WMOD00432

• Title: Colorado River Augmentation Demonstration Program - Finding of No Significant Impact
• Date: 9/1/1985
• Weather Modification - Doc Type: Report

placed below the top of the mesa, out of usual viewing range, and
the low-level' noise produced for the short periods of time they
are in operation would not be heard for any distance. The lower
than usual flight path of the plane could be disturbing to some
cross-country skiers. However, the total flying time is estimated
to be only 40 hours per month, and the recreational use of the
area is primarily on weekends, so the potential conflict would be
limited and not a significant impact.

11. Social and Economic Considerations

The principal industries in the area are related to agriculture
and recreation/tourism, with a minor segment in the coal and oil
shale industries. The Grand Junction area has experienced periods
of rapid growth, based chiefly on the work being done on energy
resources. The 1980 census shows a 50 percent population increase
over 1970 in the Grand Junction urban area. With a recent decline
in available work in the oil shale industry, that growth rate is
no longer sustained and a population loss has occurred. The
Cedaredge area showed a 1970 to 1980 population increase of 103
percent. This area continues to grow, with an economy based on
agriculture (chiefly fruit and livestock feed production),
recreation-oriented businesses, coal mining, and people relocating
for retirement.

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The principal economic activity on Grand Mesa in the area of the
proposed project, recreation/tourism, occurs predominantly during
summer and fall. Hunting of deer and elk is an economically
important activity in the fall. The Forest Service receives reve-
nue from firewood permit sales, timber cutting and range revenues,
and recreation fees for use of campgrounds.

A local office of nine people is presently maintained year-round
in Montrose, of which six are government employees and three are
contractor employees. Two additional seasonal employees would be
added during the winter.

Impacts. - The very limited scope of program activities,
taking place primarily during the winter, and the minor amounts
of increased precipitation from the research program would not
decrease National Forest activities, affect local access to
recreational areas, nor change local recreational, social, or
economic patterns. No significant change would occur in local
businesses or community services.

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