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. . This process has resulted in the development of the guidelines to evaluating fishery potential and enhancement of that potential contained in this document. The Poudre River Corridor Fishery Plan (PRCFP) includes background information, a basic plan a-nd objectives, a "structure to provide for the participation of interested parties in the development of the plan, an outline of five specific phases included in the plan, and a ~iscussion of possible funding alternatives. 3. OBJECTIVES The PRCFP is intended to offer a logical approach to evaluating the fishery potential in the Poudre through for Fort Collins ~nd a plan for developing that potential. While the primary focus is ,fishery potential,' additional aspects such as in-stream recreation, educ"ationa 1 opportun i ti es, ri pari an wildlife habitat, and flood control wilLalsobe con"sidered.The PRCFP is" intended as a guideline for the fisheries project and ~s an organizational tool that provides a basis for general agreement on the basic elements of the plan along with a structure for further refi ni ng those elements. The structure provides for participation in the project by all interested parties in order to promote widespread community involvement in the effort, It is intended that the PRFCP be developed in conjunction with the National Recreation Area study authorized by H. R. 4350 so that the two efforts will be compl ementary. ' ' '" , " The stretch of river suggested for study in this ~roject ~xtends from the crossing of the river at Overland ~rail ~n ~he west to Interstate Highway 25 on the east. This area is roughly comparable to the area to be studied under the National Recreation Area project which extends from the northwestern boundary of the Urban Growth Area (Willox Lane) to the Larimer/Weld County border. The three primary factors that may impact an urban fishery such as that contemplated in the Poudre River are: 1) The flow regime; 2) The habitat for aquatic life; 3) The quality of the water. Information available to date suggests that in the Poudre River the primary factors limiting fishery potential are seasonal low flows and inadequate habitat. The Poudre River is a highly managed water system, and flows can fluctuate considerably due to natural conditions and the effects of ,diversions and return flows. The habitat for aquatic life has been impacted by construction activities and by flood control measures such as channelization and bank stabilization. Water chemistry analysis and biological monitoring tentatively indicate that the water quality is adequate for supporting a sports fishery, although sedimentation may be jeopardizing habitat. Further analysis of each of these factors is necessary. The PRCFP provides for an integrated analysis of these factors. 3