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11111 SUMMARY restoration and revegetation plans. Increased, flows in,the Uncompahgre River would probably cause changes in the distribution of wintering waterfowl along that river. Reduced flows in the Gunnison River should not significantly affect wildlife resources. Increased hike-in fishing could, however, lead to wildlife disturbance during the spring and fall. Features of development alternatives include deer escape ramps along the AB Late~al and raptor-proofing of transmission lines to reduce impacts to wildlife. Endangered bald eagles are common winter residents along rivers in the area, with the greatest concentrations occurring along the Gunnison River. Changes in river flows and accompanying ice conditions could affect use by eagles. A monitoring program has been recommended by the Fish and wildlife Service (FWS) and adopted by the Sponsors. LAND USE AND RECREATION Significant land use changes are not projected under the no-action alternative. Construction of development alternatives would disturb approximately 234 acres Of land, the majority of which is now used for livestock grazing or irrigated agriculture. Approximately 127 acres of land would be needed for operation of the facility. However, permanent land use changes would occur on only about 30 acres; this amount includes 24 acres of grazing land between the powerplant and the Uncompahgre River. The remaining 6 acres would be used for the operation and maintenance of the enlarged AB Lateral and its associated structures. Under the no-action alternative, recreational use along the Gunnison River would be affected by management plans of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service (NPS). With development, river flows would decline, leading to a decrease in private and commercial rafting and an increase in hikers and anglers. The existing wilderness area in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument would have reduced river flows, particularly during the winter; this FEIS addresses the impacts of this reduction on resources within the Monument. The recreational value of the Uncompahgre River would continue to be limited from a public standpoint because of scarce public land along the river. However, various groups have recently developed trails and other public use areas along the river, and this trend is expected to continue. River flow changes in the Uncompahgre River would not deter from such developments except in the 4-mile reach between the Loutzenhizer Diversion and Montrose, where flows would be significantly reduced by the development alternatives. As indicated previously, alternatives E and F would provide additional flows to this reach as compared to other development alternatives. S - 12