Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Report-Bureau of land management, Grand Junction field office

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Chapter 2 —Eligibility Criteria Recreational - Recreational opportunities are or have the potential to bc unusual enough to attract visitors to the geographic region. Visitors are willing to travel long distances to use the river resources for recreational purposes. Region of Comparison: Recreational valucs were evaluatcd b�scd on thc distances visitors were willing to travel on a regional or nalional basis. The region has been dclermined to bc Colorado Platcau and Southcrn Rockics. Geologic -�fhe river or the area within the river corridor contains example(s) of a geologic feature, proccss, or phenomcnon that is rare, unusual, or unique to the geographic region. 'I'hc feature(s) may be in an umisually activc stage oFdevelopmcnt, represent a textbook examplc and/or represent a unique or rare combination of geologic fcatures (erosional, volcanic, glacial, and other geologic structures). Region of Comparison: Gcologic valucs were evaluated based on the ecoregion the river segment is located within. GJI�O has two ecoregions: Colorado Plateau and Southern Rockics. (see Map 2.1 : Omernick 1987). Fish - Fish values may be judged on the rclative merits of cither fish populations or habitat, or a combination of these river related conditions: a. Populations. The river is nationally or regionally one of the top producers of resident, indigenous, and/or anadromous fish specics. Of particular significance may be the presence of wild or unique stocks, or populations of State or federally listed thrcatened and endangered species. b. Habitat. �I�he river provides exceptionally high quality habitaC for fish species indigenous to the region. Of particular significanee is habitat for State or federally listed threatened and endangercd specics. Region of Comparison: I'ish values in a scgment were compared within the entire rangc of that species, especially threatened, endangered, and sensitivc species. "I�he r�nge of some of the species evaluated extends outside of thc Colorado Plalcau and Southcrn Rockies ecoregions. Wildlife - Wildlife values m1y bejudgcd on the relative merits ofeither wildlife populations or habitat, or a combination of these conditions. a. Populations. "I he river or area within the river corridor contains nationally or regionally important populations of residen[ or indigenous wildlifc species dependent on the river environmenL Of particular significance may be specics considered to be unique or populations of State or federally lisred threatened and endangered species. b. Habitat. "I he river or arca within thc river corridor provides exceptionally high quality habitat for wildlife of national or regional significance, or may provide unique habitat or a critical link in habitat conditions for St�te or federally listcd threatened and endangered Wild and Scenic River Eligibilily Report, Grand Iunetion Field Office, Colorado 2 3