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

The area provides a sense of being immersed
in a natural landscape, and feels somewhat
distant from most comforts and
conveniences. To experience this area,
visitors must commit to spending some time
and physical exertion. The only facilities
present are unpaved trails and boat docks.

A variety of on-site interpretive media could
be used, including boat tours to present the
primary park themes. A permit system
could be implemented to maintain the semi-
primitive character of tbe area and size
restrictions on both watercraft and motors
could be implemented to reduce impacts to
visitors and resources. Special regulations
pertaining to fishing could be developed and
implemented in cooperation with the
Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) in
order to protect fisheries.

Access. Access ranges from easy to difficult.
The area is entirely roadless, with access by
trail.

Public access is limited to foot traffic and
motorized and nonmotorized watercraft. No
bicycles or vehicles are permitted. Aircraft
could be used in emergency situations.

Natural Resource Management. The natural
environment along trail corridors is
maintained to the extent possible, minimizing
human impacts on sensitive environments,
habitats, and species. Water quality in this
area would be regularly monitored to ensure
that no degradation or impairment occurs
that could affect species management or
resources within or outside the park.
Management would minimize the impacts of
nonrecreationalresources. Resources and
uses would be carefully monitored and if
impairment was detected, mitigating actions
such as closure or restricted use in ccrtain
areas would be implemented as required.

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Facilities. Only limited development is
provided. Boat docks and vault toilets could
be provided. Trail systems ranging from
low- to high-standard would be provided
that lead to destination or launcbing points.

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Maintenance. Activities include maintaining
trails, boat docks, and interpretive facilities,
providing for visitor comfort, protecting
resources, and restoring areas disturbed by
human activity. This could be accomplished
through the use of a variety of motorized and
nonmotorized equipment.

Flatwater

This management prescription includes the
surface area of Blue Mesa Reservoir. It
encompasses an area of the park where
intensive use precludes (for the most part)
the visitor from experiencing the sights and
sounds of the natural environment without
intrusion. The sights and sounds of boats,
vehicles, and other people predominate, and
the experience includes activities tied to
boating on Blue Mesa Reservoir.

This area would accommodate the highest
levels of use and visitor density in the park.
Visitor activities are centered around
flatwater recreation, with fishing being the
primary focus of use. Contacts with other
parties, NPS, and CD OW staff would be
frequent, especially during the peak summer
season. There would be little or no
opportunity for solitude. Relatively intensive
aquatic resource management might be
required to mitigate impacts associated with
high levels of visitor use and development.
Although natural processes would be
perpetuated, major alterations and human
intrusions would continue to be evident.

Visitor Experience. This area provides the
primary experience for the majority of park
visitors. Flatwater activities include fishing,
sailing, waterskiing, sailboarding, and sight-

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