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'0 .~ l'- Construction and operation of the Savery-Pot Hook Project could jeopardize the continued existence of the Colorado River squawfish (Ptychocheilus ludus) and the humpback chub (Gila cypha)--both officially listed as Endangered Species. These fishes are known to occur in the Yampa River, and may occur in the lower Little Snake River itself. In addition, the bony tail chub (Gila elegans) and the humpback sucker (Xyrauchen tcxanus)--bo~h considered very rare although not yet officially listed as "endangered"--also could be affected by the project. Little is known about the specific water quality requirements of these fishes, or the magnitude of change in existing chemical, physical and biological conditions they could tolerate and still survive. Any change in flow regime, salinity, turbidity, temperature, competition from other species may directly affect their welfare. Such changes can be expected to occur in the Little Snake and Yampa Rivers if the project is constructed, although at present we cannot.accurately ascertain their impacts on these fishes. There is a high probability that the Yampa River from Craig, Colorado, downstream to its confluence with the Green River will ultimately be designated as critical habitat by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. However, since a determination has not been made regarding the "critical habitat" issue with respect to either the Little Snake or Yampa ~ivers, the Bureau of "' Reclamation should, as a minimum. immediately consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with a view towards planning and carrying out the studies necessary for such a determination. In. addition, a final Environmental Impact Statement cannot be satisfactorily completed until a critical habitat determination is made. If segments of the Little Snake and/or Yampa Rivers are declared "critical habitat," detailed studies should immediately be undertaken to specifically determine the impacts the Savery-Pot Hook Project would have on these four species of fish and their habitat. ,There are about 5,000 elk, part of an interstate herd, wintering in the project vicinity. There is a long history of crop damage by wintering elk in this area in both states. State law in Colorado and Hyoming requires the Fish and Game agencies to pay big game damage claims. This is currently costing the two states substantial sums. The increased agri- cultural production attributable to the Savery-Pot Hook Project will result in even more damage to crops. The additional damage will force 3