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METHODS <br />IFIM Site Selection <br />Fryingpan River <br />During a site visit to the Fryingpan River on 21 June 2001, visual inspection noted three <br />key hydraulically distinct channel types. To completely describe the aquatic habitat in <br />the Fryingpan River below Ruedi Reservoir, IFIM and habitat mapping sites were <br />established in each of the three main channel types. <br />The first channel type, which is scattered throughout the 22.5 km section below the dam, <br />is characterized by high gradient, steep banks and large substrate. High gradient pocket <br />water riffles dominate the habitat in these sections. Plunge, trench and lateral scour pools <br />provide refuge from high velocities associated with the high gradient habitats. Run <br />habitat is minimal. This channel type will be referenced as Fryingpan River High <br />Gradient (FPR-HG). An IFIM site was located downstream from the Downey Creek <br />confluence on USFS land approximately nine km below the dam to represent this channel <br />type (Site location: Figure 3; Site picture: Figure 6). <br />The second channel type is characteristic of portions in the middle to upper reaches of the <br />river. The river channel in these areas is lower gradient, typically shallower, with <br />substrate consisting of gravel and cobble. Run and riffle habitat dominate this section of <br />river with few pools. This channel type will be referenced as Fryingpan River Low <br />Gradient (FPR-LG). Roy Palm graciously provided access to the Fryingpan River on his <br />property where an IFIM site to represent this channel type was established approximately <br />I I km below the dam (Site location: Figure 4; Site pictures: Figures 7 and 8). <br />The third key channel type is restricted to the section immediately downstream of the <br />Ruedi Reservoir in the CDOW's Catch and Release area. The channel in this section is <br />controlled by man-made structures placed in the river channel and along the banks. This <br />area is an extremely popular angling location accumulating over 24,500 estimated visitor <br />days during 2001 (Crandall 2002). This section is referenced as Fryingpan River Bend <br />Draft Final Report, Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers February 12, 2003 <br />Miller Ecological Consultants, Inc. Page 9