7281 ‎(2)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7281
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Title: Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Environmental Assessment, November 1987.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

CHAPTER III AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
H. Recreational Boating
The distinctive geography and diverse nature of the riverine area, with its
high mountain streams and meadows, steep canyon walls, placid river reaches
and reservoirs, turbulent rapids, and desert scenery make the Upper Basin a
popular boating area. Aside from reservoir boating, canoeing, kayaking, and
jet boating, this area includes some excellent whitewater rafting areas. The
Lodore/Split Mountain area on the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam, the
Yampa River from Deer Lodge Park to its confluence with the Green River,
Desolation/Gray Canyons on the Green River, Westwater and Cataract Canyons on
the Colorado River, and the Gunnison River from Crystal Dam to its confluence
with the North Fork of the Gunnison are some of the more popular whitewater
areas (see Figure III-H-1 and Table III-H-1).
Hydropower production at Federal dams can affect recreational boaters on the
river, particularly when a facility is used to produce peaking power, e.g.,
Flaming Gorge. Consumers' power needs typically fluctuate during the course
of a day, week, or year. Hydroelectric facilities meet these changing power
needs by altering the amount of water passing through turbines, sometimes
creating severe flow changes in the river environment immediately below the
dam. Recreationists, especially those involved in river running, can be
affected by these flow fluctuations. River runners prefer steady, moderate to
high flows, especially through whitewater areas, to achieve the most rewarding
river running experience. At times (e.g., weekends), recreationists' needs
for high water are not compatible with efficient hydropower production.
In addition, reservoir boaters can be affected by changes in reservoir
operations. Drastic drops in reservoir levels could reduce the amount of
surface area available for boating or reduce access at boat ramps.
The three Federal facilities studied in this assessment have varying degrees
of recreational boating associated with them. Following is a brief discussion
of the recreational boating opportunities associated with Ruedi, Flaming
Gorge, and Aspinail reservoirs.
Ruedi
Ruedi Reservoir is situated in a scenic mountain valley. Second to camping,
boating is the most popular recreational activity at the reservoir. Popular
boating activities include motorboating, sailing, waterskiing, and
windsurfing. The Fryingpan River, immediately below Ruedi Reservoir, is
primarily a fishing area, little used by floaters. It runs into the Roaring
Fork River, a popular boating and fishing stream.
Flaming Gorge
Flaming Gorge Reservoir is one of the most popular recreation areas in the
west and receives considerable recreational use, especially during the summer
months. Boating comes third in popularity after sightseeing and fishing.

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