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on Colorado's portion of the Colorado River Compact waters. Colorado is firm that the <br />Recovery Program should not adversely affect the Compact. <br />ASPINALL UNIT- -Why does this unit have to provide water for endangered fish; what is the <br />relation between the Dolores and Dallas Creek Projects and the Aspinall Unit; will the <br />program affect water available for other uses in Blue Mesa Reservoir•, and what are the <br />economic effects of using Aspinall water? When the Dallas Creek and Dolores Projects were <br />constructed to help develop Colorado's water, it was agreed to use Aspinall Unit storage to <br />offset the impacts of these projects. This set aside some of the water in the reservoir for <br />endangered fish. Water is available in Blue Mesa for a variety of purposes, including fish <br />and wildlife and economic development. In the total picture, all the water for endangered <br />fish will not come from the Aspinall Unit. Recovery efforts are basinwide. For example, <br />releases are now being made for endangered fish from Ruedi Reservoir, which is part of a <br />transmountain diversion project. <br />RECOVERY PROGRAM- -Who represents different interests on this program? There is not <br />local support. The Recovery Program includes strong representation of State and private <br />organizations including water user and development interests, in addition to groups whose <br />primary interest is conserving endangered species. There is support for the program as <br />being the best solution for protecting endangered species and water development interests. <br />It is recognized that the program is controversial. Local public input has stressed that the <br />program should not adversely affect benefits associated with existing water projects and <br />reservoir operations. <br />RIVER FLOWS- -How much water is needed for the endangered fish; what are priorities during <br />droughts; how does the endangered fish water relate to water for the Black Canyon of the <br />Gunnison National Monument's reserved water right; and how will water releases affect <br />recreation? Under the interim water agreement, a flow of 300 cfs will be maintained <br />downstream from the Redlands Diversion Dam in the July through October period. This <br />flow, and its effects, will be monitored. In droughts, the interim agreement provides for <br />decreased flows for endangered fish to help preserve water storage. Following completion <br />of endangered fish studies, long -term flow recommendations will be evaluated. Endangered <br />fish water comes from water stored in -Blue Mesa Reservoir and does not directly relate to <br />the Monument's reserved water right. Under the interim agreement, endangered fish water <br />would most likely flow through the Monument and help meet its needs. River recreation <br />should be slightly benefitted as flows are improved in July and August of dry years. <br />Reservoir recreation at Blue Mesa will be affected in certain years when drawdowns are <br />increased. This would most likely occur in a series of dry years.. <br />FUTURE DEVELOPMENT- -Will there be water left for private development; will permitting <br />of work near the river be more difficult if fish do become established in the Gunnison River; <br />and will the program affect construction of the Dominguez Project? Water in Blue Mesa is <br />available for a variety of uses including supporting private development. To date the demand <br />for acquiring this water for development has been small, but water remains for sale. The <br />30 <br />