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CHAPTER III AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT Boating is primarily motorboating for fishing and recreation purposes, with some sailboating and canoeing. Despite the challenges created for boaters by the peaking power releases from Flaming Gorge Dam, the Green River below Flaming Gorge remains a heavily used recreational resource, particularly in the late summer when unregulated rivers such as the Yampa have low flows. Historic releases usually have supported the float trips immediately below the dam where the river is less turbulent and technically demanding but have on occasion created difficulties for whitewater enthusiasts because of low flows in the section of river between Lodore Canyon and Split Mountain. The area of the Green River within Dinosaur National Monument is an especially popular whitewater rafting area. Both commercial and private rafters use this section of the river under a permit system administered by the National Park Service. Below the confluence with the Yampa River, the Green River becomes more boatable due to the additional 200 to 800 cfs that the Yampa usually contributes during the floating season. Downstream, the influence of fluctuating Flaming Gorge releases is further minimized by inflows from the White and Duchesne Rivers. Aspinall Unit The Crystal, Morrow Point, and Blue Mesa Reservoirs and the area adjacent to them are designated as a national recreation area (Curecanti National Recreation Area). Blue Mesa Reservoir, when filled, is the largest reservoir in Colorado (20 miles long) and is a very popular area for motorboating, sailboating, windsurfing, and canoeing. A popular commercial tour boat is available at Morrow Point Reservoir, and some additional carry-on type boating also exists. Crystal Reservoir receives very little use due to its inaccessibility. The Gunnison River below the Aspinall Unit is becoming an increasingly popular whitewater rafting area. The number of commercial rafters in this area has grown from 2 in 1985 to 17 at present. Though not a classic whitewater rafting experience, its appeal derives from pristine wilderness values and excellent fishing. This stretch of river is most popular in August and September when Aspinall flows provide a late-season rafting opportunity after flows have gone down in other rivers such as the Yampa, Dolores, or Arkansas. The rapid increase in rafting use has caused the Bureau of Land Management to consider developing a recreational use plan to manage rafting to ensure a satisfying rafting experience for users, yet preserve the unique qualities of the Gunnison River. I. Sportfishing Sportfishing is an important recreational activity in the Upper Basin. Approximately 5 million coldwater and warmwater angler-days of recreation generate about $72.5 million to.the economy (Table III-I-1). The Proposed III-28 FJ 1 1 1 L