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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />flow'recommendation that would protect all life stages of the fish, hsve a <br />high probability of benefiting the endangered fish, and provide the basis for <br />preparing a NEPA document. <br /> <br />Ve believe that such information could be collected within the next few years <br />during which tiae we can continue studying the sumaer-fall flow recommendation <br />and in years where water is available, provide releases to test seasonal <br />flooding benefits. The exact time required would be based on research needs. <br />Therefore, '.."-request. that the eonaultat1on on .the operation of FIning Gorge <br />be delayed to allow for the collection of additional information around the <br />recommendations presented in the reports. <br /> <br />From the data presented in the Consolidated Reports, it is apparent we know <br />lIUch IIOre about the endangered fish. For this reason, we believe that <br />specific investigations could be designed to test hypotheses around the flow <br />recommendations made in the Consolidated Reports. It is also our opinion that <br />these studies need to be cooperatively deSigned and conducted among the <br />researchers working on the Green and Yampa River systems. A more coordinated <br />research effort between researchers in Colorado, Utah, and the Service would <br />improve dsta consistency between the two river systems and provide quality <br />assurance and quality control. <br /> <br />, ..Ve.<~")ul4'li;ke ,,~o .proceedwith designing the needed research to test the flow <br />recommendations presented in the Consolidated Report. To meet the Recovery <br />Implementation Program proposal submission deadlines, we are preparing a work <br />statement that will provide funding for implementing more dsts collection for <br />the opinion. Ve are also meeting with researchers that have collected the <br />baseline data on the Green and Yllllpa Rivers and are requesting that they <br />collect data this year that would add to the data base for the fish. Ve <br />recognize that the strength of the data base can be increased only if we <br />collect consistent long-term information. <br /> <br />Ve believe the decision for continuing study flows while delaying the <br />Biological Opinion is in the best interest of the endangered Colorado River <br />fishes as well as our respective agencies in making the best long-term <br />decision related to dam operations. If you feel that we should meet to <br />discuss the ramifications of delaying the opinion, we would be willing to l118et <br />at your earliest convenience. <br /> <br />d <br /> <br /> <br />cc: Fish and Wildlife Service, Field Supervisor, 2060 Administration Building, <br />1745 West 1700 South, Salt Lake City UT 84104-5110 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />-..... <br /> <br />~- ~ <br />