Lottis Creek ISF Proposal with Attachments 10-27-21

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Biological Summary Lottis Creek is a coldwater snowmelt-driven stream with substrate that ranges from small gravels to large boulders.There is a mixture of riffles and pools that provide quality habitat for fish and other aquatic life. There are also several beaver complexes that provide healthy wetland habitat in the riparian area. Data provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife shows a healthy recreational fishery that has both rainbow trout and brown trout. HCCA staff saw several fish when conducting R2Cross assessment work.The biological data are summarized in Attachment B. The riparian zone is in good condition along lower Lottis Creek and provides shade and cover for the extant fish community.There are both active and abandoned beaver ponds at several locations alongside the creek. It is primarily pine forest near the headwaters.The riparian area along the middle section of the creek is primarily composed of willow communities. Preliminary R2Cross Analysis HCCA relied on the expertise of Alpine Environmental Consultants LLC to interpret output from the R2Cross model and develop a preliminary instream flow recommendation that will protect Lottis Creek's natural environment to a reasonable degree. On July 21, 2020, a R2Cross field survey was completed in Lottis Creek near the confluence with the Taylor Fork of the Gunnison River.The R2Cross Model output supports a summer flow recommendation of 5.7 cfs;the winter flow recommendation was out of range (Table 2). On September 13, 2020, a second survey was completed at the same location in Lottis Creek.The R2Cross Model output supports a summer flow recommendation of 8.5 cfs.These data were used to create the preliminary instream flow recommendations for Lottis Creek(Table 2).The R2Cross output and field forms are attached for review (Attachment C). The existing ISF rate of 5 cfs is recommended to protect the Lottis Creek natural environment during winter months (Table 2). A summer flow rate of 7.1 cfs is recommended based on the results of the 2020 cross-sections (Table 2).The summer flow rate is a 2.1 cfs increase over the existing year-round ISF rate. The proposed dates for the winter ISF rate are November 1 to March 31.The proposed dates for the summer ISF rate are April 1 to October 31.The dates and or summer flow rate may be revised based upon additional review of physical and legal water availability.