WSP12164 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . Humpback Chub - A relatively modest but viable population of humpback chub currently exists in the Yampa River. Recent data collected by Tyus et a1. (1987) indicates that the Yampa River supports a reproducing population of humpback chub between RM 18-37. Both humpback and roundtai1 chub coexist in the Yampa, but evidence of hybridization does not exist (Tyus, personal communication). Sensitive area designations assigned to the Yampa River by the Biology Subcommittee (1984) include: - distribution/occurrence (RM 18- 56) - concentration area (RM 18- 24) - suspected spawning area (RM 18-24) The Colorado River Fishes Recovery Team (FWS 1987c) has also identified the Yampa River as one of the primary recovery areas for the humpback chub. Razorback Sucker - Adult razorback sucker have been captured in the Yampa River. Most of these captures, which have included ripe adults, have occurred in the mouth of Yampa River and Echo Park (McAda and Wydowski 1980, Tyus et a1. 1982, Tyus et a1. 1987). However, Holden and Stalnaker (1975) reported the capture of adult razorbacks in the upper Yampa River canyon. In addition, Wick reported the capture of a razorback sucker near the mouth of the Little Snake River in 1979 (McAda and Wydowski 1980). Bonvtail Chub - The lower portion of the Yampa River was part of the historical range of the bony tail chub and is associated with some of the most recent captures of this very rare fish. Holden and Stalnaker (1975) reported capturing bony tail chub from the lower Yampa River between 1968-70. Holden and Crist (I981) reported one adult bony tail from the lower Yampa River in 1979. Tyus (personal communication) reported capture of a suspected juvenile bony tail from the Yampa River in 1987. The Biology Subcommittee has identified the Yampa River (RM 0-28) as a priority 1 river reach based on the recent bony tail captures and its suitability as a potential site for re- establishing a bony tail population. 3. Water Oevelopment Activities a. Stagecoach Project (Upper Yampa River) - under construction, however, complete funding for the project has not been secured. No jeopardy biological opinion issued in 1986. b. Sandstone Project (Little Snake River) - EIS for the project is currently being prepared; funding is available for preliminary project design work and permit procurement. Section 7 consultation is anticipated in early 1988. c. Juniper-Cross Mountain Project (lower Yampa River) - no immediate plans for development; FERC license for the project recently revoked; the Water District has applied to FERC for a new preliminary project permit. No Biological Opinion issued or planned. d. Cheyenne Stage III (Little Snake River) - no immediate plans for development. No Biological Opinion issued or planned. 4