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If precipitation is normal for the balance of the water year, no recreation".l difficulty of any kind is expected in the State. I I I I I I I I If 1976-77 is a dry year following a dry 1975-76, reservoir stages will be too low for boat launching at 30 to 40 percent of boat launching ramps. Large reservoirs such as Oroville and Shasta will be less affected. These con- ditions plus less aesthetic lake shore conditions could cut normal visitor days by an estimated 40 to 50 percent at inland reservoirs. Water use in state parks would probably be re- stricted to drinking and cooking, especially in the central and north coast areas which are heavily used. Since the State Department of Parks and Recreation began management of reservoir recreation in 1956, it has not experienced a condition as dry as two lower quartile years in a rowand, therefore, has no direct experience to draw on in anticipating problems. The severe fire hazards which may occur could require closure of some parks in high risk areas, and fire restrictions could be necessary for most parks. If severe fires result, this would affect quality of recreation in subsequent years because of the natural environment destroyed and facilities lost. Fish and wildlife Reduced reservoir releases and low natural streamflows to date have reduced spawning success of salmon and steelhead and will reduce the survival rate of juvenile fish. These losses will result in fewer adult salmon and steelhead three to four years from now. Other fish and wildlife resources have not been appreciably affected to date. If a lower guartile water supply is experienced through June 1976, stream angling for trout, particularly in mountain streams, would be substantially better than normal this spring but would fall to less than normal late in the season and in the fOllowing year. Angling in natural mountain lakes wotild be normal. There would be reduced stocking of trout in streams in mid- and late- summer months due to low water levels. Additional losses of nursery area for juvenile salmon, striped bass, and steelhead would result in very noticeable lessening of runs in subsequent years. Upland game and nongame birds would suffer from reduced food supplies. Quail may not nest successfully if a very dry spring occurs. Deer would have less natural forage, and some losses due to malnutrition and attendant poor fawn production and survival could be expected. Desert Bighorn Sheep and other desert wildlife could be affected seriously because of reduced or no flow in springs. Waterfowl would not be seriously affected since water conditions are favorable in Canada where most reproduction occurs. However, local reproduction may be reduced substantially. In addition, some losses of waterfowl are being experienced due to fowl cholera and botulism. Endangered -20-