Water, Air and Soil
The health of our nation depends, in many ways, on the vitality of our nation’s forests and grasslands. These natural resources contribute a variety of essential elements to our well-being, including clean air, water and soil.
Water Management
The Importance Water Management
The San Juan Mountains naturally produce millions of gallons of water each year. 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.
Hermosa Creek Watershed Management Plan
Hermosa Creek watershed is part of the larger Animas River Watershed within the San Juan National Forest. A grass-roots collaborative community effort resulted in the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection legislation that divided the watershed into a Special Management Area (SMA) and a Hermosa Creek Wilderness area.
Air Quality
Specific areas of the San Juan National Forest has the cleanest air in the country. But, the quality of the air you breathe can change, especially if there is a fire nearby. If there is, did you know that it makes a big different as to whether the smoke comes from a prescribed fire verses a wildfire? Check out the following resources to help you determine the air quality of our area.
- AirNow and Smoke Map: collaborative project with the US Forest Service, is your one-stop source for air quality data. AirNow’s interactive map lets you zoom out to get the big picture or drill down to see data for a single air quality monitor.
- National Forest Region 2 Smoke Resources: See Smoke? Use this excellent source of resources to find timely, useful information, helping us to stay well-informed and safe when smoke is on the horizon.
- Learn the best ways to protect your health during a prescribed fire
