WSP04503

• File Number: 8142.600.20
• Description: Trinidad Project - Environmental Studies
• State: CO
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 3/1/1974
• Author: Corps of Engineers
• Title: Draft Environmental Statement - Trinidad Lake Project - Purgatoire River - Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

O~1514

.

Average annual benefits are expected to amount to $I,996,OOO, of

which $I,084,OOO are to be gained as a consequence of flood con-

trol, $270,000 for irrigation, $226,000 for recreation and fish
and wildlife, and $416,OOO for area redevelopment.
12. Aesthetics. The weighing of aesthetic values is
difficult, since this is a personal judgment and, thus, subjective

in nature. However, it is thought that the presence of the lake

will add to the diversity of the landscape, complementing the

surrounding natural scenic features. Operation of the project

for irrigation releases will periodically result in drawdowns
to near the level of the permanent pool. During these drawdown
periods, receding lake levels ~ill increasingly expose the lake
floor, perhaps detracting from the visual quality of the lake.
The extent of exposure will depend on the volume of stored water
and irrigation water demand. The embankment, together with its
ancilliary structures, will be one of the dominant features of

the landscape and may be viewed as an impressive and, perhaps,

handsome product of applied scientific and technological knowledge

for the benefit of man, as an intrusive structure that may appear

somewhat alien to the southwestern environment, or perhaps some-

where in between. Recreation areas have been selected for natural

beauty, proximity to "wild" areas, avoidance of flood hazard, and

overlook potential. Facilities location is planned to ins~re that

native vegetation and a natural setting is maintained. Structure

will be architecturally distinctive, unimposing, informal, well
lighted, and will impart a sense of cheerfulness. Design and color

.

IV-IS