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Show must be provided with outlets to permit complete evacuation of the reservoir if necessary to satisfy the rights of New Mexico and Texas to water. Consequently, although the Platoro Reservoir would promise important recreation and fishing benefits if a permanent pool could be maintained, it is entirely possible that under adverse condi- tions it may be necessary to completely drain the reservoir, which would destroy any fish it it contained. Reservoirs operated for hydropower genera- tion, like flood control reservoirs, have marked fluctuation in water level which is accentuated in smaller lakes operated to produce power for carrying short peak loads. Reservoirs designed to provide municipal wa- ter supply require special protection from pollu- tion throughout the area surrounding the reser- voir. The most drastic measure in this respect is the complete exclusion of any kind of recreation use throughout the watershed from which such supply collects. (See Connecticut River Report in vol. 2.) Recreation values downstream from reservoirs are also affected. Maintenance of an adequate flow in streams below dams and regulation of the temperatures of these waters present significant problems. Although minimum stream flow be- low dams may be increased, discharge through the dam may not be continuous and periods of interrupted stream flow may occur. Discharge of low-temperature waters from the lower strata in impoundments may eliminate warm water fisheries for several miles downstream. In view of the great importance of sound water management for expanding recreation opportu- nity as well as for more commonly recognized purposes, it is essential that these conflicting inter- ests be recognized and that steps be taken to as- sure that full measurement of benefit from a water resources program may be realized. The solution to these problems does not depend on a backward-looking program emphasizing preservation of existing conditions. It requires a forward-looking, aggressive policy which seeks ways to enhance existing recreation opportunities, as well as the development of new opportunities, through a sound program of water management. This requires that recreation interests be consid- ered along with other interests in the planning, designing, and operation of water control projects. This may mean, on occasion, a decision not to build a reservoir at a proposed site. It may mean the building of secondary dams to provide con- stant water levels for recreationists. In a series of reservoirs, some may be designated as most im- portant for recreation, and be operated accord- ingly. It may mean establishing trout fishing in the stretch below a dam where cold water makes that possible. Release of water may be regulated to maintain or enhance downstream recreation opportunities. All these things arid others must be considered in order that maximum recreation benefits will accrue from Nation-wide water man- agement. RECOMMENDATIONS A national water resources program can con- tribute greatly to expansion of outdoor recreation opportunity. To this end the Commission rec- ommends that, with respect to the authorization of water resources programs, Congress should provide that: 1. Recreation opportunity, both present and potential, should be considered throughout the planning of water resources programs and be evaluated fully in all decisions to construct water resources projects. In densely populated areas and in regions where natural water recreation opportunities are limited, recreation use may be a controlling factor in water resources programs. 2. Planning for and development of recreation opportunities in water resources programs should be carefully coordinated with local, State, and re- gional recreation programs. Recreation devel- opments at water projects should fit into a Nation-wide pattern of recreation areas which has been determined in relation to recreation needs. This assumes the development of a na- tional recreation policy and program, neither of which now exists. 3. Suitable lands adjacent to all Federal reservoirs should be reserved and made available for public recreation use. Developments on 256 |
