WSP06482 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

OD8G28 An archeological survey will be conducted and an archeological base map prepared. In accordance with Executive Order 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, all sites that qualify will be evaluated and nominated to the National Register. Excavation costs of the sites will be increased as a result of wilderness pre- cluding the use of mechanized equipment such as front end loaders, power winches, and power saws. Use of hand tools will increase the cost significantly. Existing Nonfederal Rights and Holdings There are five reservoirs and lakes, seven pipeline facilities, and seven ditches partially or totally within the roadless areas on which water rights are held by outside interests. None of these installations are included in the proposed wilderness. Wilderness designation will not adversely affect these rights. In fact, the natural watershed and water supplies to points lower in the drainage systems would assure a quality water supply. Consideration has been given to identifying some of these lands as potential wilderness additions. A special provision is recommended in the legislation establishing wilderness at Rocky Mountain National Park giving the Secretary of the Interior the authority to designate such lands as wilderness at such time as they qualify. Included for consideration are the Lawn Lake area (500 acres), Eureka Ditch (100 acres) and the Southeast Water Rights (4,099 acres). This acreage will be added to wilderness when the rights are acquired and the facilities obliterated. There are no grazing permits or allotments within the proposed wilder- ness. The one permit that waS valid until 1974 was terminated by acquisition of the McGraw ranch. Existing Federal Rights and Holdings The Act of January 26, 1915, establishing Rocky Mountain National Park, provides that "the United States Reclamation Service may enter upon and utilize for flowage or other purposes any area within said park which may be necessary for the development and maintenance of a Govern- ment Reclamation Project." This water right reservation clause in the 1915 Act can be released without detrimental effect. The Bureau of Reclamation has no planned projects, current investigations, or planned investigations for water handling facilities in the area. Wilderness designation thus will have no adverse effect at this time; the long range effects, however, are unknown. Wilderness designation would pre- clude further consideration of the area for installation of water utilization facilities. 24