WSP09389

• File Number: 8111
• Description: Arkansas River Compact Administration
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 9/21/2001
• Author: Corps of Engineers
• Title: Finding-No Significant Impact - Final EIS - John Martin Dam-Reservoir Project - Lease Agreement-Transfer Management of Recreation Areas-Surface Water - Corps of Engineers to CO State Parks
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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In the Sandstone Recreation Area (Figures 2 and 4), State Parks Phase I plans call for the
construction of a protective rock breakwater jetty near the Caddoa boat ramp, increasing the
launching ramp incline of the Sandstone boat ramp for easier boat launching and recovery, and
the upgrade of existing parking areas. Phase II plans call for the development of individual
picnic sites and shelters along with the construction of two vault toilet buildings.

At the Overlook Recreation Area (Figures 2 and 4), Phase I construction includes the
development of two (2) new camping area loops with 25 campsites per loop. Each loop would
have a vault toilet building. Each campground loop would occupy approximately 15 acres.
Phase II construction includes the development of a third new camping area with a total of 50
campsites. Existing facilities at the Overlook day-use area would also be rehabilitated in Phase
II.

Access to reservoir areas west of the Waterfowl Closure Line (Figures 2 and 4) on the
north shore will remain open to the public at no charge via the Overlook access road; however,
recreationists wishing to access those areas to the west will need to stop at the new Colorado
State Parks visitor center and notifY Parks personnel of their intentions. Reservoir areas further
west would remain accessible via U. S. Highway 50 and/or Bent County Roads such as County
Road JJ.

Under this action, Colorado State Parks will charge fees according to their statewide fee
schedule for all camping and day-use within the leased recreation areas. In comparison with the
current fiscal year 2001 recreation fees, Colorado State Parks fees are only slightly more
expensi ve that the Corps' fees (Table I).

The Colorado State Parks fee schedule is uniform at all Colorado State Parks. The
Colorado Legislature has recently given the Colorado State Parks Board the authority, referred to
as the park-fee bill (HBI261), to increase user fees at the Board's discretion rather than requiring
their petitioning the Legislature. The Tabor Amendment limits annual increases of State Parks
fees to around 5 to 7 percent. The Colorado State Parks Board is considering increases to the
State Parks fee schedule for fiscal year 2002. The new HB 1261 law also allows State Parks to
establish an additional $4 'park capacity fee' for parks where the reservations fill up fast every
year.

While the Corps would continue to maintain a park management presence in Alternatives
No. 2 and No.3, the Corps would no longer hire temporary employees, a total of eight (8)
positions, specifically for that purpose. The Corps would not decrease any of their permanent or
career seasonal employees, a total of nine (9) and one (I) positions, respectively. The Corps
would also no longer require service contracts for services such as the Lake Hasty campground
hosts, trash hauling, cleaning of restrooms, or lawn mowing. The Corps service contracts are an
economic staple for several local residents and small businesses. If Alternative No.2 (Colorado
State Parks' proposal) or Alternative No_ 3 is accepted, Colorado State Parks would provide
contracts for similar services through a bid process similar to that of the Corps.

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