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II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I {') ..,..., "j"" r- ~~:" ,',,' ,:- \~ .' :) Counties are Class D, limited value fisheries. Most of the streams of the basin are prairie streams and have limited riparian habitat, especially in the upper reaches. The only major reservoir in the basin is Norton Reservoir in Norton County. Thi s is rated as a Cl ass B reservoi r, "s1 i ght impai r- ment of use" due to seasonally high suspended sol ids and severe water level fluctuation. Also of interest are the small St. Francis Sandpit Lakes which are Class A (little or no impair- ment) and may be ground water ponds. Nat i ve vegetat i on is predomi nant 1 y as blue grama, buffalograss, wheatgrass and little bluestem. o Solomon River Basin - The Solomon River is tributary to the Smoky Hill Ri ver, and ori gi nates from the North Fork and South Fork Solomon Rivers. As in the Upper Republican River Basin, the most significant problem in most streams of the Solomon River Basin is the low flow conditions and turbidity. Pumping from alluvial aquifers, diversion for irrigation and conser- vation practices have severely depleted many streams and lakes. short and mi d-grasses, such side-oats grama, western Major reservoirs include Kirwin, Webster and Glen Elder Reservoi rs. Ki rwi n and Webster Reservoi rs are Cl ass A, although it has been difficult to maintain optimal water levels in these reservoi rs because of low flows of streams. Gl en Elder Reservoir is Class B due to suspended sediments and vege- tation impairment. Although it now supports a good fishery, a proposed irrigation project below the reservoir may prove to be detrimental. Sheridan State Fishing Lake is the only small reservoir designated as Class A. Both the North Fork and South Fork of the Solomon are Class C and D fi sheries due to reduced or compl ete loss of flow. The upper stretch of the Solomon is Class B with good riparian habitat and generally hi gh pri ority fi sheries. Lower reaches of the Solomon are downgraded to Cl ass C and D because of seasonally high suspended sediment loads and sparse riparian habitat. Both the North and South Fork Solomon Ri vers have concentrations of sulfates and chlorides from ground water discharges to streams. o Sal ine River Basin - The Sal ine River is tributary to the Smoky Hill River. The river basin is located in northwestern and northcentral Kansas. The most significant problems in the basin are related to sedimentation and pollution from oil fields, feedlots and other sources. In the far western portion of the basin, the Saline's stream channel is above the water table and is dry during most of the year. The eastern portion of the basi n is supported by ground water seeps and spri ngs which keep the stream flowing most of the time. 1-21