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' had the highest invertebrate density for the Escalante SWA (Cooper and Severn 1994c), even though it was only wet for a few weeks and most likely, had not been ' wet since 1987. No water or fish control structures are planned for this site. This site will be important to larval razorback sucker if restoration ' stocking is successful. Concurrent with the proposed habitat restoration efforts, adult razorback sucker have been stocked into the Gunnison River near Delta. These fish are being tracked with radiotransmitters to determine if, and where, the fish will spawn. Presently, the orientation of this site is on the erosional bend of the main river channel that should serve as a "catch-basin" for downstream drifting razorback larvae. ' If this site is developed, Cooper and Severn (1994c) recommended the following additional action: 1. The top 12 inches of topsoil should be first be scraped off and used for the final grade. 2. The site should be designed so that it is dry periodically. The drying will allow organic matter, including algae, plant roots etc., to decompose, and when next wetted, provide a flush of nutrients to the water column which stimulates biological productivity. 1 Cost estimates for the proposed actions at these two sites are premature at this time. A detailed survey and study should be conducted by a hydraulic engineer in Fiscal Year 95 to determine the feasibility of the proposed project. Cost estimates could then be developed during the engineering, planning, and design/criteria phase. If the proposed action is determined to be feasible, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance will be completed, necessary federal and state permits obtained, and a statement of work completed during early 1995 for funding in Fiscal Year 1996. Implementation for construction could start in Fiscal Year 1996. Impacts of Development to Native Flora and Fauna At Site 1 a road access exists on the west side and on the riverside dike. Heavy machinery such as track or back hoes, dump trucks, and small pickups should have little or no impact to existing vegetation if used in established road tracks. Within the site, construction and trenching of the channel would require removal of non-native tamarisk stands which is the dominant vegetation at Site 1. Removal of this vegetation would destroy nesting and winter cover for upland birds. Construction within this area will not be conducted during the spring nesting season for upland birds. Native vegetation such as willow will be used to restore cover. The noise and disturbance of heavy machinery may disturb waterfowl using the river. However, adequate waterfowl habitat exists up- and downstream of the impacted area. No adverse impact to fish species is anticipated. A 404 permit from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers will be required for installation of the inlet and outlet structures. At Site 2, earth moving equipment would be required to excavate and grade the former oxbow toward the river. There is no established road access to this 18