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NATIONAL Pf,RK SERVICE REPORl' Historical and Archeological Inves~igation, The high altitude of this site suggestn that any archeological or historical artifact8 would be very limited. Important sites are to be found lower on the Animas and L08 Pinos Rivers, but there is little of interest on the latter above the t01m of Ignacio. However, very important earl:;y- sites have been found on the Animas above Durango. It is recommended that proper clearance be arranged through the Smithsonian Institution or its authorized representa- tives prior to initiation of reservoir development. Factors Influencing Recreational Development The plan for operation of the reservoir would seriously complicate the construction of recreational deve10pment facilities. Formerly as much as a 127 foot annual drawdown to virtual reservoir exhaustion appears to have been considered. Present plans allow for a much larger average minimum pool (160 acre8) but even this involves an average fluctuation of some 57 feet, which, considering the si~ and character of the reser- voir, does not appear to be especially conducive to recreational use and deve lopment . The population is, in general, rural, with the production of live- stock and feed being the principal agricultural pursuits. The city of Durango With a 1940 popule.tion of 5,887 is the largest city within day- use di stance of the proposed reservoir. The total population of the four southwest Colorado counties which could logically be directly served by recreational features of the reservoir was only a little over 31,000 in 1940. In view of subsequent trends of reducing rural popula- tions in Colorado it is quite possible that this population is some,- what smaller today. Tourists traveling on U, S. 160 and U. S. 550 would be better served for still-water recreation at the existing Vallecito Reservoir. The latter is five miles to the east of the Lemon site, ove;: the moun- tain range that divides the Florida and Pine (Los Pinos) river drainage basins and is accessible by 15 miles of gravel road by way of the small farm cOllllIlUnity of Columbus. Vallecito Reservoir is a large body of clear water providing ample opportunities for extensive recreational facilities to meet the vacation needs, not only of the rural population and the urban citizens of Durango, but also the tourist travel on U. S. 160 and U. S. 550 to a notable extent. It has been reliably reported that this reser- voir has produced more trout in ahorter time than any comparable body of water in colorado. Private initiative has developed several resorts on or near the reservoir, and these are being constantly expanded to meet demonstrated needs of the public. There are facilities for boating and for pack o