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001690 Revised Supplemental Draft Environmental Assessment-Chapter 3-Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences For comparison purposes, the BLM's estimates about 32,213 recreational boaters annually used Ruby Canyon in 2003, just downstream from Lorna. The 25 mile-long Ruby Canyon is of Class I and Class II difficulty. Immediately downstream from Ruby Canyon, a total of 13,790 commercial and private boaters used Westwater Canyon in 1998. Whitewater boating in Westwater Canyon' is controlled by a permit system administered by the BLM. Depending on flow conditions, the rapids in the 16 mile-long canyon rated at Class II, Class III, and Class IV (telephone conversation with BLM- Moab, UT, and Grand Junction, CO, 3/19/2004). Also for comparison, the commercial use figure for Glenwood Canyonwas 43,146 in 1997. About 90 miles upstream from Palisade, Glenwood Canyon is popular for whitewater boating, with Class II and Class III rapids (telephone conversations with BLM, 2/17/99). During the peak tourist season, more than 100 commercial rafts put in each day, and the many access points provide a variety of take-outs along this 20 mile stretch of river (Wheat, 1983). Despite the lack of whitewater boating opportunities in the Grand Valley area, it is likely that recreational boating use in the area could double in 5 years (telephone conversation with BLM-Grand Junction, 02/18/2004). Over the past several years, BLM has documented an annual increase in usage at Lorna Point between 16% and 20%. River recreational use would be enhanced by many related activities planned by various entities in the Grand Valley. The Colorado Division of State Parks developed a riverfront park near Fruita, Colorado and the Colorado Riverfront Commission has ongoing efforts to improve the river corridor. In 2001, Reclamation entered into a contract with the Citie~ of Grand Junction, Fruita, and Town of Palisade to deliver water for municipal recreation uses that also benefit endangered fish. The Western Association To Enjoy Rivers (WATER) has become active in pursuing a . whitewater park at the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam. The Town of Palisade has expressed an interest in submitting a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Grant application for funding to support development of white water features below the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam as described in the Downstream Rock Fish Passage with Whitewater Features Alternative (see page 15). WATER envisions constructing a world class whitewater park below the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam. However, this is contingent on obtaining funding and access easements from properties owned by E.R. Jacobson and CDOT. The whitewater park could include public access to the park from Highway 6, restrooms, established put-in and take-out sites, trails and other amenities. The Whitewater Park is not included in any of Reclamation's alternatives and is discussed further in the cumulative impacts section ofthis chapter. Impacts No Action: If no action is taken, the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam would remain a dangerous barrier to river navigation, and portaging around the dam would involve trespassing. River recreation would continue to increase, and local boating enthusiasts predict significant growth of river recreation and day use. Increased recreational boating is expected to occur whether or not any action is taken to provide fish passage at the . Price-Stubb Diversion Dam. However, the opportunity to extend the river corridor 31