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0'00591 However, the Recovery Program participants recognized that install ing screens or traps at ponds with outlets would be a good method for reducing the numbers of nonnatives that could escape into the river. Some of these floodplain ponds will have mechanical devices installed as a preventive control measure. Earlier in this Environmental Assessment, it was stated that about 20% of the floodplain ponds connect with the Colorado or Gunnison rivers annually (Mitchell 1996). Installation of mechanical control devices would not be practical on these ponds. Mitchell (1996) also reported that 40% of the floodplain ponds connect with the river in one out of 10 years. Installation of mechanical control devices might be also questionable on these ponds. Therefore, this method of controlling escapement of nonnative fishes will be considered on a case-by-case basis and used when practical on ponds where landowners will cooperate in this recovery effort. Costs of screening the ponds and for operation will be borne by the Recovery Program or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This alternative will provide only a partial solution to the chronic escapement of nonnative fishes from floodplain ponds. Although this preventive measure will be part of the Recovery Program effort to control the chronic escapement of nonnative fish species, it will not become a largescale effort under the Recovery Program. No impacts are expected on vegetation and land use, Indian trust assets, or environmental justice under this alternative. Fi sh and Wil dl He Resources. Nonnat i ve fi shes woul d be retained in floodplain ponds to provide food for piscivorousbirds and sportfishing. Wildlife species would not be impacted. Endanqered Species. Chronic escapement of nonnative fishes into the Upper Colorado and Gunnison rivers would cease, reducing predation upon or competition with the endangered Colorado River fishes. Socio-Economic Factors. Mechanical control devices would be installed on the outlets of floodplain ponds only with the consent and cooperation of the 1 andowner. Therefore, no adverse soci 01 ogi ca1impacts wi 11 occur under thi s alternative. Some economy would be provided to the project area for installation of the structures. The cost associated with the installation of mechanical control devices on the outlets of floodplain ponds would be covered through the Recovery Program. Therefore, no adverse economic impacts will occur and, in fact, some local economy would be generated from this Recovery Program effort . D. Alternative 4 - Slope the Bottom of Ponds in the Floodplain and Reconnect the Ponds with the Rivers. Under this alternative, floodplain ponds would be reconnected to either the Colorado River or the Gunnison River if the bottoms could be sloped so that they drain into the river as the streamflows subside. Since the floodplain of both the Colorado and Gunnison rivers has been mined rather extensively for gravel, this area contains numerous gravel-pit ponds that could be connected with the river. Only select 22