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, WESTERN RESOURCES WRAP-UP Series XXXII, No.4 Date: 1-27-94 winners/losers in Glen Canyon other resource news, p. 5 Washington--Recreationists--notao y rafters, boaters and trout fishermen--were the winners, while users of Glen Canyon hydropower were the losers in the draft environmental impact study (EIS) on operating Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, on which hearings and meetings start here today and in Salt Lake City on Feb. 11. Representatives of America Outdoors, Grand Canyon Trust and Ameri- can Rivers, funded totally or in part by recreational interests, took their turns extolling the draft EIS when it was presented to the press here by Reclamation Commissioner Daniel P. (Dan) Beard on Jan. 6. No representative from Trout Unlimited (TU) was on the same platform, but TU was frequently consulted while the draft Ers was being put together, Western Resources Wrap-up (WRW) has been told. The summary of the draft EIS stated there would be "a major im- provement" in day rafting below Glen Canyon Dam in Ar izona if the modified low fluctating flows recommended by the draft EIS were imple- mented. It said there would be "major improvement in angler safety and minor improvement in white-water boating safety," some increase in areas along the river available for camping beaches, and a mOderate-to-major increase in wilderness values (tho water releases are man-made), and in economic benefits to the recreation industry. If the draft EIS were implemented, the flows in the river that it recommended would assure less scouring of stream banks and drier beaches along the river used by recreationists and provide more protection to cultural areas. The water flows would continue to be cold, a boon to trout. Several species of trout were introduced in this part of the Colorado River in the 1950- 60's, particularly after Glen Canyon Dam was finished in 1963, and are still being stocked in the river by Arizona's Game and Fish Department altho the National Park Service stopped stocking trout in 1964. At the Jan. 6 press conference the recreation industry put up front its considerable economic and political clout. Scootch Panokin, who rep- resents America Outdoors and the Arizona's Haulapai Tribe on recreation issues and is a long-time friend of Beard's, released a statement from America Outdoors. It said in 1993 "Grand Canyon river companies took 19,884 people thru the Grand Canyon" below Glen Canyon Dam on the Colo- rado River. "Data available for the 1992 season show a direct economic benefit to the local economy for trip and travel costs of approximately $39.6 million. Additional tourism spending with local retailers in- creases that economic benefit by over $100 million. Professional river and trail outfitters provide access to Grand Canyon...for visitors to experience the stunning geology and beauty of the Grand Canyon. That brings to local rural communities in (Northern) Arizona and (Southern) Utah over $100 million a year in new dollars from tourism." The Hualapai Tribe, whose reservation is located on the South Rim of the Colorado River near Grand Canyon, has a concession to run the river for tourists in that area. It also has significant fish and wildlife plans for its reservation that it hopes will materialize, altho twice it has taken a "pass" on an invitation by WRW to spell them out. If he is in a position to do so, Beard will help the Haulapai implement them. He is really interested in helping Indian Tribes get a piece of the economic pie, a rarety in public officials long on rhetoric, short on action. (more) rxP . rom: Helene C. Monberg 23 Sixth ST Southeast ashington, D.C., 20003 Area Code 202-546-1350-1