9315

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9315
• Author: Harvey, M. D. and R. A. Mussetter.
• Title: Evaluation of the Required Frequency of Bar Forming Events and 2-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Modeling at Colorado Squawfish Spawning Sites in the Lower Yampa Canyon, Colorado.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: Fort Collins.
• Copyright Material: NO

INTRODUCTION
Bureau of Reclamation submitted a proposal in 1990 that tailed for
a cooperative-agency approach to accomplish the five-year research
on Flaming Gorge. Goals of the studies are to collect information
that would be used to refine and further support recommendations
made in the Consolidated Reports and the Biological Opinion for
operation of Flaming Gorge issued by the FWS. Studies would be
integrated and designed to track biological responses to the
specific flow recommendations throughout the Green River downstream
of Flaming Gorge. Data would be collected following a "systems-
oriented" approach with BR and FWS coordinating annual efforts.
Study area includes the Green River downstream of Flaming Gorge Dam
and the Yampa River. The end products would be more refined and
biologically based, seasonal flow recommendations that could be
implemented through the NEPA process.
A team of upper basin researchers, composed of representatives from
BR, FWS, CDOW, UDWR, and LFL, would design and conduct research to
refine and support the three flow recommendations proposed by FWS.
BR and FWS would provide overall coordination. The BR would assist
in study design, implementation, and review, and would assume the
role of annually providing RIP committees with scopes of work,
funding requests, and accomplishment reports.
A series of null hypotheses were formulated by the research team to
focus research activities of the Flaming Gorge Investigations and
insure that goals of the study were met. These hypotheses, which
are listed below, were based on the potential effects of seasonal
flow recommendations made by the FWS for endangered and other
native and non-native species in the Green River system below
Flaming Gorge.
KNVotheses•
Null Hypotheses to Test -
1. Seasonal flooding does not enhance successful recruitment
of young razorback sucker.
2. Seasonal flooding does not enhance spawning success of
adult razorback suckers and Colorado squawfish.
3. Seasonal flooding does not affect status of non-native
f ishes.
4. Seasonal-flooded bottomlands do not have increased food
resources and do not enhance survivability of young of
native fishes.
5. Seasonal flooding does not affect the sediment budget and
formation of backwater habitats in the nursery areas.
Al