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. . There are recreation, educational, and economic benefits to the people of Fort Collins and the surrounding area that would occur as a result of an' in-town sports fishery. With increased flows and habitat improvements, recreation opportunities would be enhanced,' including fishing, picnicking, wildlife ,viewing, hiking, biking, horseback riding; photography, and possibly forms of boating. Revenues'from increased expenditures associated with recreational activities would increase. Oevelopmentof the habitat, nature areas, and the presence of native vegetation and'wildl ife could, provi de educati ona 1 experi ences for' a 11 age groups. HQua 1 i ty of 1 ife ' enhancements associated with these amenities and activities that focus attention on the river may help to attract new businesses to the community. The Poudre River Trust Land Use Policy Plan envisions such improvements as a major factor in the revitalization of the'downtown'?rea. 'It is intended that some quantification of these benefits take place as a part of th~' project. ,'" ,Other potential impacts of the project need to'b~identified and analyzed. It is possible to foresee some of these potential impacts,while others may be identified as the plan progresses. As the PRCFPis coordinated with the National Recreation Area study, certain of the issues may be defined as being more appropriately considered under the National Recreation Area study. ' The provision of in-stream flows'has beenacontroversiarissue"in Colorado for a number of reasons. opt ions for enhaJ1ci ngstream fl ow need to be evaluated in terms of impacts on existing water ri ghts ;;-G i lien thecomp 1 ex water management system in effect on the Poudrej options may be available that will allow maximum conservation of water-resources through re-use or other innovative management approaches. It is intended that the cost-effectiveness of alternatives for providing in-stream flows be evaluated. The costs may be offset by economic benefits that could be" realized from increased flows providing dilution water, thereby reducing future costs of treatment of wastewater and storm runoff. The City will conduct an analysis of the effects of various flows on wastewater treatment requirements and evaluate options for providing more efficient water use. An evaluation of flow requirements for various fish species, supervised by the National Ecology Center of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, may allow for adjustments of flows throughout the year so that one uniform flow 'will not be necessary. An indirect impact of flow enhancement for fish may be to extend the season for boating activities. It is intended that the potential impacts of boating such as appropriate restrictions, law 'enforcement requirements, and liability be addressed through a coordinated effort of the PRCFP and the National Recreation Area study, , , The plan includes development of strategies to improve the habitat for fish in the river and the riparian habitat. These improvements may include removing rubbish from the streambed, planting native vegetation, creating pools and spawning areas, and developing parks, trails, and nature areas. Improved riparian areas may result in the need for wildlife management, expanded park maintenance, and additional law enforcement capability. It is intended that habitat improvement alternatives be evaluated for potential impacts on flood control. A possible component of habitat improvement may be measures to reduce erosion and sediment from sources such as construction sites, storm sewers, irrigation return flows, and in-stream construction activities. 5