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<br />en <br />L"" <br />C'I? <br /> <br />NATIONAL PARK SERVICE REPORT <br /> <br />TyPes of Recreation for Which the Area Is Suitable <br /> <br />The creation of a small reservoir at this site may create limited <br />fishing in the reservoir and possibly in the stream below it, if suf- <br />ficiently sustained and regulated. In any event, it is considered very <br />unlikely that it could achieve more than local significance for fishing, <br />or other recreational use. The determination of possibilities regarding <br />fishery values is more adequately and appropriately covered in the repor~ <br />prepared on the project by the Fish and Wildlife Service. That Service <br />has appraised an annual fishery value for the reservoir of $735, being <br />only 50% of the average for a reservoir of this size, due to soil and <br />climatic conditions. <br /> <br />Factors Influencing Recreational .Developments <br /> <br />The region which, it can reasonably be assumed, could be served by <br />the Rifle Gap Reservoir is very limited. It is believed that it would <br />assume comparatively minor, local importance. <br /> <br />The popula ti on of Rifle, between seven and eight miles away, was <br />given as 1,373 in the 1940 census, and at that time the population of <br />Garfield County was only 10,560. <br /> <br />The area is near a mountainous section of Colorado, long noted for <br />high recreational values, including great forest areas and many excellent <br />fishing streams. In competition with the recreational appeals frequently <br />encountered in this part of the state, it seems logical to assume that <br />the drawing pO~ler of the Rifle Gap Reservoir will be comparatively minor. <br /> <br />Estimate of Recreational Need and Use <br /> <br />It is believed that the reservoir could meet certain local needs for <br />day-use recreation. The surrolli~ding country does not have natural features <br />that would attract tourists, and overnight accommodations can be more <br />appropriately located on the main highway at Rifle than on or near the <br />re servoir. <br /> <br />Recommended Recreational and Development Estimated Costs <br /> <br />Only nominal developments and facilities directly related to reservoir <br />forms of recreation are recomnended for the Rifle Gap Reservoir. The <br />drawdown during the summer-use season would lessen possibilities for <br />recreational development along the shores. <br /> <br />4 <br />