WSP10531 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I' r-- (Ii;] , P'Y 2 ". . . make every effort to complete Section 7 consultation on operation of Flaming Gorge during 1989. The parties will develop a release schedule that treats conservation of endangered fish species as a firm constraint on release patterns from Flaming Gorge. " The Recovery Program was formally endorsed in January 1988 by the Secretary of the Interior (on behalf of the Service and Reclamation), the Administrator of Western Area Power Administration, and the governors of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. During the last 12 years, considerable scientific information was gathered through a cooperative effort of Federal, State, and private agencies and consultants, much of which was funded by Reclamation. In accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1536) and its regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), we transmit the Service's Biological Opinion for the continued operation of Flaming Gorge Dam on federally listed endangered species. The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucoceohalus) and peregrine falcon (Falco oereorinus) are also addressed in this biological opinion. The Ute ladies'- tresses orchid (Soiranthes diluvialis) was proposed for listing as a threatened species (Federal Reoister, Vol.55, No. 219, Tuesday, November 13, 1990). The Ute ladies'-tresses orchid will be addressed within the Services' Conference Opinion under separate cover. BIOLOGICAL OPINION Based' upon the best scientific and commercial information currently available, it is the Service's biological opinion that the continued operation of Flaming Gorge Dam, as described below, is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the endangered Colorado squawfish (Ptvchocheilus lucius), humpback chub (Gila ~), bony tail chub (Gila eleoans), and razorback sucker (Xvrauchen texanus) by appreciably reducing the likelihood of both the survival and recovery of these species in the wild by further reducing their numbers, reproduction, or distribution. Elements of a Reasonable and Prudent Alternative that in the opinion of the Service will avoid the likelihood of jeopardy to the endangered Colorado River fishes are based, in part, on the.reoperation of Flaming Gorge Dam within its physical constraints and include: 1. Refinement of the operation of Flaming Gorge Dam so that flow and temperature regimes of the Green River will more closely resemble natural conditions.