Making a Splash: Recreation New Kid on the Block

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The Pueblo Chieftain Online if q- Page 2 of 3 The Arkansas River basin's water users have long recognized the importance of recreation flows in the river. In 1990, rafters, fishermen and water users reached a voluntary agreement to keep minimum flows in the Upper Arkansas River during the summer months. The trick was to keep them high enough for rafters in the summer months, while lowering them to beneficial levels for fish in late summer. Another component of the agreement helps keep flows in the river for fish during fall and winter. Three communities have obtained RICD rights in the last few years: Pueblo, Buena Vista and Salida. Pueblo maintains flows below Pueblo Dam for fish and for its Whitewater Park Downtown. The flows were included in 2004 intergovernmental agreements. Although Pueblo was successful in obtaining an RICD, the CWCB balked at applying for in- stream flow rights for the reach of the Arkansas River below Pueblo Dam. The agreements have not meant total harmony in the first few years of operation. Local kayakers have learned water is not always available at the times they planned for major events in Pueblo, and are working out their differences with city officials. Improvements to the Whitewater Park have been delayed by a plan to replace the Fourth Street Bridge. In 2005 and 2007, flows for fish were dangerously low in late winter. The Pueblo Board of Water Works stepped in last year and leased some water to the Division of Wildlife. A new plan among Pueblo, Colorado Springs and the Division of Water Resources is expected to keep minimum flows in the river this year on a trial basis. Chaffee County sought recreation flows for kayak parks in Buena Vista and Salida in efforts to protect its growing recreation economy. For years, the county has been the heart of a $12 million rafting industry, highlighted each year by the FIBArk boat races. A state recreation area was created in the 1990s along the Arkansas River between Canon City and Salida. Downriver, a state park at John Martin Reservoir was formed as well, and Lake Pueblo State Park continues to be one of the most popular in Colorado. There are still unresolved, yet persistent questions about recreation in the Arkansas Valley. Lake and Kiowa counties are both concerned about the condition of their lakes, for different reasons. Lake County commissioners want more recreational amenities and access at http:// www .pueblochieftain.com/print.php ?article = /metro /l 199599200/3 1/712008