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public input related to any concerns or issues (i.e., environmental, social, recreational, economic, etc.) on the use of mechanical or chemical methods to control nonnative, warmwater fish species in floodplain ponds. It was explained in the letter that Recovery Program participants have identified a need to control nonnative fi shes as one way to help to recover the endangered Colorado River fishes. They believe that predation and compet i t i on by nonnative fishes causes high mortal i ty of the endangered fishes, especially during the early life stages. All comments that were received from this mailing were reviewed and incorporated into this Draft Environmental Assessment, where appropriate. In order to ensure that no person, agency, or organization with an interest in the proposed action was overlooked, a news release was issued to various news media by the Colorado Division of Wildlife on May 20, 1997. A public open house was held at the Colorado Division of Wildlife regional office located at 711 Independent Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado 81505 on July 10, 1997. This open house provided the public with an opportunity to ask questions or comment on the proposed action. The additional input on the Draft Environmental Assessment from the public review and open house was carefully reviewed and incorporated into this Final Environmental Assessment. B. Individuals. Aqencies. or Orqanizations Contacted. See Appendix H for a listing of (1) Individuals, (2) Individuals in an Agency or Organization, (3) Agencies, Companies, or Organizations, and (4) State Representatives that were provided a copy of the draft Environmental Assessment. C. Compliance with Federal and State Mandates. The proposed action to control nonnative fishes in floodplain ponds along the Colorado and Gunnison rivers will be done in full compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. A water discharge permit (Section 402 of the Clean Water Act) will be obtained before any ponds are drained. The application of rotenone will be supervised by applicators that are trained and licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture for'pesticide application and by the Colorado Department of Transportation for hazardous materials. Treatment procedures approved by the Colorado Division of Wildlife will be followed, including the preparation of an Emergency Plan in the event that the toxicant escapes from the target area. Intra-Service consultation will be requested under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act that will addressed the possibil ity of incidental take under the Endangered Species Act. Access to conduct surveys, implement chemical treatments, retrieval of dead fish, and monitoring will be obtained from the landowners. In cases where direct access is not available to floodplain ponds such as along Interstate Highway 70 where safety coul d be an issue, access will be arranged through the Colorado Department of Transportation. D. Concerns/Issues Received from Public Review. The major concerns or issues identified . from public review were consolidated and are listed in this section. The response for each of these concerns or issues explains current 27