9377

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9377
• Author: Colorado Water Workshop.
• Title: 16th Annual Colorado Water Workshop.
• USFW Year: 1991.
• USFW - Doc Type: Western State College.
• Copyright Material: NO

Balancing Water Acquisition and Stocking
Programs in the Recovery of Endangered Species
in the Upper Colorado River Basin

Colorado Water Workshop
July 23. 1991

by

Tom Pitts. P.E.
Upper Basin Water Users Representative
Recovery Implementation Program for
Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin

Background

The other speakers have provided some background information on
the Recovery Program that will not be reiterated here. however.
it is important to know that there are five recovery elements:

1. habitat management.

2. habitat development of maintenance.

3. stocking of native fishes.

4. control of non-native species. and

5. research monitoring and data management.

The Upper Basin water users believe that all five recovery
elements must be fully implemented to assure the success of the
Recovery Program.

Role of Stocking

The Upper Basin Water Users believe that intelligent application
of stocking of endangered fish is an essential element of the
Recovery Program. Water users support maintenance of genetic
diversity in carrying out the stocking program. and have
supported the costly. long-term genetic surveys necessary to
accomplish this. In addition. water users have supported other
elements of the program associated with. and necessary for. the
long-term stocking program including 1) establishment of refuges
to protect the genetic stocks of endangered fishes. 2) a hatchery
feasibility study. and 3) research needed for successful
operation of hatcheries.

At this time. there appears to be a need for augmenting the
following endangered fish populations:

1