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<br />" <br /> <br />~':. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />c. Grand Valley Water Management. Delays in construction on Grand Valley Water <br />Management have significant impacts to the capital funds. The Service asks that construction <br />begin once the major section 7 issues have been clarified by the 15-Mile Reach Workgroup. <br />Hopefully, most issues will be addressed during ongoing discussions, <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />3. Lack of progress in reclaiming riverside ponds to control nonnative fish. The Colorado <br />Division of Wildlife is significantly behind schedule in reclaiming these ponds, as agreed in <br />the nonnative fish stocking and control procedures and nonnative fish strategic plan. <br />Emphasis should be placed on ponds that are less likely to be recolonized by nonnative <br />fish, either because they have no connection to a nonnative source or because they can be <br />modified to prevent reinvasion. For this item to be back on track, up to 25 ponds (which <br />were not done in 1997) plus 10-20 ponds for 1998 should be reclaimed. Two ponds were <br />reclaimed in February 1998. Three additional ponds are ready to be reclaimed this <br />summer. Additionally, 1-4 ponds at Horsethiefwill be reshaped to prevent overwinter <br />survival of nonnative fish and 2 additional ponds will be screened. <br /> <br />Historic depletions are being addressed on the Duchesne and Colorado rivers. However, for new <br />depletions, if the three major issues outlined above are completed or on track by September 1, <br />1998, then the Service can increase the threshold for depletions. Ifthe items listed above are not <br />completed, the Service may revisit the threshold. The Service recommends that the Management <br />Committee ensure that these issues are resolved and report to the Implementation Committee on <br />the success thereof by their September 1998 meeting. Also, the Management Committee should . <br />track the progress ofthese items at each of their meetings and establish dates for interim <br />accomplishments. <br /> <br />Conclusion <br /> <br />Based on careful evaluation of the status of the fish, adequacy of flows needed for recovery, <br />magnitude of depletion impacts, and Recovery Program accomplishments and shortcomings, the <br />Service concludes that until the three issues identified above are resolved, progress in the <br />Program will only be sufficient for projects that have an annual depletion of up to 3,000 acre <br />feet. If the above listed items are not resolved by the September Implementation Committee <br />meeting, the Service may revisit the sufficient progress threshold. <br /> <br />I am encouraged with the progress the Program made in 1997 and efforts accomplished so far <br />this year. The Program needs to actively pursue resolution of the issues identified above and <br />make real progress in acquiring and restoring floodplain habitat; providing and protecting flows <br />in the 15-Mile Reach ofthe Colorado River; reclaiming Colorado and Gunnison river streamside <br />ponds to control escapement of detrimental nonnative fishes; and developing brood stock and <br />meeting augmentation goals for razorback sucker. However, with recent progress in these areas, <br />I am confident that with continued Program participant cooperation, we can resolve the three <br />major issues before September. ' <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />4 <br />