Before the FERC Application for New License for the Annex Creek ...

ecause of extensive vandalism previously experienced in both areas.
of these FPC Notices are in Appendix E-S.
E-22
Copies
Articles 32 and 33 of the current license pertain to the protection
and maintenance of recreational facilities at Annex Creek and Salmon Creek.
Construction and maintenance of recreational facilities found to be necessary
and desirable, and reasonably consistent with the primary purpose of the Project
are required by Article 32. Article 33 provides for free public access to
Project waters and lands except when restrictions are necessary for safety.
No porti on of the Annex Creek area has been des i gnated for study
for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system nor has any portion
been designated or recommended for designation as a wilderness area under
the Wilderness Act.
AELP will consu 1 t wi th the USFS regardi ng mari ne-ori ented facilities
on Taku Inlet. Due to the severe weather in the area, the extreme tidal
range, the debris carried down by the Taku River, the lack of protected
harbors, and the high turbidity caused by inflows from the Taku River, provision
of such facilities seems impractical.
5.2 SALMON CREEK COMPONENT
5.2.1 Existing Recreational Facilities
The recreational facilities located within the Salmon Creek Project
area consist of Salmon Creek Trail which extends from the Lower Powerhouse to
the reservoir. Five other hiking trails (Perseverance, Mt. Juneau,
Mt. Roberts, Pt. Bishop, and Sheep Creek) are located in the vicinity of the
Salmon Creek Component area, just outside the Salmon Creek watershed. These
recreational facilities are shown in Exhibit E-S.
5.2.2 Existing Recreational Use
AELP employees estimate that approximately 50 people per week walk
up the Sa 1 mon Creek Tra i 1 to the reservoi r duri ng peak season, whi ch extends
from May through September. The reservoi r, whi ch contai ns brook trout, sustains
moderately heavy fishing pressure in the summer and was once a popular
spot for ice fi shi ng (Reed and Armstrong, 1972), However, few now vi sit the
site in wi nter because a 1 ternati ve wi nter acti viti es have recent 1 y increased
in popularity in the Juneau area (e.g., downhill and cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling). In addition, the Twin Lakes, located 0.05 mile from downtown
Juneau, provide ice fishing opportunities in an area much more accessible than
Salmon Creek Reservoir.
5.2.3 Potential Recreational Use
The potential recreational use of the Juneau area is projected to
increase 3.6% annually based on a population growth rate of the same magnitude