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. - I l...l... I~ U . MU~ LVl~l- Q'U4 I.U~ , . 000992 . . Three primary areas of study were identifiedj fisheries, riparian and hydrological input. A fourth area, aesthetics, was discussed. Lee Carr, Wilderness specialist the the Rocky Mountain Regional Office, will determine if the flows needed to meet the first three areas are adequate to meet aesthetic needs. A general review of the literature led to few evaluation methods for social or aesthetic values of different levels of stream flow. It is generally accepted that varying flow levels do not appreciably affect the level of satisfaction derived from watching a river flow. The various tasks that lie ahead are listed below. The assignments are also identified. Fisheries The fish resource in the Piedra River consists of introduced brown and rainbow trout as game fishes. In addition, non-game native speciea al'e present. Those are the speckled dace, blue head sucker and mottled sculpin. Surveys were done in the area in 1976, 1983 and 1988 and the results show approximately 15 to. 20 pounds of fish per acre. Fish managment activities in the area have been designed to protect the adult trout which have the highest recreation value and are the most likely to reproduce naturally. As a preliminary goal, the desired fisheries flows would be those necessary to protect the adult trout while not adversely affecting native species. A review of available data from previous studies will be done. Host of this is R2 Cross formatted. In addition, additional data will be gathered to update the 15 year old data on hand. This will consist of 3tream geometry and flow measurements as well as electrO-Shocking in typical reaches of the river. As a related item, it appears that the needs ot the river otter will be met by the flows required for fisheries. The otter Is less dependent on certain flows, but especially dependent on native fish as a food source. It will eat trout, but seems to prefer native species. The small tributaries are an important habitat for native species and should have flows quantified for them. Those streams include Weminuche Creek, sand Creek, First Fork Creek and Sheep Creek. Ephemeral tributaries will not be studied. Riparian The ecologist will walk the major portion of the river included in the proposed wilderness area. Water levels will be identified that are necessary to maintain the ecosystem in a healthy and vigorous condition. This will include flows needed to provide for natural suocessional processes and geomorphological change related to different flow regimes. Those levels will be measured by the hydrologist and her team who will accompany the ecologist. Lower portions of major trLbutarleswill also be studied. Hydrology An analysis must De done of existing gage station records. Also notes from USGS must be reviewed. Field reconnaissance of the Piedra River and its tributaries will be needed. Measurements as determined necessary by the othel'