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Executive Summary <br />S-29 <br />FEIS - Navajo Reservoir Operations <br />downstream from Citizens Ditch was recommended. <br />Also, it was recommended by the NMDGF that <br />Reclamation conduct detailed geomorphic studies of <br />the trout fishery area and the native fish area to <br />identify appropriate mitigation actions to reduce <br />habitat losses. NMDGF also recommended that <br />Reclamation work with both the Hammond Project <br />water users and Citizens Ditch to investigate fish <br />passage at those diversions. It was suggested that <br />Reclamation work with State agencies on a roundtail <br />chub augmentation program for the San Juan River <br />and its tributaries. <br />For riparian habitat, NMDGF suggested that <br />cottonwoods be planted and protected in the trout <br />fishery area and that flood plain modification be <br />Southwestern willow flycatcher. investigated in downstream areas to help restore <br />cottonwoods. NMDGF expressed concerns with water <br />quality impacts in the river reach upstream from Farmington and suggested comprehensive <br />water quality monitoring studies designed to identify factors that may be impacting fish. <br />Reclamation has recognized in the FEIS that the Preferred Alternative would have adverse <br />impacts on certain resources including the trout fishery, recreation, water quality, and <br />some riparian resources. The Preferred Alternative, however, is designed to help conserve <br />endangered fish species and their habitat and has an overall effect of creating a more natural <br />ecosystem; therefore, Reclamation has not included the specific fish and wildlife mitigation <br />measures recommended by the Service in the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act report or <br />by the NMDGF in the proposed plan. <br />As funding allows, Reclamation will continue to work with the State of New Mexico and <br />the Bureau of Land Management to implement measures to the extent possible to reduce <br />adverse impact to the trout fishery. Ongoing cooperative efforts include stream habitat <br />work and tamarisk control. New Mexico is expected to continue its programs of stocking, <br />fish monitoring, and recreation use monitoring. Reclamation can provide technical <br />assistance and use of Reclamation lands for habitat improvement projects. <br />The SJRBRIP is expected to continue to monitor downstream fisheries and evaluate needs <br />for fish passage, non-native fish control, and other factors. Reclamation will continue to <br />support P.L. 106-392 funding authorization and will participate in implementation of the <br />SJRBRIP. <br />Overall, Reclamation will commit to working with resource agencies on measures to reduce <br />adverse impacts of implementing the Preferred Alternative; however, Reclamation will <br />not take a lead responsibility in terms of funding or implementation. Reclamation's <br />participation is based on congressional appropriation of funds.