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IN REPLY tbRA 2 7250 United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Colorado State Office 2850 Youngfield Street Lakewood, Colorado 80215 -7093 Mr. Dan Merriman Colorado Water Conservation Board 1313 Sherman Street, Room 721 Denver, Colorado 80203 Dear Mr. Merriman: U.U. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT www.co.blm.gov JUN 1 2001 The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is writing this letter to formally communicate its instream flow recommendation for La Sal Creek, located in Water Division 4. Location and Land Status. La Sal Creek is tributary to the Dolores River approximately five miles southwest of Bedrock. The creek originates in the La Sal Mountains of Utah and flows east to the Colorado -Utah Border. From the border, the creek flows across approximately four miles of private land, and then across approximately six miles of the BLM land. The BLM lands are located in sections 16, 17, 21, 22, 26, 27, and 35 of T47N R19W, New Mexico P.M. and comprise approximately 60 percent of the reach. The creek is confined to a canyon, and each tributary in the reach contributes less than 5 percent of the total flow. Biological Summary. Fishery surveys indicate that the stream environment is in excellent condition, and supports a self - sustaining populations of bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, mottled sculpin and speckled dace. These species are all native to western Colorado. Channel and bank stability, vegetative cover, pool availability and food availability are good for dace and suckers. However, the fish population is limited by high erosion, high water temperatures, and by a paucity of spawning habitat. Therefore, the BLM seeks to protect the current flow regime to prevent further stress to the fish population. R2Cross Analysis. The BLM's data analysis, coordinated. with the Division of Wildlife, is explained on the enclosure. This analysis indicated that the following flows are required to protect the fishery and natural environment to a reasonable degree: 2.25 cubic feet per second is recommended during the low temperature period from September 1 to February 28. This recommendation is driven by the average depth criteria. 5.25 cubic feet per second is recommended for the high temperature period from March 1 to August 31. This recommendation is driven by the average velocity criteria. Average velocity is important during the summer months to prevent high water temperatures that stress the fish population. Water Availability. The BLM is aware of approximately 12.0 cfs in surface diversions located