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Arkansas River Water Needs Assessment • • August, 1994 Setting and scope The assessment will collect and present highly credible information to help managers, users and others understand how various water flows and reservoir levels affect natural resources and recreational values along the upper Arkansas River and its related reservoirs from Leadville to Pueblo. In addition to the river itself, Turquoise, Clear Creek and Twin Lakes reservoirs on the upper end and Pueblo Reservoir on the lower end will be included. The assessment will use existing and newly collected data to evaluate the dependency of certain resource values on reservoir levels and water flows. The resource values are: aquatic habitat, recreational boating and fishing, water quality, riparian areas, and aesthetics. The assessment will also look at the opportunities and constraints associated with water rights, river hydrology, reservoir operations and other legal requirements. The assessment activities are anticipated to continue through fiscal year 1998. The assessment is not a decision document. It will help inform managers and others about the role that water plays in supporting a variety of natural resource and recreational values. The information generated by the assessment will be used in future environmental studies, considered in the development and implementation of plans, and otherwise support actions that affect water- dependent resource and recreation values along the upper Arkansas River. Issues/problems being The upper Arkansas River is one of the most heavily used rivers in the west. As addressed demand for the river's water-related resources and activities increases, managers will face tougher choices. Information produced by the assessment can inform decision makers and others of the needs and opportunities associated with those tough choices. Participants Three Federal and one State agency partners have agreed to complete the assessment. The lead agencies are the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and Forest Service on the Federal level, and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources at the State level. Within the Department of Natural Resources, the Divisions of Wildlife, Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and Water Resources participate. The assessment has attracted the attention of traditional water interests, recreation users, conservation groups, local governments and others, both within and outside the assessment area. Sources of technical input Three technical work groups have been established: Water Resources, Biology, and Recreation. The work groups will develop detailed work plans, coordinate field work and prepare reports. Field work is scheduled to be completed in 1996 and a final report is scheduled to be published in 1998. • B i r ef history and present In August 1992, the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, Forest status Service, and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources entered into a Memorandum of Understanding which calls for the coordinated assessment.