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2 <br />in the reach. However, it appears that several of these water rights are in nonuse status and may <br />be abandoned. Therefore, a careful investigation of diversions and return flows may be required <br />to determine water availability. <br />The BLM suggests constructing a synthetic hydrograph to determine water availability, using the <br />historical records from U.S. Geological Survey's gage 09179000. This gage was located on <br />Roc Creek and operated from 1944 to 1952. Roc Creek is a parallel watershed to La Sal located <br />immediately to the north. The two creeks both originate in the La Sal Mountains, are of <br />approximately the same length, and flow through similar geologic features on their route to the <br />Dolores River in Colorado. Roc Creek has a watershed size of 87.5 square miles, while La Sal <br />Creek has a watershed size of 113.4 square miles, so we would anticipate flows in La Sal Creek <br />to be somewhat higher. Some adjustments may also need to be made for different water use <br />levels. <br />Relationship to Management Plans. This recommendation is important to the BLM because <br />the agency is taking actions necessary to prevent flannel mouth sucker and bluehead sucker from <br />being listed under the Endangered Species Act. Providing water for an assemblage of native <br />fishes is a fundamental step in maintaining viable populations of these species. The BLM requests <br />that the Board recognize that this recommendation is based only the minimum flows necessary to <br />support cool -water fishery values. The BLM may wish to work with the Board and /or through <br />the Colorado water rights system to appropriate flows to protect other resource values specified <br />in the Resource Management Plan. <br />Original data sheets, R2Cross output, fishery survey information, and photographs of the cross <br />section are enclosed to support this recommendation. We thank both the Division of Wildlife and <br />the Water Conservation Board for their cooperation in this effort. <br />If you have any questions regarding our instream flow recommendations, please contact <br />Roy Smith at (303) 239 -3940. <br />Sincerely, <br />Frank Salwerowicz <br />Deputy State Director <br />4 Enclosures <br />1 - Data Sheets <br />2 - R2Cross Output <br />3 - Fishery Photos <br />4 - Cross - Section Photos <br />cc: Jim Ferguson, Uncompahgre FO; Allen Belt, Uncompahgre FO; Dennis Murphy, Southwest <br />Center; Mark Stiles, Southwest Center <br />