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preclude the use of the floodplain for livestock grazing, hay production, agriculture, or recreational activities. Only during spring runoff when the floodplain becomes inundated would activities need to be curtailed, which is already the case throughout the Upper Basin except where there are levees that prevent flooding. There will be some years when no flooding occurs and some years when flooding may last for up to one or two months. On average, high flows last for approximately two weeks out of the year, usually during Mayor June. On acquired lands, any activities that would interfere with floodplain inundation would not be allowed. On lands where landowners allow levees to be breached, the Program will take the measures deemed necessary to maintain existing levels of flood protection for adjacent non-participating landowners. Where levees are breached, annual flushing by high flows are expected to remove accumulated salts and renew soils. An ancillary benefit from acqUIsItIon and reconnection of floodplain habitats to the rivers would be flood control, which would protect floodplain land use. In acquired areas, water would be allowed to disperse onto the floodplain instead of being contained in a "channelized" river that would overflow its banks and result in damage to non-acquired areas (e.g., agricultural lands and residential areas). On lands acquired by the project, proposals to develop within the floodplain (including oil, gas, and mineral development) would need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If the proposed development were compatible with endangered fishes and their habitats, and if the title holder does not object to the proposed development, then the development could be allowed. On lands which are not acquired, development would continue as before in accordance with existing local regulations and zoning ordinances, Gravel mining that is done in a manner that would enhance floodplain habitats for the endangered fishes would be allowed, possibly even encouraged. Proposals to mine gravel on acquired lands could result in mutually beneficial arrangements for the gravel company, the landowner, and the endangered fishes, I I I I I I I I I I I I J 1 I 1 J I J The project will assist in allowing water development to continue within the States of Utah and Colorado. Achievement of sufficient progress towards recovery of the endangered fishes allows the Recovery Program to serve as the reasonable and prudent alternative to permit continued development of the States' Upper Basin compact entitlement. The project could have a posItIve impact on tourism. Many tourists are drawn to areas that offer recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, boating, rafting, bird watching, nature trails, etc., and attractive environments usually result in pleasurable experiences, which often keeps tourists coming back for more. With the exception of fishing, recreational activities are not believed to be hannful to endangered fishes, and would be allowed where approved by the landowner. Fishing regulations throughout Colorado and Utah already require releasing endangered fishes which are inadvertently captured while fishing for sport-fish species. During certain times of the year on some of the acquired lands there may need to be fishing restrictions to prevent disturbance to endangered fishes. Under either alternative, it is the landowner who would ultimately decide whether or not to allow access for recreational activities. Under both alternatives, population growth would be expected to continue as projected within project areas. There is no reason to expect that protection and enhancement of floodplain habitats would limit human population growth for affected cities or counties. In some parts of the country, setting aside open space has been viewed positively, as a way of improving the quality of life. Healthy rivers III - 4