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. . . 0004J2 Cache 1a Poudre - Currently, the only tributary of the South Platte supporting commercial use is the poudre, west of Fort Collins. Indeed, this river supports more use than the South Platte itse1f-- 3400 user-days. In the upper reaches, kayaks and decked canoes predominate, while below the Water Works area (northwest of Ted's Place on Colo. Highway 14), rafts are in the largest use. Despite a very short season (May - 15 July) limited by runoff, use on the Poudre has been growing very rapidly and will continue to do so in the future. Some access and parking problems are occurring already, as well as litter and sanitation problems. This river deserves a close watch; possible further study is warranted. Other Tributaries - There are six tributaries of the South Platte which receive (or could receive) boating use at this time: Cherry Creek, Clear Creek, Boulder Creek, the St. Vrain River, Big and Little Thompson Rivers, and the Republican River. With the exception of Cherry Creek and the Republican, all are fast, rocky, normally low volume streams, suitable only for advanced kayak and decked-canoe ,enthusiasts. Clear Creek is the only one to receive significant use (200 user-days) at this time, though as other rivers become more crowded, these front range streams may be sought out more and more. Cherry Creek and the Republican are plains streams and only have sufficient volume for boating following local rains. Both are controlled by reservoir water releases which are usually insufficient for boating. -21-