7281 ‎(2)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 7281
• Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Title: Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Environmental Assessment, November 1987.
• USFW Year: 1987.
• USFW - Doc Type: Denver, Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

C
CHAPTER II ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION
4. Monitor the status of the fish, as funds permit. The Service,
Reclamation, and the States of Colorado and Utah will continue to
participate in an interagency standardized monitoring program for
endangered fish populations in essential habitats of the Upper Basin.
Data will be compiled into a centralized data base for use by all
parties in evaluating species status and trends and for developing
specific recovery goals for listed fish. If data indicate that the
razorback sucker is nearing extinction, it would be listed as an
endangered species.
5. Conduct recovery actions, as funds permit. Though recovery actions
have an equal priority with protective and research actions, the high
cost of many recovery actions tends to limit their implementation.
Recovery actions will be undertaken after research has been completed
and when funds permit. Examples of recent and near-term recovery
actions include: The State of Colorado modified its fishing
regulations to reduce incidental take of rare fishes. The State of
Utah is undertaking information and education programs. A
feasibility study was completed on an experimental fish passage
facility at Redlands Diversion Dam near Grand Junction, Colorado.
Both hatcheries and grow-out ponds are being evaluated as fish
rearing areas.
If funding is available, and research demonstrates that these actions
are beneficial, and the States are cooperative, then recovery actions

such as creation or enhancement of essential habitat and management '
of nonnative species will be undertaken at a later date. However,
though releases from Federal water projects appear to be a promising
source of water for instream flows, the outlook for acquiring water
from private sources appears dim unless Congress appropriates
additional funding and States are willing to protect any acquired
instream flows under State law.
All activities described above will be reviewed and conducted in accordance
with Federal and State law, including the National Environmental Policy Act,
Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and National
Historic Preservation Act.
C. The Proposed Action ,
The Proposed Action is a logical extension of the activities described under
the "No Action" alternative. It outlines a range of activities determined to '
be necessary to recover the three endangered fishes and manage the fourth rare
fish in the Upper Basin. A Recovery Implementation Committee, composed (at a
minimum) of representatives from the Service; Reclamation; the States of
Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming; water development interests; and conservation
organizations will oversee the recovery program. The Recovery Implementation
Committee will develop recommendations for specific recovery actions to be
implemented, in accordance with program guidelines and agency authorities. ,
Funds will be provided from agency budgets, special Congressional
appropriations, and private contributions. An initial timeframe of 15 years
is suggested for program completion. '
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