River Protection Workgroup Inital Information Sheet: Hermosa Creek

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MA o Involving the public in protecting the natural values of selected streams while allowing water development to continue River Protection Workgroup ( "RPW ") INITIAL INFORMATION SHEET: Hermosa Creek Area of Interest for Special Protection ( "Area "): The Area includes Hermosa Creek and all its tributaries down to the southeastern (lower) United States Forest Service ( "USFS ") boundary. Four of those tributaries were not considered to be eligible for Wild & Scenic Rivers ( "WSR ") designation by the USFS: The Area also includes 160 acres of private land, with a decreed water right, diverted from the mainstem of Hermosa Creek at the Three Sisters Ditch, for which a land exchange is being considered between USFS and Tamarron Properties. Outstandingly Remarkable Values ( "ORVs ") identified by the USFS: (1) Recreational use: The Area is subjected to heavy recreational use because of its proximity to Durango. Uses include mountain biking; motorcycle riding; hiking, camping, backpacking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling on the East Fork, Class IV and V whitewater kayaking, cross - country skiing, and single -track use (no ATVs). (2) Cutthroat conservation use: This ORV is a result of the naturally isolated Hermosa, Creek tributaries. These tributaries provide excellent habitat for existing Colorado River cutthroat trout and opportunities for restoration. An outcrop of limestone occurs at the terminus of many Hermosa Creek tributaries providing a natural fish migration barrier. A pure strain of Colorado River cutthroat trout has been stocked in the East Fork of Hermosa Creek, Clear Creek, and North Hope Creek. Clear Creek was stocked from the native cutthroat trout population found in Big Bend Creek. A Colorado Division of Wildlife ( "CDOW") Colorado River cutthroat trout restoration project, in cooperation with the USFS, is currently planned for the headwaters of Hermosa Creek, with the long -range goal of linking the East Fork and headwaters cutthroat trout populations. Additional Values identified by the RPW Steering Committee: Terrestrial wildlife and wildlife habitat that exist in the Hermosa Creek drainage include but are not limited to: elk, bear, moose, deer, mountain lion, Canada lynx, snowshoe hare, blue grouse, and wild turkey. Fish species in the Hermosa Creek mainstem and many of the tributaries of Hermosa Creek drainage include but are not limited to rainbow, brown, brook, hybridized and pure strain Colorado River cutthroat trout. Contacts: Southwestern Water Conservation District San Juan Citizens Alliance 1970-247 -130 or <ren,:; frontier. tie: or 970 = 259 -3583 or cNa kner .'ro ^tier :� .