Yampa River Recreational Uses & Recommended Flows

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UU WILULIFt HABIIRI Fax :303 - 291 -7456 Jun 3 2005 13:25 P.03 Yamua River Data Summary CDOW analyzed stream cross section data collected to date using the R2CROSS program. The R2CROSS output was evaluated using the methods described in Nehring (1979) and Espegren (1996), In addition to the stream cross section data collected, the CDOW used the Tennant Method (a.k.a. Montana Method) to evaluate Instream flow recommendations above and below those recommended by the R2CROSS method. The Tennant Method is based on percentages of average annual flow derived from recorded hydrologic records. In this case the Yampa River gage at Steamboat Springs (Gage No. 09239500) was used. Mr. Neumann's biologic conclusions are not based upon any scientific method. The CDOW has reviewed the data collected to date and based on that review believes the recreational activities identified by POSR in Table 2 have no correlation to biological resource impacts as Mr. Neumann stated. As long as flows exceed 280 cfs on the Yampa River, there would be no biological impacts. Similarly, the CDOW also believes it is not only possible but likely, that most, if not all, of the identified recreational activities could occur at flows lower than 280 cfs, without impacting the biological resources of the Yampa River. Thus, Mr. Neumann's statement that, for example, 800 cfs is the minimum flow at which rafting could ever occur without damage to the biologic resources is unsupported and contradicted by CDOW data. If you have any questions regarding the above opinion or any of the attached information, please feel free to contact me at (303)- 291.7267. Sincerely, Mark Uppendahl Colorado Division of Wildlife Instrearn Flow Program Coordinator Cc: Jay Skinner, CDOW Water Unit Program Manager — w/o attachments Sherman Hebein, CDOW Senior Fish Biologist — West Regions — w/o attachments Billie Atkinson, CDOW Aquatic Biologist — w/o attachments