Water Quality Commission Testimony
By Dennis Buechler on June 13, 2016
Good afternoon. My name is Dennis Buechler, and I am not representing any particular organization today. I have a recreation residence in Fraser, which is near Winter Park, which facilitates my ability to ski, hunt, and of course fish for trout. The latter is why I am here today.
I served on the Wildlife Commission from 2007 to 2011 so I can appreciate the time and commitment you put forth in serving the public. Thank you.
Today, I would like to explain why I am particularly concerned about maintaining our temperature standards in early fall. That time of the year would be included in the proposed fall shoulder season, which would exempt an area from the established specific standards and regulate it through some sort of unquantified narrative. From my perspective as a person that spends a lot of time in the outdoors in the fall, it seems that overall our temperatures have been increasing in recent years. This is particularly true in September when brown trout are preparing for spawning. This annual biological process places a lot of stress on the trout in addition to the fungus which commonly affects them in the fall. When you add warm water to the equation, which has less oxygen, these stresses are multiplied. The water temperatures in late spring, summer, and early fall can exceed the level where ethical anglers cease fishing or even sometimes the state standards for daily maximum temperature. During those times, even catch and release fishing can add additional stress. Unsuitable water temperatures are a major problem during low flow years, especially when most of the water is being diverted from the stream, which is becoming increasing problematic on the west slope. Therefore, I ask that you not change the current temperature standards at any time during the year.
I am concerned not only about fishing but also the effects an impaired fishery could have upon our small town economies and less populated counties. My neighbor in Fraser is a fishing guide. Lessening water quality standards that result in adverse effects to the trout fishery could significantly impact his ability to make a living. Hundreds of small business owners in this state depend on the billions of dollars that hunting, fishing and related activities provide.
The current standards are simple to understand, and it is my understanding that for the most part they have helped protect our precious water quality. Therefore, I do not think the proposed changes are warranted. Thank you for your time.