9632

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9632
• Author: HAwkins, J. A. and J. O'Brian.
• Title: Management Action Plan for Endangered Fish Recovery in the Little Snake River, Colorado and Wyoming - Draft Final Report.
• USFW Year: 2001.
• USFW - Doc Type: Fort Collins, CO.
• Copyright Material: NO

METHODS

Information in this report came from reviews of the fisheries literature (by
J. Hawkins) and the hydrology and geomorphology literature (by J. O'Brien) of the
Little Snake River. These reviews provide an overview of the river ecosystem. The
hydrology and fisheries information is summarized in context of each of the five
RIPRAP actions (program elements). For each program element we identify existing
knowledge (What do we already know?) and missing information that is necessary
to support future management decisions (What do we need to know?). These
deficiencies identify key questions that must be answered to recover the
endangered fishes. As directed by the Recovery Program, we conclude with a
step-down outline for a work plan for determining instream flow recommendations.

The hydrology review was a compilation of available water resources
information and data. No new data or analyses were developed in this study.
Included in this synthesis of information is a discussion of historic streamflow,
sediment loads and channel morphology of the Little Snake River in Colorado. The
literature was divided into two categories: the water and related land resources of
the river basin and physical processes which effect channel morphology and
habitat. A brief discussion of the Little Snake River Basin water and related land
resources is presented and physical processes shaping the river morphology and
fish habitat are discussed.

In addition to the review of available information, two hydrology field trips
were conducted to the Little Snake River. The first trip in the spring of 1 994 was a
reconnaissance trip. The second trip was a channel monitoring trip establishing
cross sections in two reaches of the river. The first reach was located upstream of
the Lily Gage where six cross sections were established. The second reach was

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