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Summary The information contained in this report and the associated instream flow file folder forms the basis fOT staff's instream flow Tecommendation to be considered by the Board. It is staff s opinion that the information contained in this Teport is sufficient to support the findings Tequired in Rule 5i. Colorado's Instream Flow Program was cTeated in 1973 when the Colorado State Legislature recognized "the need to correlate the activities of mankind with some reasonable preservation of the natural environment" (see 37-92-102 (3) C.R.S.). The statute vests the CWCB with the exclusive authority to appropriate and acquire instTeam flow and natural lake level wateT rights. In ordeT to encouTage other entities to participate in Colorado's Instream Flow PTogram, the statute directs the CWCB to request instream flow Tecommendations from other state and federal agencies. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the San Miguel County CommissioneTs (SMCC) Tecommended this segment of Bear Creek for an instream flow enlargement. The CWCB currently holds an instream flow wateT right for 2.0 cfs yeaT-Tound (Case No. 4-84CW428). The CDOW is forwarding this stream flow recommendation to the CWCB to meet the State of Colorado's policy"... that the wildlife and their environment are to be protected, preserved, enhanced, and managed fOT the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the people of this state and its visitoTs .., and that, to carry out such program and policy, theTe shall be a continuous operation of planning, acquisition, and development of wildlife habitats and facilities for wildlife-related opportunities" C.R.S. 33-1-101 (I). The CDOW Strategic Plan states "Healthy aquatic environments aTe essential to maintain healthy and viable fisheries, and critical for self- sustaining populations. The Division desires to protect and enhance the quality and quantity of aquatic habitats." Bear Creek is a tributary of the San Miguel River. This stream is appToximately 4.2 miles long. Bear Creek originates south of Telluride at an elevation of approximately 12,515 feet and terminates at the confluence with the San Miguel River at approximately 8,800 feet. The cTeek is located in San Miguel County. The total drainage area of the creek is approximately 6.4 squaTe miles. BeaT CTeek generally flows in a northerly diTection. TheTe are no significant tributaries to the creek within the reach. The subject of this Teport is a 4.2-mile segment of Bear Creek beginning at its headwaters and extending to the confluence with the San Miguel River (see FiguTe I). This segment is located south of the Town of Telluride. To date, staff has Teceived only one recommendation for this stream. This recommendation is discussed below. Instream Flow Recommendation(s) The CDOW has recommended a 4.2 cfs enlargement of the CWCB's 2 cfs existing year-round instream flow from May 15th to October 31 't. Land Status Review Upper Terminus Headwaters Lower Terminus San Miguel RiveT Total Length (miles) 4.2 Land OwneTshiD % Private I % Public 69% I 31% This segment is approximately 31 % public land, managed by the USFS and 69% private land. o "