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A biological opinion was prepared under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act that supports the action proposed under Alternative 2 (Appendix F). None of the alternatives will result in environmental impacts that are irretrievable (changes that are permanent and restoration is not feasible) or irreversible (environment cannot be restored to its original condition). Environmental Commitments. The following environmental commitments apply to the proposed action of controlling nonnative fish species in floodplain ponds along the Upper Colorado and Gunnison rivers: o All chemical treatments will be made using Colorado Division of Wildlife chemical application operating procedures and the treatment crew will be supervised by a person certified by the State of Colorado to apply pesticides. o State-certified applicators will follow label instructions for powdered rotenone to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken for the application and human safety. o Additional precautions will be taken during the application of the powdered rotenone to contain the chemical within the target area and to avoid the escape of the chemical into nontarget areas. o Ponds will be tested for percolation through the cobble, gravel, and sand substrate used as berms us i ng nontoxi c dyes and evaluated for connections with the river through mammal burrows. o Although natural detoxification of the rotenone is expected to occur with 2 days to 2 weeks at water temperatures in late summer and early fall when high sunlight penetration occurs, chemical detoxification with potassium permanganate will be made if deemed necessary. o Access to floodplain properties will be gained only through willing landowners (both public and private). Ponds will be chemically treated only after permission has been granted to conduct pre-treatment surveys, chemical treatment, and post-treatment evaluations. o Comp 1 i ance .will be made wi th all app 1 i cab 1 e federal and state 1 aws, regulations, and policies. V. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION A. Public ScooinQ. Potentially affected interests were identified by representatives of the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a letter was mailed on May 1, 1997 (Appendix G) with a notification of the proposed action to control nonnative, warmwater fish species in floodplain ponds along the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. Potentially affected interests include agencies, organizations, or individuals-that (1) would be affected by the proposed action, (2) believe they might be affected by the proposed action, or (3) would have a vested interest in the proposed action. The purpose of the letter was to obtain 26