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<br />The Geolog ical Survey recogn izes the aut hor i ty of local <br />government to regulate land us~, but if tl1ey see serious problems <br />they will inform the local government to be sure they are also <br />aware of the problem and the n~ed t.o consider it. <br /> <br />The CGS will work with the private sector if they request <br />information or assistance conc~rning certain parcels of land, but <br />normally they will wait until a plan has been submitted to the <br />local government. Through a cont.inuing program of earthquake <br />studies and risk evaluation any special concerns regarding dams, <br />tailings impoundments, potentj.al large landslides or other high <br />risk situations are forwarded to designated agencies or persons. <br /> <br />The Geologic Survey forme'rly spent a lot of effort on public <br />education, particularly of local governments and their staff. <br />Recently they have spent less time in this area because their <br />time was occupied doing required work. Because there is so much <br />turnover in local government a1d support staff, t:he need to renew <br />educational efforts for all t'1e new people whom they have never <br />contacted has become apparent. <br /> <br />The Colorado Geolog ical SUrVE!y is invol VE!d in dozens of <br />technical and informat ional meetings each y.~ar. Attending these <br />meetings are various local land-use and elected officials, di- <br />verse technical or academic groups, and concerned citizens. <br />These forums are often used to educate individuals about the <br />threat of floo~s from dam fail11res or other geologic hazards. <br /> <br />2.5.4 Division of Wildlife <br /> <br />The Division of wildlife (DOW) owns and controls a number of <br />properties throughout the stat,~. They have an ongoing inspection <br />and maintenance program for all their 74 lakes, 215 wildlife <br />areas and 14 fish hatcheries. They also have prepared an emer- <br />gency act ion plan to be used in case of dam fa il ure wh ich cons id- <br />ers four potential flooding ::;cenarios. Approximately 25 such <br />plans for about one third of all dams owned by the division have <br />been developed and updated thu,; far. A list of Division-owned or <br />constructed reservoirs and a list of state fish hatcheries are <br />included in the appendix. <br /> <br />The primary involvement of 1~he Division of Wildlife in <br />floodplain management decisions is in the administration and <br />protection of wildlife l1abitat areas that halppen to be in flood- <br />plains, Because much of the >/i.ldlife in the state is dependent <br />on riparian areas for water, feed" or shelter, there are many <br />such areas. Often there is a confl ict between preserv ing the <br />riparian habitat and removing the trees and shrubs which can <br />congest streams and increase f:.ood hazard. ,!'. familiar example is <br />Cherry Creek, upstream of Uni11ersity Boulevard in Denver, where <br />vegetation in the floodplain could pose a threat to people and <br />property. There is a need for a pol icy em the protect ion of <br />riparian l1abitat and its interaction with floodplain management <br />Objectives. <br /> <br />57 <br />