WSPP287

• File Number: 8240.200.49.J
• Description: Colorado River Threatened-Endangered - RIPRAP - Price-Stubb Fish Passage - Environmental Studies
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 12/1/2004
• Author: DOI-BOR
• Title: Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact - RE- Providing Endangered Fish Passage at the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam on the Colorado River - 12-01-04
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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Final Environmental Assessment-Chapter 3-Affected Environment and
Environmental Consequences

Valley; the BLM estimates about 2,000 users annually recreate on the Colorado River
between Palisade and Loma.

For comparison purposes, the BLM's estimates about 32,213 recreational boaters
annually used Ruby Canyon in 2003, just downstream from Loma. 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 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). 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).

Table I-River Difficulty Classes

Class I
Class II
Class III
Class IV
Class V

-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 (telephone conversation
with BLM-Grand Junction, 02/1812004). Over the past several years, BLM has
documented an annual increase in usage at Loma 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 Cities
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 (W.A.T.E.R.) has become active in pursuing a
whitewater park at the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam. The Town of Palisade submitted a
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Grant application for funding to support development
of whitewater features below the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam as described in the
Downstream Rock Fish Passage with Whitewater Features Alternative (see page 16).
W.A.T.E.R. and the Town of Palisade envision constructing a world class whitewater
park below the Price-Stubb Diversion Dam. However, this is contingent on obtaining
funding and access easements and permission from properties owned by the Union

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