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SUMMARY OF COMMENTS Generally the comments and public statements fell into three categories, which included: (1) continued BlM management under multiple use concepts, (2) management by the NPS and changing status of monument to National Park, and (3) general comments, which expressed no preference for Agency management, but dealt with management and planning concepts in general. Categories are discussed in more detail below. Continued BlM Management A number of individuals or groups preferred the multiple use management concept with the comments favoring a wide range of protection, from as little government control as possible and no restrictive designations (Le., no wilderness, wild and scenic river, or conservation area) to the most restrictive, which would be wilderness designation. The largest group of individuals who conditionally supported BlM management were the users of ORVs, who had circulated several petitions soliciting signatures in support of BlM and continued ORV use on lands presently open to this activity. This group was concerned that converting the lower gorge to NPS management would jeopardize their access to recreational lands, such as the Adobe Badlands, Peach Valley and the Flattop area, which actually lie outside the NPS boundaries for expansion identified as alternatives 1 and 2. Since this concern is beyond the scope of this study, we recommend ORV users opposed to expansion of the monument because of a threat of losing the above- referenced recreational lands, should concentrate their efforts with BlM to assure this activity will continue whether or not the park expansion takes place. The Colorado Division of Wildlife was opposed to park expansion and favored continued BlM management so their programs of hunting and enhancement of wildlife habitat could continue. The Division also was concerned that increased big game numbers in the expanded monument could increase the potential for them to pay game damage on private lands in Bostwick Park, Peach Valley, Fruitland Mesa and the North Fork Valley. The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society opposed the inclusion of the- area to tRemOntlment; as it would preclude certain big game management activities, such as water hole construction and habitat enhancement. The Division of Wildlife also has an interest in establishing a viable herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep for recreational enjoyment, including sport hunting and pleasure viewing in the lower gorge area. The Department of Natural Resources favored a National Conservation area designation. The city of Delta supported the Designation of Black Canyon as a National Park, but suggested it should be done without adding the BlM lands to the existing monument. The DOW and a few individuals commented that the figures listed in the study for economic values of hunting were too low and should be increased to the level recommended by the Division of Wildlife studies. 36