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<br />PURPOSE OF REPORT <br /> <br />The purpose of this report is to present to BLM <br />management a clear picture of the flow-dependent <br />resource values found in the Dolores River corridor, <br />to identify streamflow conditions required to support <br />resource management planning objectives, to <br />document the existing post-dam streamflow regime, <br />and to recommend to BLM management alternative <br />strategies for securing protection for required <br />streamflows. <br />BLM's recently completed Dolores River <br />Corridor Management Plan (DRCMP) prescribes a <br />lO-year management program for the river portion <br />lying within the Montrose BLM District boundary <br />(from the Bradfield Bridge to a point approximately 8 <br />miles downstream of the San Miguel River <br />confluence). The DRCMP primarily focuses on <br />management of the highly unique and quite diverse <br />'ecreational, biological, and cultural resources within <br /> <br />this l06-mile corridor. Among the proposed man- <br />agement actions, the DRCMP addresses several cost <br />and labor-intensive implementations. These actions <br />include development of four to five river access sites, <br />cultural and wildlife inventories and evaluations, <br />riparian area monitoring, visitor education and <br />interpretation efforts, and several other resource <br />protection measures. Many of the proposed actions <br />are based on the assumption that future downstream <br />flows will continue to support resources currently <br />found along the river corridor. <br />Because of the controlled flow situation now <br />existing below McPhee Dam, this report comprises <br />an instream-flow needs assessment of the river <br />downstream of the reservoir. Results of this assess- <br />ment project will be referenced in an appendix to the <br />DRCMP. <br /> <br />5 <br />