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UJlJ5~7 CDOW has indicated there are potential benefits for both the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan fisheries from some supplemental Ruedi releases. Mid to late summer flow in the Roaring Fork typically drops to a point that conditions promote stress and disease in fish, resulting in fish die-off. Supplemental flow aids in maintaining better environmental conditions for the fishery, thereby reducing potential die-off. In addition, CDOW indicated flows ~ 250 cfs in the Fryingpan River may have the benefit of reducing pressure/impacts to fish due to the reduced number of fishermen wading the river and catching fish (Czenkusch, 2000). Threatened and Endangered Species. Flows in the 15 Mile Reach may be improved by the Proposed Action. Releases made under the agreement would be diverted by HUP beneficiaries at the head of the 15 Mile Reach. Lewis Wash is the only return flow point within the 15 Mile Reach. Flows are generally minor from this return flow point, in the range of 2-30 cfs when full irrigation is underway. Currently, Grand Valley irrigators are only diverting part of the water they would typically divert when not in drought conditions (approximately 1,800-2,000 cfs at present in comparison to 2,260 cfs typically). Releases under the Proposed Action represent only a small part of the total that would be diverted. It is anticipated that the Proposed Action would result in minor, increased administrative spills and return flows that would reach the 15 Mile Reach. Under this alternative, sufficient storage is expected to be available in Ruedi to meet Reclamation's obligations for endangered fish releases in 2003. Just as in No Action, however, the probability is high' that the second 5,000 AF (4 out of 5 years) would not be made available in 2003. Consequently, Reclamation has determined that there would be a minor beneficial effect to Colorado River endangered fish as a result of the Proposed Action. Releases like the Proposed Action and resultant impacts on Colorado River endangered fish are addressed in the Programmatic Biological Opinion developed by Reclamation, the Service, water users, and environmental interests in 1999. The PBO calls for a number of measures to help recover endangered fish while allowing new depletions from activities like those associated with the Proposed Action to proceed. Although coordination with the Service continues on Reclamation operations, no further formal consultation is required for actions covered by the PBO, such as the Proposed Action. Net Effects No Action and the Proposed Action are expected to have similar impacts on the sport fishery in the Fryingpan River: potential disruption of some brown trout spawning and incubation, and potential for overwinter impacts to macroinvertebrates. The Proposed Action is not anticipated to create any impacts on spawning activities beyond those anticipated under No Action. Delivery of water under the Proposed Action is planned to end by October 15, before the onset of brown trout spawning activities. Both alternatives would result in meeting minimum releases in the Fryingpan River during the winter of 2002- 2003. The Proposed Action alternative would likely have a minor beneficial effect on endangered fish species. 17