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000953 bonytail bald eagle Gila elegans Haliaeetus leucocephalus Endang'ered Threatened Proposed Action effects to threatened and endangered species were analyzed in a biological assessment (BA) prepared by Reclamation (Reclamation, 2003). The purpose of the fish screen is to mininiize incidental take of endangered Colorado River fishes that currently or may occUr as a result of the Redlands Diversion. The scope of the biological assessment was broadened to also incorporate RWPC operations and 'depletions under Reclamation's Section 7 formal consultation with the Service. Incidental take as a result ofRWPC's operations was identified and is a primary reason for the Recovery Program's participation in the construction of the fish screen. Bald eagles are known to use portions of the lower 'Gunnison River during the winter months (Shannon,. 2003), however no winter concentration areas have been identified within I-mile of the project area. In addition, no nesting occurs within the project area. Therefore, the proposed action is predicted to have no effect on Bald eagles. The Service determined in its biological opinion that water depletions associated with RWPC historic operations, are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, bonytail, and razorback sucker and result in the destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat. The Service determined that the Upper Colorado River Basin Endangered Fish Recovery Program can serve as the reasonable and prudent alternative to avoid jeopardy to the endangered fishes and destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat caused by the project's historic depletions provided that the following Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action Plan (RIPRAP) items from the Colorado River Action :Plan: Gunnison River, are implemented or continue to be implemented.' The RIPRAP items include: 1. RIPRAP H.B.I.g - Screen Redlands diversion structure to prevent endangered fish entrainment. ,This recovery element is the proposed action under consultation and includes water depletions associated with the R WPC operations. Recovery elements are intended to offset impacts associated with water depletions. 2. RIPRAP n.B.I.c - Operate and maintain Redlands fish ladder. The Redlands fish ladder has been in operation since 1996. The Service will contipue to operate the " ladder and the R WPC will assume ownership of the ladder and will be responsible for maintenance as identified in cooperation with the Service. 3. RIPRAP I.C.3 - Provide interim flows from the Aspinall Unit as determined through the continued annual coordination (meeting 3 times/year) of Aspinall operations until the record of decision on Aspinall Operations is completed and implemented. . 18