F-376871
MILL POND AT M’PHEE
F-80528
SHEEP GRAZING IN A GRASS PARK AREA OF THE MONTEZUMA
F-364895
IMPROVED PUBLIC CAMP AND PICNIC GROUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AT MANY ATTRACTIVE POINTS ON NATIONAL FORESTS AND ARE EQUIPPED WITH FIREPLACES, TABLES, AND SANITARY FACILITIES.
The handling of the summer range is a large undertaking. Distribution and management of livestock are carefully regulated to prevent damage to the forest growth and to conserve the forage resources. A cover of grasses and weeds must be retained to prevent erosion. Forest officers constantly study the ranges and work with stockmen in planning management of grazing and construction of improvements needed for the control of stock.
In the allotment of range, previous use of the range and the raising of sufficient forage to feed stock during the winter are determining factors. The permanent ranch owner is given preference, which helps to stabilize the industry.
HERE MINING IS ALSO IMPORTANT
Mining was and still is an important industry of the forest region. The mines of Telluride and Ophir, in San Miguel County, have been heavy producers. Telluride, with its famous Liberty Bell, Smuggler Union, and Tomboy mines, is still one of the producing camps of southwestern Colorado. Figures furnished by the United States Bureau of Mines place the total ore production of these camps during the period 1875 to 1937, inclusive, at $119,349,969. The output for 1930 to 1937, inclusive, was $2,539,940.
Rico, the principal mining camp of Dolores County, reached the peak of production in 1893, when ores to the value of $2,696,371 were mined. The total output of mines in that vicinity since 1879 is placed at $20,574,557.