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The Animas was previously studied in the late 1970’s, and suffered from low water quality created by legacy mining in the upper basin. Extensive remediation efforts in the headwaters have improved water quality so that it meets applicable water quality standards in all but a few headwaters segments. In addition, the Animas-La Plata water project final design was implemented downstream, which resolved remaining questions about the river’s suitability.
Today, the Animas River from its headwaters near Animas Forks all the way to the national forest boundary at Bakers Bridge is likely eligible under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
The Animas River from Animas Forks to Deer Park should be eligible for Recreational designation under the Act, though there might still be some remaining concerns about water quality, which may affect its eligibility
The Animas River from Deer Park to Baker’s Bridge is eligible for Recreational or Scenic designation under the Act. This includes the dramatic Animas River gorge along which the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes.
Also, the headwaters tributaries listed as eligible on the San Juan National Forest Wild and Scenic list dated September 1, 2005 are appropriate for study for eligibility and suitability.
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fish
and wildlife values. The Animas River hosts the Durango-Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad. Hundreds of thousands of visitors annually
marvel at the dramatic scenery along the gorge. The railroad itself
contributes outstandingly remarkable cultural and historic significance.
The river corridor includes extensive narrowleaf cottonwood/conifer
riparian vegetation so exceptional as to be included within the
proposed Needle Mountains RNA. The river itself offers challenging
Class V whitewater recreation. Below Elk Park, inflow improves
the Animas River’s water quality and marks the beginning
of an outstanding fishery. No water diversions exist along this
length of the river.