OCR Text |
Show 9. Uniform Policy on the Development of Recrea- tion Facilities in Reservoir Areas The Problem The desirability of having associated recreational facilities with all reservoir developments in the Columbia area undertaken on Federal initiative, and of undertaking all developments with recrea- tion as a coordinate purpose. The Situation There are two aspects to this problem: lack of enabling legislation for some of the development agencies and conflict in meeting the objectives of all functions in the operation of a single reservoir. The Corps of Engineers has for several years been authorized to plan and install various facilities for recreation in multiple-purpose reservoirs. This also permits purchase of lands needed to round out these recreation developments. Under it, the Corps has successfully developed water recreation on a number of its reservoirs, adding greatly to pub- lic values derived from them. Many individuals have profited financially. Counties and other local governmental units near reservoirs are beginning to feel the assistance brought by this activity to the community. Recognition of the recreational possibilities has attracted enthusiasts from out- side the State in which the reservoir is located. Present Corps of Engineers projects in the Colum- bia Basin regard recreation as an important aspect of development. In contrast, the Bureau of Reclamation does not have such general authority. Consequently the communities and the public in those parts of the basin near some Bureau of Reclamation projects may be deprived of benefits which could be real- ized. In practice, however, recreation develop- ments have been undertaken at some Bureau of Reclamation reservoirs, like Grand Coulee, by agreement with other agencies having recreational responsibilities, like the National Park Service. De- velopment by special authorization also is possible. But these alternatives do not permit the flexibility in planning given the Corps of Engineers, and in the past development has been largely limited to outstanding sites. Conflict among functions is occasioned by fluc- tuating water levels. Draw-downs of water for any purpose may expose mud flats which are undesirable for many reasons. Although some recreational adaptations can be made, draw-downs make access to the water surface difficult and beaches normally are impossible. Docks must be built in deep water, interfering with access to the surface, and also creating hazards for those using the facilities. The operation of a reservoir to maintain a con- stant level is not always possible. Irrigation de- mands for summer water are heavy, and although recreation can be an important use and considered in the operating plan, it cannot be given a dominant position where these water developments are involved. This situation might be met in some reservoirs by diking off a portion of an upper arm of the reservoir so that a constant water level will result. Such con- struction would permit the development of beaches, swimming facilities, and the use of small craft. It would also provide running water in which the fishing resources could be enhanced. Conclusions In the interest of a balanced development of the basin, both regionally and functionally, the recrea- tional potentialities of multiple-purpose reservoirs should be recognized by: (1) providing legislation for all developing agencies along the general lines contained in the 1944 Flood Control Act,18 and (2) including in all authorizing legislation provisos for recreational development and management. In carrying out these actions, it should be recog- nized that costs incidental to recreational develop- ment are incurred for the public at large, and should not be charged against other functions. D. Unified Operation 1. Need for Additional Legal Provision for Coordi- nated Development The Problem Difficulties of integrated operation of a power system in the Columbia River Basin under present legal authority. The Situation Integrated operation of a system of power dams, some constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation 18 Act of December 22, 1944, § 4, 58 Stat. 887, 889, as amended, 16 U. S. G. 460d. 64 |