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June 30, 2008 <br />Approach: <br />There are USGS stream gages at Kremmling and Dotsero as well as other gages that <br />currently measure flows. The historic record will be examined as compared to the minimum <br />acceptable and optimal flows for the various recreational opportunities. Records from the <br />Glenwood Springs gage may also be considered. In addition, existing water rights <br />administration conditions will be compared to the historic flows and the minimum and <br />optimal flows for the various recreational opportunities. <br />There are several methods to fill in data gaps, such as additional surveys, interviewing <br />current users and commercial operators, and a professional assessment with field verification. <br />The Stakeholder Group intends to conduct additional surveys to assess the appropriate flows <br />for recreational floatboating and drift fishing and to assess seasonal uses and preferred <br />recreational experiences for the different segments. The Stakeholder Group will consider <br />other methodologies for this purpose and make a decision whether to pursue additional <br />methodologies by July 31, 2008. It is anticipated that the survey work will be completed by <br />August 31, 2009. This data will be compared to the historical flows and the minimum and <br />optimal flows for these additional recreational opportunities. <br />Flow range targets will be developed by: (1) comparing results from the American <br />Whitewater surveys, other sources of flow recommendations listed above, and any additional <br />studies that are identified as necessary to quantify flow recommendations; and (2) generating <br />recommendations that are appropriate for the purposes of the Management Plan. <br />C. Other Flow- related ORVs <br />Other flow - influenced ORVs include "wildlife" for river otter and bald eagles, and "botanical" <br />for a rare riparian dogwood / birch plant community. These ORVs depend upon a healthy <br />riparian system and plant and animal communities associated with the riparian system. It is <br />anticipated that flows necessary to maintain the recreation floatboating and fishing ORVs <br />(specifically, any flushing flow goals for spawning bed maintenance) will be adequate to <br />maintain the wildlife and botanical ORVs. The Scenic ORV may also be influenced by flows as <br />it is based in part on what viewers believe is an aesthetically pleasing view of the river. It is <br />anticipated that flows needed for the Scenic ORV will be protected if the recreational <br />floatboating and fishing ORVs are protected. The Stakeholder Group will further investigate the <br />validity of the above assumptions. <br />The Colorado Basin Round Table (CBRT) will be using a new non - consumptive flow needs tool <br />to assess streamflow needs for environmental attributes identified by the CBRT as important. <br />CBRT has selected the Kremmling to Glenwood stream reach to pilot the tool. Depending upon <br />the timing for the completion of the assessment, the Stakeholder Group may also consider results <br />from this analysis in developing environmental flow needs for Segments 4 through 7. <br />D. Process for Identifying Targets <br />The Stakeholder Group and CDOW will define flow targets or goals for the recreational (fishing) <br />and recreational (floatboating) ORVs in Segments 4 through 7. Flow targets will have a seasonal <br />variation based upon the needs of the ORV and water availability. There may also be a set of <br />-17- <br />