9417

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9417
• Author: U.S. Department of the Interior.
• Title: Final Environmental Assessment
• USFW Year: 1998.
• USFW - Doc Type: Acquisition and Enhancement of Floodplain Habitats along the Upper Colorado, Green, and Gunnison Rivers as part of the Recovery Program for Endangered Colorado River Fishes.
• Copyright Material: NO

I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

this project would precipitate implementation of
more flow-related alternatives.

Specific Comments
1. Where has it been shown in the EA that
floodplains would be directly beneficial to
Colorado squawfish, bonytail, and humpback
chub? lbis floodplain habitat restoration program
is directed at recovering razorback suckers and
should be stated in the text.

2. Text should be modified to include figure 1-2.

3. Page 1-2, E. Should mention the impact of
levees on flooding from Upper Basin rivers.

4. Page 1-3, F. The first paragraph should not
imply that loss of floodplains due to hydrograph
changes is the only factor causing the decline of
the endangered fishes.

If nonnative fish are not controlled when larvae
are present, then restoration of these habitats will
not increase the chance for these fish to survive.

5. The text should be modified to include the
length of the "critical period."

6. The figures should be placed in order.

7. If only 20 miles of the Green River floodplains
are unable to be connected to the river during high

IV - 9

development to continue.
J"Spring peak flows have been greatly reduced as
a result of water development.
J"To restore floodplain habitat will require either
raising the flows or lowering the floodplain.
J"The preferred alternative in the EA is to make
the best use of existing flows by breaching levees.

J" Adult Colorado squawfish are known to use
floodplain habitats when they are available.
Young squawfish have also been found in
floodplain habitats.
J"Numerous studies have documented that
productivity within the floodplain is orders of
magnitude greater than in the main channel of the
river. Much of the food produced within the
floodplain gets into the river as spring flows
subside.
J"The input of food from the floodplain is
expected to assist recovery of the endangered
fishes and the ecosystem upon which they depend.

J"Reference to figure 1-2 has been added.

J"T ext from the comment has been added to this
section (page 1-3, E).

J"Multiple factors have contributed to the decline
of the endangered fishes. Text has been modified
for clarification.

J"Results from Old Charley Wash suggest that
some larvae can survive in the presence of
nonnative fishes, possibly because of vegetative
cover. Also, the Recovery Program is
implementing nonnative fish control measures.

J"Ok. Length of "critical period" added.

J"Ok. Figures placed in order.

J"Yes. However, construction and operation of
Flaming Gorge reservoir has reduced high flows