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3 Mr. Eddie Kochman 3 Elkhead Reservoir have escaped into the Yampa and Green Rivers. Largemouth bass have been reported from the Yampa River only once since the Interagency Standardized Monitoring Program (l~MP) began; however, no Division stocking of largemouth bass into Elkhead Reservoir has occurred since the ISMP started. The Service is opposed to stocking largemouth bass into Elkhead Reservoir. Harvey Gap Reservoir Harvey Gap Reservoir discharges into an irrigation canal system from which no surface return flows apparently reach the Colorado River. The Service would not be opposed to implementation of the LMP for Harvey Gap Reservoir and also agrees it would be a suitable site for stocking northern pike taken from the Gunnison River. Increased law enforcement and signing to deter "baitbucket" transfer to nearby waters is desirable. Highline Reservoir Highline Reservoir has a high escapement potential with a direct connection to the Colorado River. The Service cannot support the introduction of a piscivorous riverine species into a reservoir with high escapement potential in close proximity to the Colorado River. The Service does not agree with the Division that fish movement down Mack and Salt Washes is difficult. Warm- water fish, including walleye, would not have difficulty surviving the relatively short trip to the Colorado River.. On a related note, the ~ivision has indicated that Highline Lake will need to be drained in 1995 to allow for repairs, bringing the dam into compliance with safety standards. The Service is very concerned that draining could result in the introduction of a large number of nonnative fish into the Colorado River and recommends that fish control measures; e.g., transplant fish, screen the outlet, use rotenone to rehabilitate the lake, be taken prior to draining the reservoir. The Service recommends the Highline Lake LMP be withdrawn until the reservoir is to be refilled. The draining could provide an opportunity to reduce escapement potential by retrofitting or redesigning the outlet works. The Service is willing to assist in addressing this issue prior to draining. Additionally, the Grand Valley Water Management Study may have a significant influence on inflows to Highline Reservoir, requiring changes in the fishery management strategy for the reservoir. Island Acres The Service's principal concerns with the Island Acres LMP is ~he flapper gate outlet structure and the pond's location within the floodplain:.~ -..The flapper gate (when functional) is designed only to prevent high river.flows from communicating with the pond. However, this gate was open to the river during the 1993 runoff because of c 1 og9..i ng by debri s. It does not prevent ..pond overflows from reaching the river. Since the pond is filled by_pumping for irrigation purposes, overfilling should be avoidable. Therefore, if the pond is outside the 40-year floodplain, the Service would not oppose .the proposed stocking of largemouth bass and bluegill if the existing outlet structure was