8089 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

However, the dam is considered to be non-contributing to the historic nature of the complex due to extensive rehabilitation and modifications with modem materials. Cultural resource and paleontological sites are found around the shoreline of Blue Mesa Reservoir and are exposed during periods of reservoir drawdown. The National Park Service has an active program of recording and investigating these sites as part of their management of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Impacts The proposed fish passageway and interim water agreement would not directly effect the historic qualities of the diversion dam or its operation because: 1) a number of modifications and additions have been performed at the dam since its construction, some since the site was first recorded in 1983; and 2) construction of the passageway will not interfere with any features of the site nor is the design incompatible with the setting. The passageway would change the appearance of the east side of the dam, giving the area a more "developed" and less "rural" appearance. The Colorado Historical Society has concurred in Reclamation's fording that the project would have no adverse effect on the Redlands Complex. Cultural resource surveys have revealed no other sites in the areas to be disturbed. Cultural and paleontological sites around Blue Mesa Reservoir are not expected to be significantly affected under the proposal. Reservoir drawdowns expose these sites under existing conditions and this would be expected to continue. Recreation and Visual Resources Existing conditions Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National . Monument and the Gunnison Gorge are significant state and national recreation areas, providing boating, fishing, and other uses. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument was established in 1933 for the preservation of the spectacular gorges and additional features of scenic, scientific, and educational interest. River flows and reservoir elevations affect the quality of recreation in these areas. The Gunnison River between Delta and Grand Junction is used by motorized and non-motorized boaters. Recreational floating occurs in the summer months. There is also some fall and early winter floating associated with hunting. The river is accessible upstream at Whitewater and a 1 day float can be made between that point and the Redlands Diversion Dam. If access to enter the river at Whitewater and to take out of the river upstream from the Redlands Diversion were improved, boating use would likely increase. 34