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3030 reconnaissance level. The significance of wetlands impacts by changes to Ft. Lyon Canal operations, if any, must be reviewed on the ground by agency personnel on a case by case basis. The extensive irrigation and return flows, both underground and surface affect the Arkansas River channel ecology. In addition to sustaining river channel wetlands, the return flows bring nutrients to the river fishery. The river bottom-lands are home for the full range of plains wildlife. The river bottom-lands provide recreational, fishery, and scenic benefits to the community. 3.11 Aesthetics Prior to the canal construction, the area of the Ft. Lyon system was undoubtedly the same arid, high plains as now exist north of the canal. Close to the river there would have been typical plains river bottom ecology. As early as 1898 the Colorado State Engineer advocated state promotion of irrigation systems because of multiple benefits to the beauty of the land as sell as to its productivity. The construction of the irrigation ditches, laterals, and reseIVoirs would result in seepage which would nourish fruit, ornamental and other trees and shrubs. Since the construction of the Ft. Lyon system, stately cottonwoods parade along the ditch, and congregate where the waters are available. Farmsteads have planted evergreen and deciduous vegetation for wind protection, to control soil erosion and for scenic purposes. The typical plantings of grasses, alfalfa, corn and wheat supported by irrigation make the countryside bloom and remain green nearly year round. 3.12 Water Oualitv Water quality in the lower Arkansas River generally deteriorates as it travels downstream primarily due to the use and reuse of the water supplies for agricultural purposes. Average dissolved solids loading and water quality data at stream gauge stations on the Arkansas River are presented in Figure 3.2. While state water quality standards are not applicable to ditch systems, standards do exist for lakes, including Adobe Creek and Horse Creek ReseIVoirs, John Martin ReseIVoir, and the Great Plains ReseIVoirs. Standards also exist for the Arkansas River mainstream and its tributaries in the Ft. Lyon area. The Current classifications which have been established by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission are: Arkansas River: Recreation Class 2, Aquatic Warm Water Class 2, Water Supply, and Agriculture Horse Creek: Recreation 2, Aquatic Warm 2, Agriculture Horse Creek ReseIVoir: Recreation 2, Aquatic Warm 1, Agriculture Adobe Creek: Recreation 2, Aquatic Warm 1, Agriculture 3-16