WSP08976

• File Number: 7630.225
• Description: Wild and Scenic-Elk River
• State: CO
• Date: 4/1/1978
• Title: Elk W and S River Study-Public Meetings and Comments-Apr 78-Elk River Study to be Discussed-Elk Wild and Scenic River Information
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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ELK WILD AND SCENIC RIVER INFORMATION

On January 3, 1975, Congress directed the Forest Service, along with the
Colorado Water Conservation Board, to study the Elk River above Clark
for possible inclusion in the national wild and scenic river system.
The study team has determined that the river is eligible on the basis of
outstandingly remarkable recreation and scenery values. It has also
established the most restrictive classification for each segment of the
river.

1. El iqi bil ity

A. The Elk River and its main forks above Hinman Park are eligible
on the basis of outstandingly remarkable scenery and recreation.
The river offers a wide variety of recreational activities of par-
ticularly high quality, in a lovely setting, and it draws more than
half its recreational use from out of the State. Its scenery is
remarkable compared to other rivers in the immediate area, and
other rivers in the Rocky Mountains.

B. The Elk River from Hinman Park to the Colo. 129 bridge near
Glen Eden was found to be eligible on the basis of outstandingly
remarkable recreational values. A wide variety of recreation is
available in this area including high quality fishing, horseback
riding, snowmobiling and enjoying the scenic drive.

II. Classification

Based on criteria in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the river was
determined to have a most restrictive classification of:

North Fork from the Source to Diamond Park. . . . . . . .Wild
Diamond Park to the confluence with the main stem. . . . Scenic
South Fork - source to confluence with main stem. . . . .Wild
Main Stem - confluence Gold and Gilpin Creeks to the
Hinman Park Bridge. . . . . . . . . Scenic
Main Stem - Hinman Park Bridge to Colo. Highway
129 bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Recreational

At this point in the study the team must create alternative classifica-
tions for the river and consider the effects each of these classifications
wi 11 have on:

1) National Economic Development
2) Environmental Quality
3) Regional Development
4) Social Well-being

In order to consider the effects of the alternatives, the team has
developed a list of various items which may be affected by classification:

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