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<br />," ."".. ~, ',r '. <br />'. '. '11.' ...'.~ ~"v~ .' . <br />1\ '~;~1j'!' ~ <br />iJ D ...' J Purpose and Need <br /> <br />1-9 <br /> <br />concert with existing projects and become part of the future management plans for the <br />two basins. Existing projects within the basins include: <br /> <br />. Uncompahgre Valley Reclamation Project - The Uncompahgre Valley Water Users <br />Association, which is co-sponsoring the proposed project, is the authorized operator <br />of the UVRP. During the spring, summer, and early fall months, the proposed project <br />would operate in concert with the irrigation activities of the UVRP, and conflicts <br />would not occur. In instances where irrigation needs compete with water needs for <br />power generation, the irrigation needs would be given precedence. <br /> <br />. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act - As reported in the PElS, the Gunnison River <br />downstream of the Gunnison Tunnel is eligible for listing as one of our Nation's wild <br />and scenic ri verso However, since the Record of Decision, no action has been taken <br />on the river's eligibility. According to PElS consultation with the NPS, development <br />of the proposed project would not reverse the river's eligibility for wild and scenic <br />listing. <br /> <br />. Wilderness Areas - In October 1976, an 11,780-acre area was established as the <br />Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness. Development of the AB Lateral Project <br />would not affect this area or the values and qualities that led to its designation. <br /> <br />. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - The Black Canyon of the <br />Gunnison National Park (Park) was established in 1999. Formerly a National <br />Monument (established in 1933), the Park encompasses over 30,000 acres and <br />features the spectacular landscape of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Visitation to <br />the Park averages about 230,000 visitors per year, most of which visit the South Rim <br />during the three-month period between Memorial Day and Labor Day. <br /> <br />River flows through the Park are regulated by the upstream Aspinall Unit Reservoirs <br />and by diversions through the Tunnel. Alternatives being considered would further <br />alter these flows. The flow changes and their effects are discussed in Chapter 3. <br />Development of the proposed AB Lateral Project would not affect water rights that <br />were in existence prior to designation of the park. Although development of the <br />facility would periodically reduce flows through the park, the flow reduction would <br />not result in any significant visual impact to park visitors. <br /> <br />. Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area - The Gunnison Gorge National <br />Conservation Area is downstream from the Park and is rnanaged by the Bureau of <br />Land Management. It was established in 1999, and encompasses about 57,725 acres. <br />The area offers hiking trails, fishing, rafting, and other recreational opportunities. <br /> <br />. Wayne N. Aspinall Unit - The Aspinall Unit Reservoirs - Blue Mesa, Morrow <br />Point, and Crystal, are Reclamation dams authorized under the Colorado River <br />Storage Project (CRSP). These three reservoirs are upstream of the Gunnison Tunnel, <br />and have a combined storage capacity of over 1,000,000 acre-feet. Operation of the <br />proposed AB Lateral Project would not affect the operation or purposes of the <br />Aspinall Unit Reservoirs nor would it prevent future changes in the operation of the <br />Aspinall Unit. <br /> <br />AS Lateral Hydropower Project <br /> <br />July 2000 <br /> <br />>0 <br /> <br />~.;. <br /> <br />.tt\.....A );:;.JO.:,,_,-~-, -i1;~d <br />