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fi, Environmental Assessment S~an~guel River Restoration )~,Qject I. Introduction: Purpose and Need The purpose of this Environmental Assessment (EAj is to describe the environmental effects of a proposal to rehabilitate and restore the mainstem San Miguel and South Fork San Miguel Rivers to stable condition typical of this stream channel type. The mainstem and South Fork have been subjected to not only major flood events and very high natural sediment loads, but more recently to in-channel gravel mining and channel avulsion, i.e., a shift in the course of the stream. Gravel mining operations in the active channel and floodplain started on private lands downstream of the South Fork in the 1970's. By the mid-1980's, these operations had expanded to National Foresi Lends. Ae a result of this mining activity, the stream morphology has changed from a meandering stream type on the South Fork San Miguel to an entrenched, braided channel which continues to widen and become more entrenched with each high flow. The changes which have occurred resulted in not only a shift in stream type and stability, but a loss of floodplain and riparian vegetation. There is a need to undertake these actions in late summer in order to complete the construction and instream work prior to winter freeze-up. Several alternative ways of carrying out these action are described in this document. Each of the alternatives, excluding the No Action Alternative, is designed to restore the natural stability and functioning of both the river and riparian sytems. This Environmental Assessment is not a decision document: it does not describe the decision to be made by the Forest Supervisor with regard to this proposed project. This Environmental Assessment discloses the environmental consequences of implementing the proposed action and alternatives to that action, The Forest Supervisor's decision will be stated and explained in a Decision Notice which will be developed after this EA undergoes a 30 day public comment period, and the comments from that review have been analyzed and addressed. This Environmental Assessment focuses on the environmental effects associated with the proposed action on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Impacts which may occur on lands adjacent to the National Forest, and impacts which may occur in surrounding coamiunities also are described in this document so that other landowners and decfsionmakers may be aware of the implications of this Forest Service project. Other Federal, state end local jurisdictions have assisted in the analysis and disclosure of these environmental consequences and in the development of alternatives [o the proposed action. (See "Agencies and Organizations Consulted^ on page 10.) 1