About our valley. . .
Our Lake Fork valley resides within the boundaries of the Lake Fork watershed. A watershed is an area of land
where all the water drains to one point (see map below). In our watershed, this is the point where the Lake Fork
of the Gunnison drains into Blue Mesa Reservoir. Encompassing nearly 400 square miles, the Lake Fork of the
Gunnison River Watershed is situated on the northern flank of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern
Colorado, and is part of the Colorado River Basin. The Lake Fork flows through an amazing diversity of
habitats, from vast meadows of alpine tundra at the highest elevations to rocky sagebrush canyons at the
lowest. The Lake Fork and its primary tributary, Henson Creek, form two important riparian corridors through
narrow mountain canyons. Lake City, at the confluence of the Lake Fork and Henson Creek, is the only
community in the watershed, with a permanent population of about 500.
Wildlife comprises a highly-visible and much-appreciated component of the watershed. Herds of mule deer and
elk live at nearly all elevations, and two distinct populations of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep call the
watershed home. Black bear are relatively common, as are mountain lions, coyotes and bobcats. Recently
introduced species include Canada lynx and moose. Colorado River cutthroat trout once lived in the lower Lake
Fork, and still exist in a few localities. Over 200 species of birds are present in the summer months, including
ospreys, golden eagles, white-tailed ptarmigan, Gunnison sage grouse, boreal owls, and many migratory
neotropical species.
First settled in the 1870s, the watershed has experienced a colorful history highlighted by gold and silver
mining, cattle and sheep ranching, and tourism. Today, tourism, subdivision development and recreation
dominate the economy and create unique impacts on the watershed's ecology. Most human activities occur in
the narrow valley bottoms of Henson Creek and the Lake Fork, making them areas of particular concern.
Although not without evidence of historic and current human impact, the Lake Fork of the Gunnison remains a
lightly populated and relatively undisturbed watershed by Colorado standards, and the vast majority of the land
is publically held. The local population appreciates the character of the watershed as it exists, and is sensitive
to protecting the natural environment as vital to the economy of the area. It is our belief that stakeholder-based
watershed planning and stewardship is the surest approach for protecting both the economic and ecological
health of the watershed for generations to come.
Our Lake Fork valley resides within the boundaries of the Lake Fork watershed. A watershed is an area of land
where all the water drains to one point (see map below). In our watershed, this is the point where the Lake Fork
of the Gunnison drains into Blue Mesa Reservoir. Encompassing nearly 400 square miles, the Lake Fork of the
Gunnison River Watershed is situated on the northern flank of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern
Colorado, and is part of the Colorado River Basin. The Lake Fork flows through an amazing diversity of
habitats, from vast meadows of alpine tundra at the highest elevations to rocky sagebrush canyons at the
lowest. The Lake Fork and its primary tributary, Henson Creek, form two important riparian corridors through
narrow mountain canyons. Lake City, at the confluence of the Lake Fork and Henson Creek, is the only
community in the watershed, with a permanent population of about 500.
Wildlife comprises a highly-visible and much-appreciated component of the watershed. Herds of mule deer and
elk live at nearly all elevations, and two distinct populations of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep call the
watershed home. Black bear are relatively common, as are mountain lions, coyotes and bobcats. Recently
introduced species include Canada lynx and moose. Colorado River cutthroat trout once lived in the lower Lake
Fork, and still exist in a few localities. Over 200 species of birds are present in the summer months, including
ospreys, golden eagles, white-tailed ptarmigan, Gunnison sage grouse, boreal owls, and many migratory
neotropical species.
First settled in the 1870s, the watershed has experienced a colorful history highlighted by gold and silver
mining, cattle and sheep ranching, and tourism. Today, tourism, subdivision development and recreation
dominate the economy and create unique impacts on the watershed's ecology. Most human activities occur in
the narrow valley bottoms of Henson Creek and the Lake Fork, making them areas of particular concern.
Although not without evidence of historic and current human impact, the Lake Fork of the Gunnison remains a
lightly populated and relatively undisturbed watershed by Colorado standards, and the vast majority of the land
is publically held. The local population appreciates the character of the watershed as it exists, and is sensitive
to protecting the natural environment as vital to the economy of the area. It is our belief that stakeholder-based
watershed planning and stewardship is the surest approach for protecting both the economic and ecological
health of the watershed for generations to come.
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| Lake Fork Valley Conservancy | (970) 944-LFVC | PO Box 123 | Lake City, CO 81235 | Email Us |
