7799

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7799
• Author: Modde, T. and D. Irving.
• Title: Conceptual Management Plan for Habitat Enhancement In Old Charley Wash.
• USFW Year: 1994.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

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2). This structure is equipped with a rotating fish screen that prevents access by larger fish but allows larvae

to enter (Appendix 2, Figure 3). In addition, a large (1.5m x 1.5m) fish trap will also be installed in an effort

to capture fish attempting to enter the wetland during the spring and fish leaving the wetland when it is

drained in the fall. In addition, an outflow canal will be graded during the spring of 1994 at a cost of

approximately $15K to facilitate fish capture during draining (Appendix 2, Figure 4). A Gator pump was

purchased in 1993 at a cost of $32K to provide water management capabilities at the wetland. These

modifications will be used to test the utility of producing razorback sucker under the near natural conditions

in Old Charley Wash. If management of Old Charley Wash is successful in producing age 0 razorback

sucker, additional construction will be necessary to rehabilitate the inflow structure which is currently in need

of repair. Modification of the inflow structure is estimated to require between $15K (to repair existing

damage and equip with screen) and $120K (to replace the existing inlet structure), and $15K for a pump

access site are future support facilities anticipated at this time. The impacts of managing Old Charley Wash

for endangered fishes may have potential adverse impact on cormorant and great blue heron rookeries

located within several hundred yards of the fish access structure at the outlet of the wetland. Daily activity

during the spring flood period may negatively influence adult bird behavior. Staff of the Ouray National

Wildlife Refuge will be consulted to determine the impacts of fish management activities and recommend

remedial action if necessary. The endangered Unita Basin hookless cactus is located in the uplands

adjacent to Old Charley Wash, but, will not be affected by fish management activity. No adverse impacts

on other species is anticipated. All necessary compliance to NEPA regulation for management of

endangered species is satisfied by pre-existing clearance for the operation of Ouray National Wildlife Refuge.

All state and federal regulations for the construction of activities at Old Charley Wash have been met.

PROPOSED OPERATION OF BOTTOMLANDS

Although Old Charley Wash may provide habitat for adult life stages of rare native fishes, the

greatest value will be as a nursery site to age 0 razorback sucker (and possibly bonytail). The proposed

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