Platte River Channel Becomes a Focus for Platte River Cooperative Program Studies2001

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Messrs. Lochhead, Simpson, and Robotham 11 exposed, and primary and secondary production occurs, river productivity is likely to decrease. Field observations and the wetted areas simulations suggest that this point occurs at or near 1,200 cfs. Joint Study Task Report 5a (1993) describes, similarly, that wetted area /flow relationships could influence tern and plover nesting conditions. Page 8. 3.1. Guild Approach The concept of a fish community approach was recommended by the Biology Work Group of the Joint Study (1990). Justification and advantages of the guild approach are given by the Joint Study (1993) and in the Department's revised recommendations for the Platte River fish community (submitted to FERC on May 19). Bald eagles feed on larger individuals of several species including carp, quillback, carpsucker, redhorse, and catfish (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1981). Research from the central Platte River shows that least terns feed on both small -sized fish that are juveniles or adults of small -sized species and the small- sized, young life stages of large -sized species (Lingle 1988; Wilson 1991). Guild E, which is a "water- demanding" guild, includes both a small -sized species, the speckled chub, and the juvenile life stage of a larger species, the channel catfish. Flow levels which protect the fish community also would be consistent (in part) with the Memorandum of Agreement purpose to ". . . help prevent the need to list more basin associated species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act." For example, Tabor (1993) identified four species of the family Cyprinidae found in the central Great Plains which appear to be declining (three are category II candidates for listing). These species are all found in the Platte River and occupy three different guilds (B, C, and E) identified by the Service. Additionally, some biologists suggest that the sturgeon chub, now proposed for listing as endangered, may use habitats similar to those used by speckled chub (Guild Q. Absent a basis or clearly articulated justification for weighting, the Service has not determined that such weighting is warranted. Should such a justification or basis for weighting emerge, it would represent "new information" and receive due consideration. Page 8. 3.2. Stream Temperature Network Model Comment: "The forage fish flows appear to be based heavily on Dinan's stream network temperature model." In addition to the temperature model, the Service also based its recommendations on (a) observed fish kills, (b) review of fish kill reports, (c) empirical temperature data collected on the river, and (d) current scientific studies and literature related to the effects of high water temperature on fish.