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<br />of overall environmental impacts, as well as its compatibility with the existing character of the <br />property and surrounding areas. <br /> <br />2. Consideration of a parking area - currently, there is no legal motorized public access to the <br />BLM property nor is that indicated in any future planning. The South Main Development will <br />provide the closest parking. <br /> <br />3. Not incorporating the BLM property into the river park plan. This option, obviously the <br />easier and less problematic, was discarded because the best planning for the future is to <br />encourage safe, organized access to this area of the Arkansas River. This area will soon have <br />new residents as a result of the South Main Development, as well as an increased number of <br />visitors coming to enjoy the extended river park's attractions. <br /> <br />NEED FOR THE ACTION: The BLM has received an application for use of a small parcel of <br />public lands in conjunction with development on the adjacent private lands. There is a need to <br />respond to this application. <br /> <br />The proposed development of the BLM land is needed to successfully complete the whitewater <br />park. The configuration of the river corridor is such that the exact placement of white water <br />structures is critical to the function of the Whitewater Park. Without the utilization ofBLM land <br />the lower whitewater structures would not function properly. The development of the trails on <br />BLM land would allow for the completion of a loop trail. The popularity ofloop trails with the <br />public is paramount. The lower trail would also serve to allow kayakers to return to the top the <br />whitewater park and begin their recreational experience again. The location of the river take-out <br />on BLM land is the most feasible location with respect to the natural features of the river <br />corridor. <br /> <br />PLAN CONFORMANCE REVIEW: The Proposed Action is subject to and has been reviewed <br />for conformance with the following plan (43 CFR 1610.5, BLM 1617.3): <br /> <br />Name of Plan: Royal Gorge Resource Management Plan <br /> <br />Date Approved: 05/13/96 <br /> <br />Decision Number: 1-59, 1-82, 1-84, 1-86 <br /> <br />Decision Language: All uses will be equally considered in analyzing proposals. <br />Recreation will be managed to provide for a variety of recreational opportunities and settings. <br />Recreation will be managed intensively in the special recreation management area. Various <br />actions will occur to enhance recreation, river corridor and upland recreation opportunities <br />emphasizing a balance between resource protection and tourism. <br /> <br />Name of Plan: Arkansas River Recreation Management Plan Revision <br /> <br />Date Approved: 01/19/01 <br />