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3. Findings <br />Twenty-seven different "issues" concerning the overall health of the Boulder Creels watershed <br />were identified from the stakeholder meetings (Table 2. Major Issues). k1 a geographic scope, <br />these issues ranged from a need for source water protection in the high country to removing <br />invasive species in portions of eastern Boulder Creek and nearby agricultural ditches. <br />3a. South Boulder Creek Flows <br />Maintaining minimum stream flows in South Boulder Creek was the most highlighted issue. <br />Stakeholders identified South Boulder Creek as having the potential to become a great resource <br />for Boulder County residents. Yet like much of the rest of the watershed, South Boulder Creek <br />water has been diverted and channelized for water users and their needs in both muiucipal and <br />agricultural settings. Low flows affect aquatic species' survival. Upgrading some agricultural <br />diversion headgates was seen as one way to maintain minimum stream flows. Also, although <br />much of the riparian corridor is on both private property and open space, further efforts to <br />enhance those riparian areas could be undertaken. Interagency cooperation is needed to <br />collectively work towards the goal of maintaiiung minmum stream flows in South Boulder <br />Creek. <br />3b. Water Quality <br />General water quality concerns were also mentioned by stakeholders. Non-point sources of <br />pollution in the form of urban nu7off were highlighted as a major concern. Emerging <br />contaminants has become an issue not only for Boulder County residents but also for residents in <br />urban areas nationwide. Protecting source water throughout Boulder County for water users and <br />supporting efforts for WWTP upgrades were also highlighted. Single lot developments were <br />mentioned as potential sources of sediment in our waterways. Many also lack appropriate erosion <br />control practices. Recreation pressures on our county's reservoirs, along Boulder Creek, its <br />tributaries and along agricultural ditches were also seen as potential detriments to overall water <br />quality. <br />3c. Invasive Suedes <br />Invasive species were also identified as one of the major issues concerning the overall health of <br />the Boulder Creek watershed. Eurasion watermilfoil (EWM), in particular, was singled out as <br />the biggest invasive species threat to portions of Boulder Creek, some of its tributaries and in <br />agricultural ditches. EWM has already shown up at the confluence of Boulder Creek and the <br />Saint Vrain River. The fear that this aquatic plant could end up downstream in waters of <br />neighboring municipalities and also into the South Platte River is of major concern. The lack of <br />interagency cooperation to manage this invasive species is seen as a hurdle towards overall <br />eradication of EWM in the watershed. <br />3d. Business/Homeowner Practices <br />Inappropriate disposal and non-containment of contaminated water from businesses such as <br />restaurants and service stations was highlighted as a concern. Boulder County's Partners For A <br />Clean Environment (PACE), which certifies and awards businesses that adhere to proper <br />disposal techniques, has addressed some of these concerns. For homeowners who live along <br />