Limestone-Graveyard Creeks Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment

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056*0 amount or sedimenz available for delivery to irricazior_ cinches and drains and the Arkansas River. The sediment associated heavy metals, salts and nutrients reaching the river will also he reduced. These practices will also help preserve the remaining river c=annel capacity. The downstream water users will benefit by receiving himer quality water and reduce: maintenance. r a The fish and wildlife habitat of some species within the watershed will be enhanced through the implementation of this alternative. The overall value of the wildlife habitat in the area will not be changed significantly. Recreation opportunities related to the fisheries and wildlife should see some improvement. Acres affeczed by the project area estimated at less than 50% of the Type I wetlands (45 acres) and less than 1k of the Type VI wetlands (2 acres). NRCS arrived at the acres of Type I wetlands by estimating 60% participation in the project, and 800 of the wetlands on participating farm will be affected. The majority of the Type VI wetlands are along the Arkansas River and the major ditches and drains. It is expected to have no adverse effects on these Type VI wetlands, however, a very small number of on farm drains or ditches could have woody vegetation and associated wetlands. The 1k figure was used to cover these cases. The Types III and V wetlands represent lakes, ponds, and areas with s=allow water most of the growing season. The project is not expected to have any effect on these wetlands. However, if a negative effect occurs due to project = .ion, a mitigation strategy has been developed. The cu- - - ..• al resources located within the project area are close to the Arkansas River and are not effected by the irrigated cropland activities. E The greatest social and economic benefits would be realized with this alternative. These benefits will be achieved as improved water management allows the agricultural producers to better meet crop needs and contribute to the goal of improved water quality. This alternative will provide the greatest protection of the soil resource base from irrigation induced erosion which will also have a positive effect on the local economy. The environmental conditions related to fish and wildlife will see significant improvement thus providing a similar impact on the social and economic conditions of the area. Alternative 3 (Recommended Plan) Monitoring Plan The National Water-Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA) is anticipated to begin in 1996 by the USDI Geological Survey in the Arkansas River Basin. NRCS will utilize data to evaluate project effectiveness in regards to selenium. I The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmenz is beginning an intensive alluvial ground water quality monitoring program for the Arkansas River in Colorado. Part of this study will be in the project area and the data will be utilized by NRCS to help measure project effectiveness in regards to selenium and nitrate reduction in groundwater. 1 31