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001534 STATE OF COLORADO ~4?faf~ fcJl~~~~ mlW&~CJa selenium concentrations in irrigation return flows are &m.~ftYri'tti.~<t~ttive health of native fishes, especially since releases from Long Ho ri313 Sherman Stn;!i, Room 718.. " -'b~~mbrWg!M~9Ccur dunng the spnng and summer spawillng penod. Th~.1~E1pera!~ WIaWr mJmased3ffrom Lon Hollo oir is another concern for native fishes, which gen e - Mter (65-75 de e F) during the summer mont s. e s ou a ress ~MENT OF ~u~ Ity parameters, including temperature and selenium, as they may affect native fish and NATURAL wildlife populations in the area. RESOURCES Bill Owens Non-native fish control issues: Measures should be taken to prevent establishment of non~overlnl or Russe George native fishes in the La Plata River from Long Hollow Reservoir. Native fishes are not able t€)!culive Director compete successfully with introduced non-native fishes. Roundtail chubs are particularly vulnerable to predation by non-native fishes like bass, catfish, and sunfish. Native flannelmouth and bluehead suckers will readily hybridize with introduced white suckers. Non-native fishes eventually become established in most reservoirs, g~I.1ga~ through stocking or illicit .__ ip.tr~. The following measures are recommended to prevent establishment of non-native fishes in Long Hollow Reservoir: 1. Install fish screens on all reservoir outlets. Fish screens should have a 'l4 inch mesh si~. I . { 2. Design the reservoir so it can be completely drained and drain it on a regular ba:. If a I ilv: /-"./,'" conservation pool or dead storage pool is maintained, it greatly increases the risk of jJ~ ,J establishing permanent populations of non-native fishes in the reservoir. 3. Close the reservoir to public access and do not allow fishing. 4. Do not stock non-native fish in Long Hollow Reservoir. Reach 1 and 2 instream flow protection issues: Measures should be taken to provide adequate flows to maintain native fishes in the La Plata River from Cherry Creek to the state line. It is recommended that a year-round minimum base flow of 4 cfs be maintained in the La Plata River from Long Hollow confluence to the state line. This may necessitate occasional releases from Long Hollow Reservoir. CD OW is of the belief and understanding that instream flows outside of the hydrologic base flow season will be maintained at acceptable levels by natural flows and by compact delivery requirements. Flows in the La Plata River from Cherry Creek to Long Hollow Creek should not be depleted below historic, pre-project levels. We firmly believe these flows should be protected from diversion in Colorado using the tools available under Colorado water law (a water delivery contract, an instream flow water right or acquisition agreement with the Colorado Water Conservation Board). Channel restoration, habitat improvements, and long-term protection of aquatic habitat: Additional fish habitat improvement, channel restoration, and riparian protection are recommended for the La Plata River between the state line and Cherry Creek to replace native fish habitat lost by construction of Long Hollow Reservoir. Pool habitat is presently scarce in the reach between Long Hollow Creek and Cherry Creek. Stream habitat i~veD1ent.audripa~n protection could help native fi survive during periods of 10wJ!~.J Gons~,~Q~t~or ) som~ orm of permanent protectIOn is needed for the stream channel and riparian corridor { within the habitat replacement area. ---L -- . ~--.>..,.,- >~. ~.,_.._--.._---_._...__._---~-----._---- ",,--- ._~ .--~ '-_..--"","".~-_..-.<~-------.------~~"-'~~"-~'-"~"'~~~--~~~--~ ......-- Board of Land Commissioners. Division of Minerals & Geology/GeQlogical Survey Oil & Gas Conservation Commission. Colorado State Parks. DivisYon of Forestry Water Conservation Board. Division of Water Resources. Division of Wildlife