Colorado - Battlement Reservoir #3_Water Activity Summary (TU)

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been addressed, but recommends CWCB obtain documentation from DWR supporting the new use prior to contracting. The applicant has also secured part of the necessary matching funds. They were approved for $120,000 of the requested $320,000 Fishing is Fun Grant. However, correspondence with the applicant indicates there is still a funding short fall. Staff will need a revised Scope of Work, budget, and schedule prior to contracting. The original Water Activity Summary Sheet is provided below. Water Activity Summary: The proposed water activity will enhance recreational and environmental opportunities with dam reconstruction of Battlement Reservoir 43. The Battlement Reservoirs are a chain of seven historic reservoirs, located in a montaine setting at 10,000 feet elevation in the White River National Forest, seven miles south of Battlement Mesa, Colorado. The Reservoirs were originally constructed for irrigation use by the Battlement Water Supply Company (BWSC) in the late 1800's. Maintenance of the Battlement Reservoirs became very difficult due to the inaccessibility of the site to motorized equipment. Most of the outlet structures were inoperable by the 1960's, when the reservoirs were no longer annually drained. This lack of reservoir maintenance resulted in an environmental benefit for the reservoirs' highly productive fisheries. The Battlement Reservoirs became very popular with anglers that desired a pristine, back-country experience. Battlement Reservoir 43, the largest reservoir at 10 surface acres (408.67 acre feet) breached during spring run- off in 1983. This breach resulted in major damage to the Battlement Creek channel, as well as County roads downstream of the reservoirs. The community supported the use of the Battlement Reservoirs, so a process to restore the reservoir complex as a viable fishery began. Reconstruction of Battlement Reservoir 43 will include: 1) removal of the non-working outlet structure, 2) construction of a permanent, hardened spillway that will maintain a constant water level in the Reservoir, 3) outsloping the downstream slope of the dam, and 4) revegetation of disturbed areas. The dam will be reconstructed to meet current dam safety standards. Vegetation removed during the project will be replanted in the project area, when possible. Native seed mix will be used for revegetation of disturbed sites. The completion of Battlement Reservoir 43 will complement all of the other Reservoirs within the Battlement system by providing fish and wildlife habitat. An additional 6 surface acres will increase the total surface acres to 16 for nonconsumptive use in Battlement Reservoir 93. The development of a native Colorado River Cutthroat (CRC) trout fishery and brood stock refugia for a native State Species of Special Concern will increase the recreational opportunity and use by anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The increased storage of water will help recharge the aquifers that the Towns of Parachute and Battlement Mesa depend on for their water supply, which originates from springs below the White River National Forest. Discussion: Staff supports projects in the Colorado River Basin that provide habitat for the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii l)leuriticus), a State Species of Special Concern. The applicant's goals include improving watershed conditions, improving lake and stream habitat, securing reintroduction sites for CRC trout, maintaining sources of genetically pure CRC trout, and stocking sites with genetically pure CRC trout. Staff supports these goals. Issues/Additional Needs: The applicant does not discuss the water rights in question in great detail. The water rights were originally decreed for irrigation. The applicant acquired the water rights in 2004; however, they do not discuss a change of use from irrigation to recreation and fish & wildlife habitat. The applicant intends to expand the reservoir by an additional 6 acre feet. There is no discussion of new water rights required to fill the expanded storage space. Staff requests additional information on the water rights in question. Staff also 2