8231

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8231
• Author: Maddux, H. R.
• Title: Draft Environmental Assessment For Procedures For Stocking Of Nonnative Fish Species In The Upper Colorado River Basin.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: Grand Junction, CO.
• Copyright Material: NO

It is possible that the final selected alternative will contain portions of
more than one of these alternatives, but the range of possible impacts is
covered through this assessment. This environmental assessment covers the
actual procedures for stocking nonnative fishes but does not cover actions
such as pond reclamation and screening that will require their own NEPA
analysis. Construction of berms within critical habitat would also have to
undergo Endangered Species Act compliance in cases where there were Federal
funds used or a COE 404 permit was required.
Very little or no stocking of warmwater nonnative fishes is occurring within
the Upper Colorado River Basin in Utah and Wyoming. Most ongoing stocking is
either by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in public waters or by the
Colorado aquaculture industry in privately owned ponds.
A description of the basic components of each of the alternatives is presented
below. Tables 1-4 also summarize the similarities and differences between the
action alternatives.
A. NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE
No formal procedures would be in place. States would continue to seek input
from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the public on case-by-case proposals to
stock nonnative fish; however, in some cases stocking into public waters could
take place that may allow nonnative fish to escape into habitat occupied by
endangered fish. The States would maintain total discretion regarding
stocking of warmwater fishes in rivers and floodplain habitat in the Upper
Basin but would certainly consider potential impacts on the endangered fishes.
The States may or may not pursue needed measures to minimize the stocking of
warmwater fish species in privately owned isolated floodplain ponds and
connected waters. It is more likely that stocking of warmwater species in
private ponds in the floodplain would not be regulated (primarily in Colorado;
stocking of private ponds in Utah and Wyoming are currently regulated though
approval of warmwater stocking may still occur).
The highest priority measure in the Recovery Program's strategic plan for
control of nonnative fish is to prevent additional fish introductions that
could further exacerbate the existing interactions between nonnative and
endangered fishes (Tyus and Saunders 1996). Recovery Program actions would
continue to be implemented, for example; improve/protect flows. enhance
flooded bottomlands downstream of existing and new sources of nonnative
fishes, propagate fish, conduct monitoring and research activities. Isolated
public and private ponds in the 10-year floodplain would be reclaimed (i.e.
nonnative fish would be removed by draining the pond, applying rotenone, or
other control techniques). Reclamation of privately owned ponds will be on a
voluntary basis. Those that have warmwater fish and do not wish to have their
ponds reclaimed will remain as sources for nonnative fish escapement into the
river. Connected ponds within the 50-year floodplain would be reclaimed and
have fish screens installed. Facilities would be installed on reservoirs to
preclude escapement of nonnative fish.
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