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June 30, 2008 <br />Grande under management by the BLM was removed and put under an alternative <br />management plan approved by Congress in lieu of Wild and Scenic designation. The <br />purposes of the RGNA are to conserve, restore and protect the native, historic, cultural, <br />scientific, scenic, wildlife and recreational resources of the RGNA. The RGNA is subject <br />to valid existing rights (i.e. preexisting mineral leases and valid mining claims), but the <br />RGNA legislation withdraws all public land from future mining, leasing, and disposal <br />activities. A Commission was established to advise the Secretary on the RGNA and <br />prepare an RGNA Management Plan ( "Plan ") specifically for on- federal lands, hold <br />hearings and enter into cooperative agreements. The Commission may assist Colorado in <br />preserving state land and wildlife; increasing public awareness of the RGNA; <br />encouraging Colorado political subdivisions to implement land use plans consistent with <br />the management of the RGNA and helping private individuals in implementation of the <br />Plan. The Plan extends to private lands to the extent the private landowner agrees to be <br />bound by the management plan. The Secretary is to cooperate with Colorado and the Rio <br />Grand Water Conservation District to determine any needed changes in stream flows, but <br />the RGNA does not impose mandatory streamflow requirements. The legislation <br />prohibits construction of water facilities in the RGNA. A much more focused special <br />federal legislation was enacted for North St. Vrain Creek. North Saint Vrain Creek <br />special federal legislation prohibits federal agencies from providing assistance for the <br />construction of any new water impoundment facility in segments of the Creek or its <br />tributaries with Rocky Mountain National Park or on the main stem a certain distance <br />below the Park. <br />II. Benefits to Stream Segments <br />Special legislation can be tailored to protect ORVs. The RGNA offers a comprehensive <br />plan that allows for voluntary participation by private landowners. It can provide a <br />comprehensive management across jurisdictional boundaries for strategic protection and <br />preservation of resource values. <br />III. Permanent Flow Protection <br />Special Legislation for Segments 4 through 7 could be tailored to provide permanent <br />flows. The RGNA does not expressly provide permanent flow protection; however it <br />does prohibit construction of water facilities, similar to the special legislation for Saint <br />Vrain Creek. <br />IV. Pros and Cons <br />Pros <br />• Special Legislation can be tailored to the specific needs of an area in a way that meets <br />the needs of local interests while protecting the resource values. It may offer the most <br />flexibility in creating a plan of the various legislation protection concepts (National <br />Recreation Areas, and National Conservation Areas). <br />• Special legislation can create a comprehensive management plan that can integrate <br />state, local and federal management practices. <br />IC <br />