WSP10826 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

co CHAPTER II PROBLEMS AND NEEDS . _.J C"') C'J Fish and Wildlife and Recreation Excellent hunting and fishing in the White River Basin, as well as nonconsumptive enjoyment of the abundant wildlife, attract visitors from every State and from foreign countries. Many local residents derive income by providing accommodations, goods, and services for visiting sportsmen. There are demands to improve and preserve the quality and use of the fish and wildlife resources in the project area. There is a need to pre- serve and improve big game winter ranges and to protect wildlife migration routes. Civilization is continuing to encroach on available wildlife hab- itat,and critical big game winter range is gradually being lost or lowered in value by expanding agricultural, industrial, and urban use of the land. There is pressure to set aside lands in the vicinity of Oak Ridge and Lake Avery and along the White River's South Fork for wildlife habitat preser- vation and improvement. Preservation of riparian habitat is also desirable to maintain the diversity of game and nongame species found in the project area. The fishery needs in the project area are not clearly defined at this time. Preservation of the existing high-quality stream fishing is one of the major problems facing the area. Public use of the high-quality fish- ery of the White River above Meeker is limited by the predominance of pri- vate lands bordering the stream, especially along the North Fork, the lower South Fork, and the mainstem above Meeker. This problem will become more acute in the future as urbanization spreads along the valley. It may be possible to improve the fishing or to extend game fish waters further down- stream by supplementing the low flows and controlling the high-scouring flows, by improving water quality and temperature, and by providing more public access to the stream. The present poor fishery in Milk Creek could be upgraded by increasing the low flows and improving the water quality. There is a need to maintain or improve the habitat for endangered fishes in the Green and Yampa Rivers, of which the White River and Milk Creek, respectively, are tributaries. More data are needed to determine the extent of such fish and their actual habitat requirements. The pattern of continually increasing water-oriented outdoor recrea- tion in the West seems likely to continue. Although the existing water areas do meet most of the current recreation demand, this is not expected to be the case in the future. The demand in the general area is continu- ing to grow at an accelerating rate while the supply is remaining rela- tively constant. The demand will increase even more rapidly if population influxes with expanding industrial development occur as anticipated. The Upper Colorado Region Comprehensive Framework Study indicates an increas- ing need for additional water-based recreation opportunities in the w~st- central portion of Colorado. Potential water-based recreation needs for this area include boating, canoeing, waterskiing, swimming, fishing, and the assocated activities such as camping, picnicking, and sightseeing. 18