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a The second recommendation of the Staff is in regard to pathogens of native fish species which are now beginning to be understood, and are probably a bigger issue than has been realized in 0 the past. The Staff recommends the seven state pathologists gather and review that situation and provide a findings and recommendations summary report to CRFWC by next April. At the conclusion of the report and the discussion which followed, UT moved, AZ seconded, to follow the recommendations of the Staff with CO taking the lead for the completion of the Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Conservation Team Plan. The motion passed unanimously. A second motion by UT, seconded by CO, to have CRFWC direct their state fish pathologists get together and summarize what is known of the pathogen situation of native fish species in the Colorado Basin, if feasible, at the Colorado Whirling Disease Conference in August, but if not, at another time, and to provide a report of the findings of this group and their recommendations . to CRFWC before the next annual meeting (April 1996). The motion was passed without dissent. CO moved that the resolution on recovery considerations with native species (attached as Appendix H) be approved, and that copies be sent to the director of FWS and regional directors of Regions 1, 2 and 6, and to a broad list of stakeholders in the Basin,' including Congressional delegations, and the House of Representatives Budget Committee. With a CA second, and further discussion, the motion was passed unanimously. Mr. Olson (CO), with a second from Mr. Shroufe (AZ) made a motion that CRFWC chairmanship be rotated in accord with Council Bylaws, and that Mr. Willie Molini (NV) be approved as CRFWC Chairman for the next two years, ending in April 1997. The group approved the motion unanimously. SUMMARIZATION OF UNDERSTANDING WITH USFWS ON FISH STOCKING Mr. Olson summarized the process that has occurred in this matter. He reported that the memorandum has been designed, both to allow sport fish management and recognizing the need for native fish species in the environment along the flood plain. There are numerous small ponds within the 50-year flood plain of these channels. These ponds are sources of non-native fish introduction into the River system. While some are game fish, the great majority are exotic r minnows. These ponds are largely privately held, although some are public. Basically, the understanding calls for allowing only trout within the 10-year flood plain on both private and other lands, with the development of an incentive system to invite private land owners to participate. Trout stocking would occur after removal of all existing populations. Between the 10 to 50-year flood plains, either trout or a bass/bluegill combination would be stocked after rehabilitation of the waters. Both systems would be managed with screening and an as yet unknown degree of aid for private land holders as an incentive. There would also be fish passage devices on tributary on-stream impoundments to aid in the elimination of non-natives in the main stems. Members of FWS and the States of UT, CO and WY will put the details, restrictions and regulations together. 17 0