Wilderness Study Area &
Spring Creek Horse Herd Monitoring Program

Three of the 7 WSA’s are monitored by SJMA volunteers who love to be in remote parts of the countryside enjoying the scenery. Cahone Canyon, Cross Canyon and McKenna Peak WSA’s are breathtaking areas in SW Colorado’s canyon country. In addition, the Spring Creek Wild Horse Herd Management area overlaps the McKenna Peak WSA. Horsemen and hikers with an eye for beauty are encouraged to participate.

McKenna Peak is a BLM Wilderness Study Area (WSA) located in Disappointment Valley, north of Dove Creek Colorado. WSA’s are managed for their wilderness qualities but have not been designated by congress. As in designated wilderness, there are no roads or motorized or mechanized vehicles allowed. WSA’s have the potential to become designated wilderness in the future.

The Spring Creek Wild Horse Herd is adjacent to this WSA. The Spring Creek Herd Area encompasses about 22,000 acres with a portion of the area within the McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area. There are approximately 54 horses in the herd.

The San Juan Mountains Association has trained volunteers to monitor the McKenna Peak WSA and the Spring Creek Horse Herd Area. They report on fence and gate conditions, vehicle traffic, water and feed conditions, wildlife, and count the horses observed in the area. Volunteers ride their own horses and some hike. It is a beautiful area full of exploration opportunities.

For more information how you can get involved, contact SJMA
Kathe Hayes (970) 385-1310.