forest. Minnesota, shall be in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the general purpose of maintaining, without unnecessary restrictions on other uses, including that of timber, the primitive character of the area, particularly in the vicinity of lakes, streams, and portages : Provided , That nothing in this Act shall preclude the continuance within the area of any already established use of motorboats. (6) Commercial services may be performed within the wilderness areas designated by this Act to the extent necessary for activities which are proper for realizing the recreational or other wilderness purposes of the areas. (7) Nothing in this Act shall constitute an express or implied claim or denial on the part of the Federal Government as to exemption from 78 stat. 895. State water laws. 78 stat. 896. (8) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the several States with respect to wildlife and fish in the national forests. STATE AND PRIVATE LANDS WITHIN WILDERNESS AREAS Sec. 5. (a) In any case where State-owned or privately owned land is completely surrounded by national forest lands within areas designated by this Act as wilderness, such State or private owner shall be given such rights as may be necessary to assure adequate access to such State-owned or privately owned land by such State or private owner and their successors in interest, or the State-owned land or privately owned land shall be exchanged for federally owned land in the same State of approximately equal value under authorities availTransfers, re- able to the Secretary of Agriculture: Provided, ho'ioever , That the Btriction. United States shall not transfer to a State or private owner any mineral interests unless the State or private owner relinquishes or 90

September 3, 1964 - 7 - Pub. Law 88-577 78 STAT, 896, causes to be relinquished to the United States the mineral interest in the surrounded land. (b) In any case where valid mining claims or other valid occupancies are wholly within a designated national forest wilderness area, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, by reasonable regulations consistent with the preservation of the area as wilderness, permit ingress and egress to such surrounded areas by means which have been or are being customarily enjoyed with respect to other such areas similarly situated. (c) Subject to the appropriation of funds by Congress, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to acquire privately owned land within the perimeter of any area designated by this Act as wilderness if (1) the owner concurs in such acquisition or (2) the acquisition is specifically authorized by Congress. GIFTS, BEQUESTS, AND CONTRIBUTIONS Sec. 6. ( a) The Secretary of Agriculture may accept gifts or bequests of land within wilderness areas designated by this Act for preservation as wilderness. The Secretary of Agriculture may also accept gifts or bequests of land adjacent to wilderness areas designated by this Act for preservation as wilderness if he has given sixty days advance notice thereof to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Land accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture under this section shall become part of the wilderness area involved. Regulations with regard to any such land may be in accordance with such agreements, consistent with the policy of this Act, as are made at the time of such gift, or such conditions, consistent with such policy, as may be included in, and accepted with, such bequest. (b) The Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to accept private contributions and gifts to be used to further the purposes of this Act. ANNUAL REPORTS Sec. 7. At the opening of each session of Congress, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior shall jointly report to the President for transmission to Congress on the status of the wilderness system, including a list and descriptions of the areas in the system, regulations in effect, and other pertinent information, together with any recommendations they may care to make. Approved September 3, 1964. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY! HOUSE REPORTS* No. 1538 acoompanying H. R. 9070 (Comm, on Interior & Insular Affairs) and No. 1829 (Comm, of Conference). SENATE REPORT No. 109 (Comm, on Interior & Insular Affairs). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD* Vol, 109 (1963)* Apr. 4, 8,oonsidered in Senate, Apr. 9, oonsldered and passed Senate. Vol. 110 (1964)* July 28, considered in House. July 30, considered and passed House, amended, in lieu of H. R. 9070. Aug. 20, House and Senate agreed to oonferenoe report. Aoquisition. 91

APPENDIX D TITLE 36 - PARKS, FORESTS, AND MEMORIALS Chapter II - Forest Service, Department of Agriculture Part 251 - Land Uses Administration and Use of National Forest Wilderness and National Forest Primitive Areas In Part 251 of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 251.20, 251.21, and 251.21a are hereby revoked; and Sections 251.70 to 251.84 and Section 251.86 are added, under the heading "Administration and Use of National Forest Wilderness and National Forest Primitive Areas," as follows : Section 251.70 - Definition National Forest Wilderness shall consist of those units of the National Wilderness Preservation System which at least 30 days before the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, were designated as Wilderness and Wild under Secretary of Agriculture’s Regulations U-l and U-2 (36 C.F.R. 251.20, 251.21), the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as designated under Regulation U-3 (36 C.F.R. 251.22), and such other areas of the National Forests as may later be added to the System by act of Congress. Sections 251.70 to 251.84 apply to all National Forest units now or hereafter in the National Wilderness Preservation System, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Superior National Forest, except as that area is subject to Section 251.85. Section 251.71 - Objectives Except as otherwise provided in these regulations. National Forest Wilderness shall be so administered as to meet the public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical uses; and it shall also be administered for such other purposes for which it may have been established in such a manner as to preserve and protect its wilderness character. In carrying out such purposes. National Forest Wilderness resources shall be managed to promote, perpetuate, and, where necessary, restore the wilderness character of the land and its specific values of solitude, physical and mental challenge, scientific study, inspiration, and primitive recreation. To that end: a. Natural ecological succession will be allowed to operate freely to the extent feasible. b. Wilderness will be made available for human use to the optimum extent consistent with the maintenance of primitive conditions. 92

c. In resolving conflicts in resource use, wilderness values will be dominant to the extent not limited by the Wilderness Act, subsequent establishing legislation, or these regulations. Section 251.72 - Control of Uses To the extent not limited by the Wilderness Act, subsequent legislation establishing a particular unit, or these regulations, the Chief, Forest Service, may prescribe measures necessary to control fire, insects, and disease and measures which may be used in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons or damage to property and may require permits for, or otherwise limit or regulate, any use of National Forest land, including, but not limited to, camping, campfires, and grazing of recreation livestock. Section 251.73 - Maintenance of Records The Chief, Forest Service, in accordance with Section 3(a)(2) of the Wilderness Act, shall establish uniform procedures and standards for the maintenance and availability to the public of records pertaining to National Forest Wilderness, including maps and legal descriptions; copies of regulations governing Wilderness; and copies of public notices and reports submitted to Congress regarding pending additions, eliminations, or modifications. Copies of such information pertaining to National Forest Wilderness within their respective jurisdictions shall be available to the public in the appropriate offices of the Regional Foresters, Forest Supervisors, and Forest Rangers. Section 251.74 - Establishment, Modification, or Elimination National Forest Wilderness will be established, modified, or eliminated in accordance with the provisions of Sections 3(b), (d) , and (e) of the Wilderness Act. The Chief, Forest Service, shall arrange for issuing public notices, appointing hearing officers, holding public hearings, and notifying the Governors of the States concerned and the governing board of each county in which the lands involved are located. a. At least 30 days' public notice shall be given of the proposed action and intent to hold a public hearing. Public notice shall include publication in the Federal Register and in a newspaper of general circulation in the vicinity of the land involved. b. Public hearings shall be held at locations convenient to the area affected. If the land involved is in more than one State, at least one hearing shall be held in each State in which a portion of the land lies. c. A record of the public hearing and the views submitted subsequent to public notice and prior to the close of the public hearing shall be included with any recommendations to the President and to the Congress with respect to any such action. d. At least 30 days before the date of the public hearing, suitable advice shall be furnished to the Governor of each State and the 93

governing board of each county or, in Alaska, the borough in which the lands are located, and Federal Departments and agencies concerned; and such officers or Federal agencies shall be invited to submit their views on the proposed action at the hearing or in writing by not later than 30 days following the date of the hearing. Any views submitted in response to such advice with respect to any proposed Wilderness action shall be included with any recommendations to the President and to the Congress with respect to any such action. Section 251.75 - Commercial Enterprises, Roads, Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, Motorboats, Aircraft, Aircraft Landing Facilities, Airdrops, Structures',' and Cutting o£ Tre'es' Except as provided in the Wilderness Act, subsequent legislation establishing a particular Wilderness unit, or Sections 251.27, 251.28, 251.30, 251.75 (c) and (d) , 251.76, 251.77, and 251.81 through 251.85, inclusive, of these regulations, and subject to existing rights, there shall be in National Forest Wilderness no commercial enterprises; no temporary or permanent roads, no aircraft landing strips, no heliports or helispots; no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, motorboats, or other forms of mechanical transport; no landing of aircraft; no dropping of materials, supplies, or persons from aircraft; no structures or installations; and no cutting of trees for non-wilderness purposes. a. "Mechanical transport," as herein used, shall include any contrivance which travels over ground, snow, or water on wheels, tracks, skids, or by flotation and is propelled by a nonliving power source contained or carried on or within the device. b. "Motorized equipment," as herein used, shall include any machine activated by a nonliving power source, except that small batterypowered, hand-carried devices such as flashlights, shavers, and Geiger counters are not classed as motorized equipment. c. The Chief, Forest Service, may authorize occupancy and use of National Forest land by officers, employees, agencies, or agents of the Federal, State, and county governments to carry out the purposes of the Wilderness Act and will prescribe conditions under which motorized equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, aircraft landing strips, heliports, helispots, installations, or structures may be used, transported, or installed by the Forest Service and its agents and by other Federal, State, or county agencies or their agents, to meet the minimum requirements for authorized activities to protect and administer the Wilderness and its resources. The Chief may also prescribe the conditions under which such equipment, transport, aircraft, installations, or structures may be used in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons, damage to property, or other purposes . d. The Chief, Forest Service, may permit, subject to such restrictions as he deems desirable, the landing of aircraft and the use of motorboats at places within any Wilderness where these uses were established prior to the date the Wilderness was 94

designated by Congress as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Chief may also permit the maintenance of aircraft landing strips, heliports, or helispots which existed when the Wilderness was designated by Congress as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Section 251.76 - Grazing of Livestock The grazing of livestock, where such use was established before the date of legislation which includes an area in the National Wilderness Preservation System, shall be permitted to continue under the general regulations covering grazing of livestock on the National Forests and in accordance with special provisions covering grazing use in units of National Forest Wilderness which the Chief of the Forest Service may precribe for general application in such units or may arrange to have prescribed for individual units. The Chief, Forest Service, may permit, subject to such conditions as he deems necessary, the maintenance, reconstruction, or relocation of those livestock management improvements and structures which existed within a Wilderness when it was incorporated into the National Wilderness Preservation System. Additional improvements or structures may be built when necessary to protect wilderness values. Section 251.77 - Permanent Structures and Commercial Services Motels, summer homes, stores, resorts, organization camps, hunting and fishing lodges, electronic installations, and similar structures and uses are prohibited in National Forest Wilderness. The Chief, Forest Service, may permit temporary structures and commercial services within National Forest Wilderness to the extent necessary for realizing the recreational or other wilderness purposes, which may include, but are not limited to, the public services generally offered by packers, outfitters, and guides. Section 251.78 - Poisons and Herbicides Poisons and herbicides will not be used to control wildlife, fish, insects, or plants within any Wilderness except by or under the direct supervision of the Forest Service or other agency designated by the Chief, Forest Service; however, the personal use of household-type insecticides by visitors to provide for health and sanitation is specifically excepted from this prohibition. Section 251.79 - Jurisdiction over Wildlife and Fish Nothing in these regulations shall be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibility of the several States with respect to wildlife and fish in the National Forests. Section 251.80 - Water Rights Nothing in these regulations constitutes an expressed or implied claim or denial on the part of the Department of Agriculture as to exemption from State water laws. 95

Section 251.81 - Access to Surrounded State and Private Lands States or persons, and their successors in interest, who own land completely surrounded by National Forest Wilderness shall be given such rights as may be necessary to assure adequate access to that land. "Adequate access" is defined as the combination of routes and modes of travel which will, as determined by the Forest Service, cause the least lasting impact on the primitive character of the land and at the same time will serve the reasonable purposes for which the State and private land is held or used. Access by -routes or modes of travel not available to the general public under these regulations shall be given by written authorization issued by the Forest Service. The authorization will prescribe the means and the routes of travel to and from the privately owned or State-owned land which constitute adequate access and the conditions reasonably necessary to preserve the National Forest Wilderness. Section 251.82 - Access to Valid Mining Claims or Valid Occupancies Persons with valid mining claims or other valid occupancies wholly within National Forest Wilderness shall be permitted access to such surrounded claims or occupancies by means consistent with the preservation of National Forest Wilderness which have been or are being customarily used with respect to other such claims or occupancies surrounded by National Forest Wilderness. The Forest Service will, when appropriate, issue permits which shall prescribe the routes of travel to and from the surrounded claims or occupancies, the mode of travel, and other conditions reasonably necessary to preserve the National Forest Wilderness. Section 251.83 - Mining, Mineral Leases, and Mineral Permits Notwithstanding any other provisions of these regulations, the United States mining laws and all laws pertaining to mineral leasing shall extend to each National Forest Wilderness for the period specified in the Wilderness Act or subsequent establishing legislation to the same extent they were applicable prior to the date the Wilderness was designated by Congress as a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. a. Whoever hereafter locates a mining claim in National Forest Wilderness shall within 30 days thereafter file a written notice of his Post Office address and the location of that mining claim in the office of the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger having jurisdiction over the National Forest land on which the claim is located. b. Holders of unpatented mining claims validly established on any National Forest Wilderness prior to inclusion of such unit in the National Wilderness Preservation System shall be accorded the rights provided by the United States mining laws as then applicable to the National Forest land involved. Persons locating mining claims in any unit of National Forest Wilderness on or after the date on which the said unit was included in the National Wilderness Preservation System shall be accorded the rights provided by the United States mining laws as applicable to the National Forest land involved and subject to provisions specified in the establishing legislation. All claimants shall comply with reasonable conditions prescribed by the Chief, Forest 96

Service, for the protection of National Forest resources in accordance with the general purposes of maintaining the National Wilderness Preservation System unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness and so as to provide for the preservation of its wilderness character; and a performance bond may be required. (1) Prior to commencing operation or development of any mining claim, or to cutting timber thereon, mining claimants shall file written notice in the office of the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger having jurisdiction over the land involved. Unless within 20 days after such notice is given the Forest Service requires the claimant to furnish operating plans or to accept a permit governing such operations, he may commence operation, development, or timber cutting. (2) No claimant shall construct roads across National Forest Wilderness unless authorized by the Forest Service. Application to construct a road to a mining claim shall be filed with the Forest Service and shall be accompanied by a plat .showing the location of the proposed road and by a description of the type and standard of the road. The Chief, Forest Service, shall, when appropriate, authorize construction of the road as proposed or shall require such changes in location and type and standard of construction as are necessary to safeguard the National Forest resources, including wilderness values, consistent with the use of the land for mineral location, exploration, development, drilling, and production and for transmission lines, waterlines, telephone lines, and processing operations, including, where essential, the use of mechanical transport, aircraft or motorized equipment. (3) Claimants shall cut timber on mining claims within National Forest Wilderness only for the actual development of the claim or uses reasonably incident thereto. Any severance or removal of timber, other than severance or removal to provide clearance, shall be in accordance with sound principles of forest management and in such a manner as to minimize the adverse effect on the wilderness character of the land. (4) All claimants shall, in developing and operating their mining claims, take those reasonable measures, including settling ponds, necessary for the disposal of tailings, dumpage, and other deleterious materials or substances to prevent obstruction, pollution, excessive siltation, or deterioration of the land, streams, ponds, lakes, or springs, as may be directed by the Forest Service. (5) On mining claims validly established prior to inclusion of the land within the National Wilderness Preservation System, claimants shall, as directed by the Forest Service and if application for patent is not pending, take all reasonable measures to remove any improvements no longer needed for mining purposes and which were installed after the land 97

was designated by Congress as Wilderness and, by appropriate treatment, restore, as nearly as practicable, the original contour of the surface of the land which was disturbed subsequent to the date this regulation is adopted and which is no longer needed in performing location, exploration, drilling, and production and promote its revegetation by natural means. On such part of the claim where restoration to approximately the original contour is not feasible, restoration for such part shall provide a combination of bank slopes and contour gradient conducive to soil stabilization and revegetation by natural means . (6) On claims validly established after the date the land was included within the National Wilderness Preservation System claimants shall, as directed by the Forest Service, take all reasonable measures to remove improvements no longer needed for mining purposes and, by appropriate treatment, restore, as near as practicable, the original contour of the surface of the land which was disturbed and which is no longer needed in performing location and exploration, drilling and production, and to revegetate and to otherwise prevent or control accelerated soil erosion. c. The title to timber on patented claims validly established after the land was included within the National Wilderness Preservation System remains in the United States, subject to a right to cut and use timber for mining purposes. So much of the mature timber may be cut and used as is needed in the extraction, removal, and beneficiation of the mineral deposits, if needed timber is not otherwise reasonably available. The cutting shall comply with the requirements for sound principles of forest management as defined by the National Forest rules and regulations and set forth in stipulations issued by the Chief, Forest Service, which as a minimum incorporate the following basic principles of forest management: (1) harvesting operations shall be so conducted as to minimize soil movement and damage from water runoff; and (2) slash shall be disposed of and other precautions shall be taken to minimize damage from forest insects, disease, and fire. d. Mineral leases, permits, and licenses covering lands within National Forest Wilderness will contain reasonable stipulations for the protection of the wilderness character of the land consistent with the use of the land for purposes for which they are leased, permitted, or licensed. The Chief, Forest Service, shall specify the conditions to be included in such stipulations e. Permits shall not be issued for the removal of mineral materials commonly known as ’’common varieties" under the Materials Act of July 31, 1947, as amended and supplemented (30 U.S.C. 601-604). 98

Section 251.84 - Prospecting for Minerals and Other Resources The Chief, Forest Service, shall allow any activity, including prospecting, for the purpose of gathering information about minerals or other resources in National Forest Wilderness except that any such activity for gathering information shall be carried on in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilderness environment, and except, further, that: a. No person shall have any right or interest in or to any mineral deposits which may be discovered through prospecting or other information-gathering activity after the legal date on which the United States mining laws and laws pertaining to mineral leasing cease to apply to the specific Wilderness, nor shall any person after such date have any preference in applying for a mineral lease, license, or permit. b. No overland motor vehicle or other form of mechanical overland transport may be used in connection with prospecting for minerals or any activity for the purpose of gathering information about minerals or other resources except as authorized by the Chief, Forest Service. c. Any person desiring to use motorized equipment, to land aircraft, or to make substantial excavations for mineral prospecting or for other purposes shall apply in writing to the office of the Forest Supervisor or District Ranger having jurisdiction over the land involved. Excavations shall be considered "substantial" which singularly or collectively exceed 200 cubic feet within any area which can be bounded by a rectangle containing 20 surface acres. Such use or excavation may be authorized by a permit issued by the Forest Service. Such permits may provide for the protection of National Forest resources, including wilderness values, protection of the public, and restoration of disturbed areas, including the posting of performance bonds. d. Prospecting for water resources and the establishment of new reservoirs, water-conservation works, power projects, transmission lines, and other facilities needed in the public interest and the subsequent maintenance of such facilities, all pursuant to Section 4(d)(4)(l) of the Wilderness Act, will be permitted when and as authorized by the President. Section 251.86 - National Forest Primitive Areas Within those areas of National Forests classified as "Primitive" on the effective date of the Wilderness Act, September 3, 1964, there shall be no roads or other provision for motorized transportation, no commercial timber cutting, and no occupancy under special-use permit for hotels, stores, resorts, summer homes, organization camps, hunting and fishing lodges, or similar uses: Provided, That existing roads over National Forest lands reserved from the public domain and roads necessary for the exercise of a statutory right of ingress and egress may be allowed under appropriate conditions determined by the Chief, Forest Service. 99

Grazing of domestic livestock, development of water storage projects which do not involve road construction, and improvements necessary for the protection of the National Forests may be permitted, subject to such restrictions as the Chief, Forest Service, deems desirable. Within Primitive Areas, when the use is for other than administrative needs of the Forest Service, use by other Federal agencies when authorized by the Chief, and in emergencies, the landing of aircraft and the use of motorboats are prohibited on National Forest land or water unless such use by aircraft or motorboats has already become well established, the use of motor vehicles is prohibited, and the use of other motorized equipment is prohibited except as authorized by the Chief. These restrictions are not intended as limitations on statutory rights of ingress and egress or of prospecting, locating, and developing mineral resources. (78 Stat .890, 16 U.S.C. 1131-1136; 30 Stat. 35, as amended 16 U.S.C. 551; 74 Stat. 215, 16 U.S.C. 528-531) Done at Washington, D. C., this 31st day of May, 1966 /s/ Orville L. Freeman Secretary o£ Agriculture 100

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE NATIONAL FOREST WILDERNESSES AND PRIMITIVE AREAS MARCH 1971 WILDERNESSES (UNITS OF THE NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION SYSTEM) p| PRIMITIVE AREAS NATIONAL FORESTS AND PURCHASE UNITS iwillla National Forest Wilderness and Primitive Areas as of January 1, 1971 State Wilderness Primitive Areas Number Net Area Number Net Area of Units (Acres) of Units (Acres) Arizona 6 427,682 3* 243,961 California 17 1,595,364 4 221,919 Colorado 5 280,104 6 554,283 Idaho 1* 987,910 3 1 ,642,388 Minnesota 1 886,673 0 0 Montana 5* 1,482,567 4 417,140 Nevada 1 64,667 0 0 New Hampshire . . 1 5,552 0 0 New Mexico 5 679,398 3* 335,424 North Carolina 2 20,975 0 0 Oregon 10 762,694 0 0 Utah 0 0 1 240,717 Washington 4 1 ,094,589 0 0 Wyoming 4 1,780,994 4 586,000 Total 62 10,069,169 28 4,241,832 ‘Includes unit also located in an adjacent State. Total adjusted. ★ STATE CAPITALS O REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS Additional Wilderness and Primitive Areas are shown on back cover.

National Forest Wilderness and Primitive Areas 1022502302 JANUARY 1 1971 ■ Po soy ter, ''Peat" ef/JUths/ SBooS^lar shall ' Mission \ — M t ns 'of Rocks Adams S etwoy - Brfterroc ^J^ER V Ana condo icrtooth mM' Jefferson |||*w SisYeYs VNorth VAbsaroka P£Joud Peak Strawberry i F« mV South Kiji Absaroka Stratified \ Sawtooth • J South ! Warner Jarbidge fijj&od Lakes lowmass vjjjfltoke/um/ Ernigfadf/ Basin'/ y Uncoryjoa'hgr -Wilson.^ % ' Highs \ ^Sierra’ ^yentana San Pedro Park$, \ \Dome Land Jac/nto Supers tit Range Gahuro * (Arrow shows location of area described in report.)