There are sections that go dry along Branch road. HOWEVER, it goes dry because it sinks into the ground and reappears-at least that's common thought. the flow is quite good from pine grove mtn until a little ways downstream of where roaring run enters. There area where development would occur is where flow is good. Further, I believe the areas UAJA could potentially withdraw water is upstream where it dries. - if water withdraw is the real issue with them.
As I alluded to above, the UAJA has been as friendly as possible to the Spring creek watershed in the past. They have tried to employ re-use as much as possible. Even if it is true HQCW designation would impair their ability to improve slab cabin further, blocking HQCW would be cheered by developers and ferguson twp (who'd love to rezone that farmland to high-tax residential.).
To be HQCW, you need class A designation if I am correct.