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Show FROM THE UINTAH MOUNTAIN CLUB ON FLAMING GORGE Editor; ; Flaming Gorge Dam is currently undergoing an EIS scoping Process, focusing on how much water to release and when. In the current documentation by the BuRec, the only recreational industry that is given any weight is the trout fishery in the 30 miles below Flaming Gorge. The Uintah Mountain Club is dedicated to sustaining the quality of life and preserving the natural ecology of Utah. We are very concerned with maintaining the health of the Green River ecosystems, from Flaming Gorge Dam to Lake Powell. This.can best be accomplished by releasing flows from Flaming Gorge to more closely mimic the natural, pre-dam flows. We hear and understand the various arguments about perceived negative economic effects (although some of them seem overstated). For example, the economic concerns of the trout fishery in the 30 mile section immediately below the dam, are frequently mentioned. Some fear that the quality of the trout fishing may suffer during the weeks of higher springtime flow. We sympathize with their concerns; some of our members fish the Green. However, other people and economic concerns stand to BENEFIT from occasional high flows. The waters of the Green River flow 397 miles from Flaming Gorge, down into the Colorado River and beyond to Lake Powell. In other words, for every 1 mile of trout fishery below the dam, there exists 10 miles of desert river below. These waters sustain the health of Brown's Park National Wildlife Refuge, Dinosaur National Monument, Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Desolation Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, and other stretches of river not as well known. In these 367 miles, the Green flows through only three towns; Jensen, Ouray, and Green River, Utah. For the rest of its journey, it passes through peaceful rural scenes or beautiful canyons, home to cottonwood tree, mule deer, and razorback sucker, the desert canyons are full of life. Our river is a remarkable resource whose value is yet to be fully appreciated by the rest of the United States and the world. These remaining 367 miles of the Green below the trout fishery are being used by boaters, hunters, hikers, fishermen, and other recreationists who would benefit from replenished beaches, regenerated cottonwood groves, and generally from a more natural and enjoyable experience. On any spring, summer, or fall day, there are hundreds of these recreationists scattered up and down the Green. River running, for example, is 702 S. Main St. — 259.7722 800.753.8216 Moab's Canoe Specialists Dog of the Month... RITA!!! triumphantly makes a victory lap in a Red River Canoe! RENTALS GUIDED TRIPS SALES CANOE SCHOOL already a powerful economic benefit to Utah, as the Vernal Chamber of Commerce can attest. Every poster marketing Utah has at least one photo showing off these desert canyons. Has anyone calculated the economic base of all the commercial river-running companies of Vernal, Green River, and Moab, to consider alongside the economics of the Flaming Gorge trout fishery? This was not addressed in the scoping documents of the Bureau of Reclamation. And river running is only one of many recreational activites that Labyrinth & Stillwater Canyons on the Green River Calm & Whitewater “Dailys" on the Colorado River Goosenecks of the San Juan Gateway to the Confluence on the Dolores River will benefit from a more natural Green River. The razorback sucker is just one native species that will benefit from occasional higher flows. To take a more visible (and more popular) species, consider the Fremont “WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?" cottonwoods that line the Green. These trees establish themselves after high flows, and will continue to reproduce only as long as such flows occur. And these trees provide habitat for a wide variety of game and nongame animals. Trophy mule deer, for instance. We believe that the short time periods of higher water, temporarily leading to poorer fishing for trout, will also lead to year-round, greatly improved conditions downstream. Surely there is room to discuss a middle ground that will address everyone'e concerns. For instance, the Baetis mayfly hatch that occurs at the beginning of May is a popular time to fish; perhaps the higher flows can peak at the end of the hatch, in late May. Ina complex situation like the operation of Flaming Gorge Dam, not everyone can get just what they want; THE ZEPHYR IS STILL ACCEPTING ESSAYS ON THIS TOPIC FOR THE DEC/JAN ISSUE. (SO FAR WE'VE RECEIVED ONE ESSAY AND A BUMPER STICKER...PATHETIC.) 50-500 WORDS. all parties should expect to compromise. Become a member of... Tom Elder Vintah Mountain Club Vernal, UT S.U.W.A. ZEPHYR’S "BASTARD COUSIN" IN ENGLAND Hello Jim, We've never met, but I’ve passed through Moab a couple of times in the past few years and I’ve picked up your paper on both occasions. Here in England we have no real niche for a free community newspaper. Being a small densely populated nation, we're well-served by the national press, which limits what local papers have to offer--they’re either full of details of the local football or listing who’s dead, or they are just free advertising sheets. I’ve always felt that our town was just the right size fora proper community newspaper along the USA lines, and I have toyed with the idea for a long time. When I came to Moab for the first time--a family holiday, breezing through--I was not only struck by what a great little town Moab is, but I loved the approach you took with the Zephyr. In fact, I was so influenced by the first copy I read which featured articles about the flooding of the Glen Canyon, that when I realized my second visit would coincide with a talk on the same subject at your community centre, I just had to go. I enjoyed being there with the local folk and was impressed by their commitment to what is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Anyway, newspapers...you might be angry about this or you might not--I hope not - but I borrowed some ideas from the Zephyr for my own paper (if you're interested, I'll send you some copies). I’m now putting together the fifth issue and things seem to be setting up for a long run and the paper has taken on an identity of its own. I just wanted to let you know that influence spreads and I’m pleased that I picked up your paper because it finally got me to get off my arse and do something that I’d been thinking about for so long. IfI pass through Moab again, I would like to buy you a drink (unless you happen to be in the UK first). ‘The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance WHAT A SHOCK... YET ANOTHER FAKE ENDORSEMENT. REP. JIM HANSEN You know, when | get thatwarm & fuzzy feeling inside and want to chase butterflies and commune with our Earth Mother, | always think of SUWA. Cheers, Pete Clarke Malmesbury United Kingdom 1471 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84105 PS. I love the web-site--funnily enough I want to be re-assured that there are people there fighting for the deserts continued on the next page... Wwww.suwa.org |