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incidental take. The incidental take statement of the biological opinion exempts GVIC, the Recovery Program, and others from "take " under Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act provided reasonable and prudent measures are implemented to minimize take. These measures are reported in Chapter 2 of the final EA. It is the responsibility of the Recovery Program to implement the measures. Specifically, GVIC is not responsible for any loss offish due to the passage operation and will not be responsible for any costs associated with fish screens if they are needed in the future. The Recovery Program is designed to assist the fish recovery while at the same time protecting existing and future water users, supplies, and uses. #8. Concerns were expressed on the effect of the proposal on recreational boating. The Colorado River is becoming increasingly popular in the Grand Valley for boating. The project design and operation would not adversely affect use of the upper river. The EA does recognize there are some existing problems with launch sites, boat passage at the GVIC diversion, and with safety. Coordination with local rafters, canoeists, and kayakers during the draft EA review period, indicated that the proposed design could improve conditions for these recreational users. Recreational boaters also requested that they be involved in planning of upstream passage projects and this will be done at an early stage. It is recognized, however, that boating concerns will be more difficult to address at the upstream passages because upstream diversions are significantly taller than the GVIC diversion. Please refer to the section of the report on social, economic, and recreational resources. #9. Water supply and hydrology discussions need minor changes. These changes were made in response to letters from the Colorado Water Conservation Board and Colorado River Water Conservation District and others. Drought periods are the greatest concern because competition for limited water supplies increase. The passage is designed so stop-logs can be placed in the fish passage notch, so GVIC would have priority for river flows over the fish passage. #10. Fish screens need to be addressed in more detail. The biological opinion on the project is part of the project plan. The Recovery Program will determine if screens (or other fish preclusion devices) are needed to keep adult and sub-adult sized fish out of the GVIC Canal. Attempts would not be made to screen larval (very small) fish from the canal unless a practical method could be developed. The screening, if needed, would be funded by the Recovery Program. Design, construction, and operation costs would specifically not be the responsibility of GVIC. GVIC would be involved in any design, and any construction appurtenant to their facilities would require their permission. #11. Others: - There were concerns that the program should be coordinated with other efforts by other agencies and organizations such as the Mesa County Land Use Plan. The Recovery Program is not intended to adversely impact existing water rights and uses or the conservation efforts of others. All rehabilitation and restoration efforts are made in relation to the natural functioning of the riverine ecosystem. For example, several conservation goals of the Mesa County Land 27