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<br />. I-~ .;; '~) 0/ <br />(,I ".j __.~ W ...; t <br /> <br />defined that capture and control the flow, but that do not significantly decrease the cross- <br />sectional area of the existing river channel. If the cross sectional area of the channel were <br />significantly reduced the regulatory floodplain could be affected. As noted above, if the <br />flows in the Boating Park were to be compared to another venue, a more appropriate <br />choice would be the 1996 Olympic Course on the Ocoee River in Tennessee. This <br />course, designed by Mr. McLaughlin, was built in a natural channel in the United States. <br />Thiscourse requires a minimum of 1100 cfs forcompetitionand 1300 cfs for recreational <br />rafting use. <br /> <br />In conclusion, it is my opinion that the flow rates claimed are the minimum amounts <br />necessary to secure the recreation experience sought by the City of Steamboat Springs. <br />Mr. McLaughlin's apparent conclusion to the contrary is based on different rivers, for <br />mostly artificial channels, and on the discredited generic analysis performed by Bo <br />Shelby on Clear Creek. The judgment about the flow rates claimed in this application <br />must be based on the characteristics of the Yampa River at Steamboat Springs, and <br />against the recreation experience and community benefits sought by the applicant. As set <br />forth above, when those controlling factors are considered, the flow rates claimed are <br />reasonable. <br /> <br />21 <br />