GMUG Instream Flow Pathfinder Project

Public Meeting #1

May 1, 2002

6:30-9:00pm

Elks Lodge, Montrose, CO

FLIP CHARTS NOTES

Due to small turnout, the meeting did not break-out into small discussion groups for the second half of the meeting, instead having a large group brainstorm session. The following are some of the concerns noted.

What are some of the most important ecological needs associated with flowing water in the GMUG Forest streams?

• Water quality
• Municipal water
• Endangered species
• Aquatic species

What are some of the most important human uses associated with flowing water in the GMUG Forest streams?

• Need to separate municipal and industrial uses in our assessment
• Aesthetics on public lands

In reviewing the preliminary list of potential instream flow management tools, are there any tools that are missing?

• Off channel augmentation (e.g., snowfencing, cloud seeding)

Are we planning to recommend any changes to legislation?

NO.

What do we mean by the term "quantification?"

Quantification involves the methods and numeric models used to determine the minimum amount of stream flows necessary for stream health. Often fisheries survival is used as an indicator. R2 Cross is the streamflow quantification model used by the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

How should we prioritize our management recommendations?

• Each stream is different and may require different management recommendations.
• Our main priority should be to maintain existing beneficial uses, foremost. Instream flows should follow in priority.
• Address inefficient diversion structures as priority.

Meeting adjourned 9:00 pm