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Characterized by steep mountain canyons and a regionally
unique biota, the San Miguel River valley of southwestern Colorado
represents a promising candidate for conservation and sustainable
development. A report by The Nature Conservancy and Colorado
Natural Areas has identified this river as one of the most important
systems in the state for protection. Undammed, it flows from
its headwaters above the town of Telluride, through a flat valley
floor, and down to the lowlands of western Colorado, where it
joins the Colorado River. Although affected by past human activities,
the upper basin provides habitat for numerous animal species
and plant communities. In particular, the valley floor area,
west of Telluride, contains several springs and large wetlands
which support a diverse biotic community as well as providing
recreation for Telluride residents and critical flood storage
and water quality protection for downstream municipalities.
Local citizens and organizations
have voiced a strong commitment to preserving the beauty and
ecological integrity of their valley, and planning efforts are
under way at several scales in order to ensure the ecosystem's
preservation. As a part of this effort, SEI is working with local
citizens to characterize the biology of the upper valley, including
the San Miguel's headwater streams and the valley floor.
Historically, the San Miguel watershed
has been heavily influenced by multiple human uses, most notably
mining and ranching. More recently, the upper end of the valley
has experienced considerable population growth in conjunction
with a transition to a recreation-based economy. Although this
has altered landuse regimes and introduced a host of new conservation
issues, some older impacts, such as unreclaimed mine trailings,
remain a concern. However, except for the river immediately downstream
from the Idarado Mine, east of Telluride, water quality in the
basin is generally good, containing high concentrations of dissolved
oxygen and few toxic metals.
The ecosystem clearly retains much
of its original biodiversity and functionality, but human activities
have taken their toll. Several important species have been extirpated
from the valley during the past century and a half, with an attendant
loss or alteration of ecosystem properties. Development, habitat
destruction and fragmentation, and increased human traffic continue
to have an impact, but these affects are neither unavoidable
nor a necessary consequence of economic growth. With careful
planning, the Telluride region can support a thriving human community
without sacrificing its natural heritage. Indeed, protecting
this heritage is essential to maintaining the character and livability
of the community.