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. To mitigate the loss of fish and wi]dlife resources as a result of the Colorado River Storage Project Other legislation affecting the management of Curecanti National Recreation Area includes the 1916 Organic Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Archeological Resources Protection Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Park Significance Significance is summarized in statements that capture the essence of Curecanti' s importance to our natural and cultural heritage. Significance statements are not an inventory of significant resources but rather describe the importance or distinctiveness of the aggregate of resources in the park. The following are the significance statements developed for the park through the management assessment process. . The evolution of life in the Gunnison Basin and its ultimate dependence on water is illustrated and interpreted at Curecanti. Evidence of the impact that water has had on past settlements and developments abounds in the area's geology and history. . The three dams of the Aspinall Unit are unique in concept and construction. The dams were conceived in the 1950s and built during the I 960s, not only to provide irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power but also to provide the ability to manage water for recreation and protection of the unique reSOUfces of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument downstream. The three-dam complex also allows flexible water management of upstream water resources for recreation aJid irrigation while providing exchange water to the Uncompahgre Valley through the Gunnison Tunnel, a 6-mile, hand-dug tunnel built in the early 19008, which is recognized as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. . The 4uali1y of water in the Gunnison River has been identified as a natural treasure. The headwaters of this river flow into Blue Mesa 6 Reservoir and from there travel continually westward. . Blue Mesa Reservoir is one of the largest high- altitude bodies of water in the United States. It provides an exciting diversity of water recreation treating windsurfers, sail boaters, and water-skiers. The three reservoirs provide one of the best cold-water fisheries in Colorado, attracting enthusiasts from throughout the nation and offering a diversity of game fish. . The rock formations and canyons of Curecanti, which include the upper reaches of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, tell a story of geologic change that oCL:urred over the course of 2 billion years. Violent volcanic activity and erosion are today revealed in the inspiring pinnacles, cliffs, and mesas of the recreation area. . The scenic values of the canyon, the needles, the pinnacles, and the reservoirs provide dramatic contrast, which causes visitors to slow down, pause, and reflect on the diversity of the landscape and its spaciousness. . Curecanti National Recreation Area provides critical winter range essential for the long-term viability of elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. This affords visitors the opportunity to view and enjoy these animals in their natural habitat. . Curecanti National Recreation Area provides feeding and roosting opportunities and protects existing and potential breeding habitat for endangered species, sllch as the hald eagle and I peregrine falcon. Other species of concern dependent on Curecanti resources include golden eagle, great blue heron, and numerous other migratory birds. I . Curecanti provides one of the best cold-water fishing opportunities in the nation. This is due primarily to the unique spawning Kokanee I salmon run occurring in Blue Mesa. The Morrow Point and Crystal Reservoirs' trout fisheries routinely attract fishing enthusiasts I from throughout the nation hecause of the high- quality trout fishing and uniqueness of the canyon environment. I . Habitat within and adjacent to Curecanti National Recreation Area provides the opportunity to reintroduce and establish breeding populations of native Colorado River I cutthroat trout. . Exposures of the Morrison Formation contain fossil evidence of the Mesozoic Era, of which I I