Hermosa Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hermosa Creek |
|
|---|---|
The creek in Hermosa, Colorado
|
|
 Map showing the location of the river mouth in Colorado
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| Counties | San Juan and La Plata |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | San Juan National Forest 37°42′52.99″N 107°53′7.24″W / 37.7147194°N 107.8853444°W |
| River mouth | Hermosa, Colorado 6,585 feet (2,007 meters) 37°24′4″N 107°49′49.24″W / 37.40111°N 107.8303444°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Animas – San Juan – Colorado |
| River system | Colorado River |
Hermosa Creek is a beautiful stream located in Colorado, United States. It flows through two counties: San Juan and La Plata. This creek is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. Hermosa Creek eventually joins the Animas River. Its journey begins near Hermosa Peak and ends in the town of Hermosa, Colorado.
Protected Areas Along Hermosa Creek
Most of Hermosa Creek runs through the San Juan National Forest, a large protected area. This forest helps keep the natural environment safe.
In 2014, a special law was passed by the United States Congress. This law was called the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act. It was signed by the president to become official.
This important law created two special zones to protect the creek and its surroundings:
- The Hermosa Creek Special Management Area
- The nearby Hermosa Creek Wilderness
Much of the creek and the land around it are now part of these federally protected areas. This helps keep the creek and its wildlife safe and natural for everyone to enjoy.
How the 416 Fire Affected Hermosa Creek
In 2018, a large wildfire known as the 416 Fire occurred. This fire burned thousands of acres of land around the Hermosa Creek watershed. A watershed is the area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or creek.
Before the fire, Hermosa Creek was well-known for its very clear and clean water. However, the fire caused a lot of damage to the land. When rain falls on burned areas, it can cause more soil to wash away. This process is called erosion.
Because of this erosion, the creek's water has been greatly affected. It is no longer as clear as it used to be. The fire changed the natural environment around the creek, impacting its water quality.
