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<br />-..; -~ <br />.- <br /> <br />sinuosity, reduce width/depth ratios, remove dikes, expand and rehabilitate the <br />floodplain, and stabilize banks with a combination of hard rock toe structures and soft <br />bioengineering techniques. Another major component of this project will be the <br />construction of a reliable and safe irrigation diversion. The majority of the 10 or 12 <br />irrigation diversions along the North Fork currently plow up temporary gravel dams in <br />the river and divert the whole river into the diversion channel. Water that is not decreed <br />to the ditch is later siphoned offback to the river. This practice destabilizes the <br />streambanks, destroys fish and wildlife habitat, and adds a substantial amount of <br />sediment to the system. This project will construct a low-head rock diversion weir in the <br />channel and a permanent concrete head gate at the point of diversion to meter water at the <br />river instead of in the ditch. It will eliminate the need for bulldozers in the channel and <br />allow for the natural stabilization of streambanks through riparian vegetation. It will also <br />increase in-stream flows, conserve water, improve water quality, allow for upstream <br />migration of fish and the safe passage of recreational boats. The project is being funded <br />by a large and diverse group of private foundations and public agency partners. <br /> <br />The organization is also in the process of developing a watershed action plan and vision <br />statement that all parties with interests in the river can buy into. The Association is now <br />reaching further into the community to bring together representatives of Town and <br />County governments along with private landowners, irrigators, gravel and coal miners, <br />environmentalists, and agency representatives from the Forest Service and Bureau of <br />Land Management to develop a collaborative approach to finding common ground. <br />However, there are still many unanswered questions to be resolved. This application will <br />delve into a proposed study plan to provide solutions to these problems. <br /> <br />1.1 Conceptual Planning <br /> <br />This application is for assistance toward a reconnaissance study for long-term <br />maintenance of proper riverine function as well as existing irrigation facilities in the <br />North Fork of the Gunnison River. A wide range of ideas and alternatives will be <br />considered to build on the information already established and act as a foundation for <br />subsequent studies. <br /> <br />1.2 Nature of the Planning Process <br /> <br />A technical advisory committee was established in 1996 to assist and advise the North <br />Fork River Improvement Association in technical and planning matters. That committee, <br />which meets approximately 4 times a year, is made up of representatives of the following <br />agenCIes: <br />. Environmental Protection Agency <br />. Natural Resources Conservation Service <br />. Army Corps of Engineers <br />· State Soil Conservation Board <br />. US Geological Service <br />. US Forest Service <br />. Bureau of Reclamation <br />