Laserfiche WebLink
17 <br />represents an example of what CRFWC would like to complete throughout the Colorado Basin <br />for those native fish species of concern and to deal with their conservation before they would <br />become so jeopardized as to be threatened or endangered as defined by the ESA. Acceptance of <br />this Plan by FWS signals their agreement that implementation of the Plan will preclude such <br />listing. The Agreement (included as Appendix F) identifies conservation strategies that will <br />restore the species. Mr. Radant indicated it was CRFWC's hope that those present at the meeting <br />might see that this is an example of what CRFWC would like to coordinate among all parties <br />along the River regarding native fish species that are of special concern; and that they would <br />participate with CRFWC and state resource agencies in developing and implementing such plans <br />to restore and conserve the species involved. <br />Mr. Bob Caskey (CO) reported that the Staff has been working with Upper Basin resource <br />agencies to acquire known details of the status of Colorado River Cutthroat Trout following <br />CRFWC's assignment in 1994 to proceed with establishment of a conservation team and <br />cooperative conservation plan. This information is presented together as Appendix G. Mr. <br />Caskey has agreed to take the lead in formation of a team and to continue to obtain information <br />from parties which have information on the Colorado River Cutthroat. More information is still <br />available and should be provided in the near future. . <br />At the next annual meeting, Mr. Caskey plans to have a cooperative conservation team <br />established and a cooperative conservation agreement drafted; CO has agreed to put an <br />agreement together, WY is now developing a document for their part of the overall cooperative <br />plan and UT is now beginning the process for a first draft for their plan for the species. Mr. <br />Caskey requested the recovery supervisors of FWS Regions 2 and 6 provide any information <br />available, such as is identified on the Appendix. He also requested Mr. John Hammill, Upper <br />Colorado River Coordinator of Fish and Wildlife Enhancement, provide him with the results and <br />data regarding the systematics of the species of the genus Gila so that CRFWC can begin <br />immediately to proceed with all the knowledge that is available to direct their attention toward <br />conservation cooperative planning for these species. <br />RECOMMENDATIONS ON OTHER SPECIFIC CRFWC ASSIGNMENTS <br />Mr. Radant presented the Staff's review of the CRFWC's identification of other needed work 4 <br />areas. The Staffs recommendation was that, as CRFWC is doing many of the items identified, <br />the Staff considers continued work on the cooperative conservation management plans for native <br />species of concern to be top priority and that it is consuming the available resources. The Staff <br />requested that they continue specifically with the development of the Colorado River Cutthroat <br />Cooperative Conservation Team Plan and return the completed documents, information and 4 <br />authorizations to CRFWC next year and that they also be given the authority and resorces to <br />proceed with information gathering on the Flannel-mouth sucker, roundtail chub, and bluehead <br />sucker toward developing conservation plans. It was the consensus among the Staff that it is <br />these plans that have the highest priority and where the Staff time can be most appropriately <br />utilized. 4 <br />16 <br />4