An area of 2,800 acres, especially adapted to scientific and educational use and known as the Narraguinnep Canyon Natural Area, has been designated in the canyon of that name which drains into the Dolores River, about 24 miles west of the town of Dolores. Access to this canyon is difficult and no timber cutting or grazing of domestic stock is permitted. Under these restrictions, it will be possible to preserve in its virgin condition a typical southwestern Colorado canyon type of ponderosa and piñon pine, juniper, oak, serviceberry, and other shrubs and plants. HUNTING AND FISHING In 1937, forest officers estimated that there were 470 elk, 4,000 mule deer, 400 black or brown bears, and a few mountain sheep on the forest. Deer, mountain sheep, and bears are not increasing but are holding about even numbers, while elk are increasing. The forest could support more of these game animals, and efforts are being made to build up the big game resources. Game birds are not plentiful, but grouse and ptarmigan may be seen. Ducks nest on the numerous reservoirs and small lakes on the forest. [Illustration: F-376866 LOADING LOGS] Excellent trout fishing is found in the streams and lakes. The Dolores River affords 50 miles of good angling and its west fork 30 miles more. East and West Mancos Rivers, Bear, Bilk, and Beaver Creeks, and tributaries of the Dolores River are good fishing streams. Trout and Woods Lakes contain large fish and are popular places for recreation. Forest officers or State game wardens will gladly give information about the routes to follow, the location of improved campgrounds, the better places to hunt or fish, and where to obtain horses to go beyond the end of the motor roads. Sportsmen who enter the forests to hunt or fish should obtain the State license required by law; and all are asked to exercise care with fire. HELP PREVENT FOREST FIRES The area now within the Montezuma National Forest suffered repeatedly from fires before the forest was established. Since being put under administration, the fire loss has been reduced. Nevertheless, the loss has been considerable—4,037 acres of timber, grass, and brushland within the forest having been burned over in 28 years, or an average of about 144 acres annually. Seventy-nine percent of this was burned in 6 bad fire years. In 6 favorable years, the loss was less than 1 acre annually. Without prompt action of local citizens and forest officers, however, the average burned and the damage sustained would unquestionably have been very much greater. [Illustration: F-376870 HAULING LOGS FROM THE NATIONAL FOREST]