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<br />_J <br /> <br />PAGE <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />141 Cong Rec S 17490, *S17490 <br /> <br />Implementation of this act will cost next to nothing. It is good business. No <br />land acquisitions will be needed, no new areas will be created and this will not <br />be an additional burden to the taxpayer. In fact, implementation of this act <br />will save money by enabling the agencies to cooperate and share resources to a <br />much greater extent than the current management allows. <br /> <br />Beginning at the upper most reaches of the proposed complex, this legislation <br />will create the Curecanti National Recreation Area. This area has a long history <br />of being operated by the National Park service and the Bureau of Reclamation as <br />a widely popular recreation area. The new Curecanti National Recreation Area <br />will encompass three lakes created by the three dams on the Gunnison River which <br />form,the heart of the area. Together, these lakes are a recreationalist's <br />paradise and a fisherman's heaven, regardless of the season. <br /> <br />Within the recreation area will be created the Curecanti Archaeological <br />District. This area contains prehistoric sites dating as far back as 10, 000 <br />years. These unique sites may provide dramatic information that will <br />significantly augment our knowledge of early human occupation of the high <br />mountain valleys in the mountains of Colorado. New chapters will be added to <br />what is known about southwestern archaeology. <br /> <br />This legislation will also establish the Denver and Rio Grande National <br />Historic Site at Cimarron, within the recreation area. This site is a monument <br />to the talents of the early mountain railroad builders and is a focal point to <br />illustrate the crucial role of the narrow gauge railroad in realizing the <br />development of western Colorado and the entire west. <br /> <br />The Gunnison National Forest forms the other boundary of the national park <br />complex. This forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities as well <br />as incredible scenic views. Portions of the forest have been included within the <br />complex and will be managed in concert with the other resources in this area. <br /> <br />What is now the Gunnison National Monument lies immediately upstream of the <br />recreation area. Visitors to this wonderful site describe this resource with <br />adjectives such as gorgeous, awesome, and spectacular. Everyone who has visited <br />this 2,000 foot deep, nearly impenetrable canyon go on to say that [*S17491] <br />those words are inadequate to describe the impact of this glorious national <br />wonder. This area is clearly worthy of the designation "National Park," and <br />all the protections and management policies that designation bring to it. <br /> <br />This legislation, when enacted, will designate the monument as the newest <br />national park in the National Park System, again with practically no cost to the <br />agency or the taxpayer. Visitors will be able to look over the side of the sheer <br />canyon walls, hear the roar of the river, feel its strength, and view the canyon <br />which, today, is no different than the day thousands of years ago when the first <br />humans visiting the area failed to cross its chasm. <br /> <br />Upstream and adjacent to the new national park, the Bureau of Land Management <br />will administer and manage the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area which <br />would also be created by this act. <br /> <br />This 64,139-acre tract will be managed for the protection and visitor use of <br />the canyon. Recreational opportunities ;from raft trips, to hunting, fishing, <br />camping, and hiking offer a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the natural <br />resources at their very best. This area clearly deserves increased protection <br /> <br />nnnR~1 <br />