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Xl-2 Although beaver inhabit our urban environment along the river, the location of their colonies and their ~opulation needs to be controlled by an agency such as the ColoradO Division of Wildlife. This is essential to preserve and protect the natural habitat so critical to other species which inhabit and depend upon the river's riparian ecosysteln for survival, Key trees Should be identified and protected from beaver feeding 'lith wire mesh col- larsaroundtheirtrunks, indigenous riparian species Should be syste:1liltically done in conjunction withotnerimprovementsthroughouttheentirecorridor. The consultant has conducted an exnilustive inventory of existing and de- sired recreation improvements throughout the 4[} miles of river being studied and has outlined a reillistic, achievable improvement program for eilch reach of the river which, witnminorildjustment, has been entnusiilS_ tically endorsed by each local sponsor. Safe passage for boats using the river should be provided through river obstructions wherever possible and economically feasible. Boat landings both up and downstream of every obstruction, whether or not it contains a boat chute, Should also be provided, Frequent use of large boulders to creilteplungepools, riffles and eddies is encouraged to improve the aqua- tic environmel'lt in the channel for fish life and to enhance the boatil'lg experience. Adequate safety signage should be included for the benefit of recreationists using the waterwilY. Efforts to improve water quality (where economically feasible) and minimum strea,n flows should be vigoriously pur- sued for both recreational and wildlife reasons. !t is now understood that improvements for recreation dl'ld wildlife enhance- mel'lt should accompany any work accomplished along the river for flood control or other purposes, The SouthPlatteisa resource for the metro- ~ol i tan area, and its revital i zation is important if we are to continue and improve our quality of life. Some hlghllghts of the recollynended recredtion and wildlife pro gramforeilch reach of the river are presented below. In general, a continuous hike/bike/maintenance trai I for non~motori led transportation and wildlife observation should be built throughout the entire 40-mile corridor. For flood protection and maintenance economy over time, it should be built of concrete. Street/trail conflicts should ~ minimized to the fullest extent possible by constructing underpaSSH at autolTIobile bridges. Convenient trail connections from tributary streams and local ol'l.streetbikeroutesshouldillsot;eprovided, Keach 1- Chatfield to Columbine; Amiljor regional park resource, South >>l~tt~ >>ark. is currently under development. Much of it will be developed for passive uses such as Iolildlife Observation, hiking and nature study. Two focal points with more active uses are planned. A major spine trail will be constructed on the river's east side, andl'lumerous naturetrai1s will be providl'dthroughout the balance of the park. Thf' river will b~ "'ilde boatable by notching two obstructions and buildi ng boat landings. Both fiSh and wildlife habitat will be enhanced by selec- the rock placement in the channel and native plantings throughout the park. Access by car will be improved to the fOCill points planned in the Parks and wildlife areilS of varying types should be created adjacent to the river wherever the opportunity exists ur presents itself in the future, ~dequate auto parking areas should bp ;ncorporatpd ~t p~~n P~r" ~rp~ ~~~ ~t majorstrl'et crossings. Theexistingriparidn vegetdtion along the river should be preserved and expaMed for reasons ot Improved habItat t'or wildlife and general aesthetics, Plantings of cottonwood. willow and other area, ~etldnds should he created within the par~ wherever there is adequate water ondlevella'ldtoenhdncethedlreadysuperbwildlifehdbitdtoftbearea. ~i ldl i fe snags Should be identi fied and 'dgorously ~rotected in accordancl' with up_to~dat~ forest monage,"",nt practi cp$. Tri butary trai 1 connect ion, are rr>eommended ilt or near Dutcn Creek and Dad C1ar~ Gul ch. A 11 of the laod for the par, has dlreddy beenacquired,dnd it is open to thevubli{