Laserfiche WebLink
<br />. . <br /> <br />lib \0J <br /> <br />The installation of the proposed diversion works fanning <br />out near the upper reaches of the five tributaries and the main <br />stem of the Fryingpan River would, in all probability, necessitate <br />the building of construction roads up the various c~ons to the <br />sites of the tunnel portals. It is assumed that once access routes <br />of this type are established, they would be held open for post- <br />project maintenance of the diversion system and through public <br />demand be available for general public use. It is obvious from <br />field investigations that the terrain in the various tributary <br />c~ons is sufficiently steep and rugged to contribute to costly <br />road construction and scarring of the natural landscape. Satis- <br />factory disposal of spoil from the tunnel excavations would present <br />a particularly difficult problem. <br /> <br />In analyzing the existing recreational values and the <br />proposed construction work, we feel that values will be destroyed <br />which will far outweigh ~ recreational returns that might be <br />developed. We feel that the roost detrimental effect may result <br />from the use of the construction roads as public access routes and <br />from possible loss of fishery .values through depletion of stream <br />flows. The former would subject this area to intensive use, and <br />by this sudden impact the primitive qualities of this environment <br />would soon be impaired and possibly destroyed by overuse. The <br />terminus of each access road would also provide a potential base <br />to facilitate further invasion of other natural areas beyond the <br />diversion sites. The frontier of an undisturbed and unspoiled area <br />possessing a diversity of natural values would be set back. It <br />would represent another withdrawal from a vanishing bank account. <br />To the degree that this area is subjected to such roads, construction <br />scars, and possible overuse, its value as an outstanding natural <br />recreational area will be diminished. <br /> <br />It appears that a major portion of the recreationists <br />that are attracted to the Fryingpan area come for the prime purpose <br />of fishing in the streams. !my impairment of this valuable resource <br />would perpetually limit the use of this region as a natural recre- <br />ational area. We believe that areas of primary natural recreational <br />value should be perserved as such and should not be encroached upon <br />by other uses until all conservation aspects have been fully explored <br />and analyzed. Areas providing natural recreation and primitive <br />landscape are disappearing throughout the nation at an alarming rate. <br />Onee they are gone, they can never be replaced, and as one is removed <br />the impact will be greater on those remaining. <br /> <br />3 <br />