The forests of the Montezuma have high watershed value and a forest
cover is very important, because the dominant soil types are silt and
clay loam which erode readily. If these soils are not held in place,
much material is carried away by the streams. In the aggregate, this has
a considerable effect on the Colorado River and the water it furnishes
for irrigation.
The headwaters of the principal streams of this region rise on the
forested watersheds of the Montezuma. These watersheds are covered with
deep snows each winter, and the forest cover retards the melting snow
and provides a more uniform distribution of the run-off. Watershed
protection is, therefore, an essential and important factor in the
administration of the forest.
Irrigation water for Thompsons Park, the Montezuma and Paradox Valleys,
and the Norwood-Redvale country is provided by streams which rise in the
Montezuma Forest. The towns of Rico and Telluride obtain their water
supply from the forest. In addition to the use of water for irrigation
and domestic purposes, a number of water-power sites have been developed
on the forest. A large volume of water flows into the Colorado River,
and these waters are impounded by Boulder Dam and used for power and
irrigation in the general development of that project.