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

natural, cultural, historic, or recreational-
recognizes the importance of preservation as
an active management tool. This
preservation principal respects both natural
and human relationships and emphasizes the
value of maintaining land for the purpose of
preserving natural ecosystems, historic
significance, and outstanding recreational
opportunities.

Balanced against the protection and
preservation of these resources is the value
of public enjoyment by present and future
generations. Human use often can threaten
the very resources that the National Park
Service is tasked to protect. Many public
debates have revolved around the balancing
ofthese two National Park Service purposes.
Whether it is telling a story or distributing
use carefully to protect resources, the
Service uses the principles of human and
natural management to accomplish its
mission. But at the very least, "these areas
derive increased national dignity and
recognition of their superb environmental
quality through their inclusion jointly with
each other in one national park system
managed for the benetit and inspiration of all
people." (16 USC la-I;1970)

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MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT

In 1993, each unit conducted a three-day
management assessment workshop (Black
Canyon in August and Curecanti in October)
with participants from the parks' staffs, the
regional office, other agencies, and the
public. This process began by looking at
each park's legislation in an effort to clearly
define its purpose and significance. The next
step identified management objectives, which
are broad, conceptual descriptions of what
the park could be like relative to resource
management, visitor services, human
resources, and partnerships. Applicable
management objectives derived during the

management assessment were used to help
define more specific objectives for this plan.

Curecanti Natio!!al Rpcreation Area

Park Purpose

The reason or reasons for which Curecanti
was set aside as a part of the national park
system is called its park purpose. Purpose
statements are based upon legislation,
legislative history, and historic trends.
Curecanti is currently being administered by
the NPS based on a number of cooperative
agreements and legal mandates. Curecanti
has not yet been authorized by specific
legislation as a separate unit of the national
park system.

The specific legal mandates for Curecanti
National Recreation Area include the
Colorado River Storage Project Act and a
memorandum of agreement between the
Bureau of Reclamation and the National
Park Service. Also, draft legislation to
establish Curecanti as a unit of the national
park system suggests additional legislative
intent. The purpose statements below reflect
these mandates and legislative intent for
Curecanti.

Purposes

. To conserve the scenery, natural, historic, and
archeological resources, and wildlife of
Curecanti National Recreation Area.

. To provide for public use and enjoyment in such
a way as 10 ensure visitor safety and resource
preservation or conservation by establi.shing and
maintaining facilities and providing protective
and interpretive services.

Mandates

. To manage the lands, waters, and activities of
Curecanti National Recreation Area in sllch a
way that it does not interfere with the purposes
of the Colorado River Storage Project Act and
other Bureau of Reclamation agreements
affecting the operation of the Aspinall Unit.

002;116