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With the recommended peak fish flows, riparian vegetation would probably be reduced along the river in the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge due to scouring, while in the lower river this would probably occur to a lesser extent and cottonwood regeneration would benefit. Backwater and oxbow-type wetland maintenance would benefit from increased spring flows. Changes in wildlife habitats and vegetation have not been analyzed in detail. Endangered species, in addition to the endangered fish, that are directly supported by the Gunnison River flow regime are the bald eagle and southwestern willow flycatcher. Effects have not been analyzed; however, there are no readily apparent significant impacts. Recreation and Public Safety Blue Mesa Reservoir is the center ofthe Curecanti National Recreation Area and provides recreation to over 1 million visitors annually. Activities include boating, fishing, sightseeing, and hiking. Because of difficult access, Morrow Point and Crystal receive far less use. Water levels atBlue Mesa Reservoir are a significant factor in the recreation experience both from an aesthetic and a fishery standpoint. Generally, higher reservoir levels are more conducive to recreation. aesthetics, and fish production. Throughout most of the recreation season, the flow recommendations would reduce average water surface elevations by 4 to 8 feet. On very infrequent occasions, reservoir levels could be more than 30 feet lower than under baseline conditions. The National Park is a major tourist attraction with sightseeing being the most popular activity. The Black Canyon is one of the nation's foremost wild canyons, with canyon walls rising precipitously 2,000 or more feet above the Gunnison River, Most recreation activity occurs along the canyon rims; use of the inner river canyon is limited by difficult access and dangerous conditions. Fishing use of the river in the Park is concentrated near the eastern end which is accessible by vehicle. Floating through the Park is limited to a small handful of people annually and is very technical and dangerous. The river can be crossed by wading at 300-500+ cfs to give anglers easier access in the canyon. The slight increase in minimum flow periods under the flow recommendation model runs would allow more frequent river crossing, but overall no significant effect on recreation in the Park would be expected under any of the model runs. The Bureau of Land Management manages the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area downstream of the National Park. River access, while still limited, is easier and rafting and fishing are major activities. The Gold Medal fishery and remote canyon setting provide a unique recreation experience. Optimum wade fishing occurs at around 700-800 cfs, with 300-1,500 being good. Optimum raft fishing is around 800 cfs, with an acceptable range of 600-1,500 cfs. Recreational rafting and kayaking have a wider range of boatable flows. Flows of 600 to 1,800 cfs provide a very high quality experience. Below 500 cfs the river becomes more technical and dangerous; above 5,000-6,000 cfs the river becomes very dangerous. Days with flows under 500 cfs would decrease from approximately 22 percent of the time to 21 percent during the March-November recreation season with a minor recreation benefit. High flow days, with flows above 5,000 cfs, would approximately double, reducing river related recreation. 12