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occur. In addition, habitats will be acquired and enhanced to make the best use of available flows; the proposed action will not call for additional water to induce flooding through reservoir releases. No changes are expected to occur in water quantity under this alternative. The project will assist in allowing water development to continue within the States of Utah and Colorado. Achievement of sufficient progress towards recovery of the endangered fishes allows the Recovery Program to serve as the reasonable and prudent alternative to permit continued development of the States' Upper Basin compact entitlement. All candidate sites will be screened for contaminants prior to acquisition or enhancement. The Program does not wish to provide habitat that may adversely affect the endangered fishes because of contaminants, and federal mandates require that contaminants surveys be conducted on properties the government wishes to acquire. The federal government cannot acquire an interest in a property that fails a contaminants survey, unless the contaminants problems are remediated. Therefore, the project is not expected to affect water quality. F. Floodplains Floodplains are important components to the natural function of a riverain ecosystem (Allan 1995; Hynes 1970, 1983; Junk et al. 1989; Vannote et al. 1980). The floodplain-river ecosystem provides more diversity of habitats and, in turn, supports a greater diversity of plant and animal life, Floodplains and floods strongly influence the energy dynamics of large river systems that is reflected in the productivity if the river system (Allan 1995; Bayley 1991; Petts and Maddock 1994; Sedell et al. 1989; We1comme 1989). Alternative 1 - No Action Natural floodplains would remain disconnected from the adjacent river along the Upper Colorado, Green, and Gunnison rivers by levees, dikes, and berms. I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I Alternative 3 - Protection and Enhancement of Flooded Bottomlands by Acquisition Select floodplain habitats would be connected with the adjacent river and function similarly to a natural ecosystem. A greater diversity of habitats, plants, and animals would develop. The natural ecosystem would offer more outdoor recreation opportunities for persons who use the river corridor. G. Wetlands Wetlands that form on riverine floodplains through permanent or temporary inundation by water are also part of the natural ecosystem. Wetlands provide habitat that is indispensable to a varied array of aquatic, avian, and terrestrial animals. In addition to reducing potential flood damage by absorbing water so that it can drain slowly and abating water pollution by absorption of contaminants as the water percolates through the soil, it has been estimated that wetlands sustain nearly one-third of our nation's threatened and endangered species. The US. Office of Technological Assessment and US. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Trends Study, published in 1982, identified that 925 thousand acres of wetlands were lost in the United States between the mid-1950's and mid-1980's through urban development -- primarily from filling, draining, and diverting water. Such urban development also adversely impacted the natural character of uplands adjacent to wetlands that provide an "edge effect" (i.e., transition between wetland and terrestrial habitats) and supports a higher diversity of native flora and fauna. The US. Fish and Wildlife Service (1990 Report to Congress) reported a 50% loss (1 million acres) of wetlands occurred in Colorado between 1780 and 1980 -- an arid region with sparse wetland habitat. III - 8