WSP11446

• File Number: 8220.112.I
• Description: Dallas Creek Participating Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Gunnison
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 10/1/1979
• Author: USDOI-BOR
• Title: Endangered Species Assessment: Dallas Creek Project Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

E. CUMULATIVE IMPACT CONCLUSION

The Dallas Creek Project, together with the other identified projects,

will not adversely affect any species, critical habitat, or reintroduction

of the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, Black-Footed ferret, hedgehog cactus,

and Beard tongue. It is quite possible since no nesting sites have been

identified which would be disturbed, the cumulative effect of the reservoirs

and greater open water in streams during the winter could have a beneficial

effect on the wintering bald eagles in western Colorado.

The cumulative impact as a result of the changes in the flows of the

Gunnison and Colorado Rivers may, because of CRSP development, affect the

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Colorado squawfish, Humpback chub, razorback sucker, and bony tail chub.

No critical habitat will be affected. We do not expect the changes in

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fishes' habitat in the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers from changes in river

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flows to preclude the opportunities for reintroduction of the species; how-

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ever, until the habitat requirements of the native fish are better known,

the impact of cumulative development cannot be accurately assessed as to

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whether it is having a positive or detrimental impact on the above species.

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Also, when the habitat requirements are known, positive management plans

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for the native fishes can be better considered.

In order to better understand the habitat requirements of these fishes,

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the Bureau of Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation

with other agencies, are conducting studies on the Colorado River and its

tributaries. Once habitat requirements for the fishes are known, some accom-

modations to improve habitat conditions may be possible with the Dallas Creek

Project and other water developments within existing institutional and

legal frameworks. During development of specific operating procedures for

the Dallas Creek Project, the Fish and Wildlife Service will be invited to

provide input.

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