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It should be recognized that the WD- catchable trout available constitutes only 26% of the <br />projected 1997 total production of catchable trout, and this supply will fall significantly short of <br />projected needs. As a result, many areas of the state will not receive the number (if any) of fish <br />they have received in the past. DOW's capacity to provide fishing recreation is also vulnerable to <br />further, critical losses if additional hatcheries that produce fry and fingerling fish become positive <br />(as Bellvue did in June 1996). In the short term, fine-tuning of stocking schedules will only bring <br />minor relief for losses to fishing recreation. Our best hope for long term solutions to our dilemma <br />rests in emphasizing research and enhancing supply side options for WD- fish. <br />Increase Warmwater Fishing <br />Some resident anglers have come from other states where wannwater fishing is prevalent <br />and may want a similar experience in Colorado. Many of the state's warmwater fishing <br />opportunities did not exist 20 years ago. Warmwater management intensified in the state when a <br />number of biologists were hired specifically for that task in the late 1970s. Our warmwater <br />hatcheries, with some out-of-state trades, are very efficient and meet the needs of the warmwater <br />stocking schedule. Because of this aggressive management program, the DOW's productivity <br />from existing waters in the warmwater management arena is good. <br />The options for shifting fishing recreation to warmwater species are to increase access, <br />improve current facilities, improve habitat, and change species management. When total <br />warmwater recreation days are considered, most of the potential for improvement in warmwater <br />fishing occurs on the east slope. However, if progress can be made on some key issues, <br />significant increases of recreation days to specific warmwater fisheries are possible on the west <br />slope. The constraints of warmwater fish stocking in the Colorado River drainage due to the <br />potential for nonnative sportfish impacts on the recovery of endangered native species, and the <br />lack of adequate warmwater habitat, currently limits the potential for additional warmwater <br />recreation days on the west slope. <br />Increase access -- Opportunities for acquisition exist by entering into agreements with <br />municipalities or counties, typically at low or no cost to the DOW. The DOW has entered <br />into lease agreements with private irrigation companies for fishing easements. Those leases <br />have usually been affordable options, as the companies seek formal recreation management, <br />enforcement, and liability protection. There are still some resources that can be leased (e.g., <br />Douglas Reservoir in the NE Region); however, the DOW is facing stiff competition from <br />other recreational groups (windsurfers and water skiers). The DOW should expect to pay <br />$20-$50/acre per year for new recreation leases from private entities. <br />2. Improve existing facilities -- Many of our warmwater fishery resources are part of our <br />State Wildlife Areas. Angler dollars have been used to establish attractive fisheries rather <br />than recreational facilities and amenities; however, some anglers are deterred from using <br />state wildlife areas (SWA) due to this lack of amenities. This is particularly true in the SE <br />region, where some resources are underutilized. Capital expenditures for paved parking, <br />22