8001

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8001
• Author: Western Regional Instream Flow Conference.
• Title: Proceedings, Western Regional Instream Flow Conference.
• USFW Year: 1992.
• USFW - Doc Type: Oct. 2-3, 1992.
• Copyright Material: NO

endangered-fish populations and flows, it seems likely that
the debate over the "minimum" flow needed to recover the
endangered fish will continue for many years.
In order to resolve these issues and allow for protection
of flows for the endangered fish, the Recovery Program is
discussing how existing Colorado water-flow laws might be
used to protect flows on an interim or conditional basis.
Under the concept, conditional rights would be obtained if
there is uncertainty regarding the technical merits of a flow
recommendation, or if there is significant uncertainty
regarding the impact of the flow recommendations on
Colorado's ability to develop its future Interstate Compact
allotment. The conditional right would then be subject to
periodic review based on new information about the flow
needs of the fish or development of the state's compact
entitlement. Colorado's Attorney General's Office and the
Department of the Interior's Solicitor's Office are currently
conducting a review of this concept to determine if it is
legal under existing state laws.
Conclusion
Recovery of the endangered Colorado River fish presents
a number of major technical, financial, legal, and institu-
tional challenges. The Recovery Program is a unique
partnership of federal, state, and private groups that
provides a significant opportunity to address these chal-
lenges in a cooperative manner. Its success will hinge on
perseverance and commitment of all the parties. Given the
economic importance of water in the Colorado River Basin,
success of recovery efforts will ultimately depend upon
public attitudes-public attitudes not just about four
endangered fish but about protection and restoration of a
unique and important ecosystem.
Literature Cited
Miller, R.R., J.D. Williams, and J.E. Williams. 1989.
Extinction of North American Fishes during the past
century. Fisheries Vol. 14, No. 6. Pp. 22-38.
Tyus, H.M. 1992. An instream flow philosophy for
recovering endangered Colorado River fishes. Rivers Vol. 3,
No. 1, January, 1992. Pp. 27-36.
Tyus, H.M. and C.A. Karp. 1989. Habitat and streamflow
needs of rare and endangered fishes, Yampa River, Colo-
rado. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological Report 89
(14). July, 1989.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Recovery Imple-
mentation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the
Upper Colorado River Basin. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Region 6, Denver, Colorado. Sept. 29, 1987.
Williams, J.E., J.E. Johnson, D.A. Hendrickson,
S. Contrevas-Balderas, J.D. Williams, M. Navarro-Mendoza,
D.E. McAllister, and J.E. Deacon. 1989. Fishes of North
America: endangered, threatened, or of special concern.
1989. Fisheries Vol. 14, No. 6. Pp. 2-20.
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