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2.2 cubic feet per second is recommended from September 1 through March 31. This recommendation is driven by the average depth criteria. This flow rate will allow fish to survive in pools, provide sufficient physical habitat in riffles between pools, and will prevent the riparian environment from being seriously stressed. Water Availability. BLM is not aware of any decreed water rights within this reach. However, the Perkins Fox Ditch is located immediately upstream of the proposed reach. The Perkins Fox Ditch appears to be junior to the Willow Creek Ditch, which is the downstream terminus of the proposed reach. In addition, there are numerous small reservoirs and spring developments located in the watersheds that feed Beaver Creek. BLM recommends that the CWCB utilize USGS gage 09258000, Willow Creek at Dixon, for water availability calculations on this creek. This gage has a very long period of record, is located at the end of the instream flow reach. This gage incorporate upstream diversions and returns flows, and it shows that ample water is available for the proposed appropriation. Relationship to Management Plans. This stream reach is in an area where BLM has acquired significant acreage. The objective of these purchases was to consolidate ownership along the creek so that BLM can improve riparian management throughout the stream corridor. BLM's efforts to improve riparian health will be sustained by an instream flow appropriation that works to keep the riparian community watered, especially during high temperature periods. BLM also places special emphasis on the Willow Creek fishery because of it is one of the few fisheries managed by the Little Snake Field Office, and because of it has unusual species diversity. The BLM requests that the Board recognize that this recommendation is based only upon the minimum flows necessary to support cold-water and cool-water fishery values. BLM may wish to work with the Board and/or through the Colorado water rights system to appropriate flows to optimally protect fish values and to protect other water-dependent values specified in BLM resource management plans. Data sheets, R2Cross output, fishery survey information, and photographs of the cross section are enclosed to support this recommendation. We thank both the Division of Wildlife and the Water Conservation Board for their cooperation in this effort. If you have any questions regarding our instream flow recommendation, please contact Roy Smith at 303-239-3940. Sincerely, Linda Anania Deputy State Director Resources and Fire