Italian Creek ISF Proposal with Attachments 10-27-21

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Legal Availability Italian Creek has no active diversions. In Case No. 09CW1, conditional water rights were issued for a variety of purposes related to mining at the Star Mine. However,these conditional water rights, some of which were for diversions from streams and springs tributary to Italian Creek,were cancelled in 2015 when the applicant failed to file diligence (see case number 09CW01, provided in Attachment F). Attachment F identifies water rights on Italian Creek that may impact water availability and includes CDSS records of all water rights on Italian Creek. Biological Summary The headwaters of Italian Creek form in an alpine environment as a cold-water, high gradient stream. The slope of the creek decreases near the confluence with the Taylor River,where several beaver ponds occur on and off-channel in a large wetland area.The stream generally has cobble-sized substrate along with boulders and ample woody debris. Flows from Italian Creek support a robust riparian area that provides shade and cover for the extant fish community.There are both active and abandoned beaver ponds at several locations alongside the creek.The riparian area along the middle section of the creek is primarily composed of willow communities. The most recent fish survey was completed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife in 1999.This sampling effort recorded a population of Colorado River Cutthroat trout, a state species of concern. Italian Creek is not stocked.The fish survey data is provided in Attachment B. While the proponent was conducting R2Cross assessments numerous macro invertebrates were present on submerged rocks. Numerous small fish (unknown species)were also observed during R2Cross fieldwork. 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 Italian Creek's natural environment to a reasonable degree. Three R2Cross field surveys were completed at two locations on June 25, 2020,July 6, 2020, and September 25, 2020.The first cross-section is in Italian Creek approximately 200 feet upstream of the confluence with the Taylor River.The second cross-section, where two R2Cross measurements were completed, is located approximately half a mile upstream of the confluence with the Taylor River. R2Cross data entry, analysis, and interpretation were completed following fieldwork.These data were used to create the preliminary instream flow recommendations for Italian Creek(Table 2).The R2Cross output and field forms are attached for review (Attachment C).