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'. ifSf~~~;t~, ".;. .".:> {;,?:;~.:.}.\ ." ". ,. (;.\><~ >.. M~5~5 Gunnison River Contract Scooin. - SORTED Comments 4. 2.2. 03. Look at opportunities for protection and improvement of ecosystem through more natural condition of river: -trout -endangered species ,; .MODument -Gunnison Gorge 4. GREENO + ; p6, '2. Issue E. Protection of Gunnison Gor.e - The same values listed in Section C above should be protected in the Bureau of Land Managemeot's recommended Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area. Although the Bureau of Land Management claims no reserved water right, it is required under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and other statutes to protect environmental and recreational values on public lands. The Colorado Water Conservation Board and atber state agencies also bave obligations to protect the public interest and environmental values in their decision making. 4. GREENO+; p6,'3. The Gunnison Gorge is very likely to be designated as a wilderness area and as a wild river at some point in the future. The proposed contract should provide water sufficient to meet the requirements of these designations. 4. GREENO+; p6, '4. Issue F. Trout Fisherv and Whitewater Boatin. - Trout fishing and whitewater boating are two of the most important recreational values that should be protected and enhanced througb the contract negotiation process. Studies should be done to determine optimum water flows for both activities and the consequences of departures from these flows under each alternative should be thoroughly analyzed. 4. GREEN02; p], '2. On page 6 (of previously submitted comments) (Issue E. Protection of Gunnison Gorge) I noted tbat Gunnison Gorge is likely to be designated as a wild and scenic river in the future and that t.he proposed contract sbould provide water sufficient to meet the requirements of that designation. ] now amend that comment by adding that the water right for the wild and scenic. river designation should be dated from October 2, 1979 (the date tbat Gunnison Gorge segment of the river designated as a study river). This date gives the federal wild and scenic river right priority over A-B Lateral and other water rights recognized or conferred by the State since ]979. 4. JORGENSON; p2,'2. 5. Maintain the integrity and values of puhlic lands bordering the river from the headwaters to the confluence with the Colorado. ]E National Monument, BLM Lands, etc. 4. SIERRA; pl,'5. (ISSUE I, cont) The analysis should also consider how the proposed contract would. address tbe resource vaJues and associated reserved rigbts that would be included Congressman Campbell's proposed legislation which would establisb a Wild River, a National Park, and a BLM Wilderness Area. 12 ".