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24 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS Cumulative effects are those effects of future State or private activities, not involving Federal activities, that are reasonably certain to occur within the action area of the Federal action subject to consultation. There are no known future State or private actions, that would not require a Federal action, anticipated to occur within the action area. This is primarily because the Green River flows through very little private or State land within the action area. CONSIDERATIONS IN DEVELOPING A REASONABLE AND PRUDENT ALTERNATIVE The Act requires the Service to work with other Federal Agencies in developing a reasonable and prudent alternative to the project under consultation if there is a determination that the project is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species. As defined by 50 CFR 402, Final Rule, Federal Register, June 3, 1986, an alternative is deemed reasonable and prudent only if: 1. It can be implemented by the lead Federal Agency (Reclamation) in a manner consistent with the intended purpose of the project. 2. The Service believes it would avoid the likelihood of jeopardizing the continued existence of listed species. 3. It can be formulated so that it can be implemented by the lead Federal Agency consistent within the scope of its legal authority and jurisdiction. 4. It is economically and technically feasible. The reasonable and prudent alternative developed to avoid the likelihood of jeopardizing the continued existence of endangered fish in the Green River meets the aforementioned criteria. The June 1991 Fiamina Gorge Consolidated Hvdrologv Report by Smith and Green and the July 1991 Habitat Use and Streamflow Needs of Rare and Endangered Fishes in the Green River Utah by Tyus and Karp provide the basis for development of the reasonable and prudent alternative. The Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam represents one of the most important riverine habitats left for rare and endangered fish in the Upper Colorado River Basin, and, as such, is necessary for the continued existence and recovery of these species. Decline. and endangerment of the Colorado River fish is due, in part, to human- induced habitat changes. Closure and operation of Flaming Gorge eliminated most of the native fish in 80 miles of the upper Green River from Flaming Gorge Dam down to Dinosaur (Baxter and Simon 1970; Vanicek et al. 1970). Present operation of Flaming Gorge Dam through this reach does not provide