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June 30, 2008 <br />SECTION 3 <br />METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFYING ORV FLOW TARGETS <br />A. Introduction <br />This section describes the mechanisms the Stakeholder Group will use to scientifically quantify <br />the rate and timing of flows needed to support and protect the ORVs (Factor 1). <br />B. Methodology for Identifying Flow Targets <br />The participants, i.e., the Stakeholder Group and CDOW, will evaluate existing sources of <br />information to identify where further studies may be needed. Assuming funding is available <br />from the State, they may conduct additional studies and surveys to fill in the missing pieces. The <br />results will allow the participants to define flow protection targets for fishery and recreational <br />ORV needs. <br />1. Recreational (Fishing) <br />BLM has indicated potential suitability determinations for BLM Segments 4 through 7. The <br />Eligibility Study identifies Segments 4 and 5 as possessing recreational (fishing) ORVs. <br />Because the ORV designation relies on the high quality fisheries in these segments, an <br />evaluation of flows needed to protect the fisheries will be conducted. <br />BLM's Eligibility report identifies fishing uses incidental to floatboating in Segments 6 and 7 <br />and the CDOW manages those segments in the same way as in Segments 4 and 5 (i.e., as <br />Wild Trout Waters). However, BLM has indicated that these segments are not identified as <br />having Recreational (fishing) ORVs, because the available BLM information does not show <br />the same level of angling use as in Segments 4 and 5. The participants will review all existing <br />user information (i.e. USFS data) before making a final determination on how each segment <br />is managed. <br />To ensure that recommended flows for Segments 4 and 5 do not negatively impact the <br />fisheries in Segments 6 and 7, the participants commit to collect data to improve the <br />knowledge base about the fishery in Segments 6 and 7. They may consider this data as they <br />develop flow recommendations and protection strategies for the Management Plan <br />Alternative. This effort would be considered an enhancement under the Management Plan <br />Alternative. While the Stakeholder Group does not intend to collect data for other stream <br />segments outside of the study scope, the effect of the Management Plan Alternative on <br />adjacent stream segments will be considered. <br />The Stakeholder Group is anticipating that protection of flows for maintenance and <br />enhancement of fisheries will in general be protective of conditions to support both wade <br />fishing and drift fishing. However, in some instances, flows that are beneficial for the fishery <br />may be too high for wade fishing. <br />-14- <br />