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<br />SUllUllit DWY News for Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper and Frisco Colorado - Sports <br />.. . <br />Valley Journal <br />Colorado Alive <br />Grand Junction Free <br />Press <br /> <br />000689 <br /> <br />Page 2 of3 <br /> <br />and having the potential for world-class whitewater competitions and events," the study concluded. <br /> <br />When properly designed, drop structures can provide paddling and surfing challenges over a wide range <br />of flows, Bangert said. <br /> <br />Second go-'round <br /> <br />It's not a new idea, but because of the increasing popularity of kayaking, it could be one idea whose time <br />has arrived. Nearly 20 years ago a similar effort was made, but it failed, said Bangert. <br /> <br />"Twenty years ago people weren't ready to listen, and kayaking wasn't big enough," he said. "Now the <br />time has come." <br /> <br />The early efforts failed because the drop structures built to create waves in Eagle-Vail and Avon weren't <br />properly constructed and didn't work, Bangert said. The idea to try it again grew out of a conversation <br />several months ago between Avon Mayor Ron Wolfe and Councilman Brian Sipes. <br /> <br />Part of the conceptual plan calls for development of put-in and take-out access points and areas for <br />parking, too. <br /> <br />An added benefit of the project would stem from the increased attention the river would receive. <br /> <br />"Because there would be more attention on the river, it would raise awareness," said Caroline Bradford, <br />executive director of the Eagle River Watershed Council, a river watchdog group. "It's a terrific idea." <br />Studies conducted elsewhere on similar river recreation projects seem to show it helps the fishing, too, <br />said Bill Perry ofFlyfishing Outfitters in Avon. <br /> <br />"By adding structure to the river you increase the habitat and holding capacity for fish," he said, adding <br />that fish in some stretches of the river could be protected by catch-and-release regulations. Perry also said <br />he believes the proposal could become an economic generator for the county's economy. <br /> <br />Avon, East West Partners and Vail Resorts - all of which own land along the river - contributed the <br />$5,000 for the initial study, said Brooks. <br /> <br />The proposal will receive a public airing June 14 when the Avon Town Council discusses the particulars <br />of the project. <br /> <br />"You're going to be hard-pressed to find people who don't like the idea of enhancing the river," Brooks <br />said. "It's more than a recreational park. It covers everything from flyfishing to aquatic life and health to <br />inner tubing and boating. It's a much broader thing." <br /> <br />Staff Writer Cliff Thompson can be reached at 949-0555, ext. 450, or cthompson@vaildaily.com. <br /> <br />RELATED ARTICLES <br /> <br />June 6, 2005 - Longo shows that Vail victories weren't so long ago <br />June 6, 2005 - June snowshoe trekking a true adventure <br />June 6, 2005 - Kelly, Hilleke survive the gauntlet <br />June 6, 2005 - Jackson fam dominates kavak rodeo <br />June 5, 2005 - June snowshoe trekking a true adventure <br />June 4, 2005 - Racers go red after muddy Teva trail runs <br />June 2, 2005 - VW SDonsors free pet adoptions during Teva Mountain Games <br />June 2, 2005 - Teva Mountain Games nightlife highlights the mountain lifestyle <br /> <br />~ BACK .&. TOP OF PAGE <br /> <br />Privacy Policy I Advertise I Contact Us I Archives I Classifieds I Subscribe I Site Map <br /> <br />http://www.summitdaily.com/artic1e/20050602/SPORTS/50602025 <br /> <br />6/6/2005 <br />