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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I figures to the public, and be used to assess data on a broad watershed basis. EPA Grants are available to initiate GIS Studies. The Alamosa River Watershed Coordinator can perform management of the GIS database and system. The Alamosa River Watershed is a unique watershed. It has unique watershed challenges concerning mining impacts, naturally high metal concentrations in the river, and high sediment loading and depositional problems. On the other hand, the watershed has a wonderful uniqueness. It provides water and livelihood for many families. The watershed contains diverse ecosystems that range from desert scrub land to high alpine tundra. It contains a wide range of biological diversity and contains habitat for several Threatened and Endangered Species, including Lynx. The watershed has the ability to improve and to be a special recreational resource to the local community. There should be a watershed animal grazing plan for Alamosa River. It is common to have cattle wading directly in the river in the lower portions of the watershed. Animal grazing has been recognized by the Alamosa River Watershed Restoration Program as a source of water quality problems. Funding for fencing animals away from the stream has already been identified, as a water quality protection need. Improper grazing practices promote water quality problems by increasing sediment loading, reducing streambank stability and reducing riparian vegetation, and increasing erosion. Direct discharge of animal waste creates bacterial and possibly nutrient problems. Numerous BMPs need to be identified and implemented on grazing areas adjacent to the Alamosa River such as buffer strips and fencing. Programs with monetary incentive to eliminate or improve animal grazing near rivers should be explored. 3-13