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s <br /> <br />Balancing Water Acquisition and Stocking <br />Programs in the Recovery of Endangered Species <br />in the Upper Colorado River Basin <br />Colorado Water Workshop <br />July 23, 1991 <br />by <br />Tom Pitts, P.E. <br />Upper Basin Water Users Representative <br />Recovery Implementation Program for <br />Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin <br />Background <br />The other speakers have provided some background information on <br />the Recovery Program that will not be reiterated here, however, <br />it is important to know that there are five recovery elements: <br />1. habitat management, <br />2. habitat development of maintenance, <br />3. stocking of native fishes, <br />4. control of non-native species, and <br />5. research monitoring and data management. <br />The Upper Basin water users believe that all five recovery <br />elements must be fully implemented to assure the success of the <br />Recovery Program. <br />Role of Stocking <br />The Upper Basin Water Users believe that intelligent application <br />of stocking of endangered fish is an essential element of the <br />Recovery Program. Water users support maintenance of genetic <br />diversity in carrying out the stocking program, and have <br />supported the costly, long-term genetic surveys necessary to <br />accomplish this. In addition, water users have supported other <br />elements of the program associated with, and necessary for, the <br />long-term stocking program including 1) establishment of refuges <br />to protect the genetic stocks of endangered fishes, 2) a hatchery <br />feasibility study, and 3) research needed for successful <br />operation of hatcheries. <br />At this time, there appears to be a need for augmenting the <br />following endangered fish populations: <br />1