8089 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The Redlands Diversion Dam is a barrier to uninterrupted river travel, and boaters must currently trespass on private property to take out or to portage around the dam. To legally use the private property, permission is required from the private landowners but trespass currently occurs. There is no public take-out at the present time. The diversion dam represents a very significant safety problem to boaters who approach it too closely. Despite this, boaters continue to use the river and sometimes take their craft out of the water on the privately owned east bank of the river a short distance upstream from the Redlands Diversion. The Redlands Diversion Dam property is fenced and posted against trespass. Based on the current density of vegetation as one moves upstream, the easiest "take-outs" probably occur within 200 feet of the diversion dam. There is no developed take-out location and the presence of the diversion immediately downstream leaves little room for error. The west side of the river at the Redlands Diversion Dam location is BLM land; however it has never been developed.for a boating take-out, and carrying craft out of the river there is more difficult and dangerous due to steeper banks and the presence of the Redlands Canal intake. Agencies and organizations familiar with the lower Gunnison River generally agree that a safe public take- out is needed somewhere upstream of the Redlands Diversion Dam. It is also recognized that an "emergency" (last chance to exit river) take-out is needed close to the dam. Several agencies and organizations are working toward a solution for these needs. Although the Redlands Diversion Dam site is posted and gated, there continues to be illegal trespass immediately downstream from the diversion. Uses include fishing, swimming, shooting, and "partying." There have been several drownings at this location in the past due to the strong currents. The Redlands Diversion Dam is located near the lower end of a wide canyon, with scenery dominated by the river, sandstone cliffs, and cottonwood groves. The area has potential for being a very attractive natural area within the city of Grand Junction; however, the general area has problems with vandalism, illegal trash disposal, and overall misuse by trespassers. The Gunnison River and its fringe of riparian vegetation is attractive from most locations. Extreme low flows during dry summers detract from its appearance, but overall the river remains a positive part of the visual landscape. Impacts Recreational use of Blue Mesa Reservoir will not be seriously affected because changes in reservoir content will not be significant (see Table 4 and Appendix L). In some dry periods such as shown in 1990, content would be reduced noticeably by the end of the year. Recreational use of the Gunnison River downstream from Crystal Dam would benefit in dry years as flows would be supplemented in the summer months. In very dry years, water available for recreation in Blue Mesa would be reduced. The National Park Service has indicated that when 400,000 acre-feet content (see Chapter 2, Interim Agreement) is reached, recreation problems occur in the recreation season (mid-April through October). Better forecasting and 35