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152n SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS AND ISSUES . the planning and new visitor recreation facilities will replace aging structures currently in place. However, it is expected to take at least two seasons to complete the razing and reconstruction of these facilities. During that time access for recreation most likely will be impaired. There is also concern that some of the loss in shoreline, beaches and fishing access may not be replaceable. However, increased shoreline shallow areas will increase fish spawning areas to benefit anglers. More boatable water is likely to result in higher usage and higher operational costs due to increased visitor numbers. Aside from the lake itself, higher release rates from Pueblo Reservoir might inundate recreational facilities below the dam and most likely will affect the tailwater fishery. Turquoise Reservoir Enlargement It has been stated that this may be the most controversial of the alternatives because of the potential to decrease river flows below the Otero Pump Station. Recreational use of Turquoise itself, like Pueblo, may be impaired and at least will change, as access to facilities is affected during construction. While travel over the dam during construction activity will be halted, access around the lake will still be available. Nevertheless, there will be a loss of use of facilities during razing and reconstruction and likely a short-term negative effect on fishing during construction. It may be expected that more people will shift to Clear Creek Reservoir for lake fishing during the construction phase. Turquoise Lake is a relatively unproductive fishery due to current low nutrient levels and the steep sides which limit spawning areas. As with most lake fisheries, there should be a temporary improvement in fishing after enlargement. A significant question from a socioeconomic standpoint is who is responsible for the cost of restocking if siltation from construction damages the fishery. Lake Meredith Enlargement Among the concerns voiced about recreational impacts are questions about the potentially greater loss of fish through water releases, whether greater storage would increase fishery productivity, and whether an increase in recreational use because of enlargement would change management needs and/or the responsible agency. A larger reservoir would make it more popular for goose hunting and increased recreational activities at Meredith would be likely to help the economy of Crowley County. The also may be a recreational and economic benefit from the recreational use of the water on the way to Meredith. Gravel Lakes Storage Public access for recreation on proposed gravel lakes will depend upon who the owner of the property is. Gravel lakes are seen as potential highly valued amenities as fishing holes for youth and as picnic areas. The can be ideal lakes for fishery management, having significant depth and less weed production. It has been stated that providing such amenities for locals would produce good public relations beyond their use as water storage. Of course, using gravel lakes for water storage and management means they can be very low and perhaps even empty at times, impacting their use as a fishery. Nevertheless, agreement exists among those interviewed that gravel lakes are seen as a positive addition to the currently rather limited recreational resources in the lower valley. Williams Creek Reservoir The type of recreational uses will depend on whether the reservoir is used for terminal storage or effluent storage as well as the operating schedule. The effect of operating Williams Creek Reservoir on flood tolerant species in the riparian area is a concern that has be mentioned. . . . Page 3 0110