WSP12275

• File Number: 7630.075
• Description: Wild and Scenic-Colorado River
• State: CO
• Date: 6/3/1988
• Title: Wild and Scenic Rivers-Colorado River-Ruby Canyon-Corres Reports etc 1988-Proposed Ruby Canyon Withdrawal
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C 20240

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2310 (322)

APR i~32

Memorandum

To:

Assistant Secretary - Land and Minerals Management

From:

Director, Bureau of Land Management

Subject:

Petition/Application for the Withdrawal of Public Lands for the
Protection of Scenic River and Recreation Values Along the Colorado
River

We request your approval to file an application to withdraw approximately 7,871
acres of public land and/or public minerals from operation of the public land
laws, including the mining laws, but not the minerai leasing laws for a period
of 5 years to protect the Ruby Canyon segment of the Colorado River. Your
approval would temporarily close this land for up to 2 years while various
studies and analyses are made to support a flnal decision. This proposal would
also provide for the Inclusion of any prIvately owned lands withIn the boundary
of the withdrawal which mIght be reconveyed to the UnIted States at a future
date.

The area proposed to be withdrawn Is the Ruby Canyon Corridor, a 20-mlle reach
of the Colorado River which runs from Grand Junction, Colorado, to the Utah
border. The Utah State Office Is proposIng a similar withdrawal In Westwater
Canyon which adjoins Ruby Canyon west of the Colorado-Utah border. Both areas
are Included In a Wild and ScenIc River Study Area presently being considered
by Congress. Portions of the same area are also beIng considered for
wilderness designation. The protection of the Wild and Scenic River study
terminates April 26, 1988, leaving the canyon open to mInerai location and
entry and other uses incompatible with the scenic and recreation uses.

This corridor provides outstandIng scenery based on steep and massIve land
forms, vegetation patterns, water, colors, and minimal cultural modification.
Erosion has exposed colorful, massive cliffs, stair-stepping benches, and
spectacular geologic features, such as spires, wIndows, and amphitheaters.
ThIs hIghly scenic canyon offers unique opportunities for prImItive recreation.

The Grand Junction Resource Area Resource Management Plan recommends Intensive
recreation management of Ruby Canyon to maintain the scenic and recreational
values. The Scenic River designation Is supported by the Colorado
Congressional Delegation, the Mesa County Commissioners, the Western River
Guides Association, and the corridor's recreation users, who are urgIng
Congress to enact legIslation to protect this stretch of the Colorado River and
close It to all other uses.

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