9594

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9594
• Author: Colorado Division of Wildlife and e. al.
• Title: Procedures for Stocking Nonnative Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
PROCEDURES FOR STOCKING NONNATIVE FISH SPECIES
IN THE UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASIN
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended,
and the Council on Environment Quality's regulations for Implementing the
Procedural Provisions of the national Environmental Policy Act
(40 CFR Part 1500-1508), the Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that an
Environmental Impact Statement is not required to enter into a cooperative
agreement with the States of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, to implement
stocking procedures. The Service has determined that their participation in
the stocking procedures as analyzed in the attached environmental assessment
does not constitute a major Federal action having a significant effect on the
human environment. Impacts were evaluated using the best available data and
assumptions. The following is a summary of impacts:
1. Aquatic Biological Resources: The stocking procedures will reduce the
escapement of nonnative fishes into the rivers of the Colorado River Basin.
2. Recreation: The stocking procedures will increase recreational fishing
opportunities above existing levels while providing increased protection for
the endangered fishes. This includes 7 reservoirs with existing Lake
Management Plans, and adding routine stocking for Corn Lake, Connected Lakes,
Duke Lake, Juniata Reservoir, and Jerry Creek Reservoir. Additionally, all
isolated public waters above the 50-year floodplain can be routinely stocked.
3. Recovery of Endangered Fishes: The stocking procedures will greatly
reduce the escapement of nonnative fishes into critical habitat of the
endangered fishes. This action will help to facilitate their recovery.
4. Economy and Human Environment: Limits on stocking of warmwater fishes in
floodplain ponds will have some impact on the aquaculture industry. However,
because most warmwater species reproduce in private ponds, annual stocking has
not been required. Trout may still be stocked in any floodplain ponds and
rivers above critical habitat. Largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and
triploid grass carp can be routinely stocked above the 50-year floodplain.
These represent, other than trout, the most often stocked fish supplied by the
aquaculture industry. Private ponds below the 50-year floodplain that are
bermed and screened also can be stocked with these species.
The Service distributed the draft environmental assessment to various
sportfishing, environmental, and water user interests. Three public meetings
were held to receive public comment.
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Ill U.S. Fi and Wildlife Service
Denver Colorado
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