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operated by BOR, and the lands and water surface areas of the Aspinal1 Unit are managed by the NPS as the Curecanti National Recreation Area (Curecanti). The Black Canyon includes 12 miles of the Gunnison River. In 1933, the Black Canyon (and associated reserved water right) was established by Presidential Proclamation for the preservation of the spectacular gorges and ad<litional features of scenic, scientific, and educational interests. Managed by the NPS, the Black Canyon has many characteristics that depend upon the Gunnison River, including valuable natural and recreational resources. The BLM manages lands of the Gunnison Gorge immediately downstream from the Black Canyon as a special recreation area. The area features 16 miles of the Gunnison River and its canyon, is proposed for designation as a national conservation area, and includes a wilderness study area. The entire reach of the river through the Black Canyon and the Gunnison Gorge is regulated by the State of Colorado asa Gold Medal Trout fishery and has been. proposed for Federal designation as a Wild and Scenic River. B. Historic Operation of the AspinaU Unit The Aspinall Unit consists of Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Reservoirs, Dams, and Powerplants. The. reservoirs and powerplants are operated by the BOR to meet authorized purposes of: regulating the flow of the Colorado River storing water for beneficial use allowing the Upper Basin States to utiiiU the apportionment made to and among them through the Colorado River Compact and the Upper Colorado River Basin Compact reclamati.on of arid and semi-arid lands providing for flood control providing for fish and wildlife enhancement and public recreation improving water quality providing for the generation of hydropower Recreational development and use of the flatwater resources and lands of Curecanti have been managed by the NPS under a Memorandum of Agreement since 1965. The Aspinall Unit also includes land interests acquired and managed to mitigate impacts of the reservoirs on fish and wildlife. This mitigation includes acquiring fishing access along the Gunnison and its tributaries upstream and downstream of the reservoirs. Primary water storage occurs in the uppennost and largest reservoir, Blue Mesa. Powerplants at Blue Mesa and Morrow Point are operated ona peaking basis, while Crystal Reservoir is operated to regulate (even-out) downstream Gunnison River streamflows. 2