PROJ00273

• Contract/PO #: C153368
• Contractor Name: Cache LaPoudre Water Development Study
• Water District: 0
• County: Larimer
• Bill Number: SB 81-439
• Loan Projects - Doc Type: Feasibility Study

basins. The total area of the basin is about 1,850 square miles with some
1,050 square miles in the upper basin and 800 square miles in the lower basin.

C. 'lBB RIVER CORRIDOR

For ease of describing the Cache la Poudre River corridor, the stream has
been divided into seven segments as was done in the Cache la poudre Wild and
Scenic River, Draft Environmental Impact Statement [I]..!! and shown in .Figure
11-2. A brief description of each river segment follows in which the number
of acres shown represents the area in the river corridor which covers 1/4 mile
on each side of the river. Total recreational use, in 12-hour recreation
visitor days, as estimated by the u.S. Forest Service within the seven
segments for the year 1980 is summarized on Table II-I. The use of developed
recreational facilities within the segments for the years 1967, 1977, and 1981
is shown, in recreation visitor days, on Table 11-2. A 1980 estimate of the
distribution of the fishing visits by the same segments, was provided by the
Colorado Division of Wildlife [2] and is shown on Table 11-3.

Segment 1, on the mainstem, is approximately 5 miles in length extending from
the eastern boundary of Roosevelt National Forest to the west side of the
village of Poudre Park. It contains approximately 1,600 acres. The community
of Poudre Park and some additional residential development along with the Fort
Collins water treatment plant are located in this segment. State Highway 14
parallels the river throughout its length. Lands are approximately 80 percent
privately owned. This segment receives heavy recreation use despite a lack of
developed facilities because of the proximity of Fort Collins. Fishing use is
heavy with the lower four miles of this segment being managed as a quality
fishing area for artificial lures only. MOre than half the boating use in the
total corridor occurs in this segment because of its suitability for rafting
[3]. The Grayrock Trail provides a popular hiking opportunity.

Segment 2, on the mainstem, is approximately 10 miles in length startin'~ from
the west side of Poudre Park and extending to the confluence with the South
Fork. It contains approximately 3,200 acres in which the noted features are
several campgrounds, the gorges of the Little and Big Narrows, and the
Mishawaka settlement. State Highway 14 continues to parallel the river
throughout this segment. Approximately 10 percent of the land is privately
owned and it contains about half of the total corridor's campground and picnic
area development. Dutch George Flats is one of three potential areas for
future campground development. This segment is actively fished and there is
limited hunting and boating use.

..!! Bracketed numbers throughout the report indicate specific references
listed in the back of the report.

II-2

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