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segments to guide the RCMP: (1) a 'WSR" segment administered by the Secretaries <br /> of the Interior and Agriculture; (2) a "study" section, afforded protection under Section <br /> 5(a) of the WSRA until otherwise designated by Congress; and (3) a "joint <br /> management" segment that provides for interim management protection. <br /> The development of RCMP was guided by the following statements: (1) <br /> Maintain or enhance the natural qualities of the Rio Chama by minimizing impacts and <br /> rehabilitating disturbed areas; (2) maintain or enhance high-quality recreation and <br /> wilderness experience with minimal restrictions; (3) provide facilities and resource <br /> management necessary to support recreation opportunities, including solitude; (4) <br /> increase users' environmental awareness in order to protect the environment and <br /> increase understanding; (5) protect the designated WSR qualities of the corridor by <br /> acquiring private land from willing sellers and/or acquiring scenic easements, as <br /> needed; and (6) develop an equitable system for allocation of boat launches between <br /> private boaters and commercial outfitters. <br /> The RCMP recommends the pursuit of flows necessary to improve aquatic <br /> habitats, recreation opportunities, and the environment within the constraints of state <br /> water laws, the Rio Grande Compact and the availability of San Juan-Chama Project <br /> water and its physical operating features. <br /> The RCMP provides for an "Early" runoff season and a "Release" irrigation <br /> season pursuant to the following flow management priorities: (1) meeting the delivery <br /> requirements of Rio Chama water-rights holders and San Juan-Chama Project water- <br /> use contractors; (2) assuring aquatic ecosystem maintenance; (3) balancing among <br /> the recreational, aquatic, and environmental uses and the downstream irrigation and <br /> municipal demands recommendations for minimum flow requirements, number of <br /> releases per season for boating, and releases per year; and (4) meeting all these <br /> concerns, predicated on the amount of water(either Rio Chama natural flow or San <br /> Juan-Chama Project imported flow) available for re-regulation and the flexibility to <br /> operate in a manner that does not adversely impact water users. <br /> The currently recommended flows are stable flows of 150 cfs from mid- <br /> September to mid-March and a minimum flow of 100 cfs at other times. The RCMP has <br /> committed to studying whether additional flows are necessary. The recommended <br /> priorities for recreational boating releases from El Vado Dam are: (1) augmentation for <br /> up to two weekends during the Early season; (2) one weekend release per month <br /> beginning July 15 of flows sufficient for large rafts; (3) one additional release per <br /> month of flows sufficient for small rafts, kayaks, and canoes; (4) an increase of flows to <br /> accommodate large rafts; and (5) an increase in the duration of the releases to begin at <br /> 2 p.m. Friday instead of 8 a.m. Saturday. <br /> -14- <br />