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<br />000532
<br />
<br />increased over 260% as shown in Figure 3.2. There are approximately 34,000 annual visitor-use days for
<br />the lower Fryingpan River. .
<br />
<br />Figure 3.2. Outfitter/Guide Service Days Used on the Fryingpan River from 1987 through
<br />2000.
<br />
<br />1200
<br />1000
<br />Ul
<br />1;' 800
<br />c
<br />8 600
<br />'S;:
<br />~ 400
<br />II)
<br />200
<br />o
<br />~ ro'b roOJ p,,1\) p,," p,,"" p,,"-' p,,'" p,,<':> p"ro ~ p,,'b p"OJ ~I\)
<br />"OJ "OJ "OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ,,OJ ~
<br />Year
<br />
<br />
<br />I_ Service Days Used I
<br />
<br />In large part, information is lacking to determine how dependent local economies are on recreation at
<br />Ruedi Reservoir and the Fryingpan River. To supply information on effects of recreation on local
<br />economies, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, in cooperation with the Colorado River Water Conservation
<br />District and the Ruedi Water and Power Authority, is conducting a multi-year study ofthe types,
<br />distribution, and effects of recreational activities in the Fryingpan River Valley between the reservoir and
<br />Basalt. Results of this study are expected in late 2002.
<br />
<br />Available information, however, suggests that past endangered fish releases have not significantly
<br />affected either the Basalt economy, the outfitter/guide industry in the area, or long-term user preferences
<br />for this area. In addition, the information suggests that local economies are composed of, and driven by,
<br />more significant factors than those associated with localized recreation activities, and this segment of the
<br />economy may have less influence in comparison to other economic forces in the Roaring Fork Valley,
<br />such as real estate. At this time, given past trends, there are no indications that the above conclusions are
<br />unreasonable.
<br />
<br />No Action Alternative
<br />
<br />Grand Valley. illJP beneficiaries would probably not be able to provide late season irrigation for row
<br />crops this year. Flood irrigating to overwinter orchards and vineyards would be limited, at best. HUP
<br />beneficiaries would potentially lose substantial amounts of row crops for 2002, and could potentially lose
<br />orchard and vineyard stands in addition. Orchard and vineyard losses, in most cases, would represent
<br />years of care for these stands while they grew to fruit-bearing maturity.
<br />
<br />Roaring Fork Valley. The Fryingpan River, due to flow regulation of Ruedi Reservoir, should provide a
<br />high quality, consistent fishing experience through October. No impacts to fishing experience would be
<br />expected because flows are anticipated to be less than 250 cfs. Consequently, no impacts on the area
<br />economy are expected as a result of No Action during 2002, other than those effects associated with low
<br />reservoir levels. If 2003 inflows are similar to 2002 inflows, continuing low reservoir levels and the
<br />limited availability (30-45 days) of boat ramp access at Ruedi would be expected to continue to
<br />negatively impact visitation and visitor spending in the Roaring Fork Valley in 2003.
<br />
<br />22
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