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Water connects us all.
Water is essential to all life. Water flows across continents, over mountain ranges, under deserts, between countries and all through the land, our communities, and even through us. In this way, water connects us.
All life on the planet depends on water in its many forms. Humans, in particular, need fresh drinkable water to live. But just a tiny fraction of water on the globe is clean and fresh enough for us to drink.
The amount of water on the planet is limited. So, although water moves around the globe through rain and snow, rivers and streams, the total amount of available water does not change.
All life on the planet depends on water in its many forms. Humans, in particular, need fresh drinkable water to live. But just a tiny fraction of water on the globe is clean and fresh enough for us to drink.
The amount of water on the planet is limited. So, although water moves around the globe through rain and snow, rivers and streams, the total amount of available water does not change.
Fresh water is precious. And it’s becoming more so due to a number of factors: a growing world population and the associated development, inadequate water sanitation, and water pollution. Changing global patterns of drought and flooding add to the pressure on freshwater supplies, which affects all of us.
Places that supply fresh water are becoming more and more important, both to our local community and to the country.
The San Juan National Forest is one of these places.
Places that supply fresh water are becoming more and more important, both to our local community and to the country.
The San Juan National Forest is one of these places.
The San Juan National Forest: capture, cleanse and store our waters.
The San Juan Mountains, called the “shining mountains” by the Ute Indians for their snow-capped peaks, were created as two enormous continental plates slammed into one another, folding and faulting the earth’s crust. Volcanic activity associated with the tectonic mountain-building process produced rich mineral veins—the silver and gold deposits that drew miners to the region in the late 1800s.
The San Juan Mountains contain some of the highest and most rugged summits in the continental United States, with 28 peaks above 13,000 feet and 13 "fourteeners.” Glaciers carved the range’s steep mountainsides and U-shaped canyons, such as the beautiful valley in the East Fork of Hermosa Creek.
At 1,878,846 acres, the San Juan National Forest covers most of the southern portion of the San Juan Mountains west of the Continental Divide. The forest contains four wilderness areas: Weminuche, Lizard Head, Hermosa and South San Juan, as well as the Piedra Area.
The San Juan Mountains contain some of the highest and most rugged summits in the continental United States, with 28 peaks above 13,000 feet and 13 "fourteeners.” Glaciers carved the range’s steep mountainsides and U-shaped canyons, such as the beautiful valley in the East Fork of Hermosa Creek.
At 1,878,846 acres, the San Juan National Forest covers most of the southern portion of the San Juan Mountains west of the Continental Divide. The forest contains four wilderness areas: Weminuche, Lizard Head, Hermosa and South San Juan, as well as the Piedra Area.
The San Juan National Forest is home to headwaters.
The San Juan National Forest is situated right on the Continental Divide, often called the “headwaters of the nation” because all water flows either west or east from it. Water from the San Juan Mountains feeds the Animas, Dolores, La Plata, Piedra, Los Pinos and San Juan rivers that eventually carry water into the Pacific Ocean.
The San Juan National Forest is a major natural water reservoir.
Snowpack is Colorado’s most important reservoir for drinking water, with the streams of the San Juan National Forest serving as the main source of drinking water for many of our towns and cities. The impressive San Juan Mountains capture the flow of moisture from the Pacific Ocean and convert it into piles of snow, forming a huge reservoir of water. Even though the amount of water on the planet is finite, the Water Cycle ensures that it is always moving from one place to another around the earth. As part of the Water Cycle, surface water is cleaned and purified as it returns to the sky and then turns into rain and snow. The mountain ranges of the San Juan National Forest capture snow all winter and store it in the snowpack until it melts into rivers and streams later in the year.
We have special species.
The San Juan National Forest is home to over a hundred streams that support a multitude of important plant and animal species, with a handful of truly special streams that are critical to the survival of extremely rare native fish, amphibians, and globally rare plants. For example, the Carolina bugbane flower, when it grows together with subalpine fir ,is part of a globally imperiled plant community, and this flower is only found in one place in Colorado: Vallecito Creek in the Weminuche Wilderness. Also, the San Juan Lineage Colorado River cutthroat trout was considered extinct until just a couple of years ago. It has been rediscovered living in just seven streams on Earth, and five of them are located on the San Juan National Forest. The high elevation streams on the San Juan National Forest are also important because their cold, clean waters are the last remaining stronghold for native trout that need cold temperatures and intact habitat to survive as the climate of southwest Colorado continues to warm.
The San Juan National Forest is situated right on the Continental Divide, often called the “headwaters of the nation” because all water flows either west or east from it. Water from the San Juan Mountains feeds the Animas, Dolores, La Plata, Piedra, Los Pinos and San Juan rivers that eventually carry water into the Pacific Ocean.
The San Juan National Forest is a major natural water reservoir.
Snowpack is Colorado’s most important reservoir for drinking water, with the streams of the San Juan National Forest serving as the main source of drinking water for many of our towns and cities. The impressive San Juan Mountains capture the flow of moisture from the Pacific Ocean and convert it into piles of snow, forming a huge reservoir of water. Even though the amount of water on the planet is finite, the Water Cycle ensures that it is always moving from one place to another around the earth. As part of the Water Cycle, surface water is cleaned and purified as it returns to the sky and then turns into rain and snow. The mountain ranges of the San Juan National Forest capture snow all winter and store it in the snowpack until it melts into rivers and streams later in the year.
We have special species.
The San Juan National Forest is home to over a hundred streams that support a multitude of important plant and animal species, with a handful of truly special streams that are critical to the survival of extremely rare native fish, amphibians, and globally rare plants. For example, the Carolina bugbane flower, when it grows together with subalpine fir ,is part of a globally imperiled plant community, and this flower is only found in one place in Colorado: Vallecito Creek in the Weminuche Wilderness. Also, the San Juan Lineage Colorado River cutthroat trout was considered extinct until just a couple of years ago. It has been rediscovered living in just seven streams on Earth, and five of them are located on the San Juan National Forest. The high elevation streams on the San Juan National Forest are also important because their cold, clean waters are the last remaining stronghold for native trout that need cold temperatures and intact habitat to survive as the climate of southwest Colorado continues to warm.
"Fish play their own part in keeping our water clean." - Your Best Waters, USFS video
Water is part of an endless cycle.
Every drop of water is on a never-ending journey through the skies, land, streams, living creatures, and back to the sky again. This miraculous system is called the Water Cycle and it supplies the clean water all living things (including us!) need to flourish and thrive.
The clean, abundant water we need depends on healthy, functioning parts of the cycle. Forests, streams, glaciers, wetlands and aquifers each play a role. When parts of this natural cycle are weakened or interrupted, the availability of clean water is reduced. Understanding this cycle helps us support nature so that we have the water we need. |
Your water comes from a watershed.
A watershed is simply a land area that channels rainfall and snowmelt to creeks, streams, and rivers, and eventually to reservoirs, bays, and the ocean. While some watersheds are relatively small, others encompass thousands of square miles and may contain streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and underlying groundwater that are hundreds of miles inland. As shown in the picture, watersheds are made up of ecosystems like forests, grasslands, streams and wetlands, each with an essential role in the water cycle.
Why are watersheds important? Watersheds are part of the natural water cycle, and a healthy, functioning watershed delivers the clean abundant water we need. Every watershed on the San Juan National Forest provides water for communities immediately downstream, even neighboring states further downstream.
To learn more about watersheds, you can go to the US Geological Survey's website and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
"If you trace your water, it might just lead you to a special place..." - Your Best Waters, USFS video
Bayfield water comes from the Los Pinos River Watershed, which is part of the Upper San Juan Watershed, originating in wilderness.
Cortez uses water from McPhee Reservoir, which is filled from run-off in the Dolores River Watershed.
Dolores water comes from the Dolores River Watershed.
Durango water comes from the Animas Watershed, primarily from the Florida River, which originates in wilderness.
Mancos gets its water from Jackson Reservoir and streams in the Mancos Watershed.
Pagosa Springs gets its water from the Upper San Juan Watershed.
Rico is supplied by the wells in the Dolores River Watershed.
Silverton gets water from the Animas River Watershed.
Our local communities benefit from water close to the top of the watershed, upstream of most pollution sources. However, even our watersheds are subject to negative impacts from a range of sources. Find your watershed on the map below. It shows the current condition of San Juan National Forest watersheds. Green watersheds are considered in excellent condition, yellow have stressors that diminish condition, and red are not functioning properly. Click on the map to learn more!
Why are watersheds important? Watersheds are part of the natural water cycle, and a healthy, functioning watershed delivers the clean abundant water we need. Every watershed on the San Juan National Forest provides water for communities immediately downstream, even neighboring states further downstream.
To learn more about watersheds, you can go to the US Geological Survey's website and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
"If you trace your water, it might just lead you to a special place..." - Your Best Waters, USFS video
Bayfield water comes from the Los Pinos River Watershed, which is part of the Upper San Juan Watershed, originating in wilderness.
Cortez uses water from McPhee Reservoir, which is filled from run-off in the Dolores River Watershed.
Dolores water comes from the Dolores River Watershed.
Durango water comes from the Animas Watershed, primarily from the Florida River, which originates in wilderness.
Mancos gets its water from Jackson Reservoir and streams in the Mancos Watershed.
Pagosa Springs gets its water from the Upper San Juan Watershed.
Rico is supplied by the wells in the Dolores River Watershed.
Silverton gets water from the Animas River Watershed.
Our local communities benefit from water close to the top of the watershed, upstream of most pollution sources. However, even our watersheds are subject to negative impacts from a range of sources. Find your watershed on the map below. It shows the current condition of San Juan National Forest watersheds. Green watersheds are considered in excellent condition, yellow have stressors that diminish condition, and red are not functioning properly. Click on the map to learn more!
Your National Forests’ role in caring for water.
What does water have to do with Forests?
Water is one of the most important natural resources flowing from forests. On behalf of the American people, the Forest Service manages the largest single source of water in the U.S., with about 20 percent originating from 193 million acres of land. Nearly 90% of these lands are located in watersheds that contribute to public water supplies.
Congress gave the Forest Service the authority to decide what uses occur on the National Forests ,including the use of water. In determining what activities and uses are authorized, the Forest Service ensures decisions comply with a multitude of state and federal laws including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.
Interestingly, maintaining and restoring watersheds was a primary reason National Forests were created in America. The Organic Act of 1897 was the law that established the National Forests. This law says right up front “No national forest shall be established, except to improve and protect the forest within the boundaries, or for the purpose of securing favorable conditions of water flows, ….”
Another important law for the Forest Service is the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act (1960). This law directs the agency to provide for the wide variety of uses of forest natural resources while ensuring they are not depleted for future generations. As water use increases and/or water supply decreases due to drought or other factors, the role of balancing water use with supply (referred to as sustainability) becomes both increasingly challenging and important.
In fact, over the past 10 years, maintaining a balance between the health of the natural water cycle and competing water uses has become one of the San Juan National Forest’s greatest challenges.
Congress gave the Forest Service the authority to decide what uses occur on the National Forests ,including the use of water. In determining what activities and uses are authorized, the Forest Service ensures decisions comply with a multitude of state and federal laws including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.
Interestingly, maintaining and restoring watersheds was a primary reason National Forests were created in America. The Organic Act of 1897 was the law that established the National Forests. This law says right up front “No national forest shall be established, except to improve and protect the forest within the boundaries, or for the purpose of securing favorable conditions of water flows, ….”
Another important law for the Forest Service is the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act (1960). This law directs the agency to provide for the wide variety of uses of forest natural resources while ensuring they are not depleted for future generations. As water use increases and/or water supply decreases due to drought or other factors, the role of balancing water use with supply (referred to as sustainability) becomes both increasingly challenging and important.
In fact, over the past 10 years, maintaining a balance between the health of the natural water cycle and competing water uses has become one of the San Juan National Forest’s greatest challenges.
The San Juan National Forest is responsible for a complex set of water resources in a geographical area vital to water production for the region. There are a substantial and growing number of water uses that place demand on the water supply. Our water uses include:
Agricultural uses: irrigation, fish hatcheries, stock tanks, fire suppression, etc.
Industrial uses: oil and gas drilling, mining and reclamation, power generation, construction, manufacturing, etc.
Municipal uses: drinking water, yard watering, washing, park irrigation, fire hydrants, etc.
Recreational uses: boating, fishing, skiing, whitewater sports, campgrounds, hunting, waterskiing, etc.
"The Forest Service works to steward public lands and to balance their natural and societal values to ensure that future generations will continue to inherit the precious gifts of healthy rivers and clean water." - Your Best Waters, USFS video
Agricultural uses: irrigation, fish hatcheries, stock tanks, fire suppression, etc.
Industrial uses: oil and gas drilling, mining and reclamation, power generation, construction, manufacturing, etc.
Municipal uses: drinking water, yard watering, washing, park irrigation, fire hydrants, etc.
Recreational uses: boating, fishing, skiing, whitewater sports, campgrounds, hunting, waterskiing, etc.
"The Forest Service works to steward public lands and to balance their natural and societal values to ensure that future generations will continue to inherit the precious gifts of healthy rivers and clean water." - Your Best Waters, USFS video
How is the San Juan National Forest meeting this challenge?
Understanding the natural water cycle, and how it functions in each environment, is key to making good decisions. Long-term research studies, conducted by the Forest Service, provide much of the current understanding of watershed processes. Scientific data is the basis for distinguishing healthy from degraded watersheds, and for restoring them. It is essential for considering potential threats and estimating future trends to guide conscientious planning. Forest officials on the San Juan National Forest contribute to the understanding of our watersheds through long-term monitoring of ecosystems, species, water quality and flow.
Restoring watersheds to health is a major undertaking, requiring a wide range of activities including; seeding and re-planting, thinning, erosion repair and control, clean-up of contamination, invasive species removal and more. The San Juan National Forest works with partners and community members on a wide range of restoration projects.
Working with water users from the general public to municipalities, industry, ski areas and recreation groups to find equitable and sustainable ways to meet water demands is critical. The Forest informs users about current water conditions, where watersheds are healthy or weak, and about other competing water interests, all with the goal of balancing use and supply over the long term. The Forest convenes groups and solicits broad input to inform its decision-making on the wide variety of water issues.
Understanding the natural water cycle, and how it functions in each environment, is key to making good decisions. Long-term research studies, conducted by the Forest Service, provide much of the current understanding of watershed processes. Scientific data is the basis for distinguishing healthy from degraded watersheds, and for restoring them. It is essential for considering potential threats and estimating future trends to guide conscientious planning. Forest officials on the San Juan National Forest contribute to the understanding of our watersheds through long-term monitoring of ecosystems, species, water quality and flow.
Restoring watersheds to health is a major undertaking, requiring a wide range of activities including; seeding and re-planting, thinning, erosion repair and control, clean-up of contamination, invasive species removal and more. The San Juan National Forest works with partners and community members on a wide range of restoration projects.
Working with water users from the general public to municipalities, industry, ski areas and recreation groups to find equitable and sustainable ways to meet water demands is critical. The Forest informs users about current water conditions, where watersheds are healthy or weak, and about other competing water interests, all with the goal of balancing use and supply over the long term. The Forest convenes groups and solicits broad input to inform its decision-making on the wide variety of water issues.
These waters belong to all of us – you can make a difference.
The streams, wetlands, and lakes on the San Juan National Forest belong to all of us. In order to ensure a continuous and sustainable supply of fresh water, we need healthy functioning watersheds and a balance between nature’s infrastructure and our water needs. In a sense, we all live “downstream” and have a role to play in protecting water for our families, for our downstream neighbors, and for all life dependent on water.
It is a national priority of the Forest Service to protect watersheds and reduce catastrophic wildfire risk. Yet millions of acres of forest and watersheds need help to become healthy again, and it’s a huge job. Working with communities is more important than ever. Your streams need you! And you need healthy forests and watersheds to provide your water! You can get involved:
You can advocate for your water.
o Comment on proposed projects on the San Juan National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/sanjuan/landmanagement/projects
o Attend public meetings for projects. Most projects have some effect on water, so attending public meetings is a way you can learn and be heard. Public meetings can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/sanjuan/landmanagement/projects
o Attend local meetings of the Southwest Basin Roundtable and provide input to Colorado’s Water Plan, learn about difficult local water issues, and learn about funding for local water projects https://waterinfo.org/resources/southwest-basin-roundtable/
You can volunteer. Stream sampling, restoration activities, public education work and more offer a wide range of rewarding opportunities to contribute to safeguarding our water. The San Juan National Forest works with many partners that coordinate volunteers. See our partner websites to sign up right away: San Juan Mountains Association, Trout Unlimited, and Mountain Studies Institute.
You can conserve. Implement water conservation measures in your home, neighborhood and community – learn how:
o Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency: http://fourcore.org/water-conservation/
o City of Durango - https://www.durangogov.org/766/Conserve-Water
o City of Cortez - https://www.cityofcortez.com/603/WATER-IS-OUR-FUTURE
It is a national priority of the Forest Service to protect watersheds and reduce catastrophic wildfire risk. Yet millions of acres of forest and watersheds need help to become healthy again, and it’s a huge job. Working with communities is more important than ever. Your streams need you! And you need healthy forests and watersheds to provide your water! You can get involved:
You can advocate for your water.
o Comment on proposed projects on the San Juan National Forest. https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/sanjuan/landmanagement/projects
o Attend public meetings for projects. Most projects have some effect on water, so attending public meetings is a way you can learn and be heard. Public meetings can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/sanjuan/landmanagement/projects
o Attend local meetings of the Southwest Basin Roundtable and provide input to Colorado’s Water Plan, learn about difficult local water issues, and learn about funding for local water projects https://waterinfo.org/resources/southwest-basin-roundtable/
You can volunteer. Stream sampling, restoration activities, public education work and more offer a wide range of rewarding opportunities to contribute to safeguarding our water. The San Juan National Forest works with many partners that coordinate volunteers. See our partner websites to sign up right away: San Juan Mountains Association, Trout Unlimited, and Mountain Studies Institute.
You can conserve. Implement water conservation measures in your home, neighborhood and community – learn how:
o Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency: http://fourcore.org/water-conservation/
o City of Durango - https://www.durangogov.org/766/Conserve-Water
o City of Cortez - https://www.cityofcortez.com/603/WATER-IS-OUR-FUTURE