WSPC05696

• File Number: 8240.300.31.A
• Description: Colorado River Threatened-Endangered Species - Recovery Program - San Juan - Project Description
• State: CO
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 2/1/1995
• Author: Unknown
• Title: San Juan River Basin - Recovery Implementation Program - Long Range Plans - February 1995
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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4.2. IDENTIFY, PROTECT, AND RESTORE HABITATS.

In order to determine full recovery potential of endangered fish species,
qualification and quantification of the historic and present river channel conditions
are necessary. Data on historic San Juan River channel conditions are available in
varying and limited forms; however, sufficient data exist to allow limited
comparisons with current channel conditions and dynamics. Initial tasks within
this objective are to identify historic and current river channel conditions. This
includes identification of geomorphically distinct river reaches and detailed habitat
mapping of these reaches. Included within this characterization is a determination
of overall changes from historic to current conditions. Research activities are
designed to evaluate physical habitat changes, both qualitatively and
quantitatively, as a response to different flow regimes. Activities are designed to
address both unregulated flows and those that can be provided by releases from
Navajo Dam. Modelling of flow and habitat relationships will be conducted to
allow for a definition of expected river channel conditions that are likely to occur as
a result of different flow regimes. Habitat use patterns by all life stages of
endangered, other native, and non-native fish species will be determined and
monitored to evaluate responses to different flow regimes. These data will be
incorporated into flow recommendations. Results of native fish community habitat
studies will be incorporated into management recommendations for the removal or
modification of instream structures that impede native fish movements or limit
range and creation or enhancement of required but unavailable or limited habitats.
To identify and provide for flow regimes necessary to recover the endangered fish
species and benefit the native fish community, an evaluation of the quality,
quantity, and sources of water is required. While Navajo Reservoir has been
identified as the primary origin, other sources, particularly the Animas River, will be
investigated. Analyses of stream channel conditions provided by both reservoir-
controlled flows and those occurring via inflow from tributary streams will be
conducted. Included within the provision of flows necessary to recover the
endangered fish species and manage the native fish community is the necessity to
protect these flows. Means of protection will be attained through Tribal, State,
and Federal regulatory actions.

4.3. IDENTIFY AND MANAGE THE NATIVE FISH COMMUNITY OF THE
SAN JUAN RIVER BASIN TO RESTORE THE ENDANGERED FISH
SPECIES

Protection and long-term management of the native fish conimunity is best
. accomplished through an approach that emphasizes an evaluation of historic and
current community structure dynamics. Specifically, identification of the spatial
and temporal distribution and abundance patterns of the native fish species relative
to man-caused alterations of the San Juan River is the focus of this objective. In
concert with research activities on physical environmental changes, fish
community data will provide necessary guidance for selection and implementation

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