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."'; 1 4. ., ,'S' ~ counters and sampling show that our interpretive site and trail at Independence Pass received 322,000 visits during June, July, August and September of this year. Over 11,000 people from 50 states and 37 foreign countries actually wrote comments in the trail register. The comments were almost entirely about the scenery and its preservation. The largest visitor center in this part of the state, which is also the key interpretive site for the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, will be located on the top floor of the Mt. Elbert Powerhouse facing the south shore of the reservoir. Tens of thousands of visitors will view the Lake, the south shore and the high peaks of the Sawatch Range through large windows and interpretive devices. The design of the visitor center considered our proposals that the south shore of Twin Lakes would remain essentially undisturbed and undeveloped. These few facts indicate the value the public places upon a natural scene. This is 'the scene which Twin Lakes now occupies and which the enlarged reservoir should continue to occupy. Our plans call for no development of the south side except for trails, limited boat access camping and the preservation of historic Interlaken. This area of green timber is in contrast to the moraine north of the Lake, and the north shore of the Lake which are mostly covered with sagebrush and scattered pine. The primary develop- ment area is planned for the north and east sides of the reservoir. Only a small area on the south shore would be suitable for public development such as campgrounds, resorts, etc. Most of the +'::'"Y'''''~;'I'''l ;~ +.......... <:'+00"" ..p~- ...l....H.....1_____J- _.LI__._ .L.____ r> .. L' '110jll~S' _ _ _ _ __.~ __ ~........ .... .........'-',t-' ............. .......... V......L.U.t-'Hl..:;UlJ V l.JUC;;.l L..UCLJ.l l.Vi tiLLlJUI1t:: .... . Our proposal is to leave most of the south shore in a natural state except as noted above. An integral part of the recreation experience at Twin Lakes should be the opportunity to get away from the developed areas and into open spaces and trees. Thus, the recreation area would provide a wider range of activities to the user by leaving the south shore roadless and essentially undeveloped. The south shore also provides wildlife habitat and a chance for visitors to see wildlife in their natural state. Unless this area is acquired, there seems to be little doubt that it will be developed conilllercially. There is no guarantee that a private developer will protect the scenic que,lH.i AS of the- area, or that the public would be allowed to use the land at all. XI-8 2. . . .