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, . ,,; 71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the put-in site for boaters for the less chal- lenging downstream stretch through Eagle- Vail and Avon. An adequate access facility is essential in this area. Possible sites for developed boat access points are the State Department of Transportation land in Eagle-Vail, the CD OW leased land near River Run, under the 1-70 bridge just past Eagle-Vail, and the US West Building at Stone Creek. There is also access to the river in Avon on Vail Associates land on the southwest side of "Bob" the Bridge. There is a road to the river, but no restroom or trash disposal facilities. It is also on private land with no guarantee of continued access availability in the future, therefore a devel- oped site in the Avon area is also desirable. Gilman Gorge No public access currently exists in this area. The Gilman Gorge has the potential for pro- viding a number of recreational opportunities such as advanced rafting and kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, hiking, picnicking and his- toric sites. Many public comments have con- centrated on this area, as people know of the recreational value and have had to trespass to use this area. Eagle County and the USFS should pursue acquiring access in and out of the Gilman Gorge for both land and on-water use from the private land owners (primarily the rail- road and the mines). The optimal access points would be somewhere around both the Red Cliff Bridge and Tigiwon Road. Continuing efforts to clean up the river in this area should be monitored and encouraged. Gore Creek: Ford Park-Confluence Park During the citizen participation process, there was a comment that it would be nice to pro- vide raft and kayak put in and takeout facili- ties at Ford Park. Most kayakers gain access to Gore Creek at the East Vail exit or on the golf course and take out downstream, gener- ally where any bridge crosses the stream. A creek access in this area should be consid- ered "if funds become available, as there is adequate parking and fairly easy access to the creek. There is a new park site owned by the Town of Vail at the confluence of Gore Creek and the Eagle River that is being devel- oped in conjunction with the Town of Vail bike path to Dowd Junction. This park site will function as a rest stop, provides access to the creek and river for fishing but will not feature a boat access area. Eagle River Parks in Red Cliff, Minturn and Eagle-Vail The Town of Red Cliff has conceptual plans to improve some land adjacent to the Eagle River for a picnic area and general access. Minturn has constructed two riverside parks, one near the cemetery and one near Eagle Street. A town/regional open space park at the southern end of town at Bolt's Lake adja- cent to the Eagle River is being pursued. Due to it's regional potential, there may be several potential improvements and partnerships opportunities at this proposed park site. Another potential site for a river park is in the downtown area as part of the redevelopment of the Southern Pacific rail yard which is expected to occur eventually. Another loca- tion that could be improved to prevent mis- use is the start of the Champion Whitewater Kayak course just north of the railyard. In Eagle-Vail, the inventory of available site along the river is small but there are some parcels that are currently undeveloped that could be explored as possible access to the river for fishing, boating and the general enjoyment of area residents. 61