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Wetlands in the vicinity of the fish passageway include scattered areas of shrub-scrub and emergent wetlands dominated by willows and bulrush, respectively. Also present is a riparian community dominated by cottonwoods. Impacts Under the No Action Alternative, the major land use change in the immediate vicinity is projected to be conversion of upstream riparian and agricultural areas on the east side of the river to sand and gravel extraction uses. Under all alternatives, a land exchange between the Redlands Water and Power Company and the BLM is expected to be pursued as an action separate from the passageway. This would give the Redlands title to the lands on the west side of the river where their intake, canal, and other facilities are located; and would give lands on the east side of the river to the BLM. Following this exchange, it would be possible for BLM to transfer all or part of the newly acquired land to Reclamation. This exchange was not identified in the BLM's Grand Junction Resource Area Resource Management Plan in 1987, but the exchange is considered to be in the public interest. Construction, operation of the fish passageway, and provision of water under the interim agreement will have no significant effect on land use. Approximately 2 acres of land will be used permanently for the fish passageway facility. Designs and operation and maintenance agreements are being developed to protect the structures and uses associated with both the Redlands Diversion Dam and the city water intake. During construction, an area on the east side of the river between the cliffs and the city of Grand Junction pumping plant will be used as a parking and staging area for vehicles and equipment. The same area will be used to dispose of excess material. The area is vegetated primarily with greasewoodlrabbitbrush with large barren areas, and approximately I acre will be cleared. Revegetation of this site and other disturbed areas with grasses and saltbush will reduce impacts. Activities will be distanced from the railroad to avoid any conflicts or effects on the railroad operations. There will be no disturbance to the riparian areas on the west bank of the river. Approximately . 0.22 acres of shrubs, including two to four mature Russian olive, skunkbush, and tamarisk shrubs, will be lost due to the fish passageway. All cottonwood trees will be protected, although several branches have been identified that will need to be removed. Soil compaction from construction activity could adversely affect the vigor of approximately four mature cottonwoods. Downstream from the diversion, less than .01 acres of emergent wetland (bulrush) will be lost. Up to 200 feet of shoreline will be disturbed by the .passageway entrance or concrete work; and. in this area, .06 acres of emergent wetlands will be lost. The Fish and Wildlife Service (1994a) has recommended that these vegetation losses be replaced by plantings of similar number/area 14