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<br />stabilization plans, deer escapes along canals, raptor-proof <br />powerlines, and conservation measures for endangered species. <br />Costs of these measures are included in project costs. <br /> <br />Impacts to wetlands and wildlife are discussed in chapter 3 of <br />the FEIS. The wetlands analysis has been prepared in cooperation <br />with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife (CDOW). <br /> <br />The information on river morphology and riparian vegetation along <br />both the Gunnison and Uncompahgre Rivers has been supplemented in <br />the FEIS. These issues are also addressed in the index. <br />Additional information on sediment and Uncompahgre River <br />resources and bank stabilization plans are also included in the <br />FEIS. <br /> <br />The worst case analysis is presented when impacts are unknown <br />and is not needed in this EIS. A conservative approach has been <br />taken in several areas, primarily where impacts on river flows <br />are considered. Flow changes shown for development alternatives <br />in the Gunnison River may not be as great as actually shown due <br />to conservative estimates of existing Tunnel operations. <br />River ice on the Gunnison River would increase with development <br />alternatives (as described in the EIS) but is not predicted to <br />have significant adverse effects. <br /> <br />12. MR. MARV BJlT.T.Jl.NTYNB: I have concerns with the Gunni son <br />River but want to concentrate on the Uncompahgre River. Flow <br />increases will be too great to improve fisheries. Required <br />channel protection will harm fish and wildlife. For example, <br />1,500 to 2,000 mallards winter on a mile of the unchannelized <br />river near the Ash Mesa Bridge and only about 20 in a channelized <br />area. <br /> <br />Flows through Montrose would be significantly reduced in the <br />summer and winter. This is in the area where the Ute Museum and <br />Chipeta Lakes are. Canals such as the M&D and Loutzenhizer would <br />receive a much higher percentage of Uncompahgre River water than <br />they now receive and this would reduce the quality of water used <br />by irrigators on these canals. <br /> <br />Low flows through Montrose would be mostly return flows and would <br />contain agricultural pesticides and chemicals. Is this what we <br />really want to have in the River Bottom Park in Montrose? <br /> <br />In the Gunnison River, low flows would be much more frequent. If <br />we have a Gold Medal fishery now, and we change the flows that <br />much, isn't it an awfully big likelihood we are going to lose it <br />altogether? <br /> <br />The benefits to farmers are small; we should not be taking <br />chances with the recreational opportunities we have. <br /> <br />RESPONSZ: The Uncompahgre River would be changed by development <br />alternatives in three segments. First, flows would be reduced <br /> <br />P-lO <br />