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water development--supports this goal. The Colorado Water Conservation Board is currently <br />conducting studies to determine how to implement the Recovery Program without affecting <br />Colorado's portion of the Colorado River Compact waters. Colorado is firm that the <br />Recovery Program should not adversely affect the Compact. <br />ASPINALL UNIT--Why does this unit have to provide water for endangered fish; what is the <br />relation between the Dolores and Dallas Creek Projects and the Aspinall Unit; will the <br />program affect water available for other uses in Blue Mesa Reservoir; and what are the <br />economic effects of using Aspinall water? <br />When the Dallas Creek and Dolores Projects were constructed to help develop Colorado's <br />water, it was agreed to use Aspinall Unit storage to offset the impacts of these projects. This <br />agreement set aside some of the water in the reservoir for endangered fish. Water is <br />available in Blue Mesa for a variety of purposes, including fish and wildlife and economic <br />development. In the total picture, all the water for endangered fish will not come from the <br />Aspinall Unit. Recovery efforts are basinwide. For example, releases are now being made <br />for endangered fish from Ruedi Reservoir, which is part of a transmountain diversion project. <br />RECOVERY PROGRAM--Who represents different interests on this program? There is not <br />local support. <br />The Recovery Program includes strong representation of State and private organizations <br />including water user and development interests, in addition to groups whose primary interest <br />is conserving endangered species. There is support for the program as being the best <br />solution for protecting endangered species and water development interests. It is recognized <br />that the program is controversial. Local public input has stressed that the program should <br />not adversely affect benefits associated with existing water projects and reservoir operations. <br />RIVER FLOWS--How much water is needed for the endangered fish; what are priorities during <br />droughts; how does the endangered fish water relate to water for the Black Canyon of the <br />Gunnison National Monument's reserved water right; and how will water releases affect <br />recreation? <br />Under the interim water agreement, a flow of 300 cfs will be maintained downstream from <br />the Redlands Diversion Dam in July through October. This flow, and its effects, will be <br />monitored. In droughts, the interim agreement provides for decreased flows for endangered <br />fish to help preserve water storage. Following completion of endangered fish studies, long- <br />term flow recommendations will be evaluated. Endangered fish water comes from water <br />stored in Blue Mesa Reservoir and does not directly relate to the Monument's reserved water <br />right. Under the interim agreement, endangered fish water would most likely flow through <br />the Monument and help meet its needs provided those flows are concomitant with the <br />resource protection needs of the Monument. River recreation should be slightly benejitted <br />as flows are improved in July and August of dry years. Reservoir recreation at Blue Mesa <br />40