ISFAPPC00156

• Case Number: 03CW0038
• Stream Name: Fourmile Creek
• Watershed: Saguache Creek
• Water Division: 3
• Water District: 26
• County: Saguache
• Instream Flow App - Doc Type: Supplemental Data

.

.

.

~:::' ....

2

maintain a viable fish population. Flows needed during summer for
reproduction and recruitment will be re-examined at a later date, but it is
important to provide interim protection until that time.

Relationship to Management Plans: BLM is very interested in protecting stream flows in
Fourmile Creek because it is one ofthe few streams managed by BLM in the Saguache Creek
watershed that has flows capable of supporting a salmonid fishery. BLM has made efforts to
improve stream conditions along this creek by changing grazing regimes, but further improvement
will not be possible without protected flows. Maintaining a fishery in this recovering stream
channel is only possible if the limited flows are fully protected,

The BLM requests that the Board recognize that this recommendation is based only upon the
minimum flows necessary to support cold-water fishery values. BLM may wish to work with the
Board and/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.

Data sheets, R2Cross output, fishery survey information, and photographs of the cross section are
enclosed to support this recommendation. We would to thank both the Division of Wildlife and
the Water Conservation Board for their cooperation in this effort,

If you have any questions regarding our instream flow recommendation, please contact Roy Smith
at 303-239-3940.

Sincerely,

<C

~

~

James E. May
Acting Deputy State Director
Resource Services

4 Enclosures
Data Sheets
R2Cross Output
Fishery Survey
Photographs

cc: Dave Gilbert, Front Range Center
Tom Goodwin, Saguache FO
Jim Rhett, Monte Vista Center