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the ability of Colorado to fully develop and place to consumptive beneficial use its <br />compact entitlements. <br />b. Whether the Whitewater Course is Located in the Appropriate Reach of <br />Stream for the Intended Use. <br />District's Position: The Gunnison Whitewater Park is intended to be an "urban" <br />whitewater park - conveniently located to the City of Gunnison, and easily accessible <br />from Highway 50. Such parks are increasingly popular with those who wish to engage in <br />recreational pursuits without traveling long distances. (See Exhibit F: "While the quest <br />for whitewater playspots once meant mandatory journeys to distant canyons, a new breed <br />of urban whitewater parks is allowing enthusiasts to paddle before, after and even during <br />work;" testimony of Gary Lacy and Mark Gibson.) Moreover, the pazk's proximity to <br />Western State College, as discussed above, makes it ideally suited for the college's <br />popular outdoor recreation programs. (Testimony of Mark Gibson.) <br />Gary Lacy has concluded that Gunnison Whitewater Park will attract boaters from <br />beyond the immediate vicinity as well. (Exhibit C.) His experience as an avid kayaker <br />indicates that the park will be very popular because of its flow rates, water quality and <br />easy access from many other communities in the region. (Id. ) <br />The entire Gunnison region is a popular outdoor recreation site; the nearby Black <br />Canyon of the Gunnison attracts tourists from throughout the nation and the world. The <br />area also boasts beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers where a variety of outdoor activities <br />are enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. (Testimony of John DeVore.) The whitewater <br />park is expected to be a desirable addition to the existing outdoor recreation <br />opportunities, and to provide a recreational amenity to a wide variety of users and skill <br />levels. (Exhibit C; Testimony of John DeVore, Gary Lacy, Mark Gibson.) The course <br />will be suitable for special events and nighttime use as well. (Exhibit C.) <br />The location is also the most suitable gradient for the whitewater course. When <br />the whitewater park was first contemplated, various "urban" sites were considered. The <br />Gunnison River levels off considerably as it moves west from the City of Gunnison, and <br />the gradient further west was not suitable for a whitewater park. The selected reach was <br />chosen because it met Mr. Lacy's suggested gradient requirements. (Testimony of Gary <br />Lacy; John DeVore). <br />In sum, the reach is appropriate because it is an easily-accessible location near to <br />the City of Gunnison, it has an appropriate gradient for an exciting whitewater <br />experience, and can be installed, operated and maintained by the County without undue <br />difficulty. (Testimony of John DeVore.) <br />The water rights for the whitewater park can be adequately administered and <br />measured through the proposed reach, as the existing Gunnison River at Gunnison <br />streamflow gage is located in close proximity to the reach. (See Exhibit A.) <br />8