PROJ01842 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Colorado Native Aquatic Species Restoration Facility November 1998 Page 3 Role of Native Species Hatchery in Relation to Statewide Recovery Programs: The NASR facility is only one part of a statewide program that is intended to manage native aquatic wildlife. Other parts include habitat protection, instream flows, water quality enhancement and control of non-native aquatic species. Each of these activities make up a program that, when implemented, will result in the long-term recovery of native aquatic species. Written Recovery plans for aquatic species are available from the Division. Those species that are currently listed as threatened or endangered will receive the first priority for production and eventual stocking. Project Planning, Design, Construction, and Cost: During the initial planning stages for the NASR facility, basic criteria for culture of native aquatic species were established that any site selected must provide an adequate flow of water to conduct the program; have average water temperatures of 70oF, either from groundwater sources or disinfected surface sources; and have at least 60 buildable acres. Some sixteen sites in Colorado were initially identified, with the Chiles Farms selected as the preferred site. The property is located approximately 2 miles west of Alamosa, Colorado in the San Luis Valley and includes 760 acres with several wells that can provide both warm and cool water. The size of the property provides the ability to utilize the hatchery effluent to create and maintain a large area of wetlands (see attached Appendix for site description and layout maps). Approval was given to the CDOW by the State Legislature for the spending authority for the purchase of the property, design and construction of Phase I of the facility. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was reached with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to share the project cost with the CDOW. In concept, the NASR facility was designed to culture endangered, threatened or species in decline of fishes, amphibian, mollusks and crustaceans. The initial project design accommodates up to 10 small bodied fish species and 2 of the large bodied fish species. A list of potential species and production goals for each species that are being considered for culture and refugia is included. Possible target species of the small bodied fish are: Rio Grande sucker, Redbelly dace (northern, southern), Lake chub, Plains minnow, Suckermouth minnow, Arkansas darter, Brassy minnow, Common shiner, Rio Grande chub, River shiner, Stonecat, Speckled chub, Homyhead chub. The most likely target species of large bodied fish are: Colorado Squawfish and Razorback sucker. Potential amphibian, mollusk and crustacean species for production at future stages are also listed. The first most likely species is the boreau toad.