Laserfiche WebLink
<br />'t ... <br /> <br />Al1emarives EliminaJedfrom Considerarion <br /> <br />Comment 11: "Cost effectiveness of the alternative of more extensive land retirement to <br />achieve water quality objectives should again be examined in view of changes in crop <br />production patterns and values and changes in land uses occurring within the project area <br />since 1984." (Clark) <br /> <br />Response 11: Extensive land retirement was proposed and examined for the 1984 FRIFES. <br />A series of alternatives, some of which included retiring 8,000 to 12,000 acres of land, were <br />formulated, studied, and presented to the public for their input. A brief discussion of <br />eliminated alternatives has been added to the" Alternatives" chapter. Alternatives involving <br />land retirement were emphatically opposed, especially by the water users. Specific concerns <br />were the reduction of and damage to the agricultural nature of the valley, destruction of the <br />rorallifestyle, reduction in number of .taxable properties, and effects of a permanent loss of <br />water to presently irrigated lands. Authorization for the Unit is for lining the east side canals <br />and laterals, and does not allow re-examination of alternatives determined to be infeasible. <br /> <br />Land and Water Use <br /> <br />Comment U: "Location of habitat replacement properties should take into consideration the <br />impact it could have on adjacent landowners with higher concentration of wildlife next to <br />cropped areas. . . . if land is purchased for habitat along the Uncompahgre it would conflict <br />with the use of the land for livestock in the spring of the year. We would encourage you to <br />strongly consider habitat replacement areas downstream of project to eliminate these <br />problems." (UVWUA) <br /> <br />Response U: If replacement land was historically used for livestock production, this use <br />would change to accomplish habitat replacement goals. It is intended for habitat replacement <br />lands to be acquired from willing sellers, and for development plans to be coordinated to <br />reduce land-use conflicts. Our fIrst priority would be for areas along the Gunnison River <br />that border the project area. <br /> <br />Comment 13: "The EA should identify how a water supply will be assured to sustain <br />wetland mitigation." (Clark) <br /> <br />Response 13: This will be a major factor in determining whether or not candidate <br />replacement areas should be acquired. Any water rights needed would be acquired in <br />accordance with State water law. <br /> <br />Comment 14: ". .. under the East Side Laterals Project, no additional lands under the <br />[Uncompahgre] project can be irrigated. The last paragraph on page 10 states that <br />'conversion of upland habitats to wetland sites by use of irrigation water' will be considered. <br />Does this mean under the Uncompahgre Project?" (UVWUA) <br /> <br />34 <br />