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002853 LANDOWNER INCENTIVES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NONNATIVE FISH CONTROL PROGRAM COLORADO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE November 4, 1997 There are three levels of participation and incentives of interest to owners of floodplain gravel pits and ponds: ACCESS, RECLAMATION AND MANAGEMENT. ACCESS The purpose of obtaining access is to determine the potential of various ponds or gravel pits to be included in the Nonnative Fish Control Program. The product of the visit is a Level 1 and Level 2 Lake Survey. Level 1 and 2 describe the physical, chemical, and biological environment. It is possible that no action would be taken after the Level 1 and 2 surveys are completed. Private landowner participation is completely voluntary, Public entities participation is subject to appropriate statutes, regulation and rules. Incentives 1. Pay a one time trespass fee of $100 or perhaps some value per acre. This could be handled with a simple invoice and receiving report through COFRS. A simple one page agreement needs to be prepared and would be used to identify the location, time, what is allowed, access route, and salvage of fish. The landowner and DOW would both sign the agreement. 2. Produce a two-page Lake Management Plan for the landowner. The LMP would address fish stocking, habitat manipulation and restrictive fishing regulations (in addition to DOW regulation). RECLAMATION If a pond or gravel pit can be successfully reclaimed, then it could be included in the Nonnative Fish Control Program. Criteria for inclusion would include low likelihood for recontamination with nonnative fishes and potential benefit to T&E fishes by removing the nonnative fishes. Reclamation techniques would include pond pumping, chemical treatment with appropriate chemicals such as rotenone and potassium permanganate Incentives 1. Landowners who are able to pump their ponds themselves would be able to negotiate a contract with the DOW. The contract amount would depend on the price per acre foot of water that would be evacuated. Two pumping projects were completed in 1996-97 employing commercial contractors at a cost of approximately $100 to $250 per acre foot. 2. Other landowners may have no ability to pump water from their ponds. In this case, the DOW would contract with businesses who would pump the ponds dry. 3. DOW would accept any liability associated with application of registered chemicals on private or public lands during the treatment process. The only people who would apply chemicals are those who are certified by the Department of Agriculture. DOW would pay for all chemicals used including those needed to detoxify piscicides. . 4. If pond improvements could be made while the ponds are dry, DOW would offer to pay to have this work done. Other improvements could be done through the Partners for Wildlife Program.