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<br />B. LAND MANAGEMENT <br />The goal of TNC and the UDWR is to manage the Preserve as a <br />natural functioning ecosystem of the Colorado River floodplain. <br />An Interim Management Plan for the Preserve (Collins 1991) <br />provides management direction from 1991 to 1995. A long range <br />plan is expected to be developed for the Preserve beginning in <br />1995. The long range plan will be based on Preserve goals, <br />recent biological studies of the Preserve, and public input. The <br />primary issue to be resolved is water management and its effect <br />on razorback recovery, mosquito production, and possible flooding <br />of adjacent landowners and visitor facilities. Water management <br />is discussed in the next section. <br />The southern portion of the site is currently being developed for <br />visitor access. Access to the Preserve is from a small parking <br />area off Kane Creek Road in the southeast corner of the Preserve. <br />Trails with interpretive displays are being designed to access <br />wetland areas south of 400 North Street. No developed trails or <br />access will be built north of 400 North Street. <br />Wildlife watching and other related activities are allowed <br />anywhere on the Preserve. Hunting is allowed in the UDWR <br />property in the northern portion. Public access could be <br />restricted in areas if it was necessary. <br />C. WATER MANAGEMENT <br />Water is the central management issue of the Preserve. The goal <br />is to manage water to enhance the natural functioning of the <br />flooded bottomland. What defines a natural functioning flooded <br />bottomland in relation to current conditions has not been <br />determined. Water management of the Preserve addresses <br />hydrology, water quality, key issues of wetlands management, and <br />water right development. Two water systems are targeted for <br />management, the river and the Preserve wetlands. <br />1. Hydrology <br />The Preserve is periodically flooded by the Colorado River. <br />Hydrologic studies by Cooper (1994) show that when the <br />Colorado River flood waters recede, the Preserve wetlands <br />are influenced by two distinct hydrologic systems: <br />ground water of the Colorado River, and <br />ground water and surface water system from other <br />sources. <br />15 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />