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~" ()'2" . "wl n,:" . . . .i..'.. ':J than the proposed development of a contract, a decision could be made to abandon this effort in favor or pursuing one of these alternatives, · Meet Black Canyon needs by developing the Union Park Project and passing required flows from its decree (200 cfs May I-September 3D, 50 cfs October I-April 30) · Protect endangered fish through Federal purchase or condemnation of water rights . Augment supplies to help both endangered fish, provide lower basin growth needs, and protect development of Colorado's Compact entitlement, by pumping groundwater into the Gunnison Basin from the San Luis Valley for sale to lower basin customers · Construct the Colorado Aqueduct Return Project (CARP) to develop and use Colorado's Compact entitlement and provide water for endangered fish Items 7 through 10 previously discussed some major factors to consider when articulating "contract" alternatives. Other comments will also help us define alternatives. One suggestion was to conduct studies to determine optimum flows for various environmental and economic values, and then group values with "similar optimum flows" together (e,g. optimize flows for endangered fish, riparian vegetation. campsite restoration, and sediment transport might be grouped together to define one alternative), This respondent also thought selection of alternatives should be "goal-driven," Others indicated that operational management targets should be used (more stability. less fluctuation at Blue Mesa, higher target level in winter), Some respondents also felt that alternatives should be described by including draft contract language, Suggestions relating to contract a1temati ves included: . Leave as much water in the river as possible . Provide fluctuating flows which exceed the 300 cfs instream water right . Meet Black Canyon needs by using habitat improvements (such as channel improvements, habitat modifications, and fish stocking) . Provide for more stability and less fluctuation at Blue Mesa, including higher target level in winter . Develop a contract which addresses Black Canyon needs as well as the need to preselVe historic benefits received by the Upper Gunnison Basin, including protection from cunailment by downstream calls . Restrict the quantity of water to be released under the Contract to an amount which would provide significant protection to the Gunnison, yet allow AB Lateral Project to be developed. Such an alternative might provide a 300 cfs minimum flow and set-up a schedule to periodically flush the Gunnison bed (perhaps 2,000 cfs for 2 weeks every 3 to 5 years). Winter releases would need to be set at 1,250 cfs, and the discretion of the NPS could be used to schedule other releases, subject to other rights. Formulation of concise alternatives needs to involve many potentially affected parties. and the scope of alternatives needs to be determined early, Alternatives must not conflict with legislation or legislative intent for managing projects or resources, Data collection and analysis 23