Laserfiche WebLink
determining both the quantity and quality of recreation at the reservoir, and in extreme cases <br />low water can make some facilities such as boat ramps unusable. <br />Trash problems and downstream safety hazards were mentioned as presently existing. Fencing <br />the downstream edge of the diversion dam will reduce public exposure to a dangerous situation. <br />The increased presence of people working in the area of the fish passageway may deter some <br />people from using the land as a dump. <br />Consultation and Coordination <br />A full EIS was requested on the long-term water contract mentioned in the EA. One person <br />cited skepticism about reports cited in the EA because they were government reports <br />(government regulatory-generated science), and another cited skepticism because the reports <br />were generated by PhD's. Another reviewer suggested that more coordination of analyses and <br />data sharing is needed among agencies. One reviewer complained about the short amount of <br />time available to review the draft EA and another about the lack of notification of people about <br />the availability of the report. Another reviewer suggested that reports on the monitoring and <br />progress of the project be made available to the public. <br />Monitoring of the interim agreement will provide data on the need for and effects of a long-term <br />water contract. A decision on whether an EIS will be needed will be made at that time, but it <br />is recognized that this is a possibility. Concerning references cited, the best available <br />information was utilized. All reports put out by the Recovery Implementation Program must be <br />peer-reviewed by three professional scientists before they are published in final form. There are <br />no peer-reviewed academic reports that contradict the information or conclusions referenced in <br />the EA. Reclamation agrees that coordination with agencies and other organizations is becoming <br />increasingly important. Operation meetings, held three times a year, have been a good start at <br />this because all affected parties have input into operating plans. We expect this type of <br />cooperation to continue to increase. The time allowed for review of the draft EA--over 30 days-- <br />is standard and exceeds requirements. The draft EA was sent to over 300 parties who have <br />expressed interest in the proposals and was further discussed at public meetings in Gunnison and <br />Grand Junction. <br />Public involvement activities on Gunnison River activities will continue and reports made on <br />monitoring and progress on proposals in this EA and on other activities. All reports will be <br />public information. <br />56