 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (September 2020) |
| Grand Mesa National Forest | |
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| Location | Delta, Garfield, and Mesa counties, Colorado, United States |
| Nearest city | Grand Junction, Colorado |
| Coordinates | 39°04′00″N 107°53′00″W / 39.0668°N 107.8834°W |
| Area | 346,555 acres (1,402.46 km2) |
| Established | December 24, 1892 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
| Website | Grand Mesa National Forest |
The Grand Mesa National Forest is a U.S. National Forest in Mesa, Delta and Garfield Counties in Western Colorado. It borders the White River National Forest to the north and the Gunnison National Forest to the east. The forest covers most of Grand Mesa and the south part of Battlement Mesa. It has a total area of 346,555 acres (541.49 sq mi, or 1,402.46 km2).[1] It is managed by the United States Forest Service together with Gunnison National Forest and Uncompahgre National Forest from offices in Delta, Colorado. There are local ranger district offices located in Grand Junction.
Animals that inhabit this forest are elk, mule deer, Canadian lynx, black bears, pine marten, cougars, and bighorn sheep. Birdwatchers get a seasonal opportunity to view species of bird such bald eagles, boreal owls, golden eagles, Mexican spotted owls, common ravens, wild turkeys and peregrine falcons.
Originally called Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve, created by Benjamin Harrison on December 24, 1892, it was the third forest reserve created in United States. It is the largest flat top mountain in the world.
- ^ Table 6 - NFS Acreage by State, Congressional District and County - United States Forest Service - September 30, 2007