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<br />. . <br /> <br />Wlthdrawll,Uor Protectlo.!l....Q.LScenlc/Recreaj.lon Y~!\I~~ <br /> <br />The Grand Junction Resource Area Record of Decision (ROD, January 1987) <br />recommends the Black Ridge Canyons Area (74,000 acres) for wilderness <br />designation. Ruby Canyon of the Colorado RIver which forms the northern <br />boundary of the Black Ridge area was not recommended for wilderness to minImize <br />management conflicts with motorIzed boat use. The Ruby Canyon corridor <br />proposed for protective withdrawal will be managed according to the ROD as an <br />intensive recreation management area to maintaIn Its scenic and recreational <br />values. The ROD Identified mineral withdrawal to provide for the protection of <br />these values. <br /> <br />Political interest In the management of Ruby Canyon Is very high. The proposed <br />national scenic designation Is supported by Congressmen Wirth and Campbell, the <br />Mesa County Commissioners, the Western River Guides Association and the <br />corridor's recreation users. The River Front Commission In Grand Junction, <br />Colorado, also supports protective management of the corridor to enhance <br />regional tourism based on development of a scenic and recreational river <br />corridor from Grand Junction to the state line. <br /> <br />BLM has determined the river corridor setting provides outstanding scener). <br />based on steep and massive land form, vegetation patterns, water, colors (soll, <br />rock, vegetation) and minimum cultural modifications. The Colorado River in <br />the corridor has eroded through six sedimentary strata and scoured out <br />pre-cambrian granite on the northern terminus of the Uncompahgre Plateau. <br />Erosion has exposed colorful. massive cliffs, stair-steppIng benches and <br />spectacular geologic features such as spires, windows and amphitheaters. The <br />reddish-hued formations are accentuated by greenish stands of pinyon-Juniper on <br />the corridor's side slopes and by riparian vegetation (giant cottonwoods) of <br />the canyon bottoms. <br /> <br />This highly scenic river corridor enhances opportunities for primitive <br />recreation such as float boating (No. 1 canoeing stretch In Colorado), hiking, <br />wildlife viewing, geologic study, photography, and general nature study. The <br />river corridor provides the major access to the 7 major tributary canyons (2 <br />have total canyon mileage over 20 miles) of the Black Ridge Canyons proposed <br />wilderness area. <br /> <br />082$ <br />