9417

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9417
• Author: U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Title: Final Environmental Assessment
• USFW Year: 1998.
• USFW - Doc Type: Acquisition and Enhancement of Floodplain Habitats along the Upper Colorado, Green, and Gunnison Rivers as part of the Recovery Program for Endangered Colorado River Fishes.
• Copyright Material: NO

Responses to Comments

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D. Comments Received on tbe Draft Environmental Assessment, and Responses to Comments

Comments Received

City of Rifle

1. That the program will not, in any way, interfere
with the future construction of a pedestrian and
bicycle trail along the Colorado River, and that
the land and easements obtained will specifically
permit this use, as well as permitting unlimited
pedestrian access to the Colorado River.

2. That as indicated in the Environmental
Assessment, water rights and the release of stored
water for agricultural and municipal uses will not
aversely be affected by this program.

3. That any physical modification to the
floodplain within five miles of Rifle will not be
made until the City of Rifle is given an
opportunity to comment on the specific
modification.

4.That to the extent reasonably possible, the
program will not adversely impact agricultural,
scenic and wildlife resources along the corridor.

.lOur authority to acquire these easements is
limited to provisions that are directly related to
fish recovery. I
.IWe cannot spend additional mohey to purchase
public access rights, because I they are not
necessary for recovery of the ~ndangered fish
(although allowing public access i~ not considered
a threat to the fish). .
.IUnder the easements publio access would
remain under the control of the private
landowners. :
.IWe are willing to explore any trail alternatives
with the City of Rifle, or other third parties, to
insure the two programs are compatible whenever
possible.

.IThe scope of this acquisition and habitat
enhancement program does not impact water
releases or water rights.
.IThe proposed action does not include the
acquisition of water rights.
.IThe proposed action will not call for releases of
stored water.

.IThe project commits to coordinate with the City
of Rifle prior to any floodplain modification
within five miles of the City.

.IThe program expects to benefit scenic and
wildlife resources along the corridor.
.IWithin easement boundaries, flooding under the
easement may reduce the productivity of some
agricultural land. This could only occur if a levee
is breached.

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