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<br />censtruction, in this case, leg and reck crib dams. Ne prehisteric resources were found in the <br />project impact area during cultural resource surveys. <br /> <br />No significant impact is prejected en cultural resources. The canal system itself would not be <br />affected. The function and basic use efthediversien dam itselfweuld not change and the design <br />of the passageway appears much like a natural river channel. Initial analysis indicates that the <br />passage would impact the diversion dam in two possible ways. First, by shoring up the downriver <br />portien of the dam, it may help preserve the dam in place. The .only possible adverse impact <br />weuld be a netch which weuld run for approximately 30 feet aleng the tep of the dam, with a <br />depth of about 2 feet. This notch may expose, and perhaps impact, the .original log and rock <br />structure. If this occurred it would provide an opportunity to recerd the condition, design, and <br />other facters .of the, <br /> <br />Social. Ecenomic. and Recreatien Factors <br /> <br />The GVIC Diversien and irrigatien system is one of the key elements in the social and economic <br />fabric .of the Grand Valley. Fer over 100 years, it has supperted area farms and orchards, and in <br />mere recent years has become. an impertant source of water for residential irrigation, for <br />recreatien and fish and wildlife developments, and for the overall quality eflife in the Grand <br />Valley, <br /> <br />The Celerade River itself has leng been used for recreation, and this use is increasing as pe.ople <br />become aware of the resource through various riverfront improvement projects and education <br />projects, Presently, some recreatienal beating, kayaking, and rafting occurs in the reach .of the <br />river upstream from the GVIC Diversion Dam. Accurate use figures are not available, but a <br />rough estimate would be 300-400 boaters annually, many using inner tubes (persenal <br />cemmunicatien, Carlos Sauvage, 1997). There is an informal boat launch area near Palisade <br />where peeple can enter the river above the GVIC Diversion and take .out at various locati.ons <br />downstream, Parking is located next te the river so the launch site is relatively easy t.o use. <br />During lew water conditions, persons participating in recreational beating must portage their <br />vessels .over the GVIC Diversien Dam or walk around the diversion en private land, b.oth methods <br />resulting in trespassing on private preperty. During higher fl.ows, boats can float over the <br />diversien; although currents can be extremely dangerous, The outlet .of the Orchard Mesa <br />Irrigation District power plant produces a whirlpeol a short distance downstream that is <br />potentially hazardous at certain flow levels. Experienced boaters using this area are aware .of this <br />situation and are able to avoid the whirlpool area. <br /> <br />The greater majerity .of beating use occurs dewnstream, and there are several plans being <br />discussed to provide a "walk-in" launch site downstream from the GVIC Diversien Dam .on city <br />of Palisade preperty. This may solve seme .of the above preblems in the future. <br /> <br />Under the No Action alternative there sheuld be no significant impacts on the social, economic, .or <br />recreational conditiens, Under the preposed plan, cemmitments are included to fully protect the <br /> <br />19 <br />