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CHAPTER IV PLAN FORMULATION Potential Reservoir Sites During previous studies and the present MOP planning, numerous reser- voir sites have been considered. Of these, nine are still under con- sideration and could be incorporated into the final project plan. The pros and cons and possible uses of the nine storage sites are discussed here. A map showing the location of these reservoir sites is on the next page. Ripple site > The Ripple Reservoir site lies on the North Fork of the White River upstream from the mouth of Ripple Creek at an elevation of about 8,500 feet. It is on private land but within the boundaries of White River National Forest. A capacity of 20,000 acre-feet has been estimated as ideal for a reservoir at this site. The reservoir could serve irriga- tion, municipal, and industrial water needs in the White River Valley. A visually attractive lake could be developed at the site, and because of its high elevation wildlife habitat losses would be slight. Good access to the site would be provided by the present Colorado Highway 132. The Rio Blanco Ranch Company, which owns the site, is unalterably opposed to its development. Because it is adjacent to the recently estab- lished White River Wilderness Area, Forest Service personnel believe it would hinder their management program. Fishery releases recommended by the Fish and Wildlife Service would reduce the potential storage effi- ciency. A dam at this site would be comparatively expensive as the dam axis is wide. About 2 miles of privately-owned trout stream would be inundated. .'~ Lost Park site / The Lost Park Reservoir site is located within the White River National Forest on Lost Creek about 4 miles upstream from its confluence with the North Fork. A reservoir at this site would have a potential capacity of about 25,000 acre-feet. Because of inadequate runoff in that drainage basin, however, water would have to be imported from the Williams Fork drainage to achieve that capacity. The reservoir basin is a broad open park, and the dam would only be about 115 feet high. A reservoir at this site would serve the same purposes as one at the Ripple Site. Objections to this site have been raised by Forest Service personnel and wildlife interests. At an elevation of 8,~00 feet, this site is not in wildlife winter range but is heavily used in summer and is near an important elk-calving ground. Access to the site is difficult, and a ne,' road across National Forest land would be necessary. The Forest Service 30