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I I. I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I- I 2798 There is substantial demand for warm water fishing and flat-water recreation statewide and in southeastern Colorado. A recent study by Colorado State University and the Division of Wildlife (Angler and Hunter Access Problems in Colorado 1992) found that warm water anglers in Colorado experience greater difficulty in finding places to fish and in avoiding overcrowded places than other anglers. The same study found that waterfowl hunters were similarly concerned about overcrowded conditions. The State Parks Board has determined that a successful southeastern Colorado state park must rely on water-based recreation such as fishing and boating. . . . The Division of Wildlife considers the Great Plains Reservoirs to be a high quality warm water fishery and the lands around the reservoirs to provide excellent habitat for migratory waterfowl and other animal species. The LARC report also notes at page 8: The Great Plains Reservoirs are a popular recreation site, with fishing, boating and hunting dominating the use of the site. The Division of Wildlife maintains access and some facilities at Queens Reservoir and Nee Noshe to support fishing at the reservoirs. A private campground and boat launch site provides access to Nee Gronde Reservoir. As water levels decrease and as water quality deteriorates, the availability of these reservoirs for recreation will diminish. (Lower Arkansas River Commission [Colorado] 1992) For the establishment of a state park, and the investment of state funds associated with park development, the State Parks Board generally,looks for a sustained fishery habitat and a constant minimum 1000 surface acres of water area which would support water sports including water skiing (Wiley 1993). Similar comments should apply to the Fort Lyon storage reservoirs2 tl. //10'1 c;e-f o-/f., lL-. # R~~.fl ;"') ~yl :1"nY ~M2,~ ~ r1I1 0~ Q/\~ ~ J ~" u: ~ /fl.,A A4-21