9705

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9705
• Author: Green River Study Plan ad hoc Committee.
• Title: Study plan for the implementation and evaluation of flow and temperature recommendations for endangered fishes in the Green River downstream of Flaming Gorge Dam.
• USFW Year: 2007.
• USFW - Doc Type: Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program
• Copyright Material: NO

GREEN RIVER STUDY PLAN

10

February 2, 2007

· Environmental Commitment 9.-"Reclamation will support the Recovery Program, in
coordination with the Service and Western, in developing and conducting Recovery
Program studies associated with floodplain inundation. Such studies would include
improving connectivity of floodplain habitats, identifYing ways to improve entrainment of
larval razorback suckers into floodplain habitats, maintain the river channel, restore
natural variability of the river system, and analyze possibilities for meeting the goals of
the flow and temperature recommendations at lower peakflow levels where feasible."

1.2.2 Recoverv Proe:ram Guidance. Documents

In addition to the authority documents (Section 1.2.1 ), certain Recovery Program
"guidance" documents were used to clarify, confirm, and expand, as necessary, the anticipated
effects or uncertainties or to identify opportunities to address those uncertainties. Following are
descriptions of each ofthe Recovery Program guidance documents.

Recovery Action Plan (RIPRAP)

The Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action Plan (RlPRAP) was developed
by Recovery Program participants in support of the Section 7 Agreement using the best and most
current scientific information available. The RIPRAP identifies specific actions and time frames
currently believed to be required to recover the endangered fishes in the Upper Colorado River
Basin, consistent with species recovery goals.

The RlPRAP is the Recovery Program's long-range operational plan that is reviewed and
revised annually. It contains dates for accomplishing specific actions over the next 5 years and
beyond. The RIPRAP tracks accomplishments to ensure that the Recovery Program can
continue to serve as a reasonable and prudent alternative for water projects undergoing Section 7
consultation to avoid the likelihood of jeopardizing the continued existence of the endangered
fishes as well as to avoid the likely destruction or adverse modification of their critical habitat.

Species Recovery Goals

Recovery goals for each of the four endangered fish species were approved by the Region
6 Director of the Service in 2002 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2002a, 2002b, 2002c, 2002d).
These recovery goals amend and supplement the respective species recovery plans and identify
site-specific management actions and objective, measurable criteria for recovery.

Recommended Priorities for Geomorphology Research

In 2003, the Recovery Program convened two workshops attended by researchers from
various agencies, universities, and consulting firms, and produced Recommended Priorities for
Geomorphology Research in Endangered Fish Habitats of the Upper Colorado River Basin
(LaGory et al. 2003). The goal of this project was to identify priorities for geomorphology
research in endangered fish habitats of the Upper Colorado River Basin. Recommended
priorities were provided to the Recovery Program to help develop a comprehensive research and
monitoring program for endangered fish habitats in the Upper Basin.