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

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Highlights of Exceptional Resources

Resources of special significance that occur
within the way in ROA include:

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. Wildlife viewing opportunities-especially
chipmunk, squirrel, birdlife, and occasional
mule deer.

. Recreational opportunities-visitors who wish to
challenge their hiking abilities and those
seeking additional adventure will select this
zone. Opportunities for solitude and quiet
abound. Excellent photo points are available to
those who wish to seek them out

. Scale-those that use the way in can truly get a
sense of the place through the challenges offered
by the canyon. The average descent on most
routes is 1,800 feet-to sense one's human
frailty within the immensity of the canyon is
truly a humbling experience.

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The River ROA

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If the cliffs and inner canyon ROA
constitutes the core of the monument, the
river ROA is its heart and soul. The river
brings life to the inner canyon---over the
millennia it has provided power and cutting
materials needed to carve out the gorge; it
serves as an agent to replenish and cleanse
aquatic systems and supports a variety of
riparian plant and animal life; it is also what
makes the inner canyon such a special place
to visit.

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Historic flows varied from a late summer
trickle to spring floods in excess of 25,000
cfs (cubic feet per second). Construction of
three upstream dams-the Aspinall Unit-
altered flows to achieve objectives of water
storage, flood control, recreation, and
hydroelectric power..

Streamside environments are frequently lush
with riparian vegetation. Because the river is
fed through penstocks near the base of
Crystal Dam, water temperatures remain
cold year around. Small aquatic creatures

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thrive in the streambed. These and other
insects form a base for the food chain that
supports a Gold Medal trout fishery.
Seasonal flow va.riations enh.ance the riverine
environment, cleansing streambed soils and
maintaining river channels that might
otherwise be choked by a variety of
sediments and erosional debris.

The river is inviting to the human spirit. The
roar of the river as it descends along its
average gradient of 95 feet per mile soothes
the soul. For some, it presents the challenge
of catching trophy-sized rainbow or German
brown trout using a light-weight rod and a
hand-tied fly. Others are challenged by the
river's extremes, choosing the kayak as the
vehicle to propel themselves through and
along its wild turbulence.

Highlights of Exceptional Resources

Resources of special significance that occur
within the river ROA include:

. Flora and fauna-river otter, ringtail cat, a
variety of birdlife, and a variety of aquatic life
including a Gold Medal trout fishery.

. Water resources-the Gunnison River is the
major tributary to the Colorado River within
Colorado and contains endangered fish
downstream as well as a superb trout fishery.

. Recreational opportunities~although river
flows and riverside topography can greatly limit
inner canyon hiking, hiking and camping do
occur in this area. Wilderness solitude is a part
of this experience. Fishing, and to a lesser
extent, kayaking, are popular activities.

. Wild and scenic~the Gunnison within and
downstream of the monument is eligible for
Wild and Scenic River designation due to the
outstanding natural values found here.

00213;

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