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<br />10 <br /> <br />~,,:~~:~~ ' <br />t;.:i(_j-) <br /> <br />The Biological Resources Program <br /> <br />Monitoring and research activity for biological resources is intended to develop <br /> <br />infonnation about the structure and function of the Colorado River ecosystem, as well as the <br /> <br />impacts of differing Dam operations on the ecosystem and associated flora and fauna. The <br /> <br />effort will provide the knowledge base required to implement ecosystem management <br /> <br />strategies within an adaptive management framework. It is key that relationships between the <br /> <br />biotic and abiotic components of the Colorado River Ecosystem be addressed to predict <br /> <br />impacts on critical biological resources. <br /> <br />Monitoring and research activities are proposed in several different areas. These <br /> <br />include assessments of aquatic food base, native and non-native fish species, wildlife and other <br /> <br />riparian invertebrates and vertebrates. <br /> <br />The Strategic Plan contains proposals to evaluate the status and trends of native fish <br /> <br />populations in the Colorado River ecosystem and to collect data that can be used to assess the <br /> <br />native and non-native fish communities response to Dam operations resulting from "the effects <br /> <br />of the Secretary's actions." Native fish species of concern are the humpback chub, razorback <br /> <br />sucker, flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker and speckled dace. <br /> <br />Monitoring of the non-native trout fisheries in the Lees Ferry reach is proposed to <br /> <br />concentrate on growth, survivorship, and changes in population structure, including the <br /> <br />contribution from natural reproduction over time. <br /> <br />Changes in the three primary riparian zones along the river proposed to be monitored <br /> <br />includes: the old high water zone, new high water zone, and near shoreline wetland <br /> <br />[Final Draft 3/17/97] <br /> <br />'- <br />