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<br />002745
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<br />EXECUTNE SUMMARY
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<br />which would be more costly and cause greater impacts to the area, particularly in
<br />terms of wetlands loss. .
<br />
<br />Included in the expansion proposal are several modernization elements which would improve the
<br />facility from a public safety standpoint and add to the efficiency of the water delivery system. They
<br />include:
<br />
<br />. An early warning alarm system for both the main and saddle dams
<br />. Remote, off-site operational control of the reservoir
<br />. An electric power line as a reliable energy source
<br />
<br />Other benefits include:
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<br />. Guaranteed releases to maintain in-stream flow rights and enhance in-stream flows
<br />
<br />. A fisheries pool to maintain viable fish populations and maintain the recreational
<br />opportunities at the reservoir
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<br />. The redesign and relocation of Granite Campground
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<br />. Control of flows through Puppy Dog Lake and subsequent rehabilitation of the
<br />channel
<br />
<br />The Routt National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, 1983 (Forest Plan) identifies the Fish
<br />Creek Reservoir, and the area surrounding the reservoir, as a lOE management prescription area.
<br />The "lOE" land management prescription provides for the management of municipal and supply
<br />watersheds. The purpose of and need for the Proposed Action is consistent with the Forest Plan,
<br />as are the alternatives identified and described in subsequent sections.
<br />
<br />THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
<br />
<br />Fish Creek Reservoir is located on the Routt National Forest, four miles south of Buffalo Pass, in
<br />Routt County, Colorado. Fish Creek and Fish Creek Reservoir serve as the primary municipal
<br />water supplies for both the City and Mt. Werner. The reservoir presently covers approximately 90
<br />surface acres and has a water storage capacity of approximately 1,842 AF. The reservoir has twO
<br />earthen dams, the main dam and a saddle dam. Both dams are classified by the State as "Class A,
<br />High Hazard", since dam failure could cause extensive property damage, and possibly, the loss of
<br />life. During spring runoff and high flow periods, a spillway routes water through a small lake, called
<br />Puppy Dog Lake, located below the saddle dam. The reservoir is operated manually, on-site by City
<br />personnel. Operation of the dam is limited seasonally, due to difficult accessibility caused by heavy
<br />snowfall.
<br />
<br />The Upper Middle Fork of Fish Creek and. Granite Creek provide water to the Fish Creek
<br />Reservoir. Access to the reservoir is seasonally limited and generally takes place during July through
<br />October of each year. Recreation activities at the reservoir, and within the immediate area, include
<br />fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, biking, and viewing scenery. The reservoir and surrounding
<br />landscape are characterized by rocky outcrops, and the area vegetation includes large stands of mixed
<br />conifer forest, interspersed with open, upland meadows and montane wetland areas. In addition to
<br />the expanse of water provided by the reservoir, many smaller bodies of water are in the area such
<br />as wetlands, creeks, ponds, and lakes, including Summit Lake, Dinosaur Lake, and Long Lake.
<br />
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<br />September 1993
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<br />Page S.}
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