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1 <br />Chapter I <br />INTRODUCTION <br />A variety of stream studies are necessary to provide adequate <br />information for the proper management of the stream fishery resource in <br />the State. Routine management procedures will no longer suffice on a <br />majority of the streams. Increased fishing pressure, reduced stream <br />area, and altered stream conditions occur throughout the State, and pro- <br />posed and authorized water development projects will add to the critical <br />problems that now exist. Ultimate solution of the conflicting uses of <br />water and land must rely on facts. In 1962, data pertaining to the <br />management of the fishery resource were gathered on several important <br />streams in the State, with special emphasis given those areas and situ- <br />- ation5 influenced by water development projects. <br />This preliminary report was compiled from the initial survey <br />of Sweetwater Creek and the South Fork of the White River. The survey <br />will be continued over a period of several years to supplement and eon- <br />. <br />firm the indications of the 1962 survey. Of principle concern was the <br />probable effects of the proposed hydroelectric power development of the <br />Rocky Mountain Power Company. (Sweetwater Hydroelectric Project, Federal <br />Power Commission No. 2289.)- <br />The headwaters of Sweetwater Creek and the. South Fork of the <br />White River are in the White River National Forest in~northwestern Colo- <br />_ rado. Sweetwater Creek is a tributary of the Golorado River, the conflu- <br />- ence being about 15 miles northeast of Glenwood Springs. The White River <br />- heads on the-Flat Tops - a part of the 10,000 to 12,000-foot-high White <br />River Plateau. The North and South Forks nearly encircle the Flat Tops, <br />joining near the town of Buford, and flowing westerly through Meeker <br />