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SECTION 2 <br />EXISTING CONDITIONS <br />A. Introduction <br />June 30, 2008 <br />This section describes existing information available on the BLM's recreational ORVs for <br />fishing and floatboating uses. It also describes the Stakeholder Group's current understanding of <br />the types and levels of recreation use for the stream segments. This information and other <br />relevant information identified in preparing the Management Plan Alternative will be used to <br />identify management issues and develop the plan recommendations. Recreational fishing and <br />floatboating are the ORVs for which the Stakeholder Group intends to develop flow targets. The <br />Management Plan Alternative will also include information on existing conditions for the other <br />ORVs referenced in Table 1: Segments and ORV Descriptions. <br />In preparation of its Management Plan Alternative, the Stakeholder Group will include existing <br />information about land status, ownership, hydrology and existing water rights. <br />B. Recreational (Fishing) <br />The Upper Colorado River Segments 4 through 7 offers a variety of river related recreation <br />activities. Anglers are drawn to the Wild Trout fishery. Anecdotal information indicates a <br />moderate to high level of angling use (both drift boat and wade fishing) occurring in Segments 4 <br />through 7. Angling use varies from segment to segment based upon ease of access. Segments 4 <br />and 5 have more angling use than Segments 6 and 7. The BLM has identified the Wild Trout <br />fishery as an ORV in Segments 4 and 5, but has not identified Segments 6 and 7 as having ORVs <br />associated with recreational fishing. <br />Stream Segments 4 through 7 are designated by the Colorado Wildlife Commission <br />( "Commission ") as "Wild Trout Waters" (for brown and rainbow trout) and are managed as such <br />by the CDOW. To qualify for the designation, a stream must have a naturally reproducing trout <br />population with a minimum standing stock of 40 pounds per acre, or if it is a stream reach with <br />less than 40 pounds per acre, it must provide essential spawning and nursery habitat for the <br />adjoining water. <br />All segments are subject to the following Wild Trout Waters management guidelines adopted by <br />the Commission whereby the CDOW is to: (1) promote protection and enhancement of aquatic <br />and terrestrial habitats to perpetuate wild trout populations through cooperation with land <br />management agencies; (2) request mitigation for human activity that may result in the loss or <br />degradation of Wild Trout Water; (3) recommend special regulations to protect and perpetuate <br />populations (e.g., size, species or bag limits; tackle restrictions, season closures, etc.); and (4) <br />perform no stocking of hatchery- reared fish except to restore or reestablish a population after an <br />environmental calamity or to recover or enhance native populations. <br />All segments are subject to a two -trout bag and possession limit. <br />-10- <br />