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Section 7 Environmental Effects of the Selected Plan

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

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uses in the area generally, which are almost exclusively in agricultural or

conservation uses.

7.16 RECREATIONAL RESOURCES

The Preferred Alternative was analyzed for potential effects to:

1. Existing recreational facilities; and,

2. Potential for future recreational usage.

Currently, there is no state or county recreational facility on Compartment A

that would be affected by the EAA Storage Reservoir project. Construction and

operation of a storage reservoir should increase recreational opportunities

on-site and within the EAA as well as indirectly in the region when compared to

existing conditions.

Recreation infrastructure would be developed consistent with the CERP Master

Recreational Plan (MRP). Providing recreational opportunities is one of the

C&SF Project purposes. The CERP MRP will identify and evaluate potential

new recreation, public use and educational opportunities within CERP projects.

Its primary purpose is to develop a comprehensive plan for recreational needs

within the C&SF Project and to implement the recommendations of the MRP.

Development of the storage reservoir will indirectly improve recreational

opportunities in other areas such as the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee by

changing the quality, quantity, and timing of water flowing to these areas.

7.17 AESTHETICS

Visually, the EAA is quite flat with few natural topographic features. The

Preferred Alternative will construct embankments and other structures to

contain and operate the reservoir. These will introduce some topography to the

area that will draw the eye and lend some contrast to the monotonous

agricultural area. This will impact the aesthetics of the area, viewed by some as

a positive change and by others as a negative change. There will also be a

200-foot wide seepage buffer on the eastern, northern, and western sides of the

reservoir. This will have a mix of wetland and upland habitats. This natural

area surrounding the sides of the reservoir will improve the aesthetic value of

the reservoir and, over time, may conceal the lower section of the embankment.

Therefore, there would be minor impacts to aesthetics associated with

implementation of the proposed plan.

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