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

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UblhSblte

UNIVERSITY
EXTENSION
Uintah County Office
152 East 100 North,
Vernal, UT 84078

Phone: (801) 781.;.5452
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

March 12, 1998

Henry Maddux, Program Director
U.S. Fish and Wildlive Servie
P.O. Box 25486
Denver Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225-0486

Dear Sir:

This letter is to comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment titled: Acquisition and
Enhancement to Floodplain Habitats Along the Upper Colorado, Green, and Gunnison Rivers as
Part of the Recovery Program for Endangered Colorado River Fishes.

There are two environmental impacts of Alternative #3 which are not addressed by the E.A.

First is the socio-economic factor of the effect of protecting and enhancing flooded bottomlands
on mosquito populations. The flooded bottomlands that appear to be important to these
endangered fish are also great breeding grounds for mosquitos. Mosquitos are a serious public
health and economic issue along the section of the Green River in Uintah County targeted for
action in this E.A. The E.A. does not address this issue at all, in tenns of acknowledging the
conflict, or addressing how the conflict may be resolved.

The second impact that needs addressing is the possibility of invasion of flooded bottomlands by
non-native plant species like perennial pepperweed, Russian olive and tamarisk. In the flooded
bottomlands along the Green River these species are very agressive, often forming thick stands
which crowd out native species like willows and cottonwoods. Species diversity is often reduced
when non-natives plants take over. How will Alternative #3 address non-native plant species, will
control options be limited? This issue should be addressed in the E.A.

I will look for these issues to be addressed adequately in the final E.A.

Sincerely,

-bmJ 1(:~

Boyd )btchen

Uintah County Extension Agent

Utah State University, an equal opportunity I affirmative action employer, provides programs and services to all persons
regardless of age, gender, color, religion, national origin or disability.

IIExtending the University to Youll