Mexican Cut
The Mexican Cut Nature Preserve is a series of wetlands and ponds located in a subalpine spruce-fir forest (Picea engelmanni and Abies lasiocarpa) and alpine tundra in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, USA. The ponds vary in size, substrate, hydroperiod and acid neutralizing capacity (ANC). The tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum) living in the ponds and surrounding uplands have two adult forms of paedomorphs and metamorphs.Local rumor is that the Mexican Cut was named for the Mexican miners who lived in the Elko or Schofield townsites and worked in the mines. Bob and Scottie (Ruth) Willey initiated the process of acquiring the water rights for the ponds at the Mexican Cut and convinced the Nature Conservancy to purchase the mining claims in the 1960's and 1970's.
Scientist and students must have permission to visit the Mexican Cut. Casual sight-seers are not allowed. Authorized visitors will be given a pass to carry with them. For more information call 970 349 7231.