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Values <br />The HCW then deliberated for several meetings and eventually agreed to a values <br />statement (below). The word "values" was defined as what people hold dear about the Creek <br />or simply put: what do they think is important? The word "values" can be loaded so the HCW <br />avoided making judgments about whose values were most important. They elected to consider <br />the full range of diverse values: economic, environmental, recreational, cultural, and social. <br />In the San Juan Public Land Center's (USFS /BLM) Draft Land Management Plan, there <br />were two official "Outstandingly Remarkable Values" (ORVs) that prompted the Agency to deem <br />Hermosa Creek and its tributaries suitable for the Wild and Scenic River (WSR) status. These <br />ORVS are: <br />1) Recreational use: The Area is subjected to heavy recreational use because of its proximity to Durango. <br />Uses include mountain biking; motorcycle riding; hiking, camping, backpacking, hunting, fishing, <br />snowmobiling on the East Fork, Class IV and V whitewater kayaking, cross - country skiing, and <br />single -track use. <br />(2) Cutthroat conservation use: This ORV is a result of the naturally isolated Hermosa Creek tributaries. <br />These tributaries provide excellent habitat for existing Colorado River cutthroat trout and <br />opportunities for restoration. An outcrop of limestone occurs at the terminus of many Hermosa <br />Creek tributaries, providing a natural fish migration barrier. A pure strain of Colorado River <br />cutthroat trout has been stocked in the East Fork of Hermosa Creek, Clear Creek, and North <br />Hope Creek. Clear Creek was stocked from the native cutthroat trout population found in Big <br />Bend Creek. A Colorado Division of Wildlife ( "CDOW ") Colorado River cutthroat trout restoration <br />project, in cooperation with the USFS, is currently planned for the headwaters of Hermosa Creek, <br />with the long -range goal of linking the East Fork and headwaters cutthroat trout populations. <br />Note: the Aquatic Biologist from the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), Jim White, addressed <br />the group at one meeting to discuss the trout population including the CDOW's management <br />practices and plans. Find the Draft Land Management Plan here: <br />http://ocs.fortlewis.edu/forestplan/. <br />Insert WSR suitability map from the Draft Land Management Plan <br />Hermosa Creek Workgroup Final Report: Second Draft 11/2/09 First DFaf ; 10/28/09 7 <br />