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. -, 0015898 Taylor River flow patterns. Under this agreement Taylor Park water would be released according to an established schedule. The most likely change would be to effect a more uniform stream flow into the Taylor River over the entire year and the elimination of abrupt flow changes. The flow pattern would resemble more the natural condition with high. river flows in May and June, not in August and September as occurs under present reservoir operation. These changed flow patterns would provide a benefit to the present fishery study being conducted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Other benefits would include a probable increased fish production and increased recreational potential for the Taylor River. Another possible environmental impact of the agreement would result from the clause which specifies a water exchange agreement between the Upper Gunnison River Conservancy District and the Uncompahgre Water Users Association. This clause would permit the Upper Gunnison District to exchange any aquired water from the Upper Taylor River for Taylor Par:': water and in turn for Blue Mesa water. Thus, the Upper Gunnison :l.iver Conservancy District could, .if granted a "ater ri;;ht on the Upper Taylor River, take more water from the Gunnison River. ThlS may in effect reduce flows in the Gunnison River above Blue Mesa Reservoir. With the proposed change in the flow pattern of the Taylor River there would be an associated effect on the storage level of Taylor Pa~k Reservoir. Because high spring flows would be, to some degree, passed on down the Taylor River there would be less water in the reservoir during the July - August recreation period. This could have a negative effect on boating, waterskiing, fishing and other water based reservoir recreation. However, under the proposed flow regime there would be a significant decrease in reservoir level fluctuation which would have a significant beneficial effect on recreation and aquatic biota. The reservoir would probably not fill to maximum capacity as often under the changed flow regime. Following construction of Blue Xesa Reservoir the total storage capabilities of Taylor Park Reservoir were not needed for the original purpose of storing irrigation waters. Thus, this agreement would formalize in writing the beneficial use of Taylor Park Reservoir, storage and operation, as a benefit to stream recreation, the stream fishery and flood control. Showing beneficial use of the reserJoir storage would ~revent the possible loss of water to other uses. D. Ai te rnat i ves The primary alternative for this Bureau of Reclamation not to sign it. agreement is for the United States Wlthout this agreement the operatlon . 5