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<br />.-l <br />In <br />:-"'> <br />~"J <br /> <br />CHAPTER IV <br /> <br />PLAN FORMULATION <br /> <br />would discourage use of interspersed native lands, and second, the <br />irrigated areas would be subject to damage by deer and elk attracted <br />to stacked hay in winter or early grass growth in the spring. A program <br />of habitat acquisition and development is included in this plan to lessen <br />these adverse effects. Other wildlife species would be affected by the <br />project, some beneficially, others detrimentally. There is no indica- <br />tion at this time that any threatened or endangered species of fish or <br />wildlife would be affected by project construction. <br /> <br />Industrial use of project water would create secondary environmental <br />considerations. Water for the coal and oil shale industries would sup- <br />port large plants to convert coal to other energy forms. Specific plans <br />and impacts are not known at this time, but such industries could affect <br />social conditions, land use, wildlife, and water and air quality. In <br />both cases, types of mining (surface or underground), locations, associ- <br />ated conversion plants, environmental protection plans, and other fac- <br />tors all enter into determining environmental effects. <br /> <br />The furnishing of municipal and domestic water would tend to sup- <br />port and direct growth. If properly planned and supported by the public, <br />this could be a tool to preserve agricultural lands and wildlife habitat, <br />while if not carefully planned, this aspect of the project could lead to <br />unwanted growth and land use changes. <br /> <br />Federal Environmental Management <br />With Private Development <br /> <br />A plan emphasizing environmental quality was discussed in some <br />detail by the MOP team. This plan would preclude any Federal develop- <br />ment but acknowledges that some private development would occur in the <br />future. This plan supports the premise proposed by members of the MOP <br />fish and wildlife sub team that in order to preserve fish and wildlife <br />resources there should be no further development on the White River <br />upstream from Meeker. It also supports the contention that to preserve <br />its historic value no 'features should be constructed on the Thornburgh <br />battle site. <br /> <br />While this plan proposes no development by the Bureau of Reclama- <br />tion or other Federal agency, it assumes that private development would <br />be attempted in order to meet the needs discussed in Chapter II. Members <br />of the MOP team have suggested that a study be conducted by the Bureau <br />of Outdoor Recreation to determine if stretches of the White River <br />should be designated a "Recreation River" under provisions of the National <br />Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Such designation would limit further develop- <br />ment. The large amount of private land and present level of development <br />might exclude the river from qualification, however. <br /> <br />61 <br />