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§2,04 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT FOR SURFACE OR UNDERGROUND MINING ACTTOITIES -- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INFORMATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES. 2.04.11 Fish and Wildlife Resources Information. (Cont'd.) (1) (Cont'd.) East and West Roatcap Creeks. The topography is characterized by moderately steep to steep terrain, with a few areas of flat to gentle slopes. Peak stream flows occur during spring run- off and following heavy rainfall. West Roatcap Creek is also an ephemeral stream and is located west of East Roatcap Creek. The streambed itself lies west of the permit boundary, but a portion (less than 6%) of the $.2 square mile drainage is within the permit area. Stream flow is in response to spring run-off and precipitation events. Flows from [he northwest portion of the drainage are also intercept- ed by Overland Ditch and the remainder are tributary to the North Fork of the Gunnison River. The topography of West Roatcap Creek is characterized by steep to vertical walls in the lower portions and moderate to gentle slopes in the up- lands. West and East Roatcap Creeks converge to form Main Roatcap Creek. Main Roatcap Creek to the North Fork of Che Gunnison River is usually dry from August until spring run- off, as all water is diverted upstream for irrigation. When run-ofE flows exceed the amount diverted, such as during spring run-off oc following heavy precipitation events, then water flows in the creek to the North Fork of the Gunnison. Primary Production No data is presently available on primary production in the North Fork. However, based on field observations by Erickson (personal communication, August, 1977), it appears that perip- byton, and particularly attached filimentous algae (clado- phora), are the main sources of primary production in the North Forlc. Allocthonous materials undoubtedly contribute some enemy from deciduous leaves along riverbanks and from terrestrial insects. However the relative importance of land based sources of energy, compared to primary production based in the stream is not known. At present it is thought that primary production is likely to be the most important source. An additional potential source of energy is from primary pro- duction in Paonia Reservoir being released downstream. This reservoir, however, has a small surface area to volume ratio, is usually highly turbid, and is considered a very poor produ- cer of fish life by the Division of Wildlife. Therefore its contribution to the the river productivity is probably great- est in settling the turbidity originating in Muddy Creek and allowing greater light penetration through river water. . Added 12/26/84 Revised 10/12/86 Revised 10/01/87 79