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<br />, <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />of water availability. As an alternative, we recommend using the synthetic hydrograph <br />methodology developed by BLM for the Uncompahgre Plateau to obtain an estimate of water <br />availability. This methodology incorporates data from the lower Escalante Creek gage, but <br />makes adjustments for irrigation diversions. <br /> <br />Relationship to Management Plans - These stream segments are important to BLM for several <br />reasons. First, the trout fishery on the upper reach is one of the few lower elevation trout <br />fisheries on the Uncompahgre Plateau. Second, the lower reach is clearly a spawning area for <br />sensitive fish that inhabit the Gunnison River. Finally, the Escalante Creek provides numerous <br />recreation opportunities that are dependent on the natural environment. Recreational users <br />gravitate to the creek for the shade provided by the riparian zone, for waterfalls, and for the cool <br />environment in a desert canyon. BLM is about to embark on a significant planning effort that <br />recognizes the high value associated with the water based environment and the heavy usage that <br />the area receives. <br /> <br />The BLM requests that the Board recognize that this recommendation is based only upon the <br />minimum flows necessary to support cool and cold-water fishery values. BLM may wish to work <br />with the Board and/or through the Colorado water rights system to appropriate flows to optimally <br />protect fish values and to protect other water-dependent values specified in BLM resource <br />management plans. <br /> <br />Data sheets, R2Cross output, fishery survey information, and photographs of the cross section are <br />enclosed to support this recommendation. We thank both the Division of Wildlife and the Water <br />Conservation Board for their cooperation in this effort. <br /> <br />If you have any questions regarding our instream flow recommendation, please contact Roy <br />Smith at 303-239-3940, <br /> <br />~ <br />' LindaM. tni~. r2zUt~ <br /> <br />Deputy State Director <br />Resources and Fire <br /> <br />4 - Enclosures <br /> <br />cc: <br />Jim Ferguson, Uncompahgre Field Office <br />Dennis Murphy, Uncompahgre Field Office <br />Barb Sharrow, Uncompahgre Field Office <br />