7951

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7951
• Author: Boudreaux, J.
• Title: Techniques For Computing Endangered Species Mitigation For Water Development Projects In The Upper Colorado River Basin.
• USFW Year: 1981.
• USFW - Doc Type: \
• Copyright Material: NO

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The confluence of the two rivers is located just above Lake Powell.
A strategy plan has been drafted by a special Regional Office Task Force
to outline the "interim" process of developing biological opinions for
the projects affecting Colorado River endangered fishes (Upper Basin).
Results from ongoing and future research studies may alter this strategy,
therefore the reason for using the term "interim". Input from Area
pffice and field personnel could also affect the interim plan.
The strategy outlined in that plan will not be relisted here, but one
point is. worthy of emphasis. The first question to be asked of any
project in determining jeopardy or non-jeopardy is "Will the project
affect the probable survival of the fishes?" Normally, this question
will zero in on potential local, major impacts on the fish. For example,
suppose a project is proposed on a major tributary to the Green River,
where research indicates that migration of endangered fishes into the
tributary for spawning is presently occurring. Also, let us assume for
this example, that the project consists of a power dam that will totally
block the migratory movement :of the fish. This is a potential local,
major impact and this problem-must beysolved, or a jeopardy opinion
should be rendered.
The Service is obligated, under the present Endangered Species Act, to
provide reasonable and prudent alternatives if jeopardy does exist. In
the preceding example some alternatives to be considered might be:
(1) Construct a small hatchery at the base of the dam to compensate
for lack of spawning in the tributary stream. The cost of
this hatchery would be borne entirely by the project.
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