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C) a <::> w c;, 10 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED TEST AND AL TERNA TNES The proposed test would take place in early July 2001. The beginning date is July 9, At the start of the test, releases would be stepped down from 500 cfs to 250 cfs between 7 a,m, and 11 a,m, Once the test has been completed or called off, flows would be stepped up to 500 cfs in the same incremental change, During the week prior to the test as part of the low flow test plan, Reclamation and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish will collect trout from the river downstream of Citizens Ditch and place these fish in the river upstream, Following the test, fish will be collected in the upstream area and restocked downstream from Citizens Ditch (the area downstream from Citizens Ditch is the most likely to have trout losses at low flows), Also Reclamation has committed to expend up to $25,000 to purchase trout to replace losses in the river that may occur as a result of the test. As part of the test, the following monitoring will occur: . Aerial photos will be taken and evaluated from the dam to the confluence of the Animas River, Water temperatures before. during and after the test will be monitored at six locations from the dam to the Hammond Diversion, (A map showing the primary water divisions is located at the end of this EA,), Water quality data will be collected downstream from Navajo Dam (See Responses 60-65 in Consultation and Coordination section for further infonnation), New Mexico Game and Fish Department will document fishennan use and catch rates in the trout fishery downstream from the reservoir. The river will be floated from the dam to at least the Hammond Diversion to observe and document changes in the river; including navigability, impacts to diversion structures, and recreation. The river will be accessed at several locations between the dam and Shiprock, NM to visually assess flow, habitat conditions, and impacts to the operation of water diversion structures, and recreation. Recreation impacts will be considered downstream to the Clay Hills takeout. Flow data will be compiled from existing gage stations along the river. Stage (river elevation) and wetted perimeter readings will be taken along the river. Resource specialists will document observations in memoranda, . . . . . . . The test is of a much shorter duration than would occur under the SJRBRIP flow recommendations, so Reclamation believes impacts will be of a short-term, reversible nature, However, Reclamation will maintain the option of ending the test early if significant problems occur with water diversions, fisheries, or other resources, The following events would be considered by Reclamation in any decision to tenninate the test: 4