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'- 11" DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED TEST The proposed test would take place in early July 2001. The exact date will be selected after the public meetings. At the beginning 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 incrementa! change. As part of the test, the following monitoring may occur: o Aerial photos will be taken from the dam to the confluence of the Animas River. o Water temperatures before, during and after the test will be monitored at six locations from the dam to the Hammond Diversion. o A full set of physical, chemical, and biological data will be collected from the reservoir. o New Mexico Game and Fish Department will document fisherman use and catch rates in the trout fishery within the Quality Waters section of the river. o 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. o The river will be accessed at several locations between the dam and Shiprock to visually assess flow, habitat conditions, and impacts to the operation of water diversion structures, and recreation. o Flow data will be compiled from existing gage stations along the river. o Stage (river elevation) readings will be taken along the river. o 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 irrigation diversions, aquatic resources, or other resources. The following events would be considered by Reclamation in any decision to terminate the test: o Notification from the New Mexico State Engineer that releases were not sufficient to protect senior water rights downstream. o Notification from the New Mexico State Office of the Fish and Wildlife Service that endangered species were being adversely affected to the degree that the test should be terminated. o Notification from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish that significant trout losses were occurring within the Quality Waters section of the tailwater trout fishery. o Notification from the New Mexico State Office of the Fish and Wildlife Service that native fishes between Navajo Dam and the confluence of the Animas River were being affected to the degree that the test should be terminated. 3