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8 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 2.4. Yampa River Endangered Fish Recovery and Water Management Plan Studies subsequent to the 1995 report underscored the need for a comprehensive basin-wide water management plan for the Yampa River Basin to meet present and future needs of both humans and fish. Water users in the Yampa River Basin, as well as representatives from the USFWS, USBR, BLM, RIP, and State of Colorado, initiated discussions on development of a basin-wide water management plan based on the 1995 Hydrosphere Feasibility Report. The discussions explored water management alternatives beyond those documented in the 1995 report. Among the new ideas pursued was transfer of storage held by Yampa Parti~ipants (owners of the Craig power plant) in Stagecoach Reservoir for the benefit of Craig III to the enlarged Elkhead Reservoir. This would allow flows in the Yampa River downstream from Stagecoach Reservoir to be augmented, benefiting the entire reach. The power companies who own storage in Stagecoach and Elkhead reservoirs and Steamboat Lake have been willing participants in the discussions; they are seeking permit relief for four power units in the valley that have not yet undergone Section 7 consultation. In addition, the RIP holds a contract with the State of Colorado for water from Steamboat Lake. 3. ENDANGERED FISH HABITAT AND FLOW REQUIREMENTS Numerous studies have been completed on the Yampa River over the past 10 years related to habitat and flow requirements for endangered fish species. Planning related to managing non- native fish species to enhance the recovery of endangered species has also been completed. This chapter summarizes these studies and discusses the conclusions related to water management on the Yampa River. 3.1. Studies Concerning Flow Requirements of Endangered Fishes Several research scientists have studied the habitat and flow requirements of endangered species in the Yampa River. This section summarizes the results of several of the more significant studies on this subject. However, it is not a comprehensive listing of all studies relevant to the flow requirements of endangered fishes in the Yampa River. One of the first studies was conducted by Tyus and Karp (1989) to determine flow needs of endangered and other native fish species in the Yampa River based on existing knowledge of the fish at that time. Harvey, Mussetter and Wick (1993) examined the effects of spring flows on sediment transport and deposition and the influence of these physical processes on stream channel morphology as it relates to pikeminnow spawning habitat. Modde and Smith (1995) developed year-round flow recommendations for endangered fish on the Yampa River based on a statistical analysis of Yampa River hydrology. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) also evaluated the low-flow requirements of endangered fish for the Colorado's instream flow application for instream flow water rights on the Yampa River. Each of these studies takes a different approach to determine flow requirements for the endangered fishes, based on field observations, statistical analyses of existing flow data and/or professional judgement. - Subsequent to these studies, researchers, fish biologists and other management agencies, including USFWS and the CDOW, determined that further information was needed on the impact of late summer flow requirements of the species in the Yampa River. From mid-summer to early fall, after spring runoff and when irrigation demands are high, river flows typically are at their lowest levels. Modde et al. (1999) attempted to address this question by examining the effects of flows on physical aquatic habitat parameters.