|
The Commission's program for Diamond Fork places
priority on completing unfulfilled mitigation responsibilities
associated with the transbasin diversion of water from the Uinta Basin
through the Diamond Fork System. Some program elements are identified below.
Descriptions of all the projects are contained in our Annual
Report and our Mitigation and Conservation Plan. For a description of the
Diamond Fork System, click here to link to Diamond Fork Mitigation.
Mitigation Program Elements
- Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Restoration -
Sixth Water
- Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Restoration -
Diamond Fork
Integral to the Commission’s program is restoring Sixth Water and Diamond
Fork Creeks in Diamond Fork Canyon. Both creeks endured
excessively high flows in summer months as a result
of a transbasin diversion of water discharged into the
system from Strawberry Reservoir. Artificially high
flows scoured stream channels during summer irrigation
seasons, resulting in severely limited fish production,
loss of soils, loss of riparian and wetland habitat,
and reduced recreation experiences. Upon completion
of CUP’s Diamond Fork System in 2004, destructively
high flows will be diverted through a tunnel and pipeline,
providing the opportunity to restore a more naturally
functioning riverine system. A preliminary restoration
plan has been prepared that made recommendations for
structural and hydraulic improvements of aquatic and
riparian habitats within the Sixth Water riverine system.
A similar conceptual plan for Diamond Fork Creek was
also developed considering potential interactive effects
of the pending Utah Lake Drainage Basin Water Delivery
System (click here to link to the Central Utah Water Conservancy District’s
web page about this system.)
The Commission and U.S. Forest Service cooperated to complete the
Diamond Fork Area Assessment in 2000. The Area Assessment is an
evaluation of streams, vegetation and wildlife before European
settlement, impacts of human use on these resources, and current status.
The assessment identifies where resources are currently operating
outside of a properly functioning condition and why. It will serve as a
foundation for future activities planned for the Diamond Fork watershed.
The Commission and the Central Utah Water Conservancy District are
monitoring Sixth Water and Diamond Fork to address water quality
concerns. If monitoring indicates potential problems to downstream
resources, the Commission will work with the District and others to
respond.
- Recreation Facilities in Diamond Fork
Recreation facilities were identified in Diamond Fork System
environmental documents to help meet anticipated recreation demand
associated with Central Utah Project construction and growing
populations along the Wasatch Front. The Spanish Fork Ranger District
and the Mitigation Commission cooperated to reconstruct a Diamond Fork Campground, and will relocate
group sites to less sensitive areas. Contiguous public access has been
acquired on lower Diamond Fork to allow access to restored habitats for
compatible recreational uses.
Implement mitigation measures required for completion of the Diamond
Fork System.
|
