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<br />00278~ <br /> <br />developed to tabulate the rating criteria, rating points, and the evaluation scores for each of the sites. <br />Of the higher ranking sites, three were in the Colorado River Basin (Silver Springs Trout Farm in <br />Montrose, Colorado, Rainbow Springs Trout Ranch in Durango, Colorado, and the City of Craig <br />Municipal Facility), and two sites were in the San Luis Valley (Crystal Properties near Hooper, <br />Colorado, and the Cline Trout Farm in Monte Vista, Colorado). Five alternative sites were selected <br />as a precautionary measure in the event that water rights or other unknown factors precluded a site <br />from further investigations. (Uppendahl et at 1996) <br /> <br />In June 1993, a subcommittee of the Recovery Program's Management Committee met to discuss <br />the hatchery site submittals. The subcommittee decided not to select a site, as the Recovery Program <br />was not prepared to obligate resources to build such a facility at that time. The Committee suggested <br />that the states individually determine their specific needs for a facility, not only for recovery of the <br />four endangered fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin, but for population enhancement of other <br />native aquatic species currently in decline. A flexibly designed facility could provide augmentation <br />and research capabilities directed towards protecting these species, and keeping them from becoming <br />federally listed. (Uppendahl et at 1996) <br /> <br />Following this decision, the CWCB and Colorado Division of Wildlife staffs developed the September <br />1993 Joint Resolution presenting the State's position on the need for a native aquatic species <br />hatchery. The Resolution directed the CWCB to work in conjunction with the Division of Wildlife <br />and the US. Fish and Wildlife Service staffs in further coordinating the development of such a facility. <br />(Uppendahl et at 1996) <br /> <br />In adhering with the directives of the September 1993 Joint Resolution, efforts have continued <br />towards finding a suitable location for an native aquatic species hatchery. There is a significant <br />interest from water users, the environmental community, and sportsmen in Colorado to build a native <br />aquatic facility for propagation and augmentation purposes. A second Joint Resolution, dated <br />November 1, 1996 was prepared by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The November 1996 Joint <br />Resolution identifies the purpose of such a facility and includes a cost-sharing provision/joint funding <br />request which will be prepared for the Colorado General Assembly. <br /> <br />Negotiations are continuing with the landowner concerning the appraisal of the property located at <br />the preferred site in the San Luis Valley. It is anticipated that, upon acceptance of a fair appraisal for <br />the property, the design and construction ofa Native Species Aquatic Facility will commence (Nesler <br />1996). <br /> <br />5.3 Propagation Facilities Development <br /> <br />New Recovery Program hatchery and refugia facilities are concentrated at three separate hatchery <br />locations: Ouray Endangered Fish Culture Experiment Station in Utah; Horsethief State Wildlife Area <br />and Grand Valley Endangered Fish Facility near Grand Junction, Colorado; and Wahweap State Fish <br />Hatchery in Utah. Consideration was also given to development of a former municipal facility with <br />the City of Craig, Colorado. The propagation facilities at each of the these sites and the planned <br />development of additional propagation facilities are described below. <br /> <br />24 <br />