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~. this difference in elevation grows, it results in an ever more unstable configuration. This is a situation which cannot be sustained indefinitely. In the absence of preventive measures by man, nature will even- tual ly solve the problem in her own way. Some day in the perhaps not-too-distant future, a massive flood must inevitably breach the artificial river banks, turning the river loose into the low- lying lands paralleling its present bed. The consequences will be disastrous. Those houses and other buildings which are not washed away by the first wave will be deeply buried under a new, stable bed of gravel and boulders. One could claim that the town of Ouray should never have been built where it is, and that permanent buildings should never have been allowed to be built in the valley below. But this is now a moot point. Both communities are now well established. Moreover, the people who live there have good reasons for doing so. Both the town and the valley below are among the most scenic inhabited areas in the country. And the scenery is undoubtedly recognized by the residents as having great value. But this idyllic environment is imperfect. What should be the centerpiece of the scene and its crowning glory, the river itself, is instead an ugly scar extending through the heart of the valley, in grotesque contrast with the perfection of its surroundings. It would thus be of great benefit to the area, From an esthetic standpoint as well as one of survival, if this unsightly scar could be removed. But such steps cannot be taken haphazardly. The problem cannot be solved simply through a gravel mining operation which has some incidental flood control implications. What is needed instead is an overall river control program which may include gravel mining as one of its features, but which should also consider many other factors as well. The opportunity exists for enhancing the beauty of the land, preserving (or even creating) wetlands, improving wildlife habitat and other environmental features, preserving an established lifestyle, and controlling the nature of Future development. But the most effective proce- dure can only be determined through a carefully thought-out planning process involving input from all interested parties. It must include an imaginative assessment of goals, a survey of technological alternatives, an analysis of benefits, and an as- signment of responsibility for both funding and operation. One thing is certain: if this area is to survive, sediment must be removed from the area where it has been allowed to build up. This has to be done not only in isolated pockets, but con- tinuously throughout the stretch where the river bed is higher than its surroundings, TE normal gravel mining cannot get rid of all the debris which must be removed, then some other means of disposal must be found. A little imagination can provide many ways of doing this. It is unfortunate that Ridgway Dam has already been built; otherwise it would have provided an excellent