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The EnvironmentLocated at the southern tip of the Rockies, the San Juans are one of the West’s most beautiful mountain ranges. Rugged yet inviting, challenging yet accessible...a world of wonder awaits you. To learn more about the region’s environment, visit the Nature Center at top of the Gondola, Station St. Sophia. The Ute Indians cherished the Telluride valley and the San Juans as sacred lands. The mountains hold vast riches: healing springs, precious metals, game, timber, medicinal plants and replenishing waters. Long winters and deep snowpacks create an environment that bursts to life each spring in a short but spectacular growing season. Telluride’s towering beauty wears a façade of impenetrable strength, but the tundra, mesas, peaks, forests and riparian habitats are surprisingly vulnerable. High-altitude environments are particularly susceptible to erosion and pollution. When enjoying the San Juans Mountains, minimize your impact—tread lightly. The most abundant wildlife throughout the region are mule deer (named for their long, mule-like ears), elk, marmot, pika, chipmunk, squirrel, porcupine, beaver and a large variety of birds. Mountain chickadees and pine siskins dress the woods with their songs. Bear, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, weasel and even the recently reintroduced lynx are found here. As with any wildlife, keep your distance, don’t frighten or feed them and stay away from their young. A young deer or elk lying in the grass may appear abandoned, but its mother is probably not too far off, waiting for you to leave before she returns to her fawn or calf. Wildlife Tips The Telluride region is home to some of the most pristine wilderness areas in the United States. The most abundant wildlife throughout the region are mule deer, elk, marmot, pika, hare, chipmunk, squirrel, porcupine, beaver and a large variety of birds. Mountain chickadees and pine siskins dress the woods with their songs, and it's not uncommon to ee elk or deer grazing near the highway leading to town, beaver swimming in the streams or marmots scurrying around the rocky hillsides. While enjoying the outdoors, it's important to remember that we share this land with predators, as well. Mountain lions, coyotes, black bears, bobcats and lynx are commonly found in these parts. Although it's extremely rare for any of these animals to show aggression to humans, it is important that you know how stay safe during your visit. • Lock the lids on all outdoor garbage containers. Animals that become accustomed to such meals are tagged, and repeat offenders are euthanized. • Keep all pet food inside and your pet on a leash to avoid conflicts. If your pet is attacked, do not try to intervene. • Walk with a flashlight at night and whistle, sing or talk aloud to alert animals of your presence. • When hiking with friends and family, stay in a tight group. Don't let children wander off alone. If You Encounter an Animal • Stay calm: Don't run away. Running may provoke the animal. • Stop and back away slowly. Speak softly while you leave the area. If you're with a group, move away together. • Don't make eye contact. Some animals perceive this as an act of aggression. • Keep your distance from all wildlife. Don't frighten or feed them, and stay away from their young. Rules of the Road and Backcountry Courtesy • 4WD vehicles, mountain bikes and horses can damage fragile alpine plants and cause erosion. Stay on established roads and trails, and don’t cut corners. • Slow down or stop to give hikers the right-of-way. Always yield to the uphill traveler. • Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Bring warm clothing and rain gear, even on sunny days. • Bring plenty of drinking water. • Heed trail signs, closures and restrictions. Be aware that certain areas do not allow mountain bikes, motor vehicles, dogs or horses. • Flowers are enjoyed by more people and spread their seeds only when left on the plant. • Artifacts are a part of history. Their meaning and value is lost when removed from their sites. • Carving trees and rocks detracts from their beauty. • Avoid cutting corners and riding or walking on wet ground. These practices lead to erosion and potential closure of trails. • Respect private property and land closures. Close gates, or leave them as you find them. • Take care not to disturb wildlife or livestock. Don’t chase, or let your dog chase, wild or domestic animals. • Share the trails considerately with other recreationalists. There’s no such thing as road rage in the backcountry. • Don’t rely on a cell phone to call for help in an emergency. Reception is spotty and often unavailable in the mountains and backcountry. • Purchase a $3 Colorado Search and Rescue Card from Telluride Sports, Telluride Mountaineer, or Boot Doctors. Local Environmental Agencies Atlas Arckology 970.729.2321 Spearheading Atlas Biodiesel, this nonprofit's mission is to turn used cooking grease into biodiesel for the region. Telluride Institute 970372838312 www.tellurideinstitute.org By working with communities, businesses and the public sector, the Institute aspires to create and advance solutions that support the health of environments, cultures and economies. They collaborate with artists, scientists and educators to map a progressive future. San Miguel Conservation Foundation 970.728.1539 ghickcox@rmi.net A foundation that strives to preserve land as open space and wildlife sanctuary by using marketplace incentives and landowner participation to promote voluntary stewardship. San Miguel County Open Space Commission 970.369.5469 www.openspacerec.sanmiguelcounty.org/smcosc.htm The Comission seeks to protect and conserve open space, natural habitats and farming and ranching lands for future generations. San Miguel Watershed Coalition 970.728.4047 A group of private and public interests that work together to advance the ecological health and support the economic vitality of the watershed through the collaborative efforts of the entire community. Sheep Mountain Alliance 970.728.3729 www.sheepmountainalliance.org A grassroots, non-profit activist organization that is dedicated to the preservation of the natural environment of the Telluride region and beyond. St. Sophia Nature Center 970.728.7360 To learn more about the regional mountain environment, visit the nature center atop Coonskin Ridge (ride the gondola to Station St. Sophia, exit and follow signs). United States Forest Service (USFS) 970.327.4261 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 970.240.5300 or 970.882.7296 |
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Copyright ©2008 Telluride Publishing, a division of Big Earth Publishing 
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