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

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-'.~ - Perry D. Olson, Director
October 28, 1994
Page 2

(,1.\

Although we were unable to review a copy of the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act Report (CAR) for the Dolores Project as part of our analysis, we
believe the final report describes the development of the fishery for the project as
a cold water fishery. H our recollection is accurate, we are concerned that the
appropriate amendments have been performed to modify the original management
plan from a cold-water to a warm-water or cool-water fishery. If the appropriate
amendments have been performed we would appreciate receiving copies of those
amendments. If there have never been amendments to the original CAR we would
appreciate a response from you regarding how appropriate amendments will be
performed.

NWF recognizes the interest of sport anglers in a diverse sport fishing
resource in Colorado and the species proposed for stocking are recreational
species. However, we are concerned that no data are presented in the proposal to
document the need for the proposed action. Is there sufficient (or any) demand by
the angling public to provide black crappie and largemouth bass opportunities at
McPhee? What is driving this proposal, have there been public surveys conducted
to indicate the need for the proposed action or is it the desire of fish management
to stock these species that is driving this process? We suggest that to be most
successful, management actions should be placed in the context of a demonstrated
public need or concern. We would appreciate receiving any or all data or other
information regarding public support or requests for such a stocking proposal.

National Wildlife Federation has expressed significant concerns regarding
the proposed stocking of non-natives at McPhee Reservoir. We suggest any final
decisions on this proposal not be finalized until ou~ concerns and the concerns of
other affected parties are effectively addressed. We suggest a more thorough
analysis and realistic risk assessment be performed prior to any decision to
approve this proposal. We will withhold our support until the substantive issues
raised in this letter are effectively addressed.

Sincerely, -

k..~

.Steplien C. Torbit Ph. D
Senior Scientist

Colo. Wildlife Fed., Denver
Nature Conservancy, Boulder
Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, Denver