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1 1 ~] 1 1 1 1 1 1 This environmental assessment covers the actual procedures for stocking nonnative fishes but does not cover actions such as pond reclamation and screening that will require their own NEPA analysis. Construction of berms within critical habitat would also have to undergo Endangered Species Act compliance in cases where there were Federal funds used or a COE 404 permit was required. A description of the basic components of each of the alternatives is presented below. Tables 1-4 also summarize the similarities and differences between the preferred alternative and the other action alternatives. A. NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE No formal procedures would be in place. States would continue to seek input from the Fish and Wildlife Service and the public on case-by-case proposals to stock nonnative fish; however, in some cases stocking into public waters could take place that may allow nonnative fish to escape into habitat occupied by endangered fish. The States would maintain total discretion regarding stocking of warmwater fishes in rivers and floodplain habitat in the Upper Basin but would certainly consider potential impacts on the endangered fishes. Very little or no stocking of warmwater nonnative fishes-is occurring within the Upper Colorado River Basin in Utah and Wyoming. The States may or may not pursue needed measures to minimize the stocking of warmwater fish species in privately owned isolated floodplain ponds and connected waters. It is more likely that stocking of warmwater species in private ponds in the floodplain would not be regulated (primarily in Colorado; stocking of private ponds in Utah and Wyoming are currently regulated though approval of warmwater stocking may still occur). The highest priority measure in the Recovery Program's strategic plan for control of nonnative fish is to prevent additional fish introductions that could further exacerbate the existing interactions between nonnative and endangered fishes (Tyus and Saunders 1996). Recovery Program actions would continue to be implemented, for example; improve/protect flows, enhance flooded bottomlands downstream of existing and new sources of nonnative fishes, propagate fish, conduct monitoring and research activities. Isolated public and private ponds in the 10-year floodplain would be reclaimed (i.e. nonnative fish would be removed by draining the pond, applying rotenone, or other control techniques). Reclamation of privately owned ponds will be on a voluntary basis. Those that have warmwater fish and do not wish to have their ponds reclaimed will remain as sources for nonnative fish escapement into the river. Connected ponds within the 50-year floodplain would be reclaimed and have fish screens installed. Facilities would be installed on reservoirs to preclude escapement of nonnative fish. 8