ImpactTaskForceReport2002

• Title: Impact Task Force Drought Assessment and Recommendations
• Date: 5/1/2002
• Description: Drought Assessment Report
• Basin: Statewide
• Drought Mitigation - Doc Type: Reports

Stepped up interagency communication regarding smoke regulations - Existing smoke regulations - - -- . - -
impede the use of prescribed burns in reducing wildfire fuel loads that contribute to the severity and the
number of fires during drought conditions.
Promote prevention of the accidental starting of wildfires - The recent Snaking Fire near Bailey
provides an opportunity for the Governor to educate the public on the many accidental causes of
wildfires and how to prevent such accidents from occurring.
Drought is a force of nature and, therefore, cannot be completely mitigated or controlled by human
actions. The state and federal agencies along with the wildlife organizations are committed to working
hard to reduce the impacts of drought on the wildlife and the people of Colorado. However, we
recognize that a change in the weather is the best solution to drought.
Mitigation Strategies for WTF Implementation
As wildlife managers, we may be able to lessen how human actions impact wildlife during a drought;
however, it is beyond our control to mitigate the drought itself. Being mindful of nature's limitations,
the WTF proposes several potential mitigation strategies to lessen impacts on wildlife during drought.
These strategies are summarized in Table 2. There may not be an immediate need to implement all of
the strategies listed in Table 2, but there is significant benefit to being pro- active. By implementing
these strategies now, the state will be ready to act as needed should drought conditions worsen.
The WTF has set a meeting date of May 14, 2002 to begin work on determining feasibility, defining
resources needed, prioritizing, and implementing the potential mitigation strategies. Please contact me
at 303 -291 -7273 should you have any questions or concerns regarding the WTF.
Table 1
Preliminary List of Primary Anticipated Wildlife Impacts
Under Drought Conditions
Low flows in streams result in less water for fish to live in. As the volume of
water declines, water temperatures increase, and fluctuate more, which adds to
stress on fish. Temperatures may exceed lethal limits for trout.
In reservoirs, low water levels can result in fish leaving the reservoir, when possible or water
conditions can become untenable for continued fish life.
Outflows from reservoirs can contain significant sediment as reservoirs get drawn down and
that can effect downstream fisheries.
Recreational angling and use may be decreased.
Hatchery uroduction may be reduced due to reduced water flows.
Reduction in quality of habitat for wildlife species including species of concern
and threatened and endangered species. Direct impacts on wildlife body
condition and subseauent production.
Increase in predator/human interactions due to reduced natural food supplies.
Increase in private pro game damage due to reduced availability of forage.
Increased impact of big game on drought stressed public and private rangelands.
Changes in migratory bird patterns and waterfowl production rates.