9393

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9393
• Author: Crist, L. and R. Williams.
• Title: Five Year Flaming Gorge Research Program FY 1995.
• USFW Year: 1994.
• USFW - Doc Type: 32-41, Fg-I,
• Copyright Material: NO

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1.0. INTRODUCTION
As indicated in the 1988 guiding document for the Recovery Implementation Program
(RIP) for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, reoperation of major
impoundments of the Colorado River Storage Project for protection and recovery of endangered
fishes is a high priority; reoperation is necessary to offset depletion impacts contributing to
endangerment of humpback chub (Gila cypha), bonytail (G. elegans), Colorado squawfish
(Ptychocheilus lucius), and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). Flaming Gorge Dam (FGD)
on the Green River, Wayne Aspinal Unit on the Gunnison River, and Ruedi Dam on the
Colorado River were specifically identified in the RIP guiding document as those impoundments
that, through Section 7 consultation, were to offset depletion impacts to the maximum extent
possible. Additionally, these- impoundments, where possible, were to provide recovery flows
for endangered fishes in major rivers (Green and Colorado rivers) and tributaries of the Upper
Colorado River System.
Closure of FGD in 1962 caused significant alterations in magnitude and timing of Green
River flows, resulting in modification of fish habitat in the system. In 1980, the U.S. Bureau
of Reclamation (Reclamation) entered into Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) on the operation of FGD. Studies conducted from 1978-1991 culminated in
preparation of a Biological Opinion by the Service on operation of FGD for Reclamationi and
the Western Area Power Administration (VIIAPA). Central to the issuance of the November
1992 Biological Opinion was development of seasonal flow recommendations for operation of
FGD based on best available information and the professional judgement of researchers who
had collected and analyzed much of the data. The intent of the Bialogical Opinion was to
recommend flows that would restore the natural hydrograph to the maximum extent possible
and provide a flow regime that would allow far enhancement and recovery of endangered and
other native fishes from the Green-Yampa River confluence to Lake Powell. However, because
of data limitations, the Biological Opinion provided only partial recommendations by season for
the reach of the Green River from FGD to Jensen, Utah. Flow recommendations for the spring,
summer/fall, and winter periods were made using information presented in the Consolidated
Biology and Hydrology Report prepared by the Service; specific flow recommenda#ions are
presented in part 2.0 of this document section.
The Biological Opinion concluded that "historic" procedures (prior to 1992) for operation
of FGD jeopardized the continued existence of endangered fishes in the Green River. A
Reasonable and Prudent Alternative was provided to avoid jeopardy, and it is incumbent upon
Reclamation, WAPA, and the RIP to ensure that all elements of the Biological Opinion are met.
The Five Year Flaming Gorge Research Program described in part 3.0 of this document section
is designed to fulfill the requirements and intent of the Reasonable and Prudent Alternative
which included the following elements.
1. Change operation of FGD so that Green River flow and temperature regimes
would more closely resemble histeric natural conditions. Under this element,
seasonal flow recommendations were established in an attempt to enhance the status
of endangered and other native fishes in the Green River system downstream of FGD.
Flow recommendations for spring, summer/fall, and winter periods were based on
information presented in the Consolidated Biology and Hydrology Report.
Recommendations for each period, however, were supported by differing levels of
Flaming Gorge Research Program