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lA <br />Current Use of the Course <br />Based on my experience as an avid kayaker and a kayak course designer, and <br />based upon my experience with this Whitewater Course in particular, it is my opinion that <br />the Whitewater Course in Vail is one of the finest in the area and will prove to be an <br />outstanding recreational amenity for the Vail community. The Course has already held <br />numerous competitions, including the Teva International Whitewater Festival. The <br />Whitewater Course is perceived by many boaters as the best in the area. That reputation <br />translates directly into economic value for the Town of Vail in that it attracts boaters from <br />all over, including out -of- state, as was intended. The Course is also heavily used by local <br />paddlers. The Course has been advertised in national paddling magazines and on the <br />Internet. <br />The Course is especially valuable to a mountain resort town like Vail because it <br />provides an activity that is at its best in the spring months and can draw tourists at a time <br />when the traditional winter and summer activities are not at their best. It is my opinion <br />that the reputation and success of the Course will, in large part, be based upon the <br />availability of high spring flows which will attract the best boaters and allow for world - <br />class, competitive events. It is at these high spring flows that the Teva International <br />Whitewater Festival was held. Although high flows will draw the most boaters to the <br />Course, the Course will continue to be used through out the summer and even later in the <br />fall before winter tourism begins. <br />As mentioned in the preceding section, I designed the Whitewater Course to have <br />an optimal flow rate of 400 cfs . It is my opinion that this high flow rate offers the <br />greatest opportunity for boating on the Course. When flows are at the 400 cfs level, the <br />Whitewater Course is accessible to intermediate, advanced - intermediate, expert, and even <br />world -class boaters. <br />Some of the Course structures will be altered in Spring, 2001, to provide a more <br />challenging boating experience. These changes will improve the wave features at the <br />higher flow rates of 400 -cfs. <br />Conclusion <br />The opinions in this letter are based on my experience with designing boating <br />courses, and a long avocation as a whitewater paddler. These opinions are also based <br />upon my specific experience with and knowledge of the Course. Based on that <br />background, it is my opinion that the Vail facility is an outstanding recreational amenity <br />for the Town of Vail. It is heavily used and will continue to draw boaters to Vail for <br />years to come. It is also my opinion that water up to 400 cfs in the Course is not wasted, <br />and flows at that rate provide the greatest opportunity for boaters of all abilities to use the <br />Course and will draw the most boaters. <br />Lacy Report <br />Page 3 <br />