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information that could be applied to future augmentation programs for the <br />other rare species. <br />Hypothesis 8: Higher flows will increase flooded areas in spring for adult <br />fish use in both the Colorado and Gunnison rivers and will improve <br />quality of young-of-the-year habitat in the Colorado River. <br />High spring flows have an important influence on riverine habitat for <br />the coming year. Documentation of the amount of flooded-bottomland habita <br />created by higher spring flows will be important in determining the level of <br />spring runoff that will create the greatest amount of habitat. Monitoring <br />will also be important in examining the relationship between spring runoff and <br />number and area of backwaters available the following fall. The specific <br />techniques to accomplish this task need further development but a combination <br />of ground truthing and aerial videography would be appropriate. The study <br />should include both the Gunnison and Colorado rivers. Habitat should be <br />mapped at peak flow and at several flows between high flow and base flow for <br />the year. Mapping should occur over several years to ensure that a complete <br />range of flows is mapped. Sites should be selected to cover the complete <br />range of habitats (i.e. flooded areas for adults, backwater areas for young of <br />the year). Some sites should be selected based on known importance to <br />endangered fishes and others should be selected randomly to ensure that the <br />complete range of available habitats are included. <br />39 <br />