Aspinall EIS - Scoping Report May 2007

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and San Mig uel Basin water users from using the Recovery Program as a reasonable and prudent alternative for depletions. Southwestern Water Conservation District: The EIS should not preclude, and in fact, should enhance Colorado’s ability to use its compact water. Flexibility in alternatives is nee ded to address evolving understanding of fishery needs. Existing and future depletions in the Dolores and San Miguel Basins should continue to be able to depend on the Recovery Program for ESA compliance and releases from the Aspinall Unit should continu e to provide the reasonable and prudent alternative for the Dolores Project. Early agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service on the scope of the EIS and the rules of ESA consultation are essential to avoid later misunderstandings. Colorado Trout Unlim ited: The proposed action should result in full implementation of flow recommendations. Alternatives should be designed to conserve endangered species, not merely avoid jeopardy. The definition of the proposed action should be amended to remove any sug gestion that the Unit’s authorized purposes must be maintained at the expense of complying with ESA obligations. Reservoir target goals and existing operations need to be revisited in developing alternatives to conserve endangered fish. EIS should evalua te effects of alternatives on the trout fishery. The baseline for the EIS should not include speculative projects such as the AB Lateral Hydropower Project and undeveloped portions of the 60,000 acre - foot subordination for the upper Gunnison Basin. The E IS must be clear that baseline conditions are not immutable and may have to be altered to comply with the ESA. Water rights for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park need to be addressed in the EIS process. Grand Valley Anglers, Trout Unlimite d: Crystal reservoir should continue to reregulate peaking releases from Morrow Point and Blue Mesa. Ramping rates for release changes from Crystal should be planned in coordination with the Colorado Division of Wildlife to protect public safety, aquatic insects, and the fishery. Peak releases in the early part of the spring peak window of May 15 to June 15 would be more compatible with fishing recreation than in the later half of the window. Fishery benefits of the 1975 Taylor Park - Blue Mesa Exchange Agreement should be protected. 1 Western Resource Advocates : Believes Reclamation must analyze alternatives that meet the flow recommendations, not merely avoid jeopardy. The “need” for the EIS should be revised to reflect the true aim of the EIS — to pro mote conservation and recovery of the endangered fish. Reclamation should not be constrained by other Unit purposes from assessing alternatives to meet flow recommendations. 1 Including The Nature Conservancy, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Colorado Environmental Coalition, and Audubon Colorado. 20