WSP11877 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

01189 CHAPTER 1.0 Purpose of and Need for Action 1.1 PURPOSE AND NEED The Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, the National Park Service's Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and the U.S. Geological Survey Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center are joint lead federal agencies in assessing this Proposed Action. The Proposed Action has two components; a temporary modification of Glen Canyon Dam ROD operations and mechanical removal of non-native fish in the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Mead. In light of each agency's ongoing actions, Reclamation has responsibility for the dam operations aspects of the Proposed Action while the NPS and GCMRC have responsibility for the mechanical removal aspect. The purpose of the Proposed Action is: 1) to contribute to the conservation of endangered native fish, especially the humpback chub, by reducing populations of non- native fish who compete with and prey on native fish in the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Mead (figure 1.1); 2) to conserve fine sediments that form sandbars, beaches, and habitat for young native fish by altering dam operations; and 3) to improve the Lees Ferry sport fishery by reducing the overabundance of trout. These proposals are within the constraints established by statutes (commonly known as the "Law of the River") and other applicable legal obligations. The need for the Proposed Action arises because the Grand Canyon population of endangered humpback chub has declined to levels that threaten its viability and future existence (Coggins and Walters 2001), and fine sediment has been exported to such an extent that sandbar habitat, camping beaches and sandbars continue to be washed downstream and lost (Rubin et al. 2002). The proposed action would provide important information that will be used as additional operational and physical modifications are considered regarding future operation of Glen Canyon Dam. 1.2 RELATED DOCUMENTS, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIONS 1.2.1 Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision Given the multiple management agencies, the tribes, the state and local interests in the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, there are numerous related environmental impact statements, environmental assessments, and management plans or planning documents that involve the same geographic area as this environmental assessment.