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BLJEcu Of Recic.r-,c:'Oc Upper Coloradc Re(j'cr Operation of Env~~!~~~~~ta~~~t a tar "Ioverrbs~ 20::1 ~ Flaming Gorge Operations Environment", impact Statement The Bureau of Reclamation is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the operation of Flaming Gorge Dam. Flaming Gorge Dam is located on the Green River in northeastern Utah. The EIS will analyze the effects of complying with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act by implementing flows recommended by the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin (Recovery Program) to benefit existing populations and designated critical habitat of the four Colorado River endangered fishes. These fish species include the razorback sucker, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub. and bonytail. Background ..------~.----- . A Cooperative Effort Lead agency: Bureau of Reclamation Cooperating agencies: Bureau of Indian Affairs Bureau of Land Management National Park Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Forest Service Western Area Power Administration State of Utah Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems [n 1979, Reclamation began releases from the dam to support endangered fish research studies. In 1980, formal consulta- tions began with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under the Endangered Species Act. However, information on habitat requirements for the endangered fishes was unavail- able. and issuance of a final biological opinion was delayed until completion of data collection and studies for use in developing specific flow recommendations in the Green River downstream from the dam. Dam operations were initially evaluated for potential effects on endangered fishes during a 5-year period from 1979 to 1984. Releases from the dam were modified from 1985 to 1991 to benefit the endangered fishes and to evaluate test flows in the Green River. ReCO\'H) Prog!i1!11 The Recovery Program was initiated in 1987. and the Recovery Program team is composed of members from the states of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah: the National Park Service, Reclamation. the Service. and the Western Area Power Administration; the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association: and environmental and water user organizations. The goals of the Recovery Program are to protect and recover the endangered fish species of the Upper Colorado River Basin so that they no longer need protection by the Endangered Species Act. while the Upper Basin States continue to develop their 1922 Colordo River Compact entitlements. Following review of the over 20 years of data collection. studies, and research. this group prepared the Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action Plan (Recovery Action Plan) which contains the elements determined to be essential for the recovery of the endangered fishes. Information on the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program is available at the following internet address: http://www.r6Jws.gov/coloradoriver/. You may also contact Debbie Felker at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 303-969-7322. Ext. 227. e-mail: debbiejelker@fws.gov. The EIS-Proposed Action. Purpose. and Scope The proposed action of the EIS is to operate Flaming Gorge Dam to achieve the flows recommended by the Recovery Program while continuing the See EIS, Pafie 2 Inside This Issue The EIS Process - Scoplng . .. Page 2 Recommended Flows... Page 4 The Endangered Fish.. . Page 6 EIS Schedule. .. Page 7 ,. i;;1\'lJ.;t., -~r""~_ "