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<br />As indicated previously, the test flows will provide data to assist in preparing an EIS on the
<br />operation of Navajo Dam and Reservoir to implement flows recommended by the SJRBRIP,
<br />These changes are expected to have significant impacts on several resources; the test flow period
<br />will help determine this, Impacts of the test itself are not anticipated to be significant because of
<br />its short duration, because of guidelines to terminate the test if significant impacts are
<br />anticipated, and because the test does not represent any long-term decision, In addition, the test
<br />will not significantly impact San Juan River flows below the confluence of the Animas River.
<br />Data gained may also develop information that can reduce the impacts of long-term changes,
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<br />Public health and safety are not expected to be adversely affected; however, provisions are
<br />included to terminate the test early if such problems occur. Releases from the dam should be
<br />adequate to meet actual downstream senior water rights; however, the complex interaction of
<br />physical layout of diversion strUctures, level of river administration, return flows, water demand
<br />at the time, and other factors make it possible that shortages may occur,
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<br />Other important resources are associated with Navajo Reservoir and the San Juan River
<br />including wetlands and riparian habitat, wildlife, and Indian Trust Assets (ITAs), Within the San
<br />Juan River Basin, ITAs have been identified for four federally recognized tribes: the Navajo
<br />Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Mountain Ute
<br />Tribe, Water rights are one type of ITA that could be affected by Navajo Reservoir operations,
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<br />The immediate area of impact lies in the San Juan Basin, an area well known for its archaeology
<br />and contemporary/historicaI Native American culture, Nearby culturalJarchaeological features
<br />include Mesa Verde National Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Salmon Ruins, and the
<br />Navajo and Ute Mountain Indian Reservations, Known cultural traditions include the Archaic
<br />(3,000 to 500 B,C.), the Anasazi (A,D, 1-1300), the NavajofUte Settlement Period (A.D, 1450-
<br />1870) and Euroamerican settlement (A.D, 1870- Present), A number of contemporary Native
<br />American tribes have ancestral and traditional ties to the San Juan Basin. The test is of a short-
<br />term duration and will occur exclusively within the channel of the San Juan River. The nature of
<br />the proposed undertaking is such that is has no potential to cause effects to historic properties.
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<br />Because of the short-term duration, the reduced flows are not expected to significantly impact
<br />wetlands and riparian areas associated with the river, Wetted perimeter and water table
<br />reductions would be very short-term,
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<br />The trout fishery will be stressed by the lower flows, reduced useable habitat, and by higher
<br />water temperatures in lower reaches of the fishery, In a short test, these factors are most likely to
<br />occur downstream from the Citizens Ditch, the first major diversion on the river, The short
<br />duration of the test should prevent significant impacts from occurring although the test will be
<br />cut short if significant long-term impacts begin to occur, This will be determined in consultation
<br />with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, A reduction in wetted perimeter will cause
<br />a temporary reduction in aquatic insect numbers although the extent of this loss is difficult to
<br />quantify, Warm water fisheries occur further downstream near Farmington and extremely low
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