THE PINOX-JUNIPER LAND PROBLEM 



I 



SHOULD THE PIXOX-JUXIPER LAXDS BE IXCLUDED IX THE 

 XATIOXAL FORESTS? 



By D. S. Jeffers 



Supervisor, Unconipahgre National Forest 



In general' the Uncompahgre Forest boundary is above the pinon- 

 juniper lands. The one exception is along its western side sloping to 

 the Dolores. Here some two miles of the type lie within the Forest. 

 My observation of the type is confined within this area. 



It is a distinct type, first met when traveling from the non-timbered 

 plains and valleys to the mountains, being from eight to ten miles in 

 width. The elevation is from 6,000 feet to 7,700 feet. Dry exposed 

 mesas, low, dry mountain slopes, and canyon sides on all exposures 

 indicate its location. The soils are thin and rocky, coarse gravels, and 

 light sands. The prevailing sandstone formation is often exposed. 



The stand is open and of an average density of 3.7. Sagebrush and 

 grama grass predominate in the ground cover. Prior to the Indian 

 exodus the growth of this grass was dense. The dry, inflammable con- 

 dition of the ground cover accounts for the extensive, destructiAc fires 

 reported as annually occurring during the late autumn. Now the graz- 

 ing of stock in large numbers almost precludes the possibility of fires 

 of any extent. 



Precipitation, chiefly in the form of snow, does not exceed twelve 

 inches annually. The rainfall of July and August is from local thunder 

 showers. One outstanding characteristic of the type is the dry and hot 

 climate. An index of the moisture supply is seen in the laterally de- 

 veloped root system in its search for moisure in the porous, decomposed 

 sandstone soil. 



These brief statements on location, extent, soil, and climate are pre- 

 paratory to the contention that the lands should be included in the 

 National Forests. Inasmuch as my observation has been limited, the 

 conclusions must be general. 



Present Use. — There are three distinct uses made of these lands, 

 each making a definite contribution to the community. 



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