DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

PO Box 737

Ignacio, Colorado 81137

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has (7) seven divisions: Administration, Agriculture, Forestry, Lands, Range, Water Resources, and Wildlife Resources Management.  The DNR are responsible for the planning and carry out resource management, conservation, protection and development  plans and provide for Tribal Natural Resources.  They also provide service-oriented programs for Southern Ute Tribal members.

After the historic drought and fires of 2002, exceptional insect take over, extreme reductions in livestock herds and less than marginal hay and pasture production, 2003 was a good year for Tribal resources.  The completion of a fire-year grazing suspension afforded the rangelands a period of rest while allowing more than enough forage and water for the Tribe's wildlife species.  While we continue to hope for "better and wetter" years, we recognize that it will take several years of "normal" or above-average moisture to bring the Reservation lands out of the drought.

The Department appreciates the continued understanding and cooperation of the Tribal membership, Tribal staff and the local farmers and stockmen in practicing water conservation and good resources management on a daily basis.

Please feel free to call any of the Divisions for program details or specific items.

A View of Ignacio, Colorado looking from Ignacio Peak.  The Tribal Complex is located north of the town of Ignacio.

To view the map of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, click on the small map.  If you wish to save the image, right click on your mouse, and "save target as" to your hard drive.