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O n~' () 'j ') "Ut:::Ji-'- ideal features to make this park an attraction to the local community, the boating community and to visitors to the region. It is my opinion that at the lowesUevel claimed (120 cfs), the course is navigable andcanbe used for practicing basic paddling and other boating skills. At flow rates of f700 cfs the coursebecoffi-es"an attraciion~to top level paddlers and rafters and will allow-these '. paddlers to practice for and compete in top level events. At flow rates of 1700 cfs the Boating Park will become a whitewater attraction that is capable of hosting major whitewater events. At all of the claimed flow rates the instream structures will capture and control the flow in order to create navigable recreational whitewater features. The quality ofthe Boating Park will be enhanced as flows increase. In fact, higher claimed flows make the Boating Park the recreational attraction it was designed to be. It is my opinion that the course will be more usable, more conducive to large events and more attractive to expert kayakers if the flows are run at levels up to 1700 cfs. If the flows are maintained at the lower levels, the course will be navigable and have limited use. However, it will not attract a significant increase in users. In fact, most users will be attracted to similar venues with higher flow nifes within the region. In view ofthe foregoing, it is my opinion that the amounts c1aimedin the City's application for the Steamboat Springs Boating Park are the minimum amounts necessary to achieve a reasonable recreation experience for the purposes for which the Boating Park was designed and constructed. I have been or will be compensated at my expert witness hourly rate of $95/hr for the work contained in this report and $ 140/hr for my testimony. My experience as a boating course designer is set forthin the enclosed resume. -15-