9483

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9483
• Author: Mitchell, M. J.
• Title: Impact of the Procedures for Stocking Nonnative Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin on Private Landowners and the Commercial Aquaculture Industry.
• USFW Year: no dat
• USFW - Doc Type: Longmont.
• Copyright Material: NO

October 25, 1995

To: Pond and Lake Owners along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers
From: Michael J. Mitchell; Senior Aquatic Biologist- Queen of the River Fish Company, lnc.

Recovery of the endangered fishes of the Colorado River will require implementation of
specific fish stocking policies that effect a reduction in fish competition within the river
environment. Stocking and subsequent reproduction of non-native warm water fish species in
ponds along the river have been identified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a sources of
fish that compete with endangered fish for food and space. The stocking of non-native warm
water fish is conducted in both public and private waters in our state.

We have been contracted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to identify pond owners
within the 100 year flood plain of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. We would like to identify
the number of private ponds as well as the activities and uses of these ponds to help clarify
their role in the recovery efforts for these endangered fishes. An aerial survey has identified
your ponds as being within the floodplain. Your participation in this questionnaire will help
us to clarify how private aquatic resources will be affected by recovery efforts for the
endangered fishes of the upper Colorado River basin.

Please take the time to fill out the questionnaire and return it in the envelope provided.
Please feel free to call 1800-422-2514 with any questions you may have.

RETURN BY NOVEMBER 15, 1995 in the envelope provided