WSP06571 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

01t;)g5 VII. SELECTION OF PREFERRED ALTEIUlXIIVE The Forest Service preferred alternative plan is Plan 1, rec~nding designation of the river with all segments being classified at the most restrictive level for which they are eligible. The selected alternative for the River Study recamDCndation Is based on a joint decision of the Forest Service and Colorado Departlllent of Natural Resources. Alternative was selected for the following reslons. The plan best meets Congressional Intent of preserving eligible streams In their free flowing condition and protecting their imroediate environments for the USe and enjoyment of present and future generations. The plan provides a higher level of opportunity tn meeting the environmental quality geals of the State of Colorado. By prohlbitlng the constructIon of new roads in the wIld ~egments, the plan provldea the greatest opportunity (in comparison to the other two plans) for the goal of protectIng big game from harassment In key winter range within the unit and along their migratlon routes. Although the plan has a slightly negative output for timber, it la believed that this minimal cost to the economy is greatly outweighed by the environmental benefIts that will accrue in meeting the envIronmental quality objectives. Plan 11 (Not Selected) Plan II, recommending classificstion of the Piedra River at the least restrictive level of recreatlonal, was oot aelected bel.':ause: Plan 11 doea not insure full envIronmental protection for maintaining the current wild and scenic charac.ter. Management practlces under recreational classlfication could erode the existing character. Plan II, at approximately the same adminIstrative cost, provides lesa opportunity for goal attahunent than does Plan J. So Designation (Sot Selected) ~intalning the river and its environmental values through exIsting law and regulation Is not recommended. The nO designation plan was rejected for the following reasons; The plan doea not assure that the Congressional intent of preserving eligible streams in their free flowing condition and protecting their immedlate environments will be met. The plan does not increase or enhance opportunity for meeting State gnals. The plan 1a neutral or detracts from the Federal goals In protecting the river corridor and providing for increased recreation use. Although this plan provides more for local and national economic develop&ent, the economIc conaiderations do not outweigh the environ~ntal attributes that will be lost If the current trend in land use and resource development continues. Losses to economic develop- ment are, in part, offset by galna in the recreatlon sector of the economy. A. COSCLUSlOSS The Piedra RIver and its East and ~iddle Forks, upstream from Colorado Highway r60 to its head- ~aters along the Continental Divide ia eligtble (with two mInor exceptions) and should be included in the S~tlonal Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The exceptions are: 1) The twO mile segment of the E~t Fork fram pagoaa Creek upstream to the Piedra falls Pitch diversion dam is de-watered durin~ the recreatlon season, but would be eligible if water were restored to the stream bed during the summer months. 2) A shoft (appro'lilll/ltely one-quarter mile) seg1llent ,]t the top of the L1la fork frOllt sane unnamed ponds up to the State of Colorado's diversion ditches is de-watered, but would be pligible If water wer.. restored to the stre,]m bed during the su~r ~onths. 1-37 i , t [ .