WSP04936

• File Number: 7630.250
• Description: Wild and Scenic-Encampment River
• State: CO
• Date: 1/1/3000
• Title: Encampment River-Supporting Material-Discussion of Colorado Department of Natural Resources Recommendation
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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C. Discussion of Colorado Department of Natural Resources' (CDNR)
Recommendation

The wild and Scenic Rivers Act encourages recreational use of the

rivers in the system as long as that use does not impair the values

that have caused them to be selected. Otherwise the rivers in the

system might gradually degenerate, leaving a system of rivers that once

were outstanding, but are no longer "se-. The CDNR reconynends a wild
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classification for the Encampment ~iver because it~e~esLthat

classification is necessary to protect the Encampment's valueS~While
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a scenic classification would not require developments that would

impair the Encampment's values, it does permit a level of development

that could.

Fish and wildlife values such as those which are the basis for the

Encampment's eligibility are perhaps the most fragile of all the values

recognized in the Act. The Colorado Division of Wildlife notes:

We believe that a less restrictive classification of any
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segment of the Encampment tiver would encourage a signifi-

cant increase in visitor days and result in a decrease in

fish and wildlife populations. Since fish and wildlife

values are essential to the eligibility of this river...,

any development which would reduce these values would seem

to conflict with the intent of the wild and scenic rivers

act.

~ The developments that the Forest Service proposes would be located

in Commissary Park.

If established use and convenience alone are con-

sidered, this is certainly the logical place for them. But if the