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. ... ."" .. ,",",\ '1\a;;;' has furnished information on lands withdrawn for the Project and has checked unpatented mining claims in the area. Cooperative hydrologic programs are conducted with the Geological Survey, Weather Service, Soil Conservation Service and Corps of Engineers. The Forest Service through Memorandums of Agreement, Fish and Wildlife Service, the Colorado Div~sion of Wildlife, the National Park Service and other Federal, State and local agencies as well as members of the public have provided guidance and assistance to insure that environmental protective measures are considered during Project development and incorporated into the design of the features. Numerous reports have been prepared by these and other agencies which generally provide the basis of the economic and environmental evaluation for the Project. Some of these reports are listed in the bibliography. . In November 1966, public hearings were held at Aspen Institute to discuss the possibility of building the 'Hunter Tunnel as an all tunnel system with drop inlets based on public objection to a conduit system which required construction of an access road through the scenic Hunter Creek area on the western slope. About One year later, the Project plan was modified to replace the conduit and access road plan with an all tunnel system which would preserve to the fullest practical extent the natural environment of the Hunter Creek drainage. The Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District and the news media have been instrumental in keeping the public informed on changes in the Project plan and on construction progress. The District has also presented testimony in Congressional Hearings in support of the Project and for appropriations for the development. Several educational institutions have conducted studies related to biologic and cultural aspects of the Project. Archeologic studies have been conducted by the University of Denver and Southern Colorado State College under contract with the National Park Service in areas of the Project prior to initiation of construction. Colorado State University has conducted vegetative studies in the Project area. 2. Post-NEPA Consultation and Coordination The National Environmental Policy Act became effective at a time when the Project had been under construction for more than five years. The act and the environmental awareness which has prevailed has focused public attention on water resource development projects. Articles by the news media have prompted resurrection of some ideas . X-3