The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-11-03

sections of wooded country finely adapted
to the purposes of national parks. Inc
most northern of these, called the w n doe
River plateau" includes an area OF 2,Oo0
square miles or more of unoccupled and
unsettled plateau or table lands. Inc
tract is covered to a greater or less extent
with heavy forests, interspersed with a
rank growth Of underbrush, vines anu
grasses. Flowing thence are many streams
that are fed from perpetual SHOWS lodged
in the abundant timber and upon the high
mountains Of the region, and comprise the
principal affluent of the Yampa, White and
Grand rivers. The mountain peaks, num-
erous cafions and valleys of this section.
together with the dense woods, living
springs, lakes and running streams, render
it an extremely beautiful and picturesque
region. 1t abounds in the larger game,
elk, deer, bear, etc, and its streams and
lakes are well stocked with trout and other
fish. The locality has already become a
favorite resort for hunters and tourists.
It should be said here that, except in the
case of the White river plateau in Cole
RADIO, no organized effort has been made to
secure the appropriation to public use of
the several tracts referred to in this
paper. In the instance named the presi
dent and congress has been memorialized
in that behalf. and state association has
been formed to further the object.
The ''grand mesa" lying southwestward
of the tract Just described, has character
istics quite similar to those of the latter.
1t is fairly well covered with forests, and
includes many lakes and streams well
stocked with fish. One explorer states
that no less than two hundred and sixty
lakes are found within its borders, ranging
in size from one-fourth of a mile to three
miles in length and of proportionate width.
This mesa, or elevated table land, lies be-
tween the Grand and Gunnison rivers, and
its melting SHOWS and perennial springs
contribute largely to the volume of those
streams. Its surface varies in altitude
from 5000 to 10000 feet above sea level.
While delightfully."- cool and pleasant in
summer, its winter climate is not unduly
severe, being tempered by the warm cur
rents of air rising from the low and shell
tered valleys on either side. 1t is easily
accessible, being nearly surrounded by
three lines of railroad, owned and oper-
ated by as many different companies. No
portion of it has yet become subject to pri-
vate ownership.
THE UINTAH MOUNTAINS.
Turning to Utah, we find that in the
part there is high range
called the Uintah mountains, well wooded
and watered, and an important source Of
the water supplies of the territory. 1t EN-
braces many of the natural features COM
mon to other sections of the Rocky noun
scenery, extensive forests, lakes
and streams, game and fish. It's appropria-
ton to public uses is strongly recommended
by prominent citizens of the territory.
The irrigation system of Utah is large and
important; hence the need of early and
adequate provision for the protection of its
forests and streams.
Passing southwark, to the territory Of
Arizona, it appears that the forest area is
quite limited, and the arid conditions some
what intensified. Colorado river, with its
wonderful carons, forms the western
Bordering this on the east are
Dlateaus and sandy deserts In central and
eastern Arizona more favorable conditions
prevail Here the beneficial influences of
ranges are felt, and we find run
ming streams and fertile valleys; the latter,
with the aid of irrigation, becoming rapidly
to agricultural uses. In the mid
eastern portions of the territory are the
Mogollon mountains, in the forests of which
are found the sources of the ella, the
river Of Arizona. | am unable to
describe this river in detail. have been
advised, however, that here there should be
a large forest reserve. In common with
other suggested reservations, this section
is high, mountainous, well-watered and but
little disturbed by settlement.
Its timbered lands are vastly more valu
able for the conservation of water than for
any other purpose, and congress should
provide speedy and effective means for the
furtherance of that object
Following the Rocky mountain ranges
southwark, through Colorado and into
Northern New Mexico, we reach at Santa
10 IF ha rpln do irrb
and rugged mountain system. At this
point the continuity of the mountain chain
is broken, and low and scattered ranges
and isolated SUBMITS appear here and
there. Semi-arid plains are interspersed
with narrow, arabic valleys, many of which
are already cultivated under limited and
imperfect systems of irrigation. The eli
mate is genial, the soil when watered
yields beautifully, and many varieties of
fruit and grain, hardy and sub tropical, are
easily produced. A number Of forest reser
vations should be established in this terri
tory
THE TAOS AND SANTA PB.
Commencing at the north, the region en-
bracing the Taos mountains is the first to
attract attention. 1t forms part of the
system. Tributaries of the Can
adam and other streams watering North
eastern New Mexico, Northwestern Texas
and the Panhandle country have their
sources here.
Southwestward, and not distant from
this. are the Santa Fe mountains, high
and rugged range, the clear streams and
forests of which are the haunts of wild
game and fish. 1t has already become a
resort for hunters and tourists. The Pecos
river, next in Importance to the Rio
Grande, rises in these mountains. A local
protective association has made strenuous
efforts to preserve the natural features of
this interesting and attractive region, but.
as in other cases, the government gives but
little aid and cooperation.
West of Santa Fe, and also in Northern
New Mexico. another forest reserve should
be established, covering the mountains at
the head waters of the Jemez river. This
stream is one of the principal western
aff1uents of tho Rio Grande Along its
banks are bodies Of arabic land, large por-
lions of which have been irrigated and
brought under cultivation.
In Southeastern New Mexico two forest
to include the Sacramento
and the Guadalupe ranges, should be
created A number of important streams,
to the Pecos, and furnishing
water for extensive agricultural opera
ions, would thus be kept alive, and other
minor benefits secured.
l have the impression, also, that in the
San Francisco range, in the southwestern
,art of the territory, there is large tract |
# country which should be set apart as
crest reserve. / am not, however, fully !
dvised concerning it.
In general terms, it may be said of these |
proposed reservations that they embrace |
ONE of the finest natural scenery in the |
+bau affnrd naajad Chpltar m Oative /