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There is also concern that a take-out in the immediate vicinity of the fish passageway could <br />disturb fish entering the river; but, according to the Service, this concern only exists within a <br />reach less than 100 feet from the passageway. <br />In summary, the Redlands Diversion Dam would remain a very real safety hazard to boaters; <br />but the fish passageway proposal would not aggravate the situation nor would it preclude future <br />options for safe river use. <br />Trespass cited previously will not be affected unless enforcement activities are increased. The <br />appearance of the area will change substantially as gravel mining operations by others begin <br />upstream under all alternatives. Fencing of the immediate area of the passageway will reduce <br />use of the dangerous area immediately downstream from the Redlands Diversion. This will also <br />direct boat portagers who may be trespassing to put their boats in downstream at a safer distance <br />from the dam's currents (approximately 50 feet further downstream). <br />The fish passageway and associated fencing will be another human development introduced into <br />the visual landscape. It is located in the immediate vicinity of a pumping plant and the diversion <br />dam so the new structure will be compatible with existing uses, but it will be noticeable. <br />Revegetation efforts will help reduce any visual impacts, and the presence of more people <br />working in the area will hopefully reduce vandalism and trash dumping. Additional river flows <br />in the 2.3 mile reach downstream from the diversion in dry periods will be beneficial from an <br />aesthetic standpoint. <br />Summary and Environmental Commitments <br />In summary, the primary effects of the proposed actions under Alternative A will be to allow <br />native fish to move into habitat that has been blocked for almost 80 years. River flows <br />downstream from the Redlands Diversion Dam will be improved in low water periods to the <br />benefit of aesthetics, fish and wildlife, and recreation. The proposed actions are expected to <br />have a beneficial effect on the Colorado squawfish and the razorback sucker. Water rights will <br />not be affected, but water supplies could be affected in very dry years. The Aspinall Unit has <br />provided water supplies through normal operating releases to water users in western Colorado <br />for nearly 30 years-these benefits would continue through operational considerations under <br />Alternative A, lesser so under Alternative B, and would be reduced under Alternative C. On <br />a long-term basis, no significant losses in annual hydropower production and associated revenues <br />are anticipated due to proposed changes in release patterns of the interim agreement. <br />The following environmental and social/economic commitments are included in the proposals: <br />• Minor wetland losses that occur will be replaced through special plantings in the vicinity of <br />the impacts. <br />37