<br />As discussed elsewhere in this chapter, land use suitability, natural resource sensitivity and recreational
<br />amenities must be considered in determining appropriate locations for access points, facility development and
<br />other actions that influence the level of recreational use.
<br />
<br />Land Use ~
<br />The YRMP should be compatible with other City plans
<br />and land use goals, and should address new development
<br />occurring adjacent to the river. Achieving this compatibility
<br />is complicated by the variety of land uses located along
<br />the river. In many places, existing land use is compatible
<br />with current recreational uses, In other areas, such as
<br />residential areas, conflicts from noise and trespassing occur
<br />during peak use periods, Land use conflicts also result from
<br />heavy use around highly popular areas, such as some of the
<br />"play holes" where crowding and parking problems have Vicw toward Tree Haus Subdivison
<br />cmerged,
<br />
<br />
<br />Other issues have resulted from the continuation of development along the river, In some areas, adjacent
<br />land uses have resulted in the channelization of the Yampa River and a reduction of the adjacent floodplain,
<br />wetland and riparian areas, Though federal regulations prohibit the destruction of wetlands, current City
<br />regulations do not limit development in riparian and floodplain areas, provided the building is elevated above
<br />the base flood level and the required 50-foot setback is maintained,
<br />
<br />Aquatic Habitat ~
<br />In much of the study area, the natural condition of the
<br />Yampa River has been dramatically altered from its natural
<br />state. Channelization, riprap, diversions, dams and other
<br />man-made features have altered the hydrological regime
<br />of the river and its floodplain, affecting both aquatic and
<br />terrestrial habitat
<br />
<br />
<br />As development in the study area continues, threats to water
<br />quality increase, Non-point sources, such as stormwater,
<br />presently enter directly into the river, Floodplain areas City-owned open space on far bank
<br />that act as a filtering system for the river continue to be
<br />lost In addition, a number of tributary drainages converge within the study area. Upstream uses along these
<br />drainages influence water quality in the Yampa, Finally, natural and accelerated erosion continues along the
<br />banks of the Yampa, adding sediment and further reducing water quality.
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<br />Terrestrial Habitat Y
<br />The protection and enhancement ofthe natural environment
<br />along the river is a primary planning objective, The
<br />impact of increasing recreation levels on the river's natural
<br />environment is slowly becoming apparent Informal
<br />trails, invasive weeds, trash, dog feces and human activity,
<br />including residential and recreational development, affect
<br />the habitat of the river. The level and extent of human
<br />activity may also affect sensitive wildlife habitats that
<br />support a wide variety of species, including big game
<br />and small game species, as well as numerous non-game High water in spring time above City
<br />amphibian, mammal and bird species, including critical
<br />raptor nesting and roosting sites.
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<br />III. Planning Objectives
<br />
<br />To guide development of the plan, the following planning objectives were defined:
<br />
<br />1. Provide an enjoyable and safe experience for all river users
<br />
<br />Establish appropriate levels and distribution of public and commercial use,
<br />Improve access points along the river.
<br />. Educate river users about appropriate use and safety,
<br />Provide opportunities for a variety of recreational experiences,
<br />
<br />2. Conserve and enhance the natural habitat along the river
<br />
<br />Improve water quality in the river,
<br />Conserve and restore important aquatic and terrestrial habitats,
<br />Manage fish populations and control undesirable fish species in the river as per Colorado Division of
<br />Wildlife (CDOW) guidance,
<br />Preserve, promote and improve the diversity of native vegetation, and encourage the re-establishment of
<br />native plant communities through the control of exotic plant species, particularly invasive weeds.
<br />Preserve and enhance the water quality and quantity of tributaries and other flows into the Yampa River,
<br />Promote the education of public and users about the values of conservation and enhancement of natural
<br />habitat along the river.
<br />
<br />3. Establish a monitoring program to continuously evaluate the health of the river corridor
<br />
<br />Establish indicators and standards to monitor the condition and quality of terrestrial and aquatic habitats,
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<br />VI
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