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002450 Issues and Concerns (as expressed by public) o In western Colorado and Wyoming, public concern was expressed over the possibility that wild or scenic river designation of the Yampa could preclude, modify, or otherwise interfere with the development of upstream water resource projects (approximately 30 such projects have been identified). o Concern was expressed over the impact of designation on existing water rights. o There was concern that designation of the rivers might interfere with the efforts of Upper Basin states to develop water apportioned them under the Colorado River Compact of 1922 and divided among themselves by the Upper Colorado River Compact of 1948. o Concern was expressed that releases might be required from Flaming Gorge Dam which would interfere with power generation from that facility and water development upstream from it. o Concern was expressed over the presence and well-being of endangered and potentially endangered and threatened species of fish in the Yampa River and the Green River below the Yampa confluence. o There was concern over the reserved water rights claims of the Dinosaur National Monument and the effect which such claims could have on upstream water development. o There was also concern that wild and scenic river designation could provide the basis for another reserved right claim. o Some expressed a strong distaste for federal interference in local affairs, for additional federal regulations, and for government takeover of private lands. o Many called for the extension of the study area up the Yampa to include the Cross Mountain area, and expressed their opposition to upstream dams on the Yampa. o Many were strongly opposed to designation of either the Yampa or Green Rivers with concern especially high about the Yampa. Study Team Recommendation The study team recommended that the entire study lengths of both the Green and Yampa Rivers be designated components of the -2-