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Show The Flaming Gorge Storage unit has two principal functions - development of water resources in the Upper Basin by providing long-term storage for regulation of the flow of the Green River and generation of electrical energy. Revenues from the sale of power will be used to help pay construction costs of the dam, reservoir, powerplant, and switchyard, and to assist in repayment of irrigation costs of participating irrigation projects. Recreation Facilities During the past recreation season visitation at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area continued to set new records. By Labor Day weekend the number of visitors to the area had exceeded the total for all of 1966. Labor Day visitation brought the year's total to 1,051,000 persons as compared to about 974,000 for the entire previous year. By the end of September, 1,147,000 persons had visited the area, with a total of 1^4 million expected by the end of 1967. The three-day Independence Day weekend - the busiest of the year - found 91,000 recreationists enjoying the scenery and facilities offered on the scenic lake. The two Visitor Centers located in the area - the Forest Service's Red Canyon Visitor Center and the Center at the dam operated jointly by the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and Forest Service - have drawn large numbers of enthusiastic crowds. One of the largest single attractions in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area has been the self-guided tour provided by the Bureau of Reclamation through Flaming Gorge Dam and powerplant. In 1967, at least 66,000 persons had toured the dam and powerplant by the end of September. The number had increased to 68,000 by October 29 when the area was closed to visitors for the season. Cooperative Efforts of National Park Service and Forest Service The National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service have cooperated closely in developing recreational sites on Flaming Gorge Lake. Recreation facilities have been developed at Lucerne Valley, Antelope Flats, Buckboard Crossing, Squaw Hollow, Firehole Canyon, Dutch John Draw, Cedar Springs and Sheep Creek, where boat ramps and picnic and campground areas are available for public use. Concession facilities have been made available at Lucerne Valley and at Cedar Springs. In addition, several campground and overlook areas have been developed near the reservoir in the Ashley Forest. Additional basic facilities will be established in these and other areas as the need arises and funds become available. 97 |