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<br />" <br /> <br />1996 through February 1997. The goal was to save water in the reservoir for higher spring <br /> <br />releases, similar to the natural hydrograph. Biologists monitored the effects of the test upon the <br /> <br />rainbow trout in the tailwater fishery. A preliminary report in February 1997 indicates that there <br /> <br />was no major effect on the trout fishery when compared to the October 1996 pre-test sample. <br /> <br />Reclamation is party to an on-going San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program for the <br /> <br />endangered fish, which includes an approximately seven-year research and study program. <br /> <br />Rio Grande: Reclamation was responsible in 1996 for bringing all effected parties to the table <br /> <br />and obtaining critical flows necessary for the continued survival of the silvery minnow during the <br /> <br />1996 drought. While river operations were not under Reclamation's direct control, Reclamation <br /> <br />was the entity that had the ability to bring resolution to the issue. Efforts included: securing San <br /> <br />Juan-Chama water, use of the Low Flow Conveyance Channel; water delivery infrastructure <br /> <br />improvement; exploring feasibility of groundwater options; and water leasing and forbearance. <br /> <br />Pecos River: Reclamation executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fish and Wildlife <br /> <br />Service, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and the Carlsbad Irrigation District to <br /> <br />conduct a five-year research program to detennine the biological and hydrological needs of the <br /> <br />Pecos bluntnose shiner, an endangered fish. A water budget model will also be developed. The <br /> <br />program is in its last quarter at this time. Investigations have included habitat needs and flow <br /> <br />impacts. A new biological opinion will be developed over the next three years. <br />LOWER COLORADO REGION <br /> <br />Colorado River - Hoover Dam: Reclamation has voluntarily changed operation of Hoover Dam <br /> <br />to control the level of Lake Mohave, immediately downstream, for the protection of the razorback <br /> <br />sucker and bonytail chub. During the February-April spawning period, Mohave's elevation is not <br /> <br />dropped more than 2 feet in any ten-day period. Between April and the end of July, the reservoir <br />