WSP02381

• File Number: 8147
• Description: Arkansas River Basin - Gunnison-Arkansas Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 1/1/1954
• Author: Unknown
• Title: Gunnison-Arkansas Project - Plans of the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project for the Protection and Enhancement of Fish and Wildlife-Recreation and Scenic Values in the Aspen Area
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

001972

PLi.HS OF THE FRYH!GPiIN-i.RIG,NSi.S PROJiCT FOR THE
PROT.XTION ;,ND ENJi'j~CEMENT OF FISH i.J'W WILDLIFE,
RECILI"TION foND SCENIC Vf,LU::;S I;~ THE :.SPEN I.REl,

The fishing and recreational opportunities provided by this area
are among its major attractions and provide the foundation for an
important recreational and tourist industry. These resources were
fully considered in the planning of the Fryingpan-l.rkansas Project.
Vlliere opportunity for the enhancement of these values is possible the
project plans provide for improvement of the existing conditions.
Special precautions have been taken to preserve the existing fishery
and recreational values.

In formulating the plans for the Fryingpan-"rkansas Project, the
Bureau of Reclamation enjoyed the cooperation of the Fish and ITildlife
Service, and the Colorado Game and Fish Commission in considering
matters pertaining to the fish and wildlifo values of the area. The
National Park Service and others cooperated in plans for the preserva-
tion and enhancement of the reereational values. In this cooperative
effort, operating criteria were established which would maintain
specified flrn7s at critical points on the streams of the watershed
sufficient to insure preservation of fishery values. The plans and
policies of the project were at all times carefully reviewed by a
Policy and Review Committee appointed by the State Conservation Board
and representing the intcrests of both the Eastern and Western Slope
areas. This committee dictated certain operating principles which
have been included as an integral part of the project plan. The Bureau
of Reclamation has recommended that the project be operated in accord-
ance with these principles. The operating principles are pr8sented in
full in paragraph 74, page 36 of House Document No. 187, 83rd Congress,
1st session. Specific quotations from these principles will bo made
as required for clarity in this discussion.

It is the policy of the Bureau of Reclamation to prepare a Definite
Plan .1eport prior to the commencement of construction of any authorized
project. In the preparation of this Definite Plan <1eport it also is
the policy of the Bureau of Reclamation to invite the full cooperation
of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the Forest
Service and related State agencies. This procedure will insure full
recognition of the scenic, recreational and fishing values of the area
and will provide adequate plans for the preservation and enhancement
of these values.

For the purpose of clarity the major problcms are treated sepa..
rately in thc following discussions.