BOARD00568

• Board Meeting Date: 1/27/2004
• Description: ISF Section - Instream Flow Appropriations - Thirtyone Mile Creek
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

2

WaterlAvailability. BLM is not aware of any decreed surface diversions in this reach. This
stream has never been gauged. BLM recommends using the Badger Creek lower station near
Howartl for water availability calculations, with adjustments made to reflect the different sizes of
the wa~ersheds.

RelatiJnship to Management Plans. BLM has acquired significant acreage for public access
along lhirtyone Mile Creek as part of plan to block up public lands in this area. In addition,
BLM hfls implemented actions to improve fishery and riparian habitat along the creek. Because
the creek has public access at several points, it has the potential to become a more heavily used
recreatlonal fishery as stream conditions improve and fish populations expand.

The BJM requests that the Board recognize that this recommendation is based only upon the
minimJrn flows necessary to support cold-water fishery values. BLM may wish to work with the
Board 1nd/or through the Colorado water rights system to appropriate flows to optimally protect
fish values and to protect other water-dependent values specified in BLM resource management
plans. I

Data sl~Fets, R2Cross output, fishery survey information, and photographs of the cross section are
enclosel1 to support this recommendation. We thank both the Division of Wildlife and the Water
Conseryation Board for their cooperation in this effort.

If you Jave any questions regarding our instrearn flow recommendation, please contact Roy
Smith aIt 303-239-3940.

Sincerely,

'IA~ /JJ th'u/t~~

Linda M. Anania
Deputy State Director, Resources and Fire

4 - Enc1psures
I -If)ata Sheets
2 - R2Cross Output
3 - fishery Survey
4 - Yhotographs of Cross Section

cc: DavId Gilbert, Royal Gorge FO
ROYIMasinton, Royal Gorge FO
J01 Smeins, Royal Gorge FO