WSP12210

• File Number: 8220.104.I
• Description: Flaming Gorge
• State: UT
• Basin: Yampa/White/Green
• Date: 5/4/1990
• Author: USDOI-BOR
• Title: Comments on the Draft Biological/Hydrological Reports and Draft Biological Opinion for the Operation of Flaming Gorge Dam - Endangered Species
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Biological Opinion

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Memorandum

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IN REPLY
REFER TO;
UC-771

.MAY

RECEIVED

MAY 7 1S~O

To: Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 6,
P.O. Box 25486, Denver CO 80225

Fr~"'\\~<-tegiOnal Director \.jJ, -\-\;~l...\.
"... Bureau of Reclamstion

Subject: Comments on the Draft Biological/Hydrological Reports and Draft
Biological Opinion for the Operation of Flaming Gorge Dam -
Endangered Species (Endangered Species)

We have received and reviewed the Draft Flaming Gorge Consolidated Biology and
,Hydtp:J.ogr;.R.ep.ortB pr~lI,~ed .ll:y.aelll\)er,-.of. y~u.r._'st.af~ ~n. Il!I11-~e~; ..Col.Q~~o;. ..~4 . .... ....-:;. ;',~:.; .
. Vernal, Utah. . We believe' the draft report's and the:supporting ilppenCfices .'
represent an enormous effort by our respective staffs in designing, conducting
and presenting known information on the native and endangered fish assemblage
of the Colorado River System, specifically the Green and Yampa River systems.
Efforts to date to protect and recover the endangered Colorado River fish, as
prescribed under the Endangered Species Act, through in-depth field
investigations, conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and
others, have added significantly to our understanding of the life history and
habitat requirements of these important species of the Colorado River
ecosystem. The protection and recovery of these native species continues to
be one of the Bureau of Reclamation's highest priorities.

From review of the subject reports, the following comments represent the
collective opinion of our staff which consists of biologists and engineers.
We believe our comments reflect a desire to better understand and meet the
needs of the endangered fish through project operation while satisfying the
other primary purposes of the project.

Specific comments on the technical appendices will be provided by individual
staff members who have reviewed the reports. Alao, staff of our Biological
Support and Operation Branches have provided comments on several of the
technical reports and earlier versions of the Draft Consolidated Report,
through participation on the Flaming Gorge Consultation Team. Comments on the
Consolidated Biology Report are centered mostly on the seasonal flow
recommendations and rationale for their development.

The Consolidated Biology Report presents recommendations for the late summer
and fall periods which includes the months of July through November, the