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Final Report April 2004 from the State and the Forest Service. Absolute and conditional water rights associated with stream diversions, as well as existing instream flow water rights held by the CWCB, were identified along with other flow-dependent natural resource components, such as: . aquatic species of concern (includes threatened and endangered species) . unique or high-use recreational attractions (e.g., waterfalls) . water quality (flow-dependent parameters) . fish and amphibian habitats . riparian vegetation . wildlife water . gazing water . groundwater recharge . wetlands . native and sport-fish populations . dispersed and developed recreation use along streams . aesthetics of flowing water . stream channel dynamics (sediment movement, gravel deposition, bank- full discharge) Evaluation of these data showed that many of the flow-dependent resource values were widespread on streams throughout the GMUG National Forests and could not be depicted on maps as specific site locations. These values, because they were common and wide- spread across a majority of forest streams, represent "baseliDe" resources on the GMUG National Forests. From information contained iD the Forest Service database, the GMUG National Forests can be delineated into several watershed levels. These levels are based on size and position within the river basin and are referred to as HUCs.3 The smallest watershed level (ih level HUe) would generally have less thall 10,000 acres. The next larger watershed level is the 6th level HUC watershed that generally ranges in size from 10,000 to 90,000 acres. There are approximately 223 delineated 6th level HUC watersheds where there are NFS lands within the watershed. Delineations of smaller level HUC watersheds are possible for most of the 6th level HUC watersheds; however, mapping to the ih level almost triples the number of watersheds where there are NFS lands within the watershed. Water diversions and water storage facilities on National Forest lands are present on two- thirds of the 6th level HUC watersheds. Water is diverted or stored for agricultural, municipal, domestic, and industrial supply. Water is consumed on National Forest lands by livestock and wildlife; it provides groundwater recharge, supports vegetation (grasses, shrubs and timber), sustains wetlands and riparian communities, creates aquatic species habitat, and provides for recreational use and aesthetic enjoyment. The National Forest lands are managed for multiple-use aDd are open to the public and for authorized private l HUC; Hydrologic Unit Classification, a system derived by the USGS to classify watersheds based on size and position within river basins. - 5 -