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Other streams that may be suitable for special management and use include sections of the Little Snake and Yampa Rivers. In addition to its potential as a recreational river, the San Juan may offer an outstanding opportunity to provide open space from Shiprock to Navajo Dam in New Mexico. Anticipated land use changes along the San Juan consisting of industrialization, irrigation, residential tracts and riverfront campgrounds, when completed, would erase much of the potential for preservation of open space along this river. Although it lacks some of the spectacular features of better known streams and is bordered by private meadows, Tomichi Creek is located in a pleasant pastoral setting and offers a suitable environment for recreational purposes. This and many other free- flowing streams that may have recreational value should be studied further for possible inclusion in a state system of scenic and recreational waterways. The opening of domestic water supply reservoirs to restricted recreation use would further increase water-oriented opportunities. This could benefit local recreation use and help satisfy an unquantified need. Water impoundments in the Upper Colorado River Basin provide recreational opportunities of national significance. Any alteration in the management of existing impoundments or stream flows to provide water for energy development, must consider the impact such altera- tions may have on existing recreational use patterns. Reservoir and stream management alternatives should be developed that will maintain or enhance the existing recreational opportunities where possible. New water impoundments for energy development should be planned to provide additional recreational opportunities where needed. The overriding objective of plan formulation and evaluation at all levels is to reflect and measure society's preferences for alterna- tives. With respect to the rivers identified by the Congress and/or the appropriate Departmental executives, a plan to preserve the free-flowing values of the river is a reasonable alternative during the multiobjective planning process. This situation is also true of the specific river reaches identified above. Based on the widespread interest in free-flowing rivers and the potential for litigation when the wild river alternative is not considered, it may be advisable to formulate and evaluate a non- structural alternative plan whenever structural development of a western river is planned. 52