Comments on the Jackson Mountain Landscape Project

In the spring of 2023, The Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest considered a proposal to build 40 miles of mountain bike trails in the Jackson Mountain area near Pagosa Springs, CO. The Jackson Mountain Landscape Project overlapped known winter range and migration corridors for mule deer and elk. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers hired WWRC to help write a letter outlining the importance of migration corridors and seasonal habitat for ungulates and the potential effects the proposed development could have on mule deer and elk based on previous research and existing literature. After reviewing comments from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and other stakeholders, the Pagosa Ranger District decided to abandon the Jackson Mountain Landscape Project due to the potential negative effects that human disturbance can have on the movement and population performance of mule deer and elk. Click here for more information.