Issues Concerning Wild and Scenic River Designations

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o the impacts on vested water rights and on future . changes in these water rights; o the impact of attracting additional people to the area; and o the impact on road construction and maintenance. Study Team Recommendati Four alternatives were considered in the study process which ranged from no action to designation of all eligible reaches of the river. The study team's preferred alternative was one which would provide for the designation of 25.6 miles (8,192 acres) as wild river on the North Fork, Middle Fork, E1 Rito Azul, and the South Fork of the Conejos River and 13.2 miles (4,224 acres) as recreational river on the Conejos River from Platoro Reservoir to the confluence with the South Fork. The lower reach of the mainstem from the confluence with the South Fork to the Highway 17 bridge was not recommended for designation. See the attached map for the recommended designations by reach. Impacts of Designation (from St udy Report) o Wild river areas would be withdrawn from mineral entry. Recreational river areas would remain available for entry with the exception of existing withdrawals. o Water quality and the existing diversity of fish and wildlife habitat would be maintained. o Cultural resources would be protected. o Recreational use would increase at a rate of five percent annually. o Federal water and power projects would not be permitted without specific congressional approval. o Acquisition of easements on private land was not anticipated. o Access for fire suppression would be non - motorized and /or by air for wild river areas, and non - motorized, motorized, and /or by air for recreational river areas. • Livestock grazing would continue at 2,535 animal unit months. • A potential timber harvest of 29,000 board feet annually from recreational river areas would be allowed. • -2-