Laserfiche WebLink
<br />I..l',j O?~[;S <br /> <br />SUMMARY <br /> <br />RESOURCE SIGNIFICANCE <br /> <br />As a result of this resource assessment and boundary evaluation, it was determined that <br />the lower gorge of the Gunnison River between the west boundary of Black Canyon of <br />the Gunnison National Monument (BLCA) and the confluence of the North Fork River <br />contained significant natural resources and opportunities for public enjoyment that were <br />directly related to the purpose for which BLCA was established. The significance of such <br />resources was further reinforced when it was revealed that such resources represented <br />a primary element not currently represented within BLCA. These resources are included <br />in Alternatives 1 and 2, which represent expansion of the monument boundary. <br /> <br />The significant natural resources within that portion of the Gunnison Gorge being <br />evaluated, primarily involve geologic formations hundreds of feet thick that have eroded <br />away from the monument portion of the landscape. These features would add a <br />significant scientific and geologic aspect to the monument that is currently non-existent. <br />The lower gorge also contains world class examples of large-scale faulting. The geologic <br />story of BLCA is incomplete without access and reference to the lower gorge area. <br /> <br />The national significance of the lower gorge was reinforced by the 1979 Final <br />Environmental Statement Wild and Scenic River Study, which concluded that the 13.5- <br />mile section of the Gunnison River from the park boundary downstream represented the <br />lower portion of a 26-mile section of the Gunnison River, including a 13.5-mile segment <br />in this boundary study, was worthy of inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River <br />System. <br /> <br />The lower gorge also provides a significant cold water fishery. This has been recognized <br />by the State of Colorado in designating the area a Gold Medal Stream and Wild Trout <br />Waters. <br /> <br />Further attention as an outstanding recreation resource came when the Bureau of Land <br />Management (BLM), in their September 1988 Uncompahgre Basin Resource Management <br />Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, recommended 21,038 acres of the lower gorge <br />adjacent to the monument, to be suitable for 'wilderness' designation. <br /> <br />ALTERNATIVES <br /> <br />In view of the significance of these resources and associated opportunities for public <br />enjoyment, the National Park Service (NPS) prepared and evaluated alternatives for the <br />management of the resources. This planning effort was coordinated with the Bureau of <br />Land Management and other Federal, State, and county Agencies, as well as with various <br />special interest groups and individuals. <br /> <br />1 <br />