Memorandum: April 19 1994 Endangered Species Act Compliance for Bureau of Reclamation

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S W REPLY REFER TO: UC -770 ENV -4.00 To: From* 1%,Rg tCj( Subject: United States Department of the Ir�ter_._ BUREAU OF RECLAMATION Upper Colorado Regional Office ^^�- -� °"°••"' —` 125 South State Street, Room 6107 RECEIVEDSalt Lake City, Utah 84138 -1102 APR 2 1 1994 APR APR 1 9 1994 FISH & i Vi1...DLIFE MEMORANDUM Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver CO 80225 Charles A. Calhoun Acting Regional Director Endangered Species Act Compliance for Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, Colorado River Projects and Designation of Critical Habitat for Endangered Fish The Endangered Species Act stipulates that areas of critical habitat may require special management considerations or protection, and, that Federal actions that may affect critical habitat are subject to Section 7 consultation. The designation of critical habitat for four Colorado River endangered fishes will become affective on April 20, 1994. We recognizes the need to evaluate the status of Endangered Species Act compliance on Reclamation projects in light of this new information. Reclamation continues to work with the Service and the other Upper Colorado Recovery Implementation Program (RIP) participants to carry out the program in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The actions undertaken by the RIP are intended to go beyond removal of jeopardy, by accomplishing recovery. The March 21, 1994, Federal Register notice which contains the Final Rule for determination of critical habitat reiterates that the program participants intend that the RIP will provide the reasonable and prudent alternative (RPA) that will avoid the likely destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. A RIP Recovery Action Plan ( RIPRAP) has been developed which contains the specific actions and time frames needed to recover the fish. We are also aware that Service staff responsible for Section 7 compliance will meet later this month to review the RIPRAP in consideration of critical habitat. At this meeting the Service will determine if any modifications to. the RIPRAP are necessary to insure that it will serve as the RPA for impacts to critical habitat from project operations. Reclamation is also funding a 7 -year research program on the San Juan River, and a San Juan RIP has been developed. Reclamation has modified the operations of Navajo dam to facilitate research that will be used to formulate recommendations for specific flows from Navajo Dam to benefit endangered fish and their habitat in the San Juan River Basin. The operations of Glen Canyon and Navajo Dams are under formal consultation. Other research is underway which will be used in the formulation of flow recommendations below the Aspinall Unit and Flaming Gorge for the benefit of endangered fish and their habitat. Negotiations to obtain additional water which can be dedicated to the trout fishery below McPhee Reservoir are proceeding. We will continue to consult with the Service during the planning process, and we are currently finalizing a biological assessment which will include evaluation of potential impacts to critical habitat. Although the above actions are promoting the recovery of endangered fishes, and Reclamation's participation in the Upper Colorado and San Juan RIPS is