WSPC01202

• File Number: 8210.761.09
• Description: Colorado River-Federal Agencies-US NPS-Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 1/1/3000
• Title: General Management Plan 1-Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument and Curecanti National Recreation Area
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

with the natural landscape, and minimally
impacts the visitor experience of a wild canyon
setting.

2) Facilities have been designed and located to
protect resources while minimizing impacts to
those resources, attract visitors while meeting
basic visitor needs, orient and educate the public
while enhancing visitor enjoyment, and provide
information on the park and surrounding areas.

3) East Portal facilities are compatible with the
common architectural theme of Black Canyon.

4) Road and parking systems are efficient and safe,
accommodating moderate growth and consistent
with resource management and visitor
experience objectives.

5) The park and surrounding lands have a
coordinated and comprehensive trail system that
connects the Inner Canyon and uplands with
significant features and resources.

6) A strategy has been developed to establish
access through Red Rock Canyon.

7) Facilities and programs are available for visitors
with disabilities.

8) Water is available in locations on both rims to
meet basic visitor, resource protection, and
operational needs.

9) Visitor/interpretive facilities complement
experiences of visitors who are emotionally
touched by their canyon visit.

10) A<.:tivities and support facilities are coordinated
with entities outside of park boundaries.

11) Facilities serving various functions have been
efficiently organized and do not contlict with
land use.

12) Maintenance and administration facilities are
organized in a fashion that protects resources
and meets visitor needs.

Geographic-Specific Objectives

· PANORAMIC VIEWS - Preserve the
natural setting that allows the Black Canyon
to be seen within the larger regional context.

Conditions to be attained:

I) Visitors are allowed to see and access the area
for the larger panoramic views.

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2) To support visitor access and a quality visitor
experience, minimal development is done.

3) Air quality for a Class I airshed is maintained
for long-distance views (to the San Juans, Grand
Mesa, West Elks, Uncompahgre Valley, etc.),
which are important parts of the Black Canyon
geologic and human history stories.

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· CANYON BACKDROP - Preserve and
protect the wild setting within which the
Black Canyon exists.

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Conditions to be attained:

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I) Visitors can access the area for recreation
purposes while the park maintains a wild
setting.

2) Development is done in a sensitive way, with
minimal impacts to visitor experience of a wild
canyon setting, and blends with the natural
landscape.

3) Scenic easements are managed to perpetuate the
natural resources and maintain a wild setting to
the greatest degree possible.

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· CLIFF TOP - Provide visitors with a
variety of recreational viewing opportunities
to experience the depths of the INNER
CANYON.

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Condition to be attained:

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I) Development is done in a sensitive way.
protecting resources from visitor~use impacts,
minimally impacts visitor experience of a wild
canyon setting, and blends with the natural
landscape.

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· CLIFFS AND INNER CANYON-
Provide for visitor enjoyment of park
resources, consistent with the management
of the area for wilderness values.

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Conditions to be attained:

I) Development is limited in accordance with
wilderness values.

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2) Visitors have a wilderness experience offering
solitude and minimal contact with other people.

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