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. . . preliminary consideration or from projects that are yet to be anticipated. The South Platte Protection Plan is intended neither to prohibit nor allow development of those water supplies. Numerous laws and regulations provide substantial protection for the values on the stream. Each project will be considered on a case by case basis and evaluated on its own merits at the time of application. Endorsement of this plan does not indicate support for any project. Projects are or may be proposed by a variety of water providers including, but not limited to, the cities of Aurora, Denver and Thornton and the counties of Arapahoe, Jefferson and Douglas. Other water could be introduced into the South Platte from or through the Arkansas basin. Denver intends to divert more water from Dillon down the North Fork as demand increases, and may consider expansion of existing reservoirs on the South Platte. There is discussion between Denver, Aurora and others about possibly expanding Antero Reservoir. AREA AFFECTED The South Platte Protection Plan generally addresses the same area as recommended for designation by Alternative B. That includes the South Platte mainstem from below Elevenmile Reservoir to the Confluence of the mainstem with the North Fork of the South Platte River, and the North Fork from Insmont to the Confluence. However, this Proposal expands that area by its recommendation for a USFS/State Parks partnership along the mainstem from Elevenmile Reservoir all the way to Chatfield Reservoir (both are currently state parks), including Cheesman Reservoir. Portions of the North Fork would be managed by Jefferson County Open Space and the US Forest Service. The width of the area protected is generally considered to be 1/4 mile from each side of the river. However, it should be noted that the US Forest Service is not limited on federal lands to the 1/4 mile rule, and it is recommended that the river valley within federally managed lands be planned and managed in a manner compatible with adjacent uses and Values. Similarly, the lands owned by Denver Water and Jefferson County Open Space often extend more than 1/4 mile from the river, and such outlying lands will also be considered for a role in protecting or enhancing the river values. Precise boundaries should be fixed by recreation management agencies following a comprehensive recreation management plan. BENEFITS OF THE SOUTH PLATTE PROTECTION PLAN Numerous immediate benefits to the values on the South Platte will be achieved through the South Platte Protection Plan. The Plan provides for local governments, water providers, and state and federal governments to combine their capabilities while maintaining an important level of water management flexibility. This kind of synergy may be effective in protecting and balancing the many uses on the river. 9