WSPC179 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

001558 Chapter 3 - Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences information is available regarding river use within the Grand Valley; the BLM estimates about 2,000 users annually recreate on the river between Palisade and Lorna. For comparison purposes, the BLM estimates approximately 9,000 recreational boaters annually use Ruby Canyon, just downstream from Lorna. The 25-mile-Iong 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 is controlled by a permit system administered by the BLM. Depending on flow conditions, the rapids in the 16-mile-long canyon are rated at Class II, Class III, and Class IV (telephone conversations with BLM-Moab, UT, and Grand Junction, CO 2/4/99 and 2/19/99). Also for comparison, the commercial use figure for Glenwood Canyon was 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 and 2/19/99). 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). River Difficulty Classes Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V Easy. Riffles and small waves. Novice. Easy rapids with waves, Intermediate. Large waves, obstacles. Advanced. Long, difficult rapids. Expert. Nearly impossible to run. - from the Internet web page of Colorado State Parks River Safety 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 (Grand Junction BLM and Reclamation recreation specialists, February 1999). River recreational use will be enhanced by many related activities planned by various entities in the Grand Valley. The Colorado Division of Parks is developing a new riverfront park in the Fruita area and the Colorado Riverfront Commission has ongoing efforts to improve the river corridor. Reclamation is working with the Cities of Grand Junction and Fruita and the Town of Palisade to supplement Colorado River flows to benefit recreation, aesthetics and endangered fish habitat. The Colorado Riverfront Commission is investigating the feasibility of constructing water parks at four locations between Palisade and Fruita (Riverbend, Com Lake, Watson Island, and Old Fruita Bridge) to enhance whitewater boating in the area (Recreation Engineering & Planning, 1999), In February 1999, the Colorado Riverfront Commission applied for Legacy Project funding from Colorado Lottery proceeds for water parks at two of these sites: Riverbend Park (Town of Palisade) and Watson Island (City of Grand Junction), The water parks would involve constructing instream structures to create drops, pools, and constrictions for water craft and spectator enjoyment. The funding requests for the instream improvements total $936,000 and specify: "The grant request is . . . matched by a portion of the upstream Price-Stubb , . . project . . . This element would also be one of the justifications for additional water flow from Green Mountain Reservoir during late season low flow periods." (Colorado Riverfront Commission, 1999), Funding was also requested for other improvements at Riverbend Park, including 26