OCR Text |
Show B. Conflicts in Beneficial Use 1. Conflicts Between Recreation and Conservation Storage The Problem Reconciliation of conflicting objectives as to the use and preservation of basin land and water re- sources between recreation and storage reservoir use. The Situation Recreation opportunities abound throughout the Colorado River Basin. Particularly inviting are such centers as the Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks, many national monuments, the Lake Mead National Recreational Area, and similar recreation and wilderness areas. Mountain fishing streams, big game hunting, and attendant scenery add to these outstanding areas. In some instances, recre- ation opportunities are directly attributable to stor- age developments, as in the case at Lake Mead, now attracting more than a million people a year to an area formerly almost unvisited. Attractions of similar magnitude can be antici- pated at many sites yet to be developed, such as Marble, Bridge, and Glen Canyons, Echo Park, Split Mountain, Flaming Gorge, and Curecanti. The many recreational advantages of the basin will be more fully enjoyed as they become more accessi- ble through, improved transportation. Their value can be enhanced through development of other re- sources. Recreation as a major industry is of grow- ing importance. Consideration and provision of recreation Facilities are therefore essential in plan- ning the construction and operation of storage projects. Realizing; that several areas in the national park and monuments system would be directly affected by certain water control possibilities, the National Park Service is investigating and providing the Bureau of Reclamation with essential facts where water control projects and recreational develop- ments are interrelated. Likewise, basin-wide recre- ation surveys are a part of the studies and investi- gations needed in preparing plans for using the waters of the entire Colorado River system. There ar« instances where the raising of water behind dams would submerge areas of scenic and scientific value or archeological importance. In such cases it must be decided whether a reservoir in that location is more desirable than the preser- vation of these existing features. If, in the case of existing archeological features, the decision is in favor of the reservoirs, scientific surveys and exca- vation will be needed prior to construction. Similar needs frequently apply to flora and fauna. An example of the conflict of interest is the re- cent controversy relating to the Echo Park and Split Mountain Reservoirs planned for construction within the Dinosaur National Monument., It has been the contention of the National Park Service and many conservationists that these project works, by destruction of the natural scene including the combination of sheer canyon walls and Whitewater stream, would greatly impair the nationally signifi- cant cultural and recreational values of the mon- ument. The Bureau of Reclamation and other project proponents contend that through proper planning of recreation facilities, building the project will aid the general public in gaining access to scenic sec- tions of the area. Access now is by trail or over rapids. After completion of the reservoirs, access by boat to scenic spots would be relatively easy, although the scene would be somewhat changed. Following a public hearing and investigation, the Secretary of the Interior, who is charged with planning and administering both phases, resolved the conflict in favor of permitting the projects to go forward. In doing so he stated: (a) I am convinced that the plan is the most economical use of water in a desert river basin and therefore is in the highest public interest; and (b) The order establishing the extension of the monument in the canyons in which the dams would be placed contemplated use of the monument for a water project, and my action, therefore, will not provide a precedent danger- ous to other reserved areas. I note that the fossils are not in the areas of the monument proposed to be flooded and that the creation of the lakes will aid the public in gaining access to scenic sections of the Green and Yampa River canyons. Much superb wilderness within the monument will not be affected, excepting through increased accessibility. The importance to the growth and develop- ment of the West of a sound Upper Colorado River Basin program can scarcely be over- emphasized * * *. I ask the National Park Service and the 404 |