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(, r~ r ':" 3 · v:"'vi- . The Purgatoire River bottom lands are croplands and grazing lands, interspersed with idle cover areas. Presently, it is available to the pUblic under the exchange of use agreement. As with most publicly used lands there is a prOblem of litter and vandalism. Mitigation of this impact can be best accomplished through regular patrols and adequate maintenance. The twenty acre tract north of Las Animas is used as a target range now. Unsupervised activity has caused the area to become littered and vandalized. Acquisition of the area, through trade, would pro- vide an opportunity to convert the area into a safe, well managed facility. The Purgatoire Ri ver lands are in the flood plains of the Purgatoire River. There are wetlands associated with flOOdplain. No buildings or structures other than those needed to improve the ponds mentioned in section IV E of this report are contemplated. The public was apprised of the action through a notice in the Bent County Democrat published December 31, 1981. Acquisition of the 6,000 acre 10 year lease will have little or no affect of the physical features of the land. 2. Recreational Impacts Hunters use the Setchfield property for small game and big game hunt- ing. Scaled quail, mourning doves and antelope are the principal species hunted. The fishing potential of the property is nil, with- out reconstruction of the dam. Since a perpetual hunting easement will accompany the transfer of the property to private ownership, no recreational opportunities will be lost. The Purgatoire property is, presently, open to hunting and fishing. Ordinarily when a new tract of land is acquired, heavy recreational use occurs during the first season. This will not occur because the public already has access to the property. As the ponds, cover areas, and access facilities are developed more recreational use will occur. The shooting range will provide a much needed facility for hunter training and target shooting. 3. Economic Impacts: Local economies benefit from good hunting and fishing through demands for more sporting goods, gasoline, lodging, and food. As the Purga- toire property is developed, the demand for these goods and facil- ities will increase. There will be little or no change in the impact on the local economy caused by the transfer of the Setchfield property into private owner- ship. Since the land will still be open to hunting, the sale of goods and facilities will continue. The Division has paid, in lieu of taxes, on the Setchfield property, and will do the same on the 940 acres when the exchange is made. Therefore, the county is not expected to lose tax revenue.