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. ~ 1. EXECUTnffiSUMMARY Recreation opportunities and experiences on the Arkansas River are influenced by streamflows. Results from surveys of over 2,800 river users clearly indicate that anglers in general prefer lower flows, while whitewat~r boaters in general prefer higher flows. However, wlth recreation (particularly on a river as large and diverse as the Arkansas) there are no absolutes. Anglers can be found enjoying the river at flows in excess of 1,000 cfs and whitewater boaters can be found floating the river at flows well below 100 cfs. Summary results are shown below in Table 1.1. Table 1.1 . Summary of Water Needs by Recreation Activity Activity Acceptable Optimal Angling 300 - 1,100 cfs 400 - 800 cfs Whitewater Boating 700 - 3,700 cfs 1,100 - 2,900 cfs Float Fishing 600 - 2,100 cfs 700 - 1,400 cfs Source: 1995 User Survey - mean response The values presented above represent general preferences for an average user. These results should not be interpreted to imply that recreation opportunities do not exist at flows above or below those shown as acceptable, but rather that the number of users that would consider such conditions to be acceptable is relatively, small compared to the overall population of users. There is considerable variability withi~ the data about the means presented above. Reservoir recreation is also influenced by water management, particularly as it affects lake levels. Study results indicate that users clearly prefer higher lake levels. However, the vaSt majority of users surveyed indicated that regardless of water levels, they would choose to recreate at the site. These results suggest that while reservoir water levels do influence the overall quality ofthe recreation experience, they do not playa significant role in determining user behavior patterns. Users are likely accustomed to fluctuating water levels, particularly at Pueblo Reservoir, and have come to expect and accept low water levels. Recreation users at Pueblo Reservoir indicated that they were more strongly affected by water levels than users at Turquoise or Twin Lakes. This is in part due to the fact that Pueblo Reservoir users were, and typically are, exposed to much greater drawdowns than users at Turquoise or Twin Lakes. Conditions at Pueblo Reservoir were reported to improve considerably with regard to safety, shoreline access, and visual quality at elevations above 4850. ' Arkansas River Water Needs Assessment Recreation Report - Draft Page 1 September 20, 1996