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Show Conclusions (1) Although early construction largely elim- inated other migratory fishes, shad fisheries have recovered markedly below Holyoke during the last few years. Fishway experiments at Holyoke to extend the area of shad fisheries therefore should be expedited, and suitable fishways for the pro- posed dam at Enfield should be included in plans for that project. Consideration should be given to fisheries' needs at all other dams likely to conflict with rehabilitation of desirable fish species in the Connecticut. (2) Pollution abatement would improve the habitat of the river and should be carried out to the fullest practicable extent. (3) Reservoirs wherever possible should be mul- tiple-purpose and operated in such a way as to pro- vide a downstream flow of water necessary to meet minimum requirements for the desirable species. (4) The demand for warm water game fish will continue to increase with population growth in the region, and with increased leisure and organized recreation. New reservoirs created in the basin can contribute to increased fishing opportunities if con- sideration is given to this interest from the earliest stages of structural and operational design. Fishery management should be a part of reservoir operation and maintenance. 5. Principles for Planning and Construction of Facilities in Areas Previously Dedicated to Scenic, Recreation, and Historical Values The Problem Principles applying where previously accepted values of a scenic, recreation, or historical nature exist and are in conflict with the planning and construction of water developments. or more State parks, and several of the cities have developed a municipal system of parks. The problem of adapting conservation storage reservoirs to recreational uses is one of growing im- portance because of the increasing demand on the part of the general public for the type of facilities that can be provided at such projects. Considera- tion must be given to the effects on recreational interests in the selection of project sites, the estab- lishment of reservoir operating levels, and the deter- mination of methods of operation. The historical values of some areas or sites are considered by the local people to be inviolable. In addition, important archeological remains are in localities likely to be the sites of water projects. Plans for further development must consider fully the values attached to regional and national his- torical significance of such sites. Conclusions (1) Locally significant, scenic, or recreation values within the Connecticut Basin should give way to water developments if the latter are found to serve the national interest better. (2) Full consideration should be given to pos- sible recreation uses in the planning and operation of reservoir projects, in such a manner that the basin as a whole will be a developed recreation asset to the region. (3) Projects that conflict with sites proven to have national or regional historical significance should be deferred as long as equally feasible alter- native projects are possible. Final determination should be on the basis of highest beneficial use. It is recognized that beneficial use includes nonmon- etary intangible values as well as tangible values. Should it be determined that significant archeolog- ical sites must give way to water projects, provision should be made for recovery of representative col- lections from such sites before they are flooded. The Situation With a dense population in the New England States, recreation facilities and opportunities are in great demand. The only scenic and recreation facilities in the basin being administered by the Fed- eral Government are those of the Forest Service in parts of the White Mountain and Green Mountain National Forests. State and local government units provide the major portion of the available recrea- tion areas. Each of the four States operates three 6. Weight To Be Given Recreation When in Con- flict With Other Water Uses The Problem Reconciliation of increasing recreational needs of the basin with other water use programs. The Situation The demands for recreation opportunities in the basin are intense and are increasing. This is 499 |
