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SUMMARY RESOURCE SIGNIFICANCE As a result of this resource assessment and boundary evaluation, it was determined that the lower gorge of the Gunnison River between the west boundary of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument (BlCA) and the confluence of the North Fork River contained significant natural resources and opportunities for public enjoyment that were directly related to the purpose for which BlCA was established. The significance of such resources was further reinforced when it was revealed that such resources represented a primary element not currently represented within BlCA. These resources are included in Alternatives 1 and 2, which represent expansion of the monument boundary. The significant natural resources within that portion of the Gunnison Gorge being evaluated, primarily involve geologic formations hundreds of feet thick that have eroded away from the monument portion of the landscape. These features would add a significant scientific and geologic aspect to the monument that is currently non-existent. The lower gorge also contains world class examples of large-scale faulting. The geologic story of BlCA is incomplete without access and reference to the lower gorge area. The national significance of the lower gorge was reinforced by the 1979 Final Environmental Statement Wild and Scenic River Study, which concluded that the 13.5- mile section of the Gunnison River from the park boundary downstream represented the lower portion of a 26-mile section of the Gunnison River, including a 13.5-mile segment in this boundary study, was worthy of inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System. The lower gorge also provides a significant cold water fishery. This has been recognized by the State of Colorado in designating the area a Gold Medal Stream and Wild Trout Waters. Further attention as an outstanding recreation resource came when the Bureau of land Management (BlM), in their September 1988 Uncompahgre Basin Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, recommended 21,038 acres of the lower gorge adjacent to the monument, to be suitable for .wilderness. designation. ALTERNATIVES In view of the significance of these resources and associated opportunities for public enjoyment, the National Park Service (NPS) prepared and evaluated alternatives for the management of the resources. This planning effort was coordinated with the Bureau of land Management and other Federal, State, and county Agencies, as well as with various special interest groups and individuals. 1