Water Resources Department

NEIL GOLDSCHMIDT [ GOVERNOR 1 3850 PORTLAND ROAD NE, SALEM, OREGON 97310

MEMORANDUM

TO: Water Resources Commission FROM: Director SUBJECT: ~~enda+It$h H, December 7,1990 Water R ources Commission meeting Request for approval of John Dav River Scenic Waterway flows for Diack findinys Backaound A first draft of the John Day River Scenic Waterway Flow Assessment was presented to the Commission at its August 3, 1990 meeting. The Commission reviewed the report and directed staff to hold workshops in the John Day basin to gather public input on the report.. Two workshops were held in October. At the October 26, 1990 meeting staff provided the Commission with a brief report on the workshops and indicated more detailed information would be presented at this Commission meeting. An analysis of comment and copies of hw written comments may be found in Attachment 1. In addition, at the October 26 meeting staff requested and received approval to incorporate public workshops into the flow assessment workplan for all Scenic Waterways and revise the schedule accordingly. Staff evaluated public comment and has revised portions of the assessment (Attachment 1) to reflect public concerns. Discussion In accordance with the Diack decision, before issuing new water rights, the Commission must find that recreation, fish and wildlife uses in the scenic waterway will not be impaired. The John Day Scenic Waterway Flow Assessment documents flow ranges needed to support recreation, fish, and wildlife. The Commission could use this documentation to make findings on pending and future water rights in or upstream from scenic waterway reaches. There are 204 pending water use applications in the John Day basin. Most of these are from the federal government for existing livestock watering poqds. The flow needs of recreation, fish and wildlife in the John Day Scenic Waterway are diverse, varying by use and season. The major flow-dependent uses are recreation and fisheries. By overlaying flow needs, staff identified flow ranges which support recreation, fish and wildlife. Flows supporting existing levels of recreation were identified through literature review and intewiews with experts. Flows identified for fish life were taken from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife studies. WRC Agenda Item I December 7,1990 Page 2

On the South and Middle Forks of the John Day, no flow-dependent recreation uses were documented. While there may be some limited recreational use, no specific flow requirements were identified. Therefore, flows recommended by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for fish life were used to identify scenic waterway flow needs. On the Mainstem and North Fork John Day, four flow ranges which support both recreation and fish life were identified. Each range offers a different level of protection for recreation and fisheries, and would have different impacts on future upstream appropriation. In both reaches, the Assessment identifies a mid-range flow as sufficientfor supporting scenic waterway values. Evaluation a) Public Comment Comments from the public on the first draft of the Assessment were mixed. Many basin residents believed the identified flows were unrealistic, unattainable and would essentially close the basin to further appropriation, including storage. Many recreation interests maintained that the flows were too low to protect all forms of existing recreation and, in addition, failed to consider future recreation needs. Others suggested that a more in-depth study is needed for more accurate depictions of fish and recreation flow needs. These major comments are addressed below. A workshop summary and written comments are in Attachment 1. Flows were identified from two different types of sources. The recreation flows were identified from direct observations based on current use. Generally, flows needed to support recreation are available. For example, on the Mainstem even the highest flows 4 identified for recreation usually occur at least half the time. The other source was ODFW's estimates of flow needed to support fish life. These estimates are based on the life histories of fish species and the physical fonn of specific streams. The estimates are not based on existing flows, or even flows that have occurred since streams have been gaged. ODFW's estimates generally are consistent with WRD's estimates of natural flows in most months (Tables 1 and 2. On the Middle Fork, flows during August, September and October exceed even the highest daily peaks for the period of record. All other flows identified on the Mainstem, North Fork and Middle Fork are flows that have been recorded as a monthly average during the period of record. Ultimately, when the Department reviews instream water right applications the rules require a comparison with natural flow and certificates may be for lower amdunts. It is true that attaining every flow identified in the assessment each year may be difficult or impossible. In many instances, some flows, such as those for recreation, are already attained during most years. Flows needed for fish life, however, may only be attained every several years or less. Some of the fish flows might be met by storage, but storing water in the winter and spring could adversely affect recreation. To some extent, then, recreation and fish uses can compete for the same water, although at different times of the year. The John Day Scenic Waterway Flow Assessment merely documents the needs of these uses. It does not propose a river management plan through which competing instream needs can be balanced. WRC Agenda Item I December 7,1990 Page 3

The Assessment identifies flows needed to support existing recreation. Just as the Commission cannot protect water rights for uses that do not yet exist, neither can it through this process protect recreational needs that have not yet developed. Expected recreational flow needs might be protected through an instream water right. The Parks and Recreation Commission would have to apply for such a right. The Commission cannot on its own motion issue instream rights for any purpose. Table 1: Mainstem (all flows in cubic feet per second)

* Identified in John Day River Scenic Waterway Flow Assessment as satisfying purposes of scenic waterway. Table 2: North Fork (all flows in cubic feet per second)

Identified in John Day River Scenic Waterway Flow Assessment as satisfying purposes of scenic waterway. WRC Agenda Item I December 7,1990 Page 4

The method used to produce scenic waterway flow assessments was presented to the Commission in March. Because of budget and staff constraints, it was decided to use a method that capitalized on existing information about existing uses. Through interviews and literature review, the method provides a first approximation of instream flow needs in scenic waterways. More intensive studies, such as those based on the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM), can yield more detailed information. However, these studies can take years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, the results can still be debated, especially insofar as recreation is concerned. To date, IFIM-based studies for recreation have been rare. b) Flow Values The four ranges identified on the Mainstem and North Fork are described below. All ranges protect fish habitat, wildlife, and aesthetic values. They differ by the level of protection provided to boating uses. 1) Maximum: Protects expert recreational boating needs. 2) Upper-Range: Protects advanced recreational boating needs. 3) Mid-Range: Protects general boating needs. 4) Base: Protects minimum needs for passive boating. Flow values for the four ranges on the Mainstem and North Fork reaches of the Scenic Waterway are displayed in Tables 1 and 2.

The Mainstem reach of the John Day Scenic Waterway system is downstream from all the other reaches. Flows identified in this reach, then, are "controlling." That is, they can determine how water resources decisions are made in the other scenic waterways. For maximum and upper-range protection, flow needs are met December, January, the first part of March, April, May and the first part of June at the 50 percent probability level. Using the more rigorous 80 percent probability level, flow needs are met only in the last part of April. For mid-range protection, flow needs are met December through June at the 50 percent probability level. At the 80 percent probability level, flow needs are met in April and May. For base protection, flow needs are met December through June at the 50 percent probability level. At the 80 percent probability level, flows are met February through May. The assessment identifies the mid-range level as that which provides the most reasonable level of protection for scenic waterway values. The mid-range level is characterized by flows of 500 cfs July through January; 1000 cfs in February and the last part of June; and 2000 cfs March through the first part of June. The relationship between mid-mge flows and flow frequencies is displayed in Figure 1 below. The late winter and spring flows represent recreational flows. While there is evidence that recreation occurs at both lower and higher flows, the recommended flow range falls within the acceptable range as identified by a large number of sources (see boating flow assessment table, p. 33 of the assessment). WRC Agenda Item I December 7, 1990 Page 5

Figure 1

MAINSTEM SCENIC WATERWAY FLOWS WRC Agenda Item I December 7, 1990 Page 6

ii) North Fork

For all the ranges, flows are identical June through February. Only the March, April and May flows vary. At the 50 percent probability level, June through February flows would be met in June, July, January and the first part of February. None of the flows in this period are met at the 80 percent probability level. For maximum protection March through May, flow needs are met only in March at the 50 and 80 percent probability levels. From March through May for upper-range protection, flow needs are met at the 50 percent probability levels. They are not met at the 80 percent probability level. For mid-range protection March through May, flow needs are met at the 50 percent probability level. At the 80 percent probability level, flow needs are met in April and May. For base protection, flow needs are met all three months at the 50 and 80 percent probability levels. The assessment identifies the mid-range level as that which provides the most reasonable level of protection for scenic waterway values. These flows would be met at the 50 percent probability level January, the first part of February and March through July. . At the 80 percent probability level, the flows would be met in the fmt part of February, April and May. c) Water Resources Implications It appears that, at any level, protecting scenic waterway values will have a significant impact on future water resources use and development. The current basin program already limits appropriations of water from streams important to fish life during low flow periods. Specific acre-foot per acre limitations are placed on irrigation hmJune 15 through September 30 . In addition, permits for irrigation, power, municipal, commercial, industrial and other uses may be issued only if they will not interfere with existing uses. Constraints on future water resources use would be in addition to those restrictions currently contained in the basin program. Flow objectives on.the Mainstem, the controlling reach, are not met July through November at either the 50 or 80 percent levels in any of the flow ranges. This means it is highly unlikely the Commission could make the findings necessary to issue additional water rights in these months. Any appropriation for use or storage from December through June would probably require the development of application-specific findings and may require a public interest determination. Any permit issued would probably need to be explicitly subordinated to the flows identified in the assessment as well as limited by any conditions identified through the public interest review. WRC Agenda Item I December 7, 1990 Page 7

Summation Staff has identified flow ranges needed to support recreation, fish and wildlife in the John Day River Scenic Waterway. These flows afford a substantial level of protection to scenic waterway values and may not totaUy preclude limited future water use in the basin, including storage. However, protecting these flows will affect the nature and extent of future water resources use and development in the basin. It is highly unlikely the Commission could make findings necessary to issue additional water rights July through November. Applications for water use during the rest of the year may require a public interest determination to aid the Commission in developing conditions and making necessary findings. Approving use of identified flows will allow the Commission to make decisions regarding pending applications and future water rights. Director's Recommendation Approve the John Day Scenic Waterway Assessment and the use of the mid-level flow ranges for the Mainstem and North Fork sections; and the base level flow range for the Middle Fork and the South Fork; as specified therein for making findings pursuant to the Diack decision. Additionally, the Commission may wish to direct staff to explore other options, including administrative actions such as withdrawal or restrictive classification.

A ttachrnen ts: 1) Draft John Day Scenic Waterway Assessment 2) Workshop Comment Analysis 3) Written Comments

Bill Fujii / Rick Bastasch 378-3671 November 26,1990 Attachment 3

Analysis of John Day Scenic Waterway Flow Assessment Workshop Comments FCIP. Comment: The flow values are unrealistic. The proposed flows are too high and will be impossible to meet. Further appropriations will be impossible, given the level of the flows identified. Staff Res~onse;The recreational flow values are based on existing, documented flows. They occur now and are generally met some portion of the time throughout the year. Some of the flows identified for fish also exist now. In some cases, fish flows are more reflective of historic conditions and would be difficult to achieve. The purpose of the assessment, however, is to document flow needs as identified by experts, not design river management plans to achieve flows. The flow ranges recommended in the assessment do not totally preclude limited future appropriations. During some parts of the year, it is highly unlikely that the Commission could make the findings necessary to issue new rights. For the remainder of the year, water rights might be issued with conditions to protect the scenic waterway values. Comment: The flow values are not high enough to protect expert recreational uses.. Future recreational uses are not protected through this process. Staff response: The recommended flow values protect a wide range of recreational uses. These flows fall within the acceptable range identified by numerous sources. Because flows needed for expert boating fall outside identified optimurns and tend to exclude other recreation uses, they (like low flows that only accommodate minimum navigation) are not used. Also, one of the objects of the assessment is to identify flows that would support predominant recreational uses. Viewed within the context of the entire recreational spectrum on the John Day, expert boating is not a predominant use. b It is true that future recreational uses are not protected through this process. Just as the Commission cannot protect water rights for uses that do not yet exist, neither can it through this process protect recreational needs that have not yet developed. Expected recreational flow needs might be protected through an instrearn water right. The Parks and Recreation Commission would have to apply for such a right. The Commission cannot on its own motion issue instrearn rights for any purpose. Comment: Flow levels identified will preclude storage in the basin. Staff response: The assessment's recommended flows do not totally preclude storage. On the Mainstem, flows are met from December through June at the 50 percent probability level. Thus, water rights might be issued to fill reservoirs during this period. While a 50 percent probability does not assure reservoirs would be filled every year, it is likely some storage would be realized nearly every year. What potential future project sponsors would require in terms of statistical probabilities of filling is speculative at this juncture. However, the question of storage is very site-specific. The identified surplus may not be available to all sites. In addition, there are other equally important factors that would determine storage project feasibility. Cost, interference with anadromous fish (within the basin and in the Columbia River) , physical, geological, cultural and archeological factors may have a greater influence on the potential of a project than the proposed flow objectives. Attachment 3 ,Agenda Item I December 7, 1990 Page 2

Comment: Other study methods are better. Staff response: Other study methods such as the Instream Flow Incremental Method (IFIM) are widely used for fish values and if properly designed, can yield very credible data. However, IFIM-based studies can take years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, the results can still be debated, especially insofar as recreation is concerned. To date, IFIM-based studies for recreation have been rare. Because of budget and staff constraints, it was decided to use a method that capitalized on existing information about existing uses. Through interviews and literature review, the method provides a first approximation of instream flow needs in scenic waterways. Comrnen~:These flows will stop economic development in the basin. Recreational use in the basin is not a major economic factor. Staff response: It is true that protecting flows for scenic waterway purposes will constrain issuing new water rights. However, economic growth need not depend solely on obtaining new water rights. "New" supplies might be provided through conservation, improved watershed management, or the use of existing water rights for new purposes. If these are insufficient to meet projected need, the assessment's recommended flows do provide opportunity for issuing some new rights during certain times of the year, including storage rights. While protecting scenic waterway values might be viewed by many as a cost, it may also provide an economic benefit in that the John Day Basin is gaining regional and national ,recognition for its recreation resources. Recreational use in the basin may not be a major economic factor now when compared with agriculture, but its importance is likely to grow over time. DRAFT JOHN DAY RIVER SCENIC WATERWAY FLOW ASSESSMENTS

OREGON WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT NOVEMBER 1990

Prepared by Bill Fujii, Recreation Coordinator John Day Scenic Waterway Flow Assessment

Table of Contents

Executive Summary Page 1 John Day Basin Map Page 3 Section I Introduction Page 4 Section I1 Background Information Page 5 Mainstem Section Map Page 16 Section I11 Mainstem Page 17 North Fork Map Page 41 Section IV North Fork Page 42 Middle Fork Map Page 55 Section V Middle Fork Page 56 South Fork Map Page 63 Section VI South Fork Page 64

Attachments

Memo From Jerry Rodgers, Oregon Water Resources Department Article from Smallmou th Magazine Letter from Dan Turley Estimated Boater Visiter Days Letter from North Fork Ranger District U.S. Forest Service Letter from Prineville District Bureau of Land Management Memo from Department of Geology and Mineral Industries John Day Basin Instream Water Rights Letter from Jim Payne, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Letter from Jill Zarnowitz, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Instream Water Right detail tables Water Quality Tables Scenic Waterway Classifications JOHN DAY RIVER SCENIC WATERWAY FLOW ASSESSMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report analyzes the instream flow requirements for recreation on the four river sections that make up the John Day River Scenic Waterway. These sections are displayed below.

JOHN DAY RIVER SCENIC WATERWAY DESIGNATIONS 11 - - - SECTION UPPER I LOWER 1 DATE DESIGNATED 1) BOUNDARY BOUNDARY 1 I I II I MAIN STEM Rh4 157 RM 10.3 1970 SERVICE CREEK TUMWATER FALLS

MAIN STEM Rh4 170 RM 157 1988 PARRlSH CREEK SERVICE CREEK

NORTH FORK Rh4 75.9 Rh4 20.2 1988 N.F. WILDERNESS ABOVE MONUMENT

MIDDLE FORK RM 71 Rh40 1988 CRAWFORD BRIDGE NORTH FORK

SOUTH FORK Rh4 35.2 RM 6.5 POST-PAULINA MURDERER'S 1988 ROAD CREEK WILDLIFE AREA

RM stands for river mile - 0 being the mouth

Stream flow needed to maintain recreation was based on the nature and extent of current predominant recreational activities. Those uses are described below.

NORTH FORK SUMMARY: Flow-dependent recreation occurs on a year-round basis. The important flows for whitewater boating come from March through June. Fish habitat needs have been developed by ODFW.

MIDDLE FORK SUMMARY: Fish habitat needs were the basis for the identified recreational flow values for the Middle Fork section of the scenic waterway. Identified fish habitat needs decrease further upstream.

SOUTH FORK SUMMARY: Boating is not an established recreational use on the South Fork section of the Scenic Waterway. Fish habitat needs were the basis for identified recreational flow values for the South Fork section of the scenic waterway. Summary flow values shown below are at the mouth of the river. Identified fish habitat needs decrease further upstream. MAINSTEM SUMMARY: The mainstem section of the scenic waterway receives the most - recreational use of all of the John Day sections. Flow-dependent recreation is diverse. Associated secondary uses include nature study and hiking. If more flow were available through 4 the summer, recreation use would increase. However, recreation uses have adapted to the existing conditions. Boating needs for various levels of skill and experience are served by the variation in the seasonal flows.

SECTION I INTRODUCTION

A) PURPOSE

This report analyzes the instream flow requirements for recreation on the four river sections that make up the John Day River Scenic Waterway. In 1988, the Oregon State Supreme Court ruled that before authorizing any diversion of water from, above or tributary to a Scenic Waterway, the Water Resources Commission (WRC) must find that the requirements of the Scenic Waterways Act are met. The principle requirement is that the free-flowing character of these waters will be maintained in quantities necessary for recreation, fish and wildlife. The Act also establishes these as the highest and best uses of water within the Scenic Waterways.

The report outlines the recreational uses of each section of the Scenic Waterway. Some of the uses directly depend on streamflow levels to sustain the activity (rafting and fishing), some related recreational uses occur because of direct use (camping during a raft trip, etc. ,) and some uses are related to the Scenic Waterway because the river is an amenity (sightseeing, hunting, nature study, etc).

This report: a. Gives the Water Resources Commission a tool for making findings on whether new water use applications, if permitted, would maintain flow in quantities necessary for recreation, fish and wildlife. b. Identifies predominant recreational uses within the Scenic Waterway, and the flow requirements. c. Incorporates findings from other studies, as appropriate. d. Uses methods consistent with draft administrative rules of the Parks and Recreation Department for instream water right applications.

B) REPORT ORGANIZATION

This report has six sections. The introduction section contains general information about the Recreation Flow analysis. The background section is to describe the entire John Day Scenic Waterway. Each of the four river sections are analyzed separately. Much of the information about the John Day Scenic Waterway has been gathered in the context of the sub-basins defined in the 1986 John Day Basin Report by the Water Resources Department (WRD). Each of the sections of the John Day are managed by different combinations of state and federal agencies. Record keeping has been different for each. Consequently, the format of each recreation analysis is tailored to the type of data available. C) SCENIC WATERWAYS

In 1970 the voters of the state approved the Scenic Waterways Act to protect rivers with 4 outstanding natural resources, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunity. The Scenic Waterway designation establishes the highest and best use of the waters within the waterway as being recreation, fish and wildlife. It also regualtes land uses that are within 114 mile from either side of Scenic Waterways. The WRD, Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) are cooperating in an effort to quantify instream flows necessary to protect the recreation values on State Scenic Waterways.

The mainstem portion of the scenic waterway was designated in two sections. Service Creek (RM 157) to Tumwater Falls (RM 10.3) was one of the original 1970 designations. Parrish Creek (RM 170) to Service Creek was part of the designations from a 1988 ballot measure. Parts of the North Fork, South Fork and the Middle Fork were also added through the 1988 ballot measure.

The John Day River Scenic Waterway is significant to the scenic waterway system in terms of natural qualities, recreational use, and diversity of recreational opportunity. It is cumulatively the longest of the scenic waterways (345.1 miles). Because it is relatively free of impoundments, it allows one of the broadest ranges of boating experiences, in both adventure skill challenges and the types of crafts used. The largest run of wild anadromous fish in the Columbia System is in the John Day. The smallmouth bass fishing is nationally recognized. The generally recognized recreational uses of the scenic waterway are fishing, boating, hunting, camping, sightseeing, swimming, and nature study. d

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) estimates that the total visitor use days on the John Day River and adjacent canyonlands for 1987 were 98,029. Boating uses on the mainstem section of the scenic waterway are estimated to be as high as 10,000 visitor use days per year and growing at 3% per year. Hunting accounts for 58,000 visitor use days, fishing 31,450 visitor use days and 8,000 visitor use days for other recreational use activities1.

D) METHOD FOR ASSESSING RECREATION STREAMFLOW Recreational flow needs are based on the nature and extent of current predominant recreational activities. In order to be recognized as a predominant recreation activity, one or more of the following documentation characteristics must be met: a. Recreation use documented by a resource management agency. b. .Recreation use identified in a published guide or article describing the use, time of use, and amount of flow needed. c. Recreation use documented through records of professional guides, recognized experts,

' source: Draft John Day Recreation Plan (BLM 1989)

5 or agency personnel.

'Ir Assumptions:

a. Recreation within scenic waterway designations is the primary consideration. Effects of the recommendations on recreation (or any other activity) outside of this area are not in the scope of this report.

b. River recreation has adapted to existing conditions and takes advantage of flow conditions that allow use. Current use by the public is assumed to reflect the range of recreational activities needing protection. If a recreational activity is identified as predominant, flow levels supporting that activity form the recommended instream flow need.

c. Flows for fish habitat needs are used as angling flows because without a supply of fish successful angling cannot occur. Where another recreational use is not predominant or the predominant activity is only angling, flow levels identified by ODFW for fish and wildlife or Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for pollution abatement (whichever is higher) become the baseline. The assumption is that fish habitat flows will suffice for other (non-boating) recreational or aesthetic flow needs, if there are any. Normally, the flows presented to the Water Resources Commission in January of 1989 by ODFW will be used. However, this can be data from ODFW basin investigations, DEQ total maximum load estimates, or any other method (such as Instream Flow Incremental Method) endorsed by ODFW. ODFW has also informed WRD that instream flow needs for wildlife are assumed to be satisfied by these figures. b d. Where high flows that benefit recreational use can be documented, this will be incorporated in the analysis. High wintertime flow that flushes sediment from a gravel bar important for spawning or creates camping sites are examples.

e. Where responsible agencies have identified recreational flows have adopted recreational flow policies (through River Management Plans, license conditions, court orders, etc) represents professional and/or official judgements and will be incorporated into this analysis. SECTION I1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A) DESCRIPTION OF BASIN

The mainstem of the John Day River empties into the Columbia River (RM 218) just east of the city of Rufus. The John Day River Basin drains nearly 8,100 square miles of an extensive interior plateau lying between the Cascade Range and the Blue Mountains. It is the fourth largest basin in the state and the third largest east of the Cascades. Elevations range from about 200 feet at the confluence of the John Day River with the Columbia River to over 9,000 feet in the Strawberry Range.

Climatic conditions influence the type and amount of recreation use. Some users pursue an activity despite inclement weather. Steelhead anglers, expert whitewater boaters, or elk hunters are examples of users that adapt their use to seasonal or opportunistic time periods. More passive users may be influenced by temperature, ease of access (no snow) or other climatic conditions.

John Day Basin climatic conditions Condition North Fork Middle Fork South Fork Mainstem Altitude (High) 8000 ft. 7764 ft. 6988 ft. 1632 ft. Altitude (Low) 2000 ft. 2174 ft. 2400 ft. 392 ft. Average 18 inches 10 inches 12 inches 12 inches Annual (Ukiah) (mouth) (Dayville) (Service Creek) Precipitation Snow Pack 40 inches 40 inches 30 inches Average 300F (January) 300F (January) 300F (January) 300F (January) Monthly Temp (cold) Average 680 (July) 640 (July) 640 (July) 680 (July) Monthly Temp

a (hot)

Peak streamflow is derived primarily from melting snow, with most runoff occurring in April and May. Highest peak flows generally result from rain falling on snow in December and January. During late summer, streamflow is largely dependent upon groundwater discharge. The major tributaries of the John Day River are the North, Middle, and South Forks. Average annual discharge of the John Day River is nearly 1.5 million acre-feet.

Day Monthly Discharge (in CFS) 11 North Fork Middle Fork South Fork 939.3 159.2 125.4 14 19 241.6 148.1 234 1 452.9 194.7

Jul 1) 573 Aug 178.7

All values are in cubic feet per second, the Mainstem, North Fork and Middle Fork represent mean monthly flows and the South Fork figures represent the average flow developed in the WRD water availability model.

FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES

The John Day Basin contains one of the few remaining entirely wild anadromous fish runs in the Columbia River drainage. The John Day River and tributaries historically have provided desirable spawning and rearing habitat for fall and spring chinook, summer steelhead and resident fish populations. The John Day Basin maintains wild runs for three primary reasons: (1) fish passage is almost totally uninhibited from the river's mouth to the headwaters, (2) runs have n'ot experienced the gene pool alterations which have occurred in other basins because of hatchery supplementation, and (3) habitat diversity needed to support spawning and rearing populations continues to exist in many parts of the basin during most years. Because of these conditions, fishery interests are committed to protecting anadromous fish populations in the basin. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks to maintain completely wild anadromous runs and to achieve long-range future escapement levels of approximately 5,700 spring chinook and 20,500 summer steelhead annually through habitat protection and restoration. The purpose of this type of management is to preserve genetic diversity, aquatic habitat use and fisheries 'b production.

The John Day Basin also includes some of the most diverse habitat for birds and wildlife in the region. Important wildlife species include: coyote, bighorn sheep, antelope, elk, mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, black bear, cougar, bobcat, beaver mink, river otter and muskrat. Bird species of significant note are: Lewis' woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, golden and bald eagles, osprey, long-eared owls, Coopers hawks, great blue herons, Canada geese, chukar and pheasant.

B) RECREATIONAL DEMAND

The 1989 Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) includes a broad overview and analysis of the organization and function of the outdoor recreation system in Oregon. In the SCORP, recreation use and preference are outlined by region. The John Day basin is in region 12, which is comprised of Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Grant and Baker Counties. The data developed as part of the SCORP process provide a tool to understand the relationship between the available resources and the use potential.

The 1987 SCORP Demand Survey contained elements to gauge the demand for the types of areas people used and preferred for recreation. The recognized system for classifying settings and the experience provided is the Recreational Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) developed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The ROS provides a framework for defining the types of outdoor L recreation opportunities the public desires. The 1987 Demand Survey used a modified version of the ROS for analysis. Respondents were given a list of settings where recreation might take place. The settings were: Primitive/Semi- Primitive, Roaded Natural, Roaded Modified, and Rural/Urban. They were asked to indicate for each of the 11 activity categories: 1) which setting they used and 2) which setting they would have preferred to use for that activity.

According to the 1987 Demand Survey, there is a slightly larger use that occurs in the "roaded- natural" settings (30.7%). However, the predominant preference is for a "primitive/semi- primitive" setting (35.1 %). Use of "roaded-natural" settings is substantial for such activities as fishing (35.4 %), water recreation (4 1.5 %), nature activities (30.9 %), camping (43.0 %) and sightseeing (49.7%). However, when the preferred setting is looked at, the results change considerably. A "primitive/semi-primitive" setting is preferred by close to or over half the sample for fishing, nature, hiking and hunting activities. There is also strong preference by Oregonians for camping in such settings (42.5%). Yet, except for hunting, only about one quarter of the population is using these settings.

The John Day Scenic Waterway supplies all the ROS settings; the predominance is in the Roaded Natural class setting, the next largest ROS Primitive/Semiprimitive class setting, Roaded Modified and Rural/Urban class settings round out the recreation settings within the scenic waterway. The supply of ROS settings is shown in Table 3 Estimated Miles of ROS settings. Demand for the John Day Scenic Waterway settings, as classified through ROS system, is high both in preference and use for the activities associated with the Scenic Waterway. Although 4 roads (or lack of them) are often the determining factor in the ROS classification, the ease of access through the transportation network is a major factor in use. The John Day Basin transportation system is variable, ranging from private dirt roads to state highways. - Region 12 Recreational Opportunity Spectrum Demand

Demand 1 Location Primitive I Semi- Roaded Natural Roaded Modified Rural I Urban Primitive

Fishing 56.9% 8.6% 34.5% 0%

Water Recreation 45.5% 24.2% 21.2% 9.1%

Nature Activities 54.8% 23.8% 21.4% 0 %

Hiking 60.8% 15.2% 13.9% 10.1%

Camping 59.3% 20.4% 20.4% 0 %

Percentage of ROS settings

Mainstem 75 % 6% 18% 1%

South Fork 0% 90 % 10% 0 %

Middle Fork 9 % 65 % 26 % 0%

North Fork 18 % 67 % 15% 0 %

Other Recreation Activities:

Hunting, camping, sightseeing and nature study are the flow-related recreation activities with significant use, but the river itself is usually an amenity associated with these uses.

Hunting for deer is a leading recreational pursuit in the fall with a lesser amount of elk hunting occurring as well. Hunting figures are estimated for all of the sections of the John Day River Scenic Waterway. Hunting Use By Species

Species Recreation Days Season (Rifle) Season (Bow)

Mule Deer 32730 Sept/Oct

Elk 20384 Nov Aug-Sept

Black Bear 350 Aug-Nov Aug-Sept

Big Horn unk AugSept Aug-Sept

Cougar 135 Dec

Ducks 400 Oct-Dec

Geese 350 Oct-Jan

Pheasant 350 Oct/Nov

Quail 200 Oct/Nov

Chukars 4500 OctIDec

Huns 400 Oct/Dec

Grouse 450 AugIOct

Doves 250 Sept

Rabbits 300 Year-Round

Beaver 450 Nov-Feb

Muskrat 350 Nov-Feb

Mink 150 Nov-Feb

Coyotes 550 Year-Round

Bobcat 450 Dec-Jan

C) INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRAINTS

John Day Basin PROGRAM

The Basin Program generally classified the streams for domestic, livestock, municipal, groundwater recharge, irrigation, power, commercial, industrial, mining, fire protection, recreation, pollution abatement, wildlife and fish life uses. The program classified the natural lakes only for domestic, livestock, irrigation of lawns or non-commercial gardens less than one-

2~ource:~ompiledby ODFW for Draft BLM John Day Recreation Plan half acre, power development of no more than 100 theoretical horsepower, fire protection, recreation, pollution abatement, wildlife, fish life, and agricultural uses. 4 The John Day Basin Program limits appropriation of water from streams important to the fishery during low-flow periods. The limitations apply to the Mainstem, North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork Subbasins. Permits for use of water for irrigation, power, agricultural, municipal, commercial, industrial and mining purposes may be issued only if the use will not interfere with other uses. In addition, the quantities of water allowed for new irrigation uses are limited to those shown below.

The Basin Program also limits new appropriations of water in and above wilderness areas and in state scenic waterways. New permits may be issued only for imgation, domestic, livestock, and agricultural uses in these areas and only if the uses will not conflict with existing instream fish life, wildlife, or recreation uses. In addition, the quantities of water allowed for new irrigation uses are limited to those shown below.

- Monthly Irrigation Water Use (acre-feevacre) Time period Mainstem North Fork Middle Fork South Fork May 0.20 NA 0.10 NA June 1-14 0.60 NA 0.50 NA June 15-30 0.60 0.30 0.50 0.30 July 0.90 0.90 0.80 0.90 August 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 September 0.10 0.30 0.30 0.20

The Basin Program reserves certain amounts of water for storage and subsequent use for minimum flows and irrigation.

Basin Program Reservation for storage (in acre-feet) Mainstern South fork Middle fork North Fork 12,300 NA 18,430 21,420 JOHN DAY BASIN PLAN b The Basin Plan was approved by the WRC in January of 1987. One of the policies the Commission adopted is to manage the surface and groundwaters of the basin to encourage enhancement of water-related tourism and recreation opportunities, especially on lakes and reservoirs, the scenic waterway, and major streams with wild anadromous and resident fish production. This is to be accomplished through better seasonal distribution of streamflows, water conservation, and protection and improvement of riparian areas.

INSTREAM WATER RIGHTS

In 1987 the Legislature created water rights for instream purposes. Part of this law allowed the conversion of Minimum Perennial Stream Flows to Instream Water Rights. The new law also allowed three agencies to apply for instream water rights OPRD, DEQ, & ODFW.

SCENIC WATERWAY RIVER MANAGEMENT PLANS

The Mainstem is the only section of the scenic waterway that has a River Management Plan outlined in OAR 736-40-065. There are no provisions in OAR 736-40-065 covering a flow policy. The data and conclusions from WRD recreation assessment reports may be used in the development of river management plans for both State Scenic Waterways and National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The River Management Plan (RMP) process (both state and federal), instream water right application process and OPRD rule-making for recreation instream water rights will provide opportunities to determine policies relating to flows for recreational activities. The b Water Resources Commission is by statute (ORS 390.835) to be consulted for concurrence with any administrative rules state scenic waterway.

The mainstem is the only classified section of the John Day Scenic Waterway. Each reach of a scenic waterway is given one of six scenic waterway classifications. The classifications describe the general appearance of the landscape along the river - physical features, degree of development, kinds of development. They reflect a range of river environments and a corresponding range of uses and development densities found within them from primitive undeveloped areas (Natural River Area) to suburban development (River Community Area). The six river classifications are: Natural River Area, Accessible Natural River Area, Scenic River Area, Natural Scenic View Area, Recreational River Area, River Community Area (see Attachment N Scenic Waterway Classifications).

NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER MANAGEMENT PLANS

In 1968, Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This Act has some of the same purposes of the State Scenic Waterway Act. In Oregon it is administered by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the RLM, depending on the location of the designation.

In 1971, Governor Tom McCall requested that the mainstem section of the John Day Scenic Waterway (from Service Creek to Tumwater Falls) be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System under the provisions of Section 2(a)(ii) of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The John Day was not added at that time because of a technicality in the Act that was 4 removed by congress in 1978. The river was studied by the National Parks Service in 1979 to determine if it should be designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. The Parks Service recommended that the river be designated under the "Scenic" classification3.

In 1988, the Mainstem, North and South forks of the John Day River were designated as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The federal agencies and Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department are pursuing joint management plans for all of the overlapping designations. Although the National Wild and Scenic Act contains language that allows federal reserved rights for the purposes of the designation (Section 13 of the act), the general guidelines for Region 6 USFS and for Oregon BLM districts are to pursue protection of flows through the state process4.

The designated National Wild and Scenic River sections are described below:

National Wild and Scenic Rivers in John Day Basin River Mainstem South Fork North Fork Upper end Service Creek Forest Boundary Head Waters Lower end Tumwater falls Smokey Creek Forest Boundary, Agency BLM BLM USFS Classification Recreational Recreational WildIScenic /Recreational Miles of 147 29 18.3 overlap

INDIAN RESERVED RIGHTS

The June 25, 1855, treaty with the Tribes of Middle Oregon gave Indians the right to hunt and fish in all of their usual and customary places. The Adair decision (wmay imply that tribes have reserved rights for instream flows to maintain fish. There are several similar

Source: Final Wild and Scenic River Study (National Parks Service 1979)

Source: Personal contact Interagency Management Committee Indian reserved rights issues being addressed by WRD, but none currently in the John Day Basin. 91 WATER QUALITY

The 1988 Oregon Statewide Assessment of Non-point Sources of Water Pollution study by DEQ Water shows severe to moderate problems in water quality in categories of primary contact recreation, aquatic habitat, fish life, and in overall water quality in the John Day Basin (attachment M Water Quality rating tables).

COLUMBIA RIVER FISH RUNS

The proposed designation of anadromous fish runs in the Columbia River as a threatened or endangered species may have a great effect on federally funded storage projects in the John Day Basin. The high-flow months normally associated with the storage season are also important periods for fish migration in the Columbia. JOHN DAY SCENIC WATERWAY MAINSTEM SECTION

(MAP COURTESY OF OREGON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT) SECTION I11 MAINSTEM

A) LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The mainstem section of the scenic waterway begins at the confluence of Parrish Creek (RM 170) about 1.5 miles below the community of Spray. The end of the designation is Tumwater Falls, 10.3) which is upstream of Lake Umatilla. The scenic waterway flows through Wheeler, Gilliam, Sherman, Jefferson, and Wasco Counties. Approximately 91 miles of the mainstem section of the scenic waterway is in the lower mainstem subbasin and 60 miles of the middle mainstem subbasin is also included in the designation. The community of Service Creek (RM 157) is the largest of the settlements near the scenic waterway. The communities of Twickenham (RM 145) and Clarno (RM 109) are also adjacent to the scenic waterway. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industries' (OMSI) Hancock Field Station is just outside the corridor off Highway 218.

The middle mainstem subbasin includes the between Clarno and Parrish Creek. The area is a relatively rugged region with steep canyons and high mountains. Elevations range from 1,300 feet at Clarno to over 6,000 feet in the Ochoco Mountains. Service Creek to Clarno is the most popular segment of the scenic waterway. The Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (RM 199-206) is 19 miles above the scenic waterway. Two other units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are just outside the scenic waterway comdor; the Painted Hills Unit and the Clarno Unit are located on Bridge Creek (Rh4 136.2) and Pine Creek (RM 11 IS), respectively. b The lower subbasin drains an area of about 2,030 square miles below Clarno. It is an area which is physiographically different from the upstream subbasins. The subbasin generally lacks the mountainous terrain and elevations which accumulate significant snowpack. Elevations range from about 200 feet at the mouth of the John Day River, to over 5,700 feet south of Heppner. The Lower subbasin is a nearly level to rolling, loess-covered plateau of Columbia River Basalt which is deeply dissected by the John Day River and its tributaries. Unlike the rest of the basin, it is a major dryland farming area and includes some large-scale irrigation using groundwater.

LAND OWNERSHIP

Lands managed by BLM are dispersed throughout the scenic waterway corridor. The BLM holds approximately 44 percent, private holdings comprise 55 percent and State holdings are less than 1 percent. Private holdings predominate the river from Parrish Creek to Dugout Canyon; agricultural development is most intense on the alluvial terraces in this area. From Dugout Creek to the WascoISherman County line, the land ownership is more evenly split between the BLM and private owners, with the private property predominately on the alluvial terraces. Below Wasco County, the BLM ownership begins to be the bulk of the scenic waterway corridor. LAND COVER 4 Much of the upper portion of the mainstem section of the scenic waterway is steep canyon country with relatively shallow soils. A 1980181 unpublished soil survey by the BLM identified the steep dissected uplands and canyon areas located between Service Creek and Picture Gorge and Clarno and Bridge Creek as having relatively fragile soils susceptible to erosion. Additionally, the Muddy, Currant, Cherry and Bridge Creeks drainage have severe erosion potential due to shallow soils and steep slopes.

Forest covers about 32 percent of the middle mainstem subbasin but very little of this is evident directly from the scenic waterway corridor. The BLM has some commercial forest on the eastern subbasin divide between the North Fork and Picture Gorge and in Johnson Heights. Nearly all the forest is used for grazing. A good example of this contrast in plant communities is evident when the river user gains access at Twickenham. From the highway, the visitor goes from pine and fir-forested hills to sagebrush and juniper-dominated slopes. Any riverine terraces not taken up by agriculture or grazing would likely support a big sagebrush, great basin wildrye and blue bunchgrass plant community; however, most of this area is now taken up by cheat grass and other invasive species such as foxtail, filling the niche perennial grasses naturally held.

INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRAINTS

JOHN DAY RIVER WILDLIFE REFUGE

ODFW manages the area from Thirtymile Creek to the Columbia River as a wildlife refuge. d No waterfowl hunting is allowed in this area within 114 mile of the river.

STATE SCENIC WATERWAY CLASSIFICATIONS

Two of the reaches are classified as a Scenic River Areas: the area from Service Creek to Thirtymile Creek and from Ferry Canyon to Tumwater Falls. From Thirtymile Creek to Ferry Canyon the scenic waterway is classified as a Natural River Area. A forth section from Parrish Creek to Service Creek is yet to be classified.

NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATION

The area from Service Creek to Tumwater Falls is also designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. This area was federally classified as a Recreational River in the Omnibus Bill and it is likely athat the River Management Plan, the BLM will change portions of the designation to be consistent with the state scenic waterway classification.

WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS

There are four Wilderness Study Areas (WSA), listed by the BLM as prefered alternatives, located within the scenic waterway. Above Clarno, Spring Basin WSA consisting of 5982 acres, is generally east of the scenic waterway, at RM 113, 114, and 119.5 where it touches the river. b Below Clarno, the North Pole Ridge WSA consisting of 5830 acres (originally proposed as 6369 acres) is on both sides of the river from RM 94.7 to RM 87; one comer of the WSA is within the scenic waterway corridor near RM 95. Two of the WSA's are adjacent to one another: Thirtymile WSA consisting of 7332 acres (originally 7538 acres) and the Lower John Day WSA consisting of 20264 acres (originally 19587 acres) these WSA's are on both sides of the river and begin (Thirtymile) at RM 82.9 and end at RM 45.9 (Lower John Day).

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

This section of the scenic waterway contains four candidates for federal threatened and endangered plant species: yellow-hairy Indian paint brush (Castillele xanthotrica, Bristle- flowered collomia (Collomia macrocalvx), John Day milk vetch (Astragalus diavhanus), and arrowleafed thelypoium (Thelvooium eucosmum). The thelypody is the only one of these plants known to have historically inhabited riparian areas in significant numbers. Two other plant species of local concern within the corridor are John Day chaenactis (Chaenactis nevii) and hedgehog cactus (Pediocactus simpsonii).

C) WATER RESOURCES Peak discharge in the mainstem section of scenic waterway occurs from late March to early June. Low-flows occur from July to November. Major tributaries are the North Fork of the John Day River, and Rock, Parrish, Bridge, Muddy, Cherry, Alder, Kahler, Butte, Thirtymile, Service, Rowe and Pine Creeks. The lower subbasin is an area which contributes very little L flow during the low-flow periods. Most of the streams in this section nearly cease to flow in summer.

D) RECREATION

The mainstem of the John Day River Scenic Waterway is the most used of all the sections. The use trends for flow-related recreation graphically show the relation of flow to activity. This section's physical beauty, remoteness, length, and range of challenge levels add to its recreational value. This section has long been recognized for its boating, fishing, hiking, hunting and nature study opportunities.

Drift-boating, power-boating, canoeing, rafting and kayaking are popular on the lower John Day River. This use accounts for approximately 95 percent of the boating use of the entire John Day River. Use peaks in early summer before water levels drop below 1,000 cfs. Power-boating is not allowed between Clarno and Cottonwood between May 1 and October 30. Steelhead fishing statistics indicate around 5,500 angler-days of use per year. Use peaks during the fall months on the lower river. Tributary streams contribute 3,300 angler-days for trout fishing, and bass fishing is a popular recreational pursuit on this portion of the river. Several good access points to the Mainstem section of the scenic waterway are developed. One of element of attraction is that there is not a road that parallels the river over the entire section. Another element of this access is the availability of commercial shuttle services for boating. 4 There are four major transportation routes in the upper part of the scenic waterway: 1 Highway 26 which runs through the southern portion of the subbasin; 2 Highway 218 connecting Antelope with Fossil crosses the scenic waterway at Clarno; 3 Highway 19 which follows Service Creek, intersects Highway 207 (a north-south route with one terminus at Mitchell); and 4 the combined route follows the scenic waterway for 13 miles from Parrish Creek to Service Creek.

There are no public roads along the river from Service Creek to Twickenham (13 miles). Access at Twickenham from Butte Creek Summit on Highway 19, involves a decent of nearly 2300 feet to the bridge. Twickenham is also accessible via the Girds Creek county road (from Mitchell). From Twickenham to Bridge Creek, there is a combination of private and county roads within the corridor. The county road follows the river for about two miles, then turns away from the river. The county road follows the river again from Bridge Creek to Cherry Creek (RM 129.5) for 3.5 miles; there are three primitive boat access sites from this section of road. The next public access to the river is at Clarno where Highway 218 crosses the river. From Clarno, there are private roads parallel the river on both sides for over 10 miles going north. There is also a county road that follows the river south from Clarno, but it does not access the river for its 8-mile length.

The lower section has a well developed transportation network. Interstate 84 and a rail line in the extreme north parallel the Columbia River. State routes 19, 206, and 218 connect subbasin communities such as Fossil, Condon, and Arlington. The section of the scenic waterway is isolated below Clarno. From Clarno to Cottonwood Bridge (RM 39.5), there are no public roads that access the river. There are some private roads that drop into the canyon at Butte Creek (RM 97.2), Thirtymile Creek (RM 84), and Ferry Canyon (RM 53.7). Highway 206 crosses the river at Cottonwood Bridge and J.S. Burres State Park is located at this point. Most river users end their trips here, but some float 20 miles farther to Rock Creek (RM 21.6) where the last access point is provided by a county road. Tumwater Falls is ten miles farther down river. No significant boating use occurs in this reach because there is no access and no way to portage the falls.

FISHING USES

The upper portion of the mainstem section of the scenic waterway produces approximately four percent of the John Day Basin summer steelhead. As many as 800 adult summer steelhead return annually to spawn. The lower John Day River serves primarily as a migration comdor for all adult and juvenile anadromous fish using the upper mainstem and tributaries. In addition, it contains approximately 290 miles of potential summer steelhead spawning and rearing habitat on the mainstem and tributaries below the North Fork. Currently, this habitat supports production of approximately twenty percent of the basin's total average summer steelhead population. As many as 3800 adult steelhead spawn in the subbasin annually. The lower subbasin supports a small fall chinook run. Habitat conditions for fish production in the mainstem John Day River Scenic Waterway are limited. The majority of habitat is only marginally productive for anadromous fish compared b to habitat in the upper watershed. Flow and water quality characteristics are marginal for fish production. The mainstem stream channel is unconfined, wide and shallow. Low-flows, gravel sedimentation, minimal instream and riparian cover, and high summer stream temperatures are conditions which frequently exist. Riparian conditions and instream structure frequently provide inadequate cover and food to support significant numbers of fish. However, streamflow between fall and spring is adequate to support migration to tributary spawning and rearing areas in the upper subbasins. The most productive steelhead tributaries are Butte, Thirty mile, and Rock Creeks. However, production is often restricted by low-flows, particularly during dry years. Habitat protection and improvement is needed to support juvenile and adult anadromous fish during migration. Adequate streamflows, food, cover, and resting pools are needed to aid use of the river.

The steelhead catch records indicate the steelhead fishing on the mainstem of the John Day occur most signficantly in the months of January, February, March, April, September, October, November, and December. These figures are gathered through the collection of tags. This is not an actual count of fish caught. Since a good deal of the drift-boat and power-boat uses are related to fishing from boats or navigation to fishing spots in boats these figures are also important to understand the boating activities that occur during the time of the year that there are no boating use figures gathered by the BLM.

Populations of rainbow trout, smallmouth bass and channel catfish also exist in the subbasin. b" Good habitat conditions for steelhead and resident trout exist in Bridge, Horseshoe, Service, Kahler, Parrish, Rock, Alder, Johnson, Cherry and Mountain Creeks. Production within these streams is restricted in low-water years when flow and quality may be inadequate to support spawning or rearing.

The mainstem section of the scenic waterway supports a major smallmouth bass population, and is gaining regional and national recognition as a smallmouth bass fishery. Recently, it has been featured in a bass fishing magazine with national circulation (attachment B). For flowing waters, the John Day smallmouth population compares very well.

COMPARISON OF SMALLMOUTH BASS MEAN LENGTH IN INCHES (SAMPLE SIZE IN PARENTHESIS) River 1 Yr 2 Yrs 3 Yrs 4 Yrs John Day 2.4 (200) 6.8 (200) 11.7 (102) 13.6 (28) S. Umpqua 3.8 (108) 7.7 (43) 12.7 (4) 15.1 (1) Mid Snake 2.1 (27) 4.7 (15) 6.7 (11) 7.4 (5) Amount of flow required: ODFW has determined that the optimum flow for fish habitat is 500 cfs below Service Creek for all months of the year. 4 BOATING USES

Whitewater boating occurs on the mainstem in rafts, kayaks (both hard shell and inflatable), canoes, drift-boats and powered boats. Power-boats are prohibited by the Maxine Board below Clarno to Cottonwood from May 1 to October 30. The seasonal nature of the flow determines the type of whitewater experience, and the seasonal low-flows limit the types of craft used. Another factor that determines the type of experience is the reason for the float trip: some of the reasons for the float trips are primarily for fishing (i.e. , steelhead or bass). Other reasons that have been expressed are solitude, whitewater adventure, hunting or trapping, and nature study. Weather and water temperature can also affect the boating use on the river.

Boating on the mainstem portion of the scenic waterway is a unique experience. Though some consider the geological setting to be similar to the Deschutes, the combination of remoteness, lack of development, solitude, and length of trip set the John Day in a class by itself. There is a broader range of flows on the John Day than other rivers in (and adjacent to) the region. The upper end of this section begins with a fair amount of development, which becomes more dispersed as the trip continues. Some development, mainly in the form of agriculture, is scattered throughout the upper river and becomes less a part of the experience as the boater goes downstream. After Clarno, the river setting becomes more of a wilderness experience.

The river canyon has a combination of alluvial terraces, rolling hills, cliffs, and talus slopes. The river adds to the diversity of the setting, the meandering nature of the river with its drop d and pool. This combination gives the boating user the excitement of whitewater rapids and the relaxing flatwater drift experiences. The BLM estimates that at 2500 cfs, the river offers numerous class I1 rapids (large waves with some boulders), four class I11 rapids (need to watch closely and scout before entering) and one class IV rapid (a dangerous rapid that should be scouted by an expert)'. Some guide books rate some of the rapids one grade lower at this flow. The level of the boating difficulty changes with the conditions. Factors such as the amount of flow and the air temperature can make a difference in the difficulty rating of the same rapid. In the case of the John Day, since the width of the river, turbulent action, and velocity increase with more flow, the river becomes more challenging at higher flows.

The mainstem section of the scenic waterway has some similarities to other nationally recognized whitewater rivers. However, differences are important: the John Day is the only intermediate boating river in Oregon with a five day trip length, wilderness study areas and Marine Board limitations that control motor-boat use and limited visibilty of roads.

'number of rapids compiled by BLM in Draft John Day River Recreation Management Plan. Comparison of recreation resource on similar rivers (from Interagency Whitewater Committee River Digest)

Recreation ' Mainstem Deschutes Grande Ronde Owyhee Owyhee Snake Resource: John Day (lower) (upper) (Hell' s Canyon) Boating Season SP/W SP/SU/F/W SP/SU/F SP SP SP/SU/F/W Difficulty 11-IV 111-IV 111-IV 111-V V 111-V Hazardous Yes No No Yes Yes Yes high-flows Limiting Yes No No Yes Yes No low-flows

Controlled No Yes No No , No Yes flow Fishing Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Hunting Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Hiking Yes Yes No No No Yes Visible roads No Yes No No No No Special SSW/NW&S SSW/NW&S SSW/NW&S SSW/NW&S SSW/NW&S NW&S Designation WS A Wilderness NRA Length 1-5 1-3 days 1-4 days 3-5 days 3-5 days 3-5 days of trip days Permits No No No No No Yes

SP=Spring, SU =Summer, F=Fall, W=Winter, SSW = State Scenic Waterway, NW&S =National Wild and Scenic River The entire reach is used by all types of boaters throughout the scenic waterway, except for power-boat uses which are limited by the Marine Board during certain times of the year. The type of boating use changes in relation to flow: as flow decreases, the smaller, lighter craft make d up a larger percentage of the craft on the river. In fact, one guide has adapted the standard inflatable kayak to a double-wrapped floor in order to use the river at very low-flows6. Many canoeists and less expert rafters take advantage of the lower velocities and decreased turbulence of summer. At least one jet-boat owner has a custom-made craft to adapt to lower flows and tighter operating demands of whitewater7.

Refer to Attachment E for 1984 types of craft used.

BOATING CRAFT BY WE 1989 PEFsoNAL CONTACK3 (BIAl) 90 80 70 6 0 50 40 30 20 10 0 MAY JJK JAY

11~s CANOE/KAYAK EJET BOAT

Boating uses occur throughout the scenic waterway above Rock Creek, and some of the boating use begins above the scenic waterway from locations such as Kimberly or the North Fork of the John Day River. All of the 1989 Personal Contact Surveys were within the scenic waterway. Survey sites were Service Creek, Clarno Bridge, Twickenham, Cottonwood Bridge, Burnt Ranch, and Red Rock Wall (RM 92.2).

6personal contact with Gerald Moore, outfittedguide

7personal contact with Dan Turley, jet-boat operator

24 JOHN DAY RIVER BOATING TRIPS 1989 BLM PERSONAL CONTACT SURVEYS

Trip Begidend Percent of use Clarno to Cottonwood 26.5 %

Service Creek to Clamo Bridge 43.4 %

Service Creek to Cottonwood 4.8%

Service Creek to Twickenham 8.4 %

Twickenham to Burnt Ranch 1.2%

Twickenham to Clarno 2.4%

Twickenham to Cottonwood 1.2%

Clamo to Clarno Rapids 1.2%

Clarno to Cherry Creek 2.4%

Bumt Ranch to Clamo Bridge 2.4%

Clarno Bridge to Thirtymile Creek 1.2%

The BLM estimates that there were 6554 boater visitor days for the 1984 season from Service Creek to Cottonwood. The 1987 visitor day estimate is 8000 boater visitor days. From visitor use surveys in 1987, 1988, and 1989, it is estimated by the BLM that Visitor Use Days (VUD) are increasing 10%-15 % annually for all recreation uses.

Comparison of Boating Types

MAY 1 9 8 9 BOATING TYPES BLhl RECREATIOX SURVEY Comparison of Boating Types

JUNE 1 909 BOATING TYPES Bull RECREATION SURVEY

JULY 19 8 9 BOATING TYPES BLhI RECREATION SURVEY Distribution of Float Trips and Frequency of Return Trips8 Month (total surveyed) Frequency of trips Number of trips April (32) 1 trip only 15 2 trips total 6 3 trips total 6 I 5 trips total 5 II I May (149) 1 trip only 116 II I I 2 trips total 16 4 trips total 12 5 trips total 5 June (172) 1 trip only 146 I 2 trips total 14 3 trips total 3 4 trips total 4 5 trips total 5 July (81) 1 trip only 72 2 trips total 2 7 trips total 9 I1 I I August (18) 1 trip only 2 I1 I I 2 trips total 7 7 trips total 3 September (12) 1 trip only 2 2 trips total 3 4 trips total 4 October (9) 1 trip only 5 2 trips total 4

*Source Oregon State Parks John Day Boater Survey (1984) Whitewater boating for both powered and non-powered uses require certain amounts of flow to pass through restrictions or over obstructions. Additionally, the experience of the trip is 4 related to the amount of flow. The following sources were used to identify the flow needs:

Location of description: Lower 140 miles

Use listed: Class 11-IV (open canoes can be used with portages)

Time of use and flow required: April - June, "not runnable below 1500 cfs."

John Day River Drift and Historical Guide (Campbell 1980) Location of description: Service Creek to Cottonwood Bridge.

Use listed: class 11-IV canoelkayalclraftldrift-boat - Discussion in the book did not differentiate between flows for different craft but did illustrate the difference in time to float the river. The four types of craft have a range of about 40% difference in drift time at the same flow level.

ESTIMATED DRIFT TIME TWICKENHAM TO CLARNO~

RAFT Drift-boat . CANOE KAYAK 9.5 - 12 HOURS 7.5 - 10.5 HOURS 6.5 - 8.5 HOURS 5.5 - 8 HOURS

Time of use and flow: This guide did not give an explicit time of use but suggested that the best drifting time is usually in late spring when the flow is between 2100 cfs and 2500 cfs. All the checkpoints in the guide, were compiled between 2100 and 2400 cfs. For all reaches shown in the guide the flow range is listed as 1400 to 4000 cfs. avSneakers Guide (Willamette Kavak and Canoe Club. July 1988)

Location of description: Service Creek to Cottonwood Bridge.

Use listed: class 1-111 canoe/kayakfraft/drift-boat - Discussion in this book did not differentiate between flows for different craft, although it indicated that the John Day is a favorite for open canoeists, drift-boaters, and beginning kayakers.

Time of use and amount of flow: The guide lists "snowmelt" as time of year; this is defined

'Source: John Day River Drift and Historical Guide

28 in the guide as spring and early summer. This guide lists a flow range of 1200 cfs to 6000 cfs. hw Oregon River Tours (Garren. 1973)

Location of description: Service Creek to Clarno.

Type of use: This guide did not list a specific type of use but did reference the area above Desolation Creek as being a popular kayaking stretch of river. Further, the author states that "the trip is suitable for all drift-boats, including open canoes." The guide classified the trip as "intermediate." All reference points for this trip were taken from a 6-man raft at 2400 cfs.

Time of use and amount flow: No time of year was specified. The range of flows was listed as 1500 cfs to 4000 cfs with 3000 cfs being listed as "probably ideal".

Location of use: Clarno to Cottonwood Canyon.

Type of use: The guide rated this run an "expert" classification.

Time of use and amount of flow: No time of use listed but indicated, beginning in early July, that this section of the river is not used by boats. The guide listed 2000 cfs to 4000 cfs as the range of boating flows for this section of river. The upper limit of 4000 cfs was listed because of the difficulty created by large boulders in areas that at normal drift flows have minor rapids. The guide also described the 2000 cfs level creating many wide, shallow areas. b

BLM Prineville District (see attachment F)

Location of Description: Service Creek to Cottonwood Bridge. Type of use: Rafts, drift-boats, canoes, kayaks and small inflatables.

Flows required: Larger rafts and drift-boats 2000 cfs - 4000 cfs optimum flows. At 1000 cfs - 1500 cfs it becomes difficult to float over shallow gravel bars and around large boulders. Some people float the river below 1000 cfs but end up walking around some areas or walking the boat over the gravel bars.

Smaller craft, such as canoes, kayaks and small inflatables can negotiate the river down to 400 cfs to 700 cfs.

When the river is flowing above 8000 cfs to 10000 cfs it becomes very turbulent and is suitable only for an expert boater. Errol Claire, ODFW

Location of use: Service Creek to Cottonwood Bridge Type of use: Larger rafts and drift-boats Amount of flow required: 500 cfs to 600 cfs lower limit of clearance at Clarno rapids.

Jerry Rodgers, watermaster, former professional guide, (attachment A)

Location of use: Service Creek to McDonald Ferry.

Type of use: Drift-boats, rafts, kayaks and canoes.

Flows required: Drift-boats and rafts - minimum of 800 cfs Kayaks and Canoes - minimum of 500 cfs Better whitewater conditions exist with flows exceeding 2000 cfs. Although users boat below the recommended levels for scenic and or fishing qualities; these conditions usually involve lining or walking boats through rapids or over gravel bars.

Dan Turley, expert boater, (attachment C)

Mr. Turley has used the John Day River for .many years and kept an accurate trip log with dates locations and flows.

Location of use: Service Creek to Cottonwood

Type of use: Jet-boats

Time of year and amount of flow: Motorized craft are not allowed between Clarno and Cottonwood from May 1 to October 30. Typical 18 foot sled hulls require 1500 cfs minimum flow to operate and 2000 cfs or above for optimum flow.

Gerald Moore, Professional Guide (attachment B)

Gerald Moore is a professional river guide, specializing in smallmouth bass fishing trips that utilize inflatable kayaks. Mr. Moore has pioneered this type of trip on unimpounded streams such as the John Day and the free-flowing portion of the Owyhee.

Location of use: Service Creek to Cottonwood.

Type of use: Double-wrapped floor inflatable kayak (10-ft and 13-ft rafts used for supply boats). The BLM estimates that 95% of the commercial guide services on the mainstem use these boats1'. hiw Time of use and flows required: The Moores guide trips from April through August. The special double-wrapped floor on the kayaks makes it possible to go from pool to pool in very low water. The individual boater may be required to drag or line his or her boat over any area too shallow to navigate. For instance, below Jackknife Creek (RM 61.5) at 200 cfs, there can be an area that the river is only 6" deep for 112 mile. Since the whitewater experience is a secondary purpose to the smallmouth bass fishing, the tolerance for dragging one's boat increases. Ideal summertime conditions are from 400 cfs to 700 cfs.

Jim Payne, Assistant Manager Scenic Waterways Program OPRD (Attachment I)

Location of use: Service Creek to Cottonwood

Type of use: Whitewater rafting.

Flows required: 3000 cfs for general whitewater rafting.

BOATING SUMMARY

Boating uses on the mainstem section of the John Day River cover a broad range of use types and skill levels. In order to preserve the historical range of uses, different flow levels should be protected for the times that they would normally occur. By examining the use displayed by the 1984 Boater Survey and the 1989 Personal Contacts, it is apparent that the use is dependent (decreases as flow drops below 1000 cfs) on flow conditions. The 1989 boating craft by type displays the relationship between the craft and time of year. It can be deduced that the change in craft type is also flow-related.

Boating uses related to flow can be grouped into four types:

-Expert boaters, those that can handle the more powerful hydraulic conditions of flows higher than 4000 cfs. High skill levels and desire for maximum adventure experience are typical of these users.

-Advanced boaters, those that are looking for primarily a class I1 to I11 whitewater experience. Good skill levels and desire for some adventure experience are typical of these users.

-General boaters, those seeking a more leisurely trip with less of an emphasis on whitewater adventure.

Lv 31 ''source Draft John Day River Recreation Plan -Passive boaters, those seeking other primary recreation pursuits rather than boating itself, i.e., bass fishing, nature study, hunting and trapping. 4 Flow assessments for boating

Source Classftype Minimum Maximum Opt'rmum

River Information 11-IV 1500 Digest

Soggy Sneakers 1-111 1200 6000

John Day Drift And 11-IV 1400 4000 2 100-2500 Historical Guide

Oregon River Tours Intermediate-Expert 1500 4000 3 000

BLM Expert 8000 10,000

BLM Larger Rafts and 1000 10,000 20004000 Drift-boats

BLM Small Craft 400 Errol Claire Larger Rafts and 500 Drift-boats

Jerry Rodgers Drift-boats and Rafts 800 Above 2000 Jerry Rodgers Kayak and Canoes 500

Dan Turley Motorized Boats 1500 2000 or above

Jim Payne Rafts 3 000

Gerald Moore Double wrapped 400 -700 inflatable Kayak Summer-time flow HISTORICAL BOATING USE PATTERNS Month Use Type Amount of use January Fishing access low February Fishing access low March Whitewater Class 111 high

April Whitewater Class 111 high

May Whitewater Class I11 high June Whitewater Class IIIOI high July Whitewater Class I1 medium August Fishing Access low September Fishing Access low October

December Fishing Access low

CAMPING USES

Camping uses within the scenic waterway comdor are generally associated with boating uses. There is some camping done at the boating access points; no official estimates of the amount of non-boating camping are available. The trend to longer trips and warmer weather, as the summer progresses, tends to increase camping uses. Since there are no campgrounds oriented to recreational vehicles, off season use for camping is low.

Nature Study The John Day River canyon is one of the best known Oregon geological attractions. The closeness of the John Day Fossil Bed National Monument and OMSI's Hancock Field Station increases the interest in nature study in the scenic waterway corridor. Hancock Field Station holds sessions throughout the year for both youth and adults. Both on-the-ground and flatwater canoe sessions are offered. OMS1 utilizes the John Day Scenic Waterway in its fishery study program for young scholars. ODFW estimates that 7500 visitor days are involved with watching wildlife and other related activities. The majority of nature study activities are related to other recreation activities such as boating or camping. Organized programs specifically for nature study are trips where boating, hiking and camping are the secondary activity. ACTIVITY LISTED 198 9 PERSONAL CONTAC'IS (BM) 5 0 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 MAY JUNE JULY

BOATING CAMPING FISHING SIGHTSEEING HIKING

Mainstem Summary

The mainstem section of the scenic waterway is the most used for recreation of all of the John Day sections. Flow-dependent recreation is diverse in type and associated secondary uses (a range from nature study to hiking). If more flow were available through the summer, recreation use would increase. However, recreation uses have adapted to the existing conditions. Boating needs for various skill levels and experience types are served by the variation in the seasonal flows. Flow values:

1. Base Level Flow value: Mainstem section I Base Level Flow value Month Flow Needed Natural Flow 80% Exceedence Jan 500 1910 455 Feb 500 25 15 722 Mar lo00 3908 1480 AP~ 1500 4688 3760 May 1500 426 1 2510 Jun 1000 3164 992 Jul 500 786 189 A% 500 467 65 S~P 500 482 76 Oct 500 277 176 Nov 500 540 3 14 Dec 500 1040 374

Values Protected: Fish habitat, wildlife, minimum needs for passive boating, and aesthetic values. Recreational uses that require flows higher than this flow would not be protected unless an instream water right for those recreational uses is granted, or other administrative action is taken.

Documentation: Use figures from BLM, OPRD, and ODFW. Published user guides, trip logs, correspondence and personal contacts are also cited.

Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989.

Evaluation: Levels for boating needs meet lower end of minimum flow ranges in published guides and BLM recommendation. 3. Upper-Range Flow value: Mainstem

Upper-Range Flow value Month Flow Needed Natural Flow 80% Exceedence Jan 500 1910 455 Feb 2000 25 15 722 Mar 200013000 3908 1480 - AP~ 3000 4688 3760 May 3000 426 1 25 10 Jun 300011000 3164 992 Jul 500 786 189 Aug 500 467 65 S~P 500 482 76 Oct 500 277 176 Nov 500 540 3 14 b Dec 500 1040 374 /indicates ha1F month all values in cfs

Values Protected: This is level is consistent with the potential OPRD instream water right application. This flow is with all identified "optimum" flow levels, equal to the identified optimum in one guide and the minimum flow level for general whitewater boating identified by OPRD.

Fish habitat wildlife, advanced recreational boating needs, and aesthetic values are protected.

Recreational uses that require flows higher than this flow would not be protected unless an instream water right for those recreational uses is granted, or other administrative action is taken.

Documentation: Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989. Use figures from BLM, OPRD, and ODFW. Published user guides, trip logs, correspondence and personal contacts are also cited.

Evaluation: Levels for boating needs meet or exceed most optimum flow ranges in published guides and BLM recommendation. Meets OPRD minimum for whitewater boating. 3. Maximum flow values: b Maximum flow value Month Flow Needed Natural Flow 80 % Exceedence Jan 500 1910 455 Feb 2000 25 15 722 Mar 2000/3000 3908 1480 AP~ 4000 4688 3760 May 4000 426 1 25 10 Jun 3000/1000 3164 992 Jul 500 786 189 Aug 500 467 65 S~P 500 482 76 Oct 500 277 176 Nov 500 540 3 14 Dec 500 1040 374 - L /indicates half month all values in cfs

Values Protected: Fish habitat wildlife, advanced and expert recreational boating needs, and aesthetic values are protected.

Documentation: Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989.

Use figures from BLM, OPRD, and ODFW. Published user guides, trip logs, correspondence and personal contacts are also cited.

Evaluation: Levels for boating needs meet or exceed optimum flow ranges in published guides and BLM recommendation. Meets OPRD minimum for whitewater boating.

SECTION IV

NORTH FORK

The North Fork of the John Day River begins in the Blue Mountains about ten miles northeast of the town of Granite. The river flows westward for over 100 miles and empties into the John Day River near the town of Kimberly (RM 184.2 of the mainstem John Day). A float trip down this section of the scenic waterway combines the experience of forested mountain terrain with the high desert hills and canyons. The entire North Fork drains 2600 square miles, including 800 square miles in the drainage of the Middle Fork. The section beginning at the boundary of the North Fork John Day Wilderness Area (RM 75.9) and extending to just upstream of Monument (RM 20.2) is designated a scenic waterway. The river flows through a canyon with steep walls deeply dissected by tributary streams. Elevations range from about 2,000 feet near Monument to over 8,000 feet in the Blue Mountains. Major tributaries to the scenic waterway includ the Middle Fork of the John Day River, Desolation, Camas, Potarnus, and Big Wall Creeks, and Granite Creek (above the designation). The forested upper river gives way in the lower river to range and pastureland. Cropland, evenly divided between irrigated and non-irrigated, accounts for only slightly more than one percent of the land cover.

The scenic waterway flows through Umatilla and Grant Counties. Wheeler, Morrow, and b Union Counties are part of the designations' drainage. The community of Dale is within the scenic waterway at about RM 60. Incorporated cities within the drainage (but outside the scenic waterway) are Monument, Ukiah, and Granite.

LAND STATUS

Ownership is estimated to be 28 % public and 78 % private on the scenic waterway". The Wallowa Whitman National Forest holds the bulk of the federal land and the Prineville District of the BLM manages various sections on the lower end of the designation. State- owned lands are minimal. The Bridge Creek Wildlife Area is the largest parcel of state- owned land within the scenic waterway corridor. ODFW owns some smaller sections of land along the river and also has public access easements from Georgia Pacific along the river. Private lands tend to be concentrated at lower elevations and at intermediate upland elevations. Patented mining claims form small private enclaves within the boundaries of federally managed land.

The majority of the area is forested, with range and pasture accounting for most of the

"estimate by State Parks and Recreation Department remaining area. Although some forest is in private ownership, most is under the management of the Umatilla and Wallowa Whitman National Forests and Prineville District of the BLM. Cropland and mining comprises a small percentage of the area.

The upper reaches of the forest plant community are a mixture of fir and pine which gives way to a more pine-predominant forest. The lower reaches of the designation become occupied by a juniper and sage plant community. Two federal candidates for threatened and endangered plants are found in the area, arrowleafed thelypodium (Thelypodium eucosmum) and John Day milk vetch (Astragalus diaphanus).

B) WATER RESOURCES

The North Fork of the John Day contributes approximately 60% of the total annual discharge of the John Day Basin (this includes the Middle Fork). The peak discharges occur between March and early June, with April and May typically being the months with the highest average flows.

MONTHLY DISCHARGES 19 30 - 19 5 8 NOIITH M)RK JOHN DAY RIVER NEAR DAN 3500

OCTOBZR DECDWER FEBRUARY APRL JUNE AUWST NOVEMBER JANUARY W MAY JULY SCPTDABER

+MINIMUM (CFS) +MAXIMUM (CFS) -*MEAN (CFS)

Figure 3AVERAGE MONTHLY DISCHARGE NEAR DALE C) RECREATION b The physical setting that spans alpine forest to high desert, combined with the size and turbulence of the river itself, have given the North Fork of the John Day River national recognition for its scenic and recreation values. State Scenic Waterway and National Wild and Scenic (W&S) designations overlap. For flow-dependent recreation, it is the second- most used section of the John Day River Scenic Waterway.

Recreation activities have adapted to the opportunities available; the undeveloped nature of the watershed has determined the type and season of recreation activates. Flow-dependent recreation includes fishing, boating, hunting, trapping, swimming and prospecting. Most of these activities are seasonal. Flow-related recreation activities are hunting, camping, sightseeing, and nature study.

Access for recreation is very good. All-weather roads are available to the area and cross the scenic waterway in several locations. Secondary roads provide the bulk of direct river access. During some periods of the winter and early spring access may be restricted by snow or mud. The major transportation route is the north and south Highway 395. Highway 244, connecting Ukiah and LaGrande, intersects Highway 395 at Ukiah. Highway 395 follows the river for 3 miles from the community of Dale to Camas Creek. A secondary road follows the river above Dale to Sulfur Creek. ODFW has a public access easement along a graveled road that follows the river from Camas Creek to Potamus Creek. At Potamus Creek, it is possible to cross the divide and access the Middle Fork. A privately owned dirt road follows the last section of the scenic waterway from Potamus Creek to Wall Creek. From Wall Creek to Monument, there are six miles of graveled road owned by Grant county.

The region is not heavily utilized for recreation. Most recreation occurs dispersed throughout the area. It is estimated that utilization of developed facilities is at 39% of current capacity, with water-based areas being the most heavily used1.

Although it is relatively remote, the North Fork of the John Day River is gaining increased recognition for its recreation opportunities. Recently, Canoe Magazine featured the North Fork as one of the best places to go in the count$. Fishing, hunting, boating, camping, nature study and hiking have been identified as recreation uses.

'calculated from Draft Environmental Impact Statement Proposed Land and Resource Management Plan Umatillia National Forest page S-2

'Canoe Magazine March 1990. NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STATUS b The upper 54 miles of the North Fork, from the headwaters to Camas Creek (RM 56.8), were designated a National Wild and Scenic River (W&S) in October of 1988. The Wild and Scenic designation partially overlaps the scenic waterway from the western edge of the North Fork of the John Day Wilderness Area (RM 75.9) to Camas Creek. The Wallowa- Whitman and Umatilla National Forests have all W&S fivers under one planning team headquartered in Baker. Development of River Management Plans for both the W&S and scenic waterway are being developed in a single process.

National Wild and Scenic Classifications for the North Fork of the John Day River are:

Headwaters (RM 112.5) to North Fork of the John Day Wilderness Area boundary (RM 109) - Wild.

North Fork of the John Day Wilderness Area boundary to Trail Creek (Rhl 100.8) - Recreational

Trail Creek to Big Creek (RM 76.3) - Wild

Big Creek to Texas Bar Creek (RM 65.5) - Scenic (overlapping area of designations)

Texas Bar Creek to Camas Creek - Recreational (overlapping area of designations).

OPRD and federal agency personnel are working together so that state and national classifications will be consistent under a consolidated plan if possible.

FISHING

The North Fork is the major producer of wild spring chinook and summer steelhead in the John Day Basin. Approximately 58 percent of the total basin spring chinook population and 43 percent of the total summer steelhead population are produced in this drainage. In recent years, as many as 1,855 adult spring chinook and 8,000 adult summer steelhead have returned annually to spawn. In addition, the lower North Fork John Day is the migratory route for runs traveling to and from the Middle Fork.

The North Fork drainage also supports warmwater and coldwater resident fish populations. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish reside in the North Fork below the designated scenic waterway. Rainbow trout are found within the designated reach. Bull trout, cutthroat trout and brook trout are found in tributaries and the upper reaches of the North Fork above the designation. The peak for steelhead and trout fishing occurs in the spring. Trout fishing has another peak in the fall. The Recreational Values on Oregon study gave steelhead and trout fishing the highest value rating. The catch records indicate flow-related use patterns for steelhead fishing on the North Fork John Day. February, March and April are the months 4 with the highest records of success. Since a good deal of the drift-boat uses are related to fishing from boats or navigation to fishing spots in boats, these figures are also important to understand boating activities.

Amount of flow needed: In January of 1989, ODFW submitted optimum flows for fish habitat to the Water Resources Commission. Optimum Flows for Fish Habitat for North Fork Section John Day River Scenic Waterway Month Below Mouth of Below Camas Below Texas Creek Middle Fork Creek Jan 380 250 200 Feb 3801600 2501450 2001300 Mar 600 450 300

AP~ 600 450 300 May 600 450 300 Jun 380 250 200 Jul 235 200 150 Aug 235 2001450 1501300 S~P 235 4501250 300 Oct 235 250 200 Nov 380 250 200 Dec 380 250 300 all values m cubic feet per second /indicates half month

BOATING

Boating the North Fork has a broad range of opportunity. Peter Bond, Trails Coordinator OPRD, has taken trips on the river in a canoe at 2300-2400 cfs and 1300-1500 cfs. He said he enjoyed the trip at the lower flow because of the lower speed. Woody Fine, Rivers Coordinator for the Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests, said that he had taken some trips at 4000 cfs with parties that had combined rafts and open canoes with floatation bags. b There are a few trips taken above Dale; these trips are not rated by the established references. For now, this stretch is mainly used by expert and professional boated4. Most of the boating use on the North Fork is from Dale to Monument (the Canoe Magazine article called this trip "delightful").

The Recreational values'' study gave the North Fork second highest ratings for rafting, canoe, and kayaks, and middle-level rating for drift-boats. The Willamette Canoe and Kayak Club's Soggy Sneakers Guide to Oregon rates the river as a Class II+ float trip. In high- flows, some of the river takes on a class III character.

The peak runoff period is also the peak use period for boating. Most of the personal contacts and Sogg v Sneakers listed April and May as the best boating months. The draft BLM John Day River Recreation Plan lists late April to mid-June as the normal boating season.

Officials from the North Fork District of the Umatilla National Forest estimate that the annual boating use for the North Fork of the John Day River ranges from 400 to 600 people16. The District's unofficial obsewation is that, from late March through May primary use is from anglers in drift-boats and that during the peak flow periods, rafters and kayakers run the river to experience the high-flows and increased challenge. June through early August, floating continues to be popular but the craft type changes to smaller rafts and canoes. During late July and early August, some bottom-scraping occurs. The river can be floated in August but only by smaller floating devices. Generally, August floating occurs in conjunction with swimming or water play".

Boating requires certain amounts of flow to pass through restrictions or over obstructions.

14source: Soggy Sneakers Guide, introduction to the John Day River, (confirmed by Jerry Rodgers)

'5~ecreationalValues on Oregon Rivers, (Oregon State Parks 1987), is a component of the Pacific Northwest Rivers Study (PNWRS) (Bonneville Power Administration). The PNWRS study was initiated to assess the importance of river segments and systems for a variety of fish, wildlife, recreational and cultural resource values.

16personalcontact with Mark Sensibaugh 2/22/90 and follow up letter of 2/23/90

"the Forest service assessment of this type of use has also been observed by Hyram Li, OSU fisheries biologist, who has been working in the area during the summer for OMS1 Additionally, the experience of the trip is related to the amount of flow. The following sources were used to identify the flow needs: d Recreational Values on Oregon Rivers (Oregon State Parks, April 1987)

-- - NORTH FORK BOATING Values BY TYPE POWER- 1 CANOEKAYAK I DRIFT-BOAT 1 RAmING BOATING 5 2 3 2 Use hsted: Ratmgs on scale of 1 to 5, 1 belng the hlghest.

Soggy Sneakers Guide (Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club. July 1988) Location of description: Dale to Monument.

Use listed: class II+ canoe/kayak/raft/drift-boat - Discussion in this book did not differentiate between flows for different craft.

Time of use and amount of flow: The guide lists "snow-melt" as time of year; this is defined in the guide as spring and early summer.

Flows required: This guide lists a flow range of 800 cfs to 5000 cfs.

Jerry Rodgers, watermaster, former professional guide, (see attachment A)

Location of use: Dale to Monument

Type of use: Drift-boats and rafts.

Flows required: Drift-boats and rafts - minimum of 4000 cfs at Service Creek

North Fork of John Day Ranger District (see attachment E)

Location of use: Dale to Monument

Type of use: Drift-boats, rafting, kayalung, canoes and water play. Time of use: Drift-boats - March to May Rafting and kayaking - April to May bw Canoes and smaller rafts - June to early August Floating craft associated with water play - August

CONCLUSIONS

Opinions vary on flow levels for boating the North Fork; only the message of a short season is consistent. The SoggV lists boatable flows as 800 to 5000 cfs but does not list the type of craft they are recommending. Forest Service personnel recommended 2,000 to 4,000 cfs for rafts and drift-boats. Jerry Rodgers, the local watermaster and former river guide, points out that most of the obstacles in this reach at low-flows are sharp basalt boulders. Although boating is possible at lower flows, maneuvering is much more critical.

Boating uses on the North Fork section of the scenic waterway related to flow can be grouped into four types:

-Expert boaters, those that can handle the more powerful hydraulic conditions of flows higher than 2000 cfs. High skill levels and desire for maximum adventure experience are typical of these users.

-Advanced boaters, those that are looking for primarily a class I1 to III whitewater experience. Good skill levels and desire for some adventure experience are typical of these users.

-General boaters, those seeking a more leisurely trip with less of an emphasis on whitewater adventure.

-Passive boaters, those seeking other primary recreation pursuits rather than boating itself, i.e., water play, bass fishing, nature study, hunting and trapping.

1 Boating Flow Ranges Type of Use Maximum flow Minimum flow Season Expert 5000 2000 April - May Advanced 2000 1300 March - May - I General 1300 800 June 1 Passive 800* * June - August all values in cfs * indicates flow level not of primary Importance OTHER RECREATION ACTIVITIES 3 The Department of Geology and Mineral Industries recognizes that recreational mininglg - for gold occurs but does not have any estimate of the amount of use. There is no minimum flow requirement for this activity.

The USFS North Fork District estimates within its portion of the scenic waterway, associated Recreation Visitor Days (RVD) for 1989 were as follows:

North Fork Recreation Visitor Days Activity Recreation Visitor Days Hiking 200 Day use 2330 Sightseeing 110 L NORTH FORK SUMMARY

Flowdependent recreation occurs on a year-round basis. The important flows for whitewater boating come during the months March - June. Fish habitat flow needs have been developed by ODFW. 3

'*Recreational mining is generally done as an activity not for profit; the gold found is kept by the person finding it as a souvenir. It is normally done with a suction dredge (of less than 4" diameter), gold pan, or sluice box. Flow values:

/indicates half month

Values Protected: Fish habitat, wildlife, minimum needs for passive boating, and aesthetic values are protected. Recreational uses that require flows higher than these flows would not be protected unless an instream water right for those recreational uses is granted, or other administrative action taken.

Documentation: Use figures from USFS and ODFW. Published user guide, correspondence and personal contacts are also cited.

Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989.

Evaluation: Levels for boating needs meet lower end of minimum flow ranges in published guide. 2. Mid-Range Flow value: North Fork l7 Mid-Range Flow value Month Flow Needed Natural Flow 80 % Exceedence Jan 380 985 216 Feb 3801600 1238 332 Mar 1300 1892 914 AP~ 1300 2446 1880 May 1300 2515 1860 Jun 800 1949 665 Jul 235 503 149 Aug 235 29 1 68 S~P 235 279 71 Oct 235 161 100 Nov 380 299 140 Dec 380 559 159 all values in cfs /indicates half month

Values Protected: Fish habitat wildlife, minimum general boating needs, and aesthetic values are protected. Recreational uses that require flows higher than these flows would not be protected unless an instream water right for those recreational uses is granted, or other administrative action taken.

Documentation: Use figures from USFS and ODFW. Published user guides, trip logs, correspondence and personal contacts are also cited.

Evaluation: Levels for boating needs meet or exceed minimum flow ranges in published guides and USFS recommendation.

Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989. 3. Upper-Range Flow value: North Fork rl b Upper-Range Flow value Month Flow Needed Natural Flow 80 % Exceedence Jan 3 80 985 216 Feb 3801600 1238 332 Mar 800 1892 9 14 AP~ 2000 2446 1880 May 2000 25 15 1860 Jun 800 1949 665 Jul 235 503 149 i Aug 235 29 1 68 S~P 235 279 71 Oct 235 161 100

Nov , 3 80 299 140 11 Dec 3 80 1 559 159 I I I 'eu I'all values m cfs /indicates half month

Values Protected: Fish habitat wildlife, advanced recreational boating needs, and aesthetic values are protected.

Recreational uses that require flows higher than these flows would not be protected unless an instream water right for those recreational uses is granted, or other administrative action taken.

Documentation: Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989.

Use figures from USFS, and ODFW. Published user guides, trip logs, correspondence and personal contacts are also cited.

Evaluation: Levels for boating needs meet or exceed most optimum flow ranges in published guides and USFS recommendation. 3. Maximum flow value: North Fork

Maximum Flow value Month Flow Needed Natural Flow 80 % Exceedence Jan 380 985 216 Feb 380/600 1238 332 Mar 800 1892 914 APr 4000 2446 1880 May 4000 2515 1860 Jun 800 1949 665 Jul 235 503 149 A% 235 29 1 68 SeP 235 279 7 1 Oct 235 161 100 Nov 3 80 299 140 Dec 380 559 159 all values m cis /indicates half month

Values Protected: Fish habitat wildlife, advanced and expert recreational boating needs, and aesthetic values are protected.

Documentation: Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989.

Use figures from USFS, and ODFW. Published user guides, trip logs, correspondence and personal contacts are also cited. valuation: Levels for boating needs meet or exceed optimum flow ranges in published guides and USFS recommendation. JOHN DAY SCENIC WATERWAY MIDDLE FORK SECTION

I LEGEND SC~E =OREGON STATE SCENIC WATERWWS d ' ~.ooo zo,'m a FEDERALLY DESIGNATED WILD ND SCENIC RIVERS IN OREGON

(MAP COURTESY OF OREGON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT) SECTION V MIDDLE FORK BASIN b A) LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The Middle Fork of the John Day River flows out of the Greenhorn and Elkhorn ranges of the Blue Mountains: its headwaters are just above Highway 26 between Blue Mountain Summit and Austin Junction. The river flows in a northwesterly direction for over 75 miles where it joins the North Fork of the John Day at RM 30.2. It drains 806 square rniles in the central eastern portion of the John Day Basin. Sixty-three percent of the Middle Fork is forested; most of the rest is range and pastureland. Cropland accounts for less than two percent of the land cover. The major tributary is Long Creek, which joins the Middle Fork near river mile five; other tributaries include Big, Vinegar, Bridge, Camp, Slide, Big Boulder, Granite, Granite Boulder and Clear Creeks. The area has highly variable terrain with elevations ranging from about 2,200 feet near the mouth to over 8,100 feet in the headwater areas.

The Middle Fork is designated a State Scenic Waterway from the Crawford Bridge crossing (RM 71) to the confluence (Rh4 0) with the North Fork (at NF RM 32.2). The scenic waterway is located entirely within Grant County. Most of the headwaters of the Middle Fork are on the Malheur and Umatilla National Forests. Communities within the scenic waterway include Ritter, Galena, Austin, and Bates. Long Creek, with a population of 245, is the major city within the Middle Fork drainage but lies outside the scenic waterway designation.

The federal government is the largest landowner in the Middle Fork drainage. Nearly all federal land is managed by the Malheur National Forest, although about 30 square rniles is managed by the Umatilla National Forest. Small, widely distributed parcels of land adjacent to the lower and middle reaches of the Middle Fork and Long Creek are managed by the BLM. Most of the Middle Fork below Slide Creek is privately owned. Non-boating recreation uses may be restricted or prohibited in these areas.

The majority of rangeland is privately owned. Long Prairie, north of the City of Long Creek, is a rolling, hilly, non-forested steppe area notable for the excellent condition of its native bunchgrasses. It was cited by The Nature Conservancy under the Oregon Natural Heritage Program as an outstanding example of the native Blue Mountain steppe community.

Urban areas occupy only a small portion of the Middle Fork drainage. Long Creek, the only incorpbrated city in the subbasin, covers about 600 acres. Rural service centers such as Austin Junction account for less than 200 acres.

About 20 square miles of the Vinegar Hill-Indian Rock Scenic Area which the USFS manages for protection of scenic and backcountry resources lies just outside the scenic waterway corridor. Roughly two thirds of the watershed and nearly all headwater areas are located on USFS land. Forest Service management for timber harvesting, road construction, cattle grazing, wildlife habitat, mining, and roadless areas have had, and will continue to have, the greatest "wI4 influence on watershed conditions in the upper Middle Fork drainage.

Shallow soils dominate the forested uplands of the upper Middle Fork and Long Creek. Outside of a few relatively flat alluvial segments along the Middle Fork above Galena, soils have a medium to high erosion potential and sediment yield.

B) WATER RESOURCES

The stream gradient of the Middle Fork John Day River averages 40 feet per mile, but steeper gradients are present in the upper reaches and in tributaries. Long Creek is the major tributary.

MONTHLY DISCHARGES 1930-1982 MIDDLE FORK JOHN DAY RlVER AT RITJXR 1600

I -MINIMUM (CFS) +MAXIMUM (cFs) -H+ MEAN (CFS)

L Figure 4AVERAGE MONTHLY DISCHARGE AT RITTER eY The Middle Fork has been gaged at Ritter since 1929. Annual average discharge at Ritter is 168,464 acre-feet. The discharge at the mouth, which would measure the contribution of Long Creek and the 200 square miles of drainage below Ritter, is not gaged. Estimated discharge at the mouth is about 268,000 acre-feet annually. This accounts for about 25 percent of the estimated flow of the North Fork. Based on the Ritter gage, peak discharge generally occurs between March and early June, and lowest flows occur during the months of August and September.

C) RECREATION

The Middle Fork Section of the John Day Scenic Waterway also flows from alpine forest to high desert. With the exception of the Bates mill pond area, the upper segment of the river is largely undisturbed. Past mining operations begin to be evident in the riparian zone about Ruby Creek (RM 57). There are some tailing piles are at the community of Galena. A gravel stock pile and some scattered small farms are the only developments in the middle and lower corridor.

The major accesses to the Middle Fork section of the scenic waterway are Highway 26 and Highway 395. Highway 395 passes north to south through the western portion of the Middle Fork drainage; Highway 26 runs through the southeastern headwater area. There is good access to most of the river, but much of it is on private property. A county road parallels the Middle Fork from Austin to Ritter (47 miles). Below Ritter there is a private didgravel road for approximately 6 miles.

The scenic waterway is utilized primarily for fishing, hunting, camping, and sightseeing. Some recreational boating occurs, mostly related to steelhead fishing. Hunting for big game, including deer, elk, and bear accounts for many thousands of hunter days during the fall. No estimates of boating use are available at this time. Ritter Hot Springs is a regional attraction.

The Middle Fork drainage has few developed recreational sites, most of which are maintained by the Malheur National Forest. There are two USFS recreation areas open to the public on the river, Middle Fork (RM 57.5) and Deerhorn (RM 62) Recreation Sites. Both of the USFS recreation areas have a minimum amount of development. The Middle Fork drainage is used recreationally for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and sightseeing.

BOATING USES

The Recreation Values study gave the Middle Fork mid-level ratings for rafting, canoe, kayaks and drift-boats. There is some evidence of boating occurring from Highway 395 to the mouth. No estimates of use are available. ODFW, WRD, Malheur National Forest, BLM and Oregon River Initiative staffI9 confirm that the majority of the use is in drift-boats to access the river for steelhead fishing. Because of the types of rocks in the river, boating is advised only for higher flows. A1 Ainsworth of the Northwest Rafters Association stated that to his knowledge this run is class IU whitewater suitable for smaller rafts.

Type of use: Class III whitewater floating, mainly passive use associated with steelhead fishing using drift-boats.

Location of use: RM 25 to RM 0

Time of use: February - April (steelhead fishing peaks)

Amount of flow needed: No specific flows could be identified by the published guides or resource agencies.

Fishing

The Middle Fork produces 24 percent of the total spring chinook and 30 percent of the total summer steelhead populations in the John Day Basin. Currently, as many as 770 adult spring chinook and 6,000 adult steelhead migrate into the river to spawn annually.

The Middle Fork also supports a productive trout fishery. A healthy resident trout population is supplemented yearly with 3,000 legal hatchery rainbows from Ritter Hot Springs (RM 14) to Camp Creek (RM 48).

In recent years, habitat for salmon and steelhead has improved, primarily because of the removal of a diversion dam and the Bates sawmill which were blocking fish passage and causing water pollution. Consequently, anadromous production, particularly that of spring chinook, has increased as fish now are able to use the upper Middle Fork system. Approximately 30 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for spring chinook are available in the Middle Fork between Armstrong and Summit Creeks. An estimated 295 miles of spawning and rearing habitat also are available in the Middle Fork and tributaries to support steelhead production. Major steelhead-producing streams in the drainage include Camp, Indian, Granite Boulder, Deep, Beaver, Clear, Big Boulder, Deerhorn, Vinegar, Vinceni, Davis, Long, Granite, Butte, Big, Huckleberry, and Slide Creeks.

l9 personal contact with Bill Marlett (ORI), Jerry Rodgers (WRD), Errol Claire (ODFW), and Roy Beal (USFS, Long Creek Ranger District), and Roy Pearl (BLM) In low water years, both salmon and steelhead production in the Middle Fork below Highway 395 are affected by low-flows and high stream temperatures. These conditions restrict passage to and limit the amount of usable habitat within potential spawning, rearing and adult holding areas. For example, in Clear Creek, one of the major producing streams in the Middle Fork drainage containing both salmon and steelhead, rearing for spring chinook is often limited during low water years. Clear Creek supports annual production of 40 to 80 adult steelhead and 6 to 15 adult spring chinook spawners as well as a wild trout population.

The peak for trout and steelhead fishing is in the spring and early summer with another surge occurring in early fall. Trout fishing accounts for 2,000 to 3,000 annual recreational angling days on the Middle Fork. Estimates for Middle Fork steelhead angling days ranges from 300 to 500 annually. The ODFW estimated steelhead catch records indicate the significant months for steelhead fishing are October, November, February, March, and April. March has the highest level of success.

FLOWS mQUIRED

ODFW submitted instream water right application for the flows established by the Oregon method for optimum fish habitat on the Middle Fork to the Water Resources Commission. MIDDLE FORK OPTIMUM FISH HABITAT FLOWS IDENTIFIED BY ODFW OREGON METHOD

MONTH ABOVE ESTIMATED ABOVE BIG ESTIMATED ABOVE ESTIMATED ABOVE ESTIM ATED MOUTH NATURAL BOULDER NATURAL GRANITE NATURAL CRAWFORD NATURAL STREAM CREEK STREAM BOULDER STREAM STREAM FLOW FLOW CREEK FLOW FLOW

JANUARY 225 223 125 115 47 89 20 23

FEBRUARY 298 27 1 170 133 47 99 26 25 -----MARCH 298 404 170 196 66 146 26 35 APRIL 298 547 170 283 66 222 26 57

MAY 298 620 170 359 66 304 26 88

JUNE 250/225 474 115/95 284 47 250 20/15 73

JULY 175 130 67 8 1 30 72 10 22

AUGUST 130 68 67 41 30/60 37 10 11

SEPTEMBER 117 58 80 33 66/47 28 10/15 7

OCTOBER 117 37 80 21 47 18 15 5

NOVEMBER 175 67 95 37 47 3 1 15 8

DECEMBER 225 128 125 68 47 54 20 14

\ indicates half month natural stream flow is a calculated figure based on a WRD model for water availability. MIDDLE FORK SUMMARY Fish habitat needs are the basis for identifying recreational flow values for the Middle Fork section of the scenic waterway. 1. Base Flow value: Middle Fork

Month Flow Needed Natural Flow 80 % Exceedence Jan 225 223 52 Feb 298 27 1 80 Mar 298 404 188 APr 298 547 3 85 May 298 620 373 Jun 250 474 137 Jul 175 130 33 Aug 130 68 15 SeP 117 58 19 Oct 117 3 7 29 Nov 175 67 39 Dec 225 128 45 all values m cis /indicates half month

Values Protected: Fish habitat wildlife, and aesthetic values are protected.

Recreational uses that require flows higher than this flow would not be protected unless an instream water right for those recreational uses is granted, or other administrative action is taken.

Documentation: Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989. JOHN DAY SCENIC WATERWAY SOUTII FORK SECTION

LEGEND

t . .- .. .- - .. -. - . - . . ~ - . .. . - - -.- -. (MAP COURTESY OF OREGON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT) SECTION VI b SOUTH FORK BASIN

A) LOCATION AND DESCRTPTION

Flowing northward from the Ochoco and Aldrich Mountains, the South Fork John Day River drains an area of approximately 607 square miles and enters the mainstem John Day at Dayville. Major tributaries are Murderer's Creek, Black Canyon Creek, and Deer Creek. Subbasin elevation ranges between about 2,300 feet to 7,400 feet above sea level. Most of the subbasin is located in Grant County

Dayville is the only incorporated city in the subbasin. The South Fork section of the scenic waterway is accessed by either Highway 26 or the Post Paulina Road (an east-west route between Prineville and Highway 395). The BLM maintains a graveled road that follows the river the entire length. The lower end of the road from river mile 10 down is maintained by the county. The river road starts on the west bank of the stream and crosses to the east bank just upstream from Murderer's Creek. Snow and mud can make access difficult. Unimproved roads intersect the river road at Columbus Creek, Deer Creek and Murderer's Creek. There is a private road that serves two ranches on the west bank. Access to the river from the road is very good.

The South Fork corridor also contains one of the largest nesting concentrations of Lewis' woodpeckers in Oregon. Bald eagles use the entire river as winter habitat. The Murderer's Creek WMA is also habitat for mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep and antelope. The riparian areas of the river have mink, beaver, and river otters.

The federal government manages most of the land in the scenic waterway Designation. Private lands tend to be concentrated at lower elevations along streams and at intermediate upland elevations. The Murderer's Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) comprises most of the state lands in the South Fork drainage.

ESTIMATED SOUTH FORK LAND OWNERSHIP BLM Prineville District 55 % USFS Malheur National Forest 10 % ODFW Murderer's Creek Wildlife Area 20 % Private land 15 %

The two major landcover types are coniferous forest and rangeland. The few agricultural areas near the scenic waterway are located around Dayville and Izee. Forests consist b 64 mostly of ponderosa and lodgepole pine with western larch and fir at higher elevations. Forty-nine percent of forest cover is climax ponderosa pine, 43 percent mixed pine and fu, 7 percent white fir, Douglas fir, and western larch, and 1 percent sub-alpine fir and lodgepole pine.

The South Fork subbasin contains a number of special wildlife, vegetation, and geologic areas. The 26,000-acre Murderer's Creek WMA is a cooperative federal, state and private effort managed by ODFW. The Murderer's Creek Wild Horse Herd Management Area (143,000 acres), composed partially of this ODFW land, adjacent USFS and BLM and private land, is administered jointly by the two federal agencies. The 13,400-acre Black Canyon Wildernes, in the Black Canyon drainage, is managed by the Ochoco National Forest. Designation of the Aldrich Mountain Wilderness Study Area (9395 acres) to the east of the river was not recommended as a preferred alternative in the Draft Oregon Wilderness Environmental Impact Statement by the BLM.

According to the 1977 Oregon Natural Heritage Program inventory conducted by The Nature Conservancy, Jackass Creek (within the designation) and the Shake Table Mountain (outside the designation) areas possess a unique protected plant species, the John Day milk vetch (Astra~alusdiaphanous sv. diuranis). The BLM also reports that there is a federal candidate for threatened and endangered plant species in the South Fork, scapose silene (Silene scaposa).

B) WATER RESOURCES

The stream gradient over the 60-mile course of the river is a relatively gentle 47 feet per mile. The South Fork near Dayville was gaged intermittently for 10 years between 1910 and 1930. Average annual discharge at the mouth is an estimated 100,000 acre-feet. A gauge was installed at RM 6.4 in October of 1987 and is currently in service. subbasin discharge is greatest during the winter months. Discharge generally peaks in late April, which coincides with maximum runoff from snowmelt, and is lowest in September. During the low-flow period of July through October, demands for irrigation use, fisheries maintenance, and water quality are greatest.

C) RECREATION

The South Fork Section of the John Day Scenic Waterway is located in the most undeveloped portion of the river. The steep canyon and the amount of BLM-owned land account for the lack of development. The lack of development, canyon features, forest and riparian communities, and the scenic resources make this portion of the scenic waterway outstanding and remarkable for the region. The scenic waterway river corridor is primarily covered with ponderosa pine, with a very healthy riparian zone below Izee Falls. The river is small and turbulent. Izee Falls is a cascade extending over 500 feet in length and is a major scenic feature of the river. Recreationally, the corridor is utilized primarily for fishing, hunting, camping, and sightseeing. No recreational boating occurs. Recreation flow estimates are for fish values, because there is no significant boating use.

The South Fork is an area that has seen relatively little recreational development. This area contains three National Forest campgrounds and the Black Canyon Wilderness providing recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, hunting, horseback riding, sightseeing and fishing. Deer and elk hunting account for the largest number of recreation userdays in the area with a peak in the fall. Trout fishing accounl for 2,500 angler-days on the South Fork of the river with an equal number on the tributary streams. Fishing peaks during June with another substantial surge during early fall.

NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STATUS

The South Fork of the John Day is a designated Wild and Scenic River from the Malheur National Forest boundary to the mouth of Smokey Creek. It is managed by the Prineville District of the BLM.

BOATING USES

There is no documented boating use on the South Fork section of the scenic waterway. It is not listed in the recognized guidebooks on whitewater boating. The draft John Day River Recreation Management Plan by the BLM listed camping and fishing as the primary recreation uses of the South Fork. Personal contact with Roy Pearl, BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner, Errol Claire, ODFW Fisheries Biologist, and Bill Marlett of the Oregon River Initiative confirm that they are unaware of any boating uses on the South Fork,

FISHING USES

The South Fork subbasin currently produces approximately 7 percent of the total John Day steelhead populations as well as a substantial resident trout fishery. Annually, between March 15 and June 30, as many as 1,400 adult steelhead spawners migrate into the South Fork drainage where approximately 95 miles of spawning and rearing habitat exist. 'Juveniles rear in the subbasin for two to three years before migrating out. Resident trout populations generate 3,000 to 5,000 recreation days annually with a sport catch of over 10,000 fish. Wild rainbows are supplemented each year with the stocking of legal and fingerling rainbows. The subbasin does not support a spring chinook population. Generally, fish production in the South Fork subbasin is maintained by good water quality, streamflow, and habitat diversity, particularly in the middle reaches. In the lower reaches of the subbasin, however, fish production declines due to low-flows. Steelhead runs are restricted to habitat below Izee Falls at River Mile 27.5. Sunflower, Indian, Flat, Lewis, Corral and Venator Creeks enter the South Fork above Izee Falls. These streams are important to the maintenance of wild trout populations in the subbasin. Izee Falls has been identified as a possible site for a fish ladder to give passage for steelhead to the upper reaches of the river.

Major steelhead production streams in the drainage are Murderer's, Tex, Deer, Wind and Black Canyon Creeks. These streams characteristically have good stream flows, low water temperature, well vegetated streambanks and evenly spaced pools and riffles. Habitat in the upper subbasin above the Izee Falls could potentially support steelhead production if access around the falls was provided.

The Governor's Watershed Enhancement Board (GWEB), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), USFS, ODFW, WRD, BLM, US Soil & Water Conservation Service and private citizens have worked cooperatively to improve watershed, fish and wildlife habitat conditions on several miles of the South Fork and its tributaries as part of a multi-agency Coordinated Resource Plan.

Type of use: Trout fishing only.

Location of use Fishing occurs throughout the entire reach. SOUTH FORK JOHN DAY RIVER OPTIMUM FLOWS IDENTIFIED BY OREGON METHOD FOR FISH HABITAT

MONTH ABOVE MOUTH ESTIMATED AT DEER CREEK ESTIMATED NATURAL FLOW NATURAL FLOW AT ABOVE MOUTH DEER CREEK

JANUARY 133 213 77 128

FEBRUARY 1331225 29 0 771122 140

MARCH 225 433 122 206

APRIL 133 495 122 325

MAY 90 43 8 122 467

JUNE 90 288 77 400

JULY 90 76 52 115

AUGUST 90 3 8 52 6 1

SEPTEMBER 90 34 52 47

OCTOBER 90 26 52 28

NOVEMBER 90 53 52 46

DECEMBER 133 109 77 80 b all values in cfs I indicates half month Natural stream flow is a calculated figure based on a WRD model for water availability SOUTH FORK SUMMARY Fish habitat needs are the basis for identifying recreational flow values for the South Fork section of the scenic waterway. 1. Base Flow value: South Fork

-- Base Level Flow value Month Flow Needed Natural Flow Jan 133 213 11 Feb 1331225 290 I 11 Mar 1 225 I 433 11

II Jun 1 133 1 288 11 I Jul 90 76

SeP 90 3 4 Oct 90 26 Nov 90 5 3 Dec 133 109 11 I I lj all values m cfs /indicates half month

Values Protected: Fish habitat wildlife, and aesthetic values are protected.

No recreational uses requiring flows higher than these have been identified.

Documentation: Fish habitat and wildlife values submitted to Commission January 1989. References Cited lu Oregon Water Resourcesm Department 1986 John Day Basin Report

Oregon Revised Statute 390.805-390.925

Oregon Water Resources Department 1983 John Day Basin Minimum Stream Flow Study

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 1979 Basin investigation

Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department 1986 Subbasin assessment of the John Day Basin

Willamettee Canoe and Kayak Club 1986 Soggy Sneakers Guide

Garren, John 1970 Oregon River Tours

Campbell, Arthur 1980 John Day River Drift and Historical Guide

Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department 1986 Recreation Values on Oregon Rivers

Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department 1984 John Day Boater Survey

Bureau of Land Management 1985 Oregon Wilderness Draft Environmental Impact Statement L Bureau of Land Mangement 1989 Draft John Day Recreation Plan

Interagency Whitewater Committee 1985 River Information Digest

National Parks Service John Day River Wild and Scenic River Study

US Forest Service 1986 Draft Malhuer National Forest Plan

US Forest Service 1987 Draft Umatilla National Forest Plan

Canoe Magazine March 1990

Smallmou th Bass Magazine 1988

Department of Environmental Quality Statewide Assessment of Non-point Sources of Water Pollution 1988 STATE OF OREGON ~~-s2 2 Li3g INTEROFFICE HEHO .WATER RESOURCES DEPT. 575-0119 ~J~~~~ ~~~~:i;~.~~SCEX. ~ ~ SAiEh!. CaEGON TO: Bill Fujii DATES February 18, 1990

FROH: Jerry Rodgers WH #4

SUBJECT: Recreation flows in John Day Basin

All recommended cfs tied to SerVLce Creek Gage

JOHN DAY RIVER: Service Creek to KcDonald Ferry Dr.ift Boats & Rafts - minimum of 800 cfs. Kayaks & Canoes - minimum of 500 cfs. Better whitewater conditions exist with flows exceeding 2000 cfs.

Although users boat below the recommended levels for scenic and/or fishing qualities; these conditions usually involve lining or walking boats through rapids or over gravel bars.

NORTH FORK JOHN DAY RIVER: Dale to Monument Drift boats & Rafts - minimum of 4000 cfs

.The gage is downstream and many tributaries below the main floating section. I only use the Service Creek gage as a guideline for spring runoff flows. (April & Hay) At other times this gage could be more influenced by runoff from low elevation tributaries.

Most of the obstacles in this reach at low flows are sharp basalt boulders; very few gravel bars. Although boating is possible at lower flows, maneuvering is much more critical than on the lower mainstem.

It should be noted that this reach naturally has a limited boating season; there are few out of stream withdrawals within or above.

HIDDLE FORK JOHN DAY RIVER: Bates to Houth

The Niddle Fork is not normally considered a boatable river; although I have heard of a few trips being made during flood conditions. OREGON'S JOHN DAY RIVER

It 3 the ultimate SMLLMOmADVENTURE ... a tmtest of physical endurance, mzaUmth saavy and'sixty-fourmiles of the finest river fishing in the countq.

The John Day River o/m wer, wild and wonderful smallmouUz/ishing.

Way back in the MayIJune 1987 who then put me on to her hus- with canoes, inner-tubes and abuse. issue of SnaUmLh, there ap- band, Gerald, the chief guide, cook So, just the thought of fishing a peared an unusual ad which made . and originator of these expeditions. wilderness river again really tum- reference to trophy smallmouth, After a short talk with Gerald about ed me on. kayaks, breath-taking wilderness the untouched smallmouth oppor- The trip over was fairly comfor- scenery, 100-f~hdays and water ot- tunities that some of Oregon's table from Columbia, South ter guides. Now, I've been fishing rivers offered, it didn't take me Carolina, to Boise. Idaho. Gerald smallmouth for over thirty odd long to book a flight out. met me at the airport along with C. years and felt fairly familar with When people start talking river W. Sterling, a Smallmouth member mast of the above except water ot- fishing and 100-fish days. I can't who had just made the trip two ter guides. help getting excited. Since I was weeks earlier. C. W. really primed P "-r exhausting all of my f~sh~ng born and raised on the Rap- me up when he said, "Just wait, 4icblar~es,I thought to myself, pahanock River in northern you won't believe it." ,hat the hell ~sa water otter gurdc7 Virginla, I have experienced some We drove 60 miles to Gerald's 1 just had LO run tlils oric dowri of the t,er,t nvcr fislrin~:in t11ccoun. home in Nyssa, Oregon, ar~dsj1cnL 1 plroncd rlic nun~l,(.r111 rlrc ad try :1rr(1 1(.3lly dldrr'~k~i(~t\* i\~tr:~~ I 3 brief nig111.Tlrc r1cx.l nrornjl~gIVC arid r(~aclr(~(j3 h1 I , 5 I ,I!, r,io,)l Ii:1(1 IIII~II~~r!~:irirr:i~t.rr~ ('1111It.1t.tj if i>:~ck(.ti.ill r~rrl)c-lic.\~nl)lcnlrlocrril of gear into Gerald's van and trailer quickly realized that a trip down tercstlng afternoon. and moved on to the town of Fossil the John Day would be worth it, The evening watch at camp saw through some of Oregon's most even if I didn't catch a fish. It was the sun retreat up the canyon walls,, scenic country. simply beautiful country. The river, only to work its way back down* This trip took about five hours, with its many rapids and pools, again in the morning. This event and when we fmally arrived at an wound its way between sheer rock became somewhat of a daily ritual isolated farm near the John Day cliffs of mixed grey, rust brown and to eqjoy and remember. River, it was 107 O and hot for a Ju- brilliant purple up to 1500 feet high. DAY TWO-The day began with a ly evening. We unloaded all the Smallmouth chased minnows stiff wind,-which signaled a change gear and made a short camp on the against the banks, as chukar raced in the weather. A strong wind is a river's edge for the night. There she along the ridges in front of our. kayak's worse enemy, and with was at last, clear, !unning and boats scolding our presence. gusts up to 35 mph, it was truly a heavily Iaden with hugh black Wildlife was bountiful, with an oc- challenge j,ust to keep your boat boulders evenly spaced between casional mhle deer climbing the straight, much less f~h. grey canyon walls. If the good Lord steep canyon walls fleeing the sight But even a bad day on the John ever created a smallmouth river, of passing fahermen. Day can be productive. Still using this was it. The early morning fshi.seem- the four inch worm, I landed sixty Wethe guides prepared our ed to be the most productive with bass ranging from 1Yz to 3 pounds. kayaks, I couldn't help sneaking a three pounder taken by Gerald's Like always, I was looking for that away and testing the swirling son Kay, a good four-pounder hook: one big f~hLike the one Gerald had water. Tossing out a black four-inch ed, and at least a five, which broke mounted on-his living room wall Slider worm, I was immediately off right at the boat. Most of the that went 6 pounds 4 ounces. Not rewarded with a fine fourteen-inch bass were taken on a four-inch bad for a river fish. John Day smalhmouth. Enough, I worn with light tackle. After lunch, the group pushed on said to myself, and turned in to en- After lunch, and I should add and so did the wind. I've spent joy a magnificent night under the right here that the food on this tzip many days on various rivers, but I stars-something I hadn't done in was outstanding, our kayaks were never saw a kayak blown up a Class years. met by a strong 20-25 mph canyon 3 set of rapids. When this happen-. DAY ONE-Wake up time was 5:00 wind, which made fishing difficult. ed, Gerald called it off and set up 3 a.m. as we watched the morning This coupled with the 10O0 camp on the nearest available bank. sun cut through a light mist and temperature made for an in- The wind burned our eyes and creep slowly down the greyish the temperature dropped to a purple canyon walls. At more pleasant 85O. While it breakfast, we were joined by was a rough day, our chief a group of anglers from guide and asistants surprised Nevada, whjch brought our us with a delicious Chinese total to ten. After the usual dinner. As we prepared for handshakes and greetings, all the night, a flight of fifty or so gear was evenly distributed Canadian geese passed down among the canvas kayaks, a - - river overhead. safety lecture presented 2nd - DAY THREE-From the way we were off on a - .J the weather had been chang- SMALLMOUTH ADVENTURE ing, I figured that this was go- like I had never before ing to be the day to catch some experienced. good fsh. I skipped breakfast Sixty-four miles through a and headed down river only to wilderness area in a kayak in smash into a wild 4 'h pounder five days represents 12.8 miles . on my first cast. This fish . of fahing and paddling a day. cleared the surface by a good In comparison to most river three trips in the east, a run from six feet and carried me through a to eight miles a day is normal. set of rapids with my LEi3"s SO, the rust adjustment was to S-2 Goldspin screaming. Notv, 3 master the handling- of the I thounht.-. . this is wl~acriver kayak and then to fish fast, AuUwr looking bad Irut/eeling good iwldirzg srnallrnouil~ fislliny, is all I)l~tcffcctivcly a Utrcc and a lour-and-a-hal/pour~d al)orlt

I.r I or to,I sir~nll~nou0~. (~011f~11114'(f <)>I ~IO(:,>,Sj

~~~~~~',l~l.~lO~~'1~lihl;i~;.,\'LI.~IIII(~(*~, 1, :3 [P\\* Sma L Lmouth Memories ct\-llenging and rewarding .+LLhlOOTI I ADVENTURE I'vc Billy Westrnorland says ever ex1)cricnced. The overall lack of accessibility to this section of the "The HUBS CHUB RAT'TALUR .John Day should preserve its is the best topwater lure going!" reputation as one of the tol~ Write for a FREE catalog: HUBS CHUB srnallrnouth rivers in the nation, IT P9#2.Box 259 A not Ronh America. One th~ngthal Sheridan. IN 46069 d~dnot impress me, however, was (3171 758-5494 Oregnn's daily limit of 12 bass or 24 in possession limit. Excessive REALLY CATCHES BROWN FISH! fishing pre-sure corlihined with limits like thwcould seriously hurt the quality of this river and others, and surely the pressure will even- tually come. In all honesty the trlp was very long and tiring via plane, auto and boat. But when you enter a wilderness area like this one, where man has yet to encroach and leave ugly scam, it's well wonh it. For the srnallmouth angler. it's a pleasant feeling to know that there are a few places like the John Day left for us to enjoy. your next ShlALLMOUTH AkENTURE--Oregon and the John Day River with the water otters IF YOU WANT TO GO I -SMALLMOUTH SPECIALS- Contact Gerald Moore, 701 Emison Ave., h'yssa, OR 97913 or Bass Clatter Buzz Bait ...... $2.39 phone (503) 372-2894 for a free Buzz Bait (regular)...... $2.39 brochure, which covers all Wjllow Leaf Single Blade Spinner ...... $2.25 details for this and other Willow Leaf Tanden Blade Spinner Bait ...... $2.79 1 wilderness adventures. A f~ve Single Blade Spinner Bait ...... $2.35 l day trip is $400 and includes Tanden Blade Spinner Bait ...... $2.79 I everything except a 5 18 ten-dny 1 license. Check with Harry 11. Blade sizes: #3. 4. 4, 6. and 7 Wagener, Oregon Dcpt. of Fish Blade colors: silverlct~romt,copp.r, cald~one , and Wildlife, P.O. Box 59, Sizes: 'A 02.. Ys 07.. Y, 0:. I Portland, OR 97207 (503) Skirts in large variety of colors 1 229-5440 for more information Hook sues: 310 to 5/0 concerning Oregon's srnallrnou~)~ lakes and rivers.

Potomac River Float Trip 8 m~lesltrrougti Blue Rldqr. t4otrnraan: I ar tiarpcrs Ferry WV Or~rhour troril iiore or Wastrlnglon DC Avcragr CHARLIE MAC'S SPORT & TACKLE C~~CIIGO 70 srnallri\ou\ti ~)ccIrtp 411 Bank Strc?ot, NI Uc?c:11trr. Alnl,ari~;i 3!,0t1 1 (205):3!11-l7G13 ATTACI-IM ENT C

1984 Estimated Boater Vfsiter Days Service Creek to Cottonwood Creek Bridge b Types of Craft Used and Average Number of People/Craft

Camera Checmoints plumber of craft People per Craft People

SERVICE CREEK 2.4 340.0 1.0 20.0 2.7 35.0 1.'6 29 0 2.0 16.0 Total 440.0 x 2.5 days lJ = 1100.0

ABOVE CLARNO 2.4 194.0 1.0 25.0 2.7 49.0 1.6 40.0 2.0 20.0 Total 328.0 x 2.5 days lJ = 820.0

BELOW CLARNO 2.4 461.0 Pllr 1.0 16.0 2.7 51.0 1.6 42.0 2.0 24.0 Total 594.0 x 4.0 days 2J = 2,376.0

COTTOfWOOD CREEK 2.4 454..0 1.0 7.0 2.7 59.0 1.6 38.0 2.0 6.0 Total 564.0 x 4.0 days 2J = 2,256.0

Total 6,554 visitor use days

U Average days to go from Service Creek to Clarno 2_/ Average days to go from Clarno to Cottonwood Bridge ATTACIIMENT E

United States Forest North Fork Department of Service John Day P.O. Box 158 Agriculture Ranger District Ukiah, OR 97880

Bill Fuji Oregon Resources 3850 Portland Road N.E. Salem, Oregon 97310

Dear Mr. Fuji:

This letter is to document the phone conversation you had with Mark Sensibaugh of-my staff on February 22, 1990. 'The main points of this conversation, as I recdll, are as f ollous :

'ol River Use - The District does not have any records of use for this stretch .of the North Fork'John Day River. The best estimate we have is that approximately 400-600 people float this section annually. We also estimate use to be increasing.

Season of Use -

The District information is based on unofficial documentation. From general observations and personal use it is determined that; early season use occurs in late March through May. This use is primarily by drift boats and people fishing for steelhead. The peak flows tend to occur in April and into PAY- There is a group of rafters and kayakers that run tho river at this time to experience the high flow and increased challenge. Starting in June the river drops and Is warm enough that it becomes popular with a new group of floaters. This is when we see more overnight trips and smaller rafts and canoes. Floating continues to be popular through late July to early August, but at this time the river has dropped to the point where some bottom scraping occurs. Tho river can be and still is floated in August but only by smaller floating devices and generally as a part of water rccroatlon where swimming and water play are the main activities. It is hard to state one time period as "the bestv tine to float the river. The consensus is that Hay and June are the most popular. The flow at this time would be aroimd 4 - 6 x 100 CFS, as measurcd at Service Creek. Once the river drops below 2,000 CFS it is difficult to float without scraping bottom.

I hope that this' documents the information you'were requesting. If you need more information please contact Mark Sensibaugh, ~esourceForester, at (503) 427-3231.

Sincerely.

CATHY Y . ALLARD Actlng District Ranger

C.C. - Woody Fine - W.W.S.O. United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT PRINEVILLE DISTRICT OFFICE P.O. Box 550 (185 E. 4th Street) Prineville, Oregon 97754 IN REPLY REFER TO.

t'lG7ER RESCilZZES Cf=?p 'SALEE.?. OREGON Bill Fujii Water Resources Department 3850 Portland Road NT Salem OR 97310

Dear Bill:

Optimum river flows for larger rafts and drift boats is 2,000-4,000 C.F.S. betveen Service Creek and Cottonvood Bridge on the John Day River.

When the river drops below 1,000-1,500 c:F.s., it becomes quite difficult to float over shallow gravel bars and around large boulders vith the larger floating... craft. Some people float the river with larger vater craft below 1,000 C.F.S. but usually end up walking around some areas or walklng the boat over the gravel bars. L Smaller craft, such as canoes, kayaks and small inflatables, can negotiate the river down to 400-700 C.F.S.

When the river is above 8,000-10,000 c;F;s., it becomes very turbulent and vild and only an expert boater should use the river at these flows.

Should you have any more questions, please give us a call.

James L. liancock District Manager IFFICE MEMO 3T,: STATE OF a,. V M~ddlc!rOrK North iork 4 South Fork A Mainstem (Below Spray) DATE STREAM < LRM REMARKS 59789 John Day River Rail Creek to Gage XXXXX MF John Day River Ritter Gage to mouth 59789 MF John Day River Ritter Gage to mouth 59782 Clear Creek (MFJDR) 53256 Camp Creek (MFJDR) Lick Creek to mouth A69961 Granire Boulder Creek (MFJDR) Porky Creek to mouth 641 92 Vinegar Creek Morning Creek to riouth 50797 John Day River Gage to SFJDR 59794 SF John Day River Black Canyon Creek to mouth YYYXX NF John Day River NFJDR Gage kt.9950 NF John Day River Monument to mouth 5S796 John Day River SFJDR to NFJDR 59799 John Day River Service Creek Gage xmx John Day River McDonald Ferry Gage to mouth 59781 Canyon Creek EF Canyon Creek to mouth 6325 1 Cottonwood Creek (Monument) Squaw Creek to mouth 59780 Bridge Creek Bear Creek to mouth A70250 Bridge Creek Johnson Creek to W. Branch A70263 Bear Creek (Bridge Creek) ~oddhCreek to mouth 59783 Cottonwood Creek (Dayville) 59793 Rock Creek (Antone) Mountain Creek to mouth 59779 Beech Creek EF Beech Creek to mouth 63252 EF Beech Creek Lake Creek to McClellan Creek 63253 EF Beech Creek McClellan Creek to mouth A69963 Fields Creek Wickiup Creek to mouth 63257 Big Wall Creek Little Wall to mouth 63259 Big Wall Creek Wilson Creek to Little Wall 64 1 93 Indian Creek Overhold .Creek to Little Indian A59549 Reynolds Creek NF Reynolds Creek to mouth A59951 Deardorff Creek Bogue Gulch to mouth A70251 Rock Creek (Olex) Whyte Park Gage to mouth 63254 Long Creck Keeney Creek to SF Long Creek 53255 Long Creek SF Long Creek to mouth 5231 8 Camas Creek Lane Creek to Cable Creek 6231 9 Camas Creek Cable Creek to Owens Creek 62320 Camas Creck Owens Creek to mouth 59784 Granite Creek Clear Creek to mouth A59950 Clear Creek (Granite Creck) Beaver Creek to mouth A59953 Bull Run Creek Boundary Creek to mouth 5231 7 Desolation Creek Forks Confluence to mouth 59792 NF John Day River Former Dale Gage Site 63258 Murderer's Creek SF Murderer's Creek to moutl? PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 525 TRADE STREET SE, SALEM, OREGON 97310 PHONE (503) 378-6305 FAX (503) 378-6447

July 20, 1990

Bill Fujii Water Resources Department 3850 Portland Rd. NE . Salem, OR 97310

RE: John Day .River Scenic Waterway

Dear Mr. Fujii: For the last 15 years of my career with the scenic Waterway Program under the authority of State Parks, I have kept a diary of various river flows on scenic waterways that I have boated. I often reference this information for river trips during the course of a boater season. The mainstem of the John Day River Scenic Waterway provides a high recreational experience to the general river user. Spring flows at 10,000 cfs provide a wonderful raft trip for the early river user. As the flow starts to decrease and the weather warms the recreational use changes to larger user groups so fishing and sightseeing now become a high recreational experience on the John Day River Scenic Waterway. But as the flow drops to 3,000 cfs the experience of the river is still fun and non threatening. However, weather changes daily and afternoon winds challenge the boater. Water slows when the river fans out over numerous gravel bars. The mainstem of the John Day has many gravel bars that will impede boats, rafts, driftboats, kayaks and canoes, etc. when the flow drops under the 3,000 cfs mark. For the general boater to have a Class I1 and I11 trip on the John Day River the flow should be 3,000 cfs minimum. A lesser flow decreases the river experience as many people do not understand that extra stamina and time needs to be built into their trips for the lower 70 miles of the John Day River.

Many boaters do not base their experience on understanding cfs. They think 3,000 cfs would be same as 3,000 cfs on the Deschutes River, which is not true when you are planning a boating trip. I think you will certainly agree with me that all rivers have different personalities and needs different river flow levels to provide unique recreational experiences for a11 river users whether water- related or bank-related uses. Bill Fujii July 20, 1990 Page 2

Should you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please feel free to call me at 378-6500.

Cordially,

Jim Payne, ~ssistantManager Rivers Program

JP: jn FUJII. LTR ;. ;. -.. Attachment J i-,.; p <- , . ., :. P :--a .. t! t! /& ,? ,. ,. .;:;+ ,: * 31. /iP . - ,-., .. c&j/ .*

k-;;.,Q 8; ,., C' .,- . . [C; I:,- Department of Fish and Wildlife '4 - -. . , "!'%,? 4- '717 T: 7 506 SW MILL STREET,P.O. BOX 59,PORTUND, OREGON 97207 84' r,'- L it;;.-- -I&?, c,.+s c~~, 'C.-.,r ,L'.AJ February 20, 1990 Bill Fujii Water Resources Department 3850 Portland Road N.E. Salem, Oregon 97310 , 1 Subject: Flows for State scenic Rivers. Dear Bill. The attached table contains flows the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recommended for fish and aquatic life and fish habitat in state Scenic Waterways at the January 20, 1989 Water Resources Commission meeting. 'These flows are still ODFW's recommended flows for these state Scenic Waterways; no new information has been received to indicate other flows would serve fish use better in the state Scenic Waterways. Though the methodology for these flow recommendations does not include wildlife or wildlife habitat, ODFW considers these flows to represent wildlife needs until other information becomes available. Based on our rules (OAR 635-400-015 (811, the highest flow required by any species inhabiting a waterway will be the one recommended for an instream water right. Note that the Sandy River is not listed. The instream water right on the Sandy is based on an IFIM study conducted for the City of Portland. We accepted the results of the study when the minimum stremflow for the Sandy was recommended to 'XRC. Commissioner Stickel expressed some concern that the Sandy River instream water right flow may need to be re-evaluated. We will work with LTD and Parks on this issue. Also note that several Scenic Waterways have no available fish and wildlife flow information. Others have limited flow information (e.g. two months of the year). ODFW will need to gather information on these rivers, preferably in conjunction with Parks and WRD. Let me know if you need any further information. Sincerely, 1

;yzWk11 E. Zarnowitz Water Resources Planni IIG Habitat Conservaiti.on IIil'i :; i Attachment K

Mamskm John Day kver Lnstrearn Water kghts II

hdicates half rnonlh Attachment K

II North Fork John Day hver Instream Wabr Wghts

b

/indicates half month Attachment K John Day River Scenic Waterway Water Quality Ratings for Mainstem Overall Rating Severe problems rated with data. Aquatic Habitat Severe problems rated with data. Conditions Affecting Fish Severe problems Parrish Cr to Jackknife Cr rated by observation.

Moderate problems Jackknife Cr to Tumwater Falls rated with data. Primary Contact Recreation Moderate problems rated with data.

Adapted from 1988 Oregon Statewide Assessment of Nonpoint Sources of Water Pollution -, John Day River Scenic Waterway Water Quality Ratings for North Fork Overall Rating No Problem or no data to approx RM 50

RM 50 to Monument Severe problems rated by observation. Aquatic Habitat No Problem or no data to approx RM 50

RM 50 to Monument Severe problems rated by observation. Conditions Affecting Fish No Problem or no data to approx RM 50

RM 50 to Little Wall Cr Moderate problems rated by

observation. \

Severe Problems Little Wall Cr to Monument rated by observation. Primary Contact Recreation No Problem or No data to Middle Fork

Moderate problems Middle Fork to Monument rated with data.

Adapted from 1988 Oregon Statewide Assessment of Nonpoint Sources of Water Pollution John Day River Scenic Waterway Water Quality Ratings Middle Fork Overall Rating Severe Problems rated by observation to Vinegar Cr and Big Cr to Mouth

Moderate Problems Vinegar Cr to Big Cr rated by observation. Aquatic Habitat Severe problems to Vinegar Cr rated by observation.

Moderate problems to Mouth rated by observation. Conditions Affecting Fish Moderate problems to Big Cr rated by observation.

Severe problems Big Cr to mouth rated by observation. Primary Contact Recreation No problem or No Data.

Adapted from 1988 Oregon Statewide Assessment of Nonpoint Sources of Water Pollution John Day River Scenic Waterway Water Quality Ratings for South Fork Overall Rating Severe problem rated with data. Aquatic Habitat Severe problem to Pine Cr rated with data.

Moderate problem Pine Cr to approximately Smokey Cr rated with data. L Conditions Affecting Fish Severe problem rated with data. Primary Coctact Recreation Moderate problem rated with data to Murderers Cr and Black Canyon Cr to Mouth.

No problem or No Data Murderers Cr to Black Canyon Cr.

Adapted from 1988 Oregon Statewide Assessment of Nonpoint Sources of Water Pollution John Day Scenic waterway Mainstem Pollution Type, Severity, and ~nformationSource TYPe JacMrnife Cr - Parrish Cr - Tumwater fa1 1s Jackknife Cr Turbidity Moderate Problem, Severe problem, data observa~ion Low Dissolved Moderate Problem, Moderate Problem, Oxygen data data Nutrients , Toxins Severe problem, Severe problem, data data Bacteria/Viruses Moderate Problem, data Sedimentation Moderate Problem, Moderate Problem, data data Stream Bank Erosion Moderate Problem, Moderate Problem, data data Low flow Moderate Problem, Moderate Problem, data data Insufficient Stream Structure ATTACHMENT M

John Day Scenic Waterway North Fork Pollution Type, Severity, and Information Source TYPe Monument - Middle Middle Fork - RM 50 Fork Turbidity Moderate problem, Moderate problem, observation observation Low Dissolved Moderate problem, Oxygen observation , Nutrients Toxins Moderate Problem, data Bacteria/Viruses Moderate Problem, data Sedimentation Stream Bank Erosion Moderate problem, Moderate problem, observation observation Low flow Moderate problem, observation Insufficient Stream Structure ATTACHMENT M

John Day Scenic Waterway South Fork Pollution Type, severity, and Information Source 1 11 TYP~ I Brisbois Cr - Smokey Cr I I Turbidity Moderate Problem, data I 11 Low Dissolved Oxyqen I Moderate problem, observation 11 - I Nutrients Moderate problem, observation 11 Toxins I Severe problem, data 11 , Bacteria/Viruses Moderate Problem, data Sedimentation Moderate Problem, data Stream Bank Erosion Moderate Problem, data Low flow ( Moderate problem, observation I II I II 11 Insufficient Stream Structure 1 Moderate ~roblem,observation 11 ATTACHMENT M

John Day Scenic Waterway Middle Fork Pollution Type, Severity, and Information Source TYPe Big Cr - Vinegar Cr - Vinegar Cr - Mouth Big Cr Crawford Cr Turbidity Moderate Moderate Severe problem, problem, problem, observation observation observation Low Dissolved Moderate Moderate Moderate Oxygen problem, problem, problem, observation observation observation Nutrients Toxins Bacterialviruses Sedimentation Moderate Moderate Severe problem, problem, problem, observation observation observation Stream Bank Erosion Moderate Moderate Severe problem, problem, problem, observation observation observation Low flow Moderate Moderate Moderate problem, problem, problem, observation observation observation Insufficient Stream Structure k.v Scenic Waterway Classifications

A Natural River Area is undeveloped, and generally in pristine or near pristine condition. It is accessible only by trail, boat or airplane. While the landscape of a Natural River Area can vary from steep-walled canyons to forested foothills, its character is consistent - primitive, very scenic, conveying a sense of solitude. Human use in a Natural River Area is usually limited; any structures or indication of settlement is rare or scattered. Because a Natural River Area is undeveloped, any change has great potential to affect its natural beauty. This means that stringent standards for concealing all development from the view from the river are applied. River recreation activities compatible with a primitive setting and with very low visual impact are allowed. All new structures and development must be completely hidden (screened) from the river, usually by topography (landform). Approved public recreation facilities and natural resource protection measures (e.g., streambank protection) may be visible from the river if their appearance blends into the natural landscape.

A Scenic River Area is for the most part undeveloped and natural-appearing in character. Agriculture and grazing may be dominant land uses. Roads through a Scenic River Area are generally lightly travelled and not easily seen from the scenic waterway. A typical Scenic River Area could be cropland surrounded by forest or open rangeland. A Scenic River Area is managed to protect the scenic quality created by the combination of agricultural and natural features. Undeveloped areas are maintained, agriculture is encouraged, and recreation activities compatible with existing land uses are allowed. Within Scenic River Areas, application of L standards for development depending on the appearance of the landscape and existing developments. In general, certain structures and improvements can be visible from the river but they must: be related to agricultural, residential or recreation activities already visible; meet the general design standards for buildings (height, color and materials) and other uses; and meet local zoning requirements or density standards established by the Program.