| OCR Text |
Show the reservoir below the existing Currant Creek Feeder Canal Diversion Dam. A minimum bypass of 5 c. f. s. or the natural flow of Currant Creek, whichever was instantaneously smaller, would be maintained. Most stream flows would be passed provided there was capacity available in the Strawberry Aqueduct to convey them to Strawberry Reservoir. This improvement would result in an estimated gain of 2,000 man- days of fishing. Stream fishing losses would occur because of reservoir inundation and reduced flow. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife has estimated these losses to be 9,100 man- days of fishing. Some adverse esthetic impacts would be associated with construction activities and clearing of the reservoir basin. It is planned to obtain most of the embankment material for the dam from the proposed reservoir basin. However, some material would be obtained below the dam which would leave some permanent landscape scars. A potential materials site above the reservoir has been abandoned and equivalent borrow material would be obtained from sources near Soldier Creek Dam, Most of these excavated areas should be responsive to restoration. However, there would be about 8 miles of relocated and new road construction to the site of the dam and the proposed recreation facilities which would result in some permanent landscape scarring. The old road location would also be visible. Access to this area would eventually be provided over a proposed Forest Service road from Heber City. Whether the esthetic alterations caused by construction of the Currant Creek Dam and Reservoir would all be adverse is questionable depending upon the tastes of the observer. A stabilized reservoir in an attractive setting although foreign to the natural landscape, would be attractive to many viewers. The Forest Service anticipates a need for campsites sufficient to accomodate about 250 family units. Facilities to launch as many as three boats at a time would be provided at this reservoir. Other planned facilities include picnic areas, a swimming site, access roads, drinking water and sanitary facilities. Construction of the facilities necessary to achieve beneficial recreational impacts would have an environmental cost. Additional native vegetation would be removed. The wilderness atmosphere of the area would be reduced. Exotic and more tolerant species of vegetation would be introduced. Shoreline vegetation would receive particularly heavy use. Utilization of the area by people 225 |
