WSP12345

• File Number: 8240.200.10.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Annual Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/12/1995
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: 1994 Annual Reports Package Part 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

COLORADO RIVER RECOVERY PROGRAM
FY 94 ANNUAL PROJECT REPORT

RECOVERY PROGRAM
PROJECT NUMBER: 39

I. Project Title: Flaming Gorge Studies: Reproduction and recruitment of
Gila spp. and Colorado squawfish in the Middle Green River.

II. Principal Investigator:
Leo Lentsch
Utah Div. of Wildlife Res.
1596 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah B4116
[phone] fax: [phone]
"[e-mail]"

Jack Schmidt
Dept. of Geog. & Earth
Resources
Utah State University
Logan, UT
801/797-1791
[e-mail]

II I. Project Summary:

The goals of this study are to collect the biological and physical
information needed to: 1) determine if test flows from Flaming Gorge
Dam optimize habitats needed for adequate reproduction and recruitment
of Gila spp. and Colorado squawfish in the Middle Green River, and
2) propose modifications to existing recommendations as needed.
Specific objectives are to: 1) determine timing of Gila spp.
reproduction in Desolation/Gray Canyon and how it is affected by Green
River flows; 2) determine reproductive success, growth rates, and
habitat use of the early life stages of Gila spp. as affected by Green
River flows; 3) continue PIT-tagging all juvenile and adult Gila spp.,
and develop age and growth anlysis to determine Gila spp. recruitment
rates and year class strength as affected by Green River flows.

IV. Study Schedule:

a. Initial year: 1994
b. Final year: 1996

V. Relationship to RIPRAP: Green River Action Plan - Green River Above
Duchesne River I.A.l. Initially identify year-round flows needed for
recovery while providing experimental flows. Green River Below
Duchesne River I.B.l. Initially identify year-round flows needed for
recovery while providing experimental flows.

VI. Accomplishment of FY 94 Tasks and Deliverables, Discussion of Initial
Findings and Shortcomings:

UDWR Projects:

Nursery habitat studies in Desolation and Gray canyons began in 1994.
Sampling techniques followed those used in nursery habitat studies on
the Green River at Ouray NWR. Four sampling trips were made during the
field season: June 14-17, July 20-24, August 17-21 and September 14-18.
June and July samples covered much of the entire study reach from Sand
Wash to Swasey Rapid. Samples in August and September were restricted
to 5-mile sections centered on UDWR chub monitoring stations at river
miles 185, 175, 160 and 145. Total backwaters sampled were: 76 in
June, 89 in July, 69 in AU9ust and 71 in September. Red shiners and
fathead minnows were the fish species most commonly encountered.