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Page 3 of 5 <br />annual electricity is estimated to cost $750,000 to $1 million. Despite the <br />high expense, park planners estimate a 20 percent return on investment, he <br />said. <br />The course will be part of a $25 million U.S. National Whitewater Center <br />that is scheduled to open in 2006. It has been designated as an official <br />training site by the U.S. Olympic Committee. <br />In addition to the whitewater feature, the master plan includes indoor and <br />outdoor climbing facilities, bicycle and pedestrian trails, a lodge and <br />conference center, and a 37 -acre campground area. <br />Shipley said the ideal site for a whitewater park is adjacent to a river with a <br />sufficient drop in elevation, but REP has created parks on rivers with as <br />little as a 3 -foot drop. <br />Shipley said there is tremendous potential for whitewater parks in Western <br />Washington, particularly around North Bend, Enumclaw and Maple Valley. <br />Erosion is a risk <br />Shipley said the big risk in building parks is erosion. The solution: bank <br />protection and hardened access points. <br />Instream erosion has not been a problem at the 6- year -old Golden park, <br />according to Oxenford. The side banks are supported with natural rocks to <br />prevent erosion and accommodate spectators. But erosion caused by people <br />is a concern as the park faces "almost too much success," Oxenford said. <br />The pathways and parking do not support the number of users. The trail <br />that runs along the river is overrun by bikers, pedestrians, pets and boaters. <br />Social trails are developing where people get in and out of their boats or <br />where people let their pets walk into the river. <br />In response, Shipley said REP is looking for ways to improve access <br />points. Rocks and concrete are placed along paths to prevent the natural <br />surfaces from wearing down. <br />Is it good for fish? <br />Shipley said fish and wildlife organizations in Washington state are <br />concerned about habitat protection, especially for salmon. "One of our <br />biggest challenges is to educate people in Washington," he said. <br />According to a study by Claire McGrath of the University of Colorado, <br />Boulder, instream structures at a whitewater park have impacts similar <br />those caused by stream restoration structures. They provide deep pool <br />habitat, whitewater cover and water aeration. <br />She concluded the structures provide beneficial habitat for juvenile and <br />http://www.dje.com/news/en/I 1170278.html 2/14/2007 <br />