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<br />2. INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />The Arkansas River from Leadville to Pueblo and its associated storage reservoirs <br />(Turquoise Lake, Twin Lakes, Clear Creek Reservoir, and Pueblo Reservoir) support a wide <br />variety of water-based recreation activities. Many of these activities, particularly fishing, <br />whitewater boating, and reservoir boating are directly affected by water management in the <br />basin. Reservoir water levels and river flows can influence shoreline access, navigability, <br />safety, fishing success, rapid dynamics, and the overall quality of the recreation experience. <br /> <br />The relationship between water levels (both reservoir water surface elevations and river <br />flows) and recreation experiences is complex. Different physical settings are influenced <br />differently by different water levels and different recreation pursuits require different water <br />needs. Even for a given recreation activity there are often different needs and preferences <br />for different skill levels. In many cases, the needs, and desires of one user group may, <br />conflict with those of another. <br /> <br />The purpose of this report' is to document the water needs and preferences for each of the <br />major recreation groups using the Arkansas River and its associated reservoirs. The report <br />focuses primarily on fishing and boating activities on the Arkansas River from Leadville to <br />Pueblo and on three associated reserVoirs; Turquoise Lake, Twin Lakes, and Pueblo <br />Reservoir. While other recreation activities such as sightseeing and camping may be <br />influenced by water levels, the relationship is indirect and difficult to quantify. <br /> <br />Recreation water needs and preferences presented herein were determined through analysis <br />of several surveys conducted between 1991 and 1995. This data includes experienced users, <br />casual users, private boaters, commercial boaters, and anglers of all types for six sections of <br />the river as well as for Twin Lakes, Turquoise Lake, and Pueblo Reservoir. Some limited <br />data were also collected for Clear Creek Reservoir. <br /> <br />Physical habitat modeling results for the river, based on IFIM studies are also being <br />evaluated with respect to wade angling opportunities. These results are not included in this <br />report. <br /> <br />Arkansas River Water Needs Assessment <br />Recreation Report - Draft <br /> <br />Page 2 <br />September 20,1996 <br />