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C.R.S.). The CDOW Strategic Plan states: "[h]ealthy aquatic environments are essential to maintain healthy and viable fisheries, and critical for self-s1ustaining populations. The [CDOW] desires to prot'ect and enhance the quality and quantity of aquatic htbitats." . This stream reach is important to TU, the CDOVv] and Colorado because it supports a naturally reproducing population of Greenback cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias). Greenback cutthroat trout are currently considered a state an~ federal "Threatened" species. This species inhabits cold water streams and lakes with adequate strea~ spawning habitat present in the spring of the year. A Greenback Cutthroat Trout Recovery Plan has bebn developed by an interagency group of scientists operating under the sponsorship of the U.S. Fish hnd Wildlife Service. lnstream flow maintenance has been identified in the Recovery Plan as an import1ant tool in the recovery of the species. This stream segment was identified at the 2006 instream flow! workshop as a possible candidate for instream flow consideration even though it lies outside of the two recommended water divisions (2 & 5). TU and the CDOW believe this recommendation should be considered at this time because: , . The recommendation has broad public support; I . The proposed appropriation will aid in th~ immediate protection of threatened species; . The recolTlIl1ended stream is of historical ~nd natural significance; I . The recommendation is part of a water acquisition strategy; and I . The recommendation is part of a collabor~tive solution to a unique natural resource issue with federal, state and local partners. The information contained in the attached report forms the basis for the instream flow recommendation to be considered by the Board. It is TU and CDO'W staff s opinion that the information provided is . I sufficient for the Board's staff to begin the investlgations required to support the findings required in ... Rule 5(i) ofthe lnstream Flow Rules. If you have any questions regarding the attached report or the instream flow recommendations, please contact me at (303)-291-7267. ]ZL Mark Uppendahl Colorado Division of Wildlife Instream Flow Program Coordinator Cc: Grady McNeill, CDOW Resource Support Section Manager - w/o attachments Jay Skinner, CDOW Water Unit Program IManager - w/o attachments Greg Gerlich, CDOW Senior Fish Biologi~t - Northeast Regions - w/o attachments Harry Crockett, CDOW Aquatic Biologist: - w/o attachments Mark Leslie, CDOW A WM Area 2 - w/o .attachments Claire Solohub, CDOW DWM District 1217 - w/o attachments .