Natural Resources
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.
Forest Management
Forest management focuses on managing vegetation, restoring ecosystems, reducing hazards, and maintaining forest health.
Rangeland and Grazing
Permitted grazing is use of rangeland resources by livestock. Grazing permittees are individuals or organizations who have acquired the privilege to graze livestock on National Forest or National Grasslands. On the San Juan National Forest, grazing is part of our history.
Water and Air
Clean water is one of the most important commodities on Forest Service lands, and the cleanest water flows from healthy, forested watersheds. The most effective way to approach ecological issues is to consider them at a watershed level. Air is also inseparable from the health of natural resources. Poor air quality decreases visibility, acidifies or disrupts the nutrient balance in lakes and streams, injures plant and animal communities and harms human health.
Minerals Management
The San Juan National Forest is dedicated to restoring ecosystems and watersheds affected by past mining practices, as well as responsibly managing exploration, development, and production of mineral and energy resources and reclamation of activities.