River Protection Information Sheet

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Water Quality: There is not one single classification or "rating" for assessing and reporting water quality on the San Juan East and West Forks. The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission is the administrative agency responsible for developing specific state water quality policies in a manner that implements the broader policies set forth by the Legislature in the Colorado Water Quality Control Act. The Commission adopts water quality classifications and standards for surface and ground waters of the state, as well as regulations aimed at achieving compliance with those classifications and standards. There are various categories that apply to measuring water quality. Basic standards are the general water quality standards that apply to all surface waters of the state. Other stream-specific categories that apply to the San Juan River include temperature and uranium. For more detail on water quality standards, please refer to the handouts at the meeting and/or the State of Colorado's Water Quality Control Division. Wild and Scenic River (WSR) Information: Both the East Fork and West Fork were found to be `eligible" for Wild and Scenic Rivers ("WSR") designation by the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the West Fork was found to be "preliminarily suitable." Stream Segment Classification Length ORVs Eligible(E)or Segment Suitable(S) East Fork Confluence Recreation 13.12 mi Geology E = Yes San Juan of Elwood S =-No River and Crater Creeks to its confluence with the West Fork _ West Headwaters Wild 8.6 mi Geology E =Yes Fork San to S=Yes Juan Weminuche River Wilderness Boundary Weminuche Recreation 8.7 mi Geology E =Yes Wilderness S= Yes Boundary to Confluence with East Fork Wolf Wolf Creek Recreation 7.75 mi Wildlife, E=Yes Creek from 2mi Scenery S= No and Falls below Wolf Creek Creek Pass to confluence with West Fork, and portions of Lake Creek and Falls Creek to include — _ waterfalls. Source: San Juan Public Lands Center,2007 Draft Land Management Plan.Wild and Scenic River evaluation of the San Juan River. Anyone interested in more information can access the actual Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and its amendments by going to http://www.rivers.gov/ and looking under the Information Tab for "WSR Act". This site also offers more user friendly summaries of the Act under the Publications Tab, in "Technical Papers." Note: The website is maintained by the interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Council.According to the website: "The Council consists of representatives of the four wild and scenic rivers administering agencies—the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,and U.S. Forest Service. Other federal agencies with river interests have key contacts and participate in discussions affecting their interests.The public has an opportunity to provide input at all Council meetings;their support is crucial to the Council's success." 9