7893

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7893
• Author: Satterfield, J. R., Jr.
• Title: Summary Of Responses, Colorado Division Of Wildlife Lake Management Plans.
• USFW Year: 1994.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

WYOMING
GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

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November 29 , 1994

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Colorado Division of wildlife
Aquatic Wildlife section
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
ATTENTION: NW Region LMP's

RE: Northwest Region Lake Management Plans for Warmwater Fish

We have reviewed the lake management plans for the Northwest
Region and have the following comments regarding their compliance
with interim procedures for stocking of nonnative fish in the upper
Colorado River basin.

While we generally agree with the conclusions arrived at dealing
with potential impacts of proposed stocking for all these plans, we
note that most of the plans inadequately deal with the requirements
contained in the interim stocking procedures. Foremost among these
shortfalls is a tendency to provide inadequate information
documenting the justification or need for stocking. Although a
policy of providing increased angling opportunity may be desirable in
many situations, a higher level of accountability is appropriate in
these waters. Present impacts of nonnative fishes on the endangered
Colorado River fishes is a serious concern already. This
consideration demands that stocking additional numbers and species of
nonnatives be done only where documented benefits clearly off-set
associated risks.

In this regard, the management plans need to more clearly
document that fishing opportunity is lacking and that stocking is the
best way to address that particular problem. We recommend each of
the management plans be modified to more clearly identify existing
fishing pressure levels, harvest rates and stock densities as well as
desired' levels for each of these factors.

Another concern is the lack of discussion of other management
alternatives that were considered and rejected in favor of stocking.
Several of the management plans indicate that natural reproductl~n
presently occurs for species that will be stocked (Highline and.
Elkhead Reservoirs) which suggests that population objectives may be
met by other management actions such as harvest regulation, habitat
.improvement or chemical treat~ent of a portion of the fishery (to
reduce stunted fish numbers). Where natural recruitment is presently
occurring, additional discussion of limiting factors should be
included to allow the reader to conclude whether or not stocking is
indeed the best way to address population problems.

Headqu.arter5: 5400 Bishop Boulevard. Cheyenne, WY 82006-000.
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