Laserfiche WebLink
<br />0005D2 <br /> <br />In 2002, after learning of Nonnative Fish Management Workshop attendees's concerns, the I&E <br />Coordinator prepared a news release and question/answer fact sheet with assistance from the <br />FWS and CD OW. The Recovery Program asked the Yampa River Basin Partnership to release <br />this information to demonstrate community support for this work. The Partnership agreed and <br />the information was disseminated a few days before work commenced. The following week, <br />CDOW hosted an angler's roundtable that was well attended. One fishing guide expressed <br />opposition to the project. <br /> <br />Work crews were given fact sheets to distribute if questions arose while they conducted their <br />work. Both Denver daily newspapers and the Craig Daily Press ran stories. This time, the <br />Craig Daily Press ran the news release almost verbatim. In May 2002, (when this <br />communications plan was first drafted), efforts had only been under way a few weeks, but <br />biologists reported a more positive public response. This may be a result of a more coordinated <br />approach to communication. More likely, it was because the local community took a leadership <br />role to promote and support the work. <br /> <br />By the end of the field season, CDOW reported a positive public response to relocation of <br />northern pike to Yampa State Wildlife Area ponds. Private property precludes land access to <br />many reaches of the river. Anglers who could not afford to hire commercial guides to take them <br />float-fishing for this species in the Yampa River said they appreciated the opportunity to fish in <br />the ponds, which are accessible to all. <br /> <br />Expanding to Other Rivers <br /> <br />Starting in spring of2003, the Recovery Program will expand nonnative fish management efforts <br />to include additional rivers and additional fish species. Fish screen installation will also occur at <br />identified ponds and irrigation canals. Specific scopes of work are still under review, however, <br />preliminary plans are as follows: <br /> <br />Colorado <br /> <br />Yampa River - continue to remove northern pike, add removal of smallmouth bass and channel <br />catfish. Expand removal to additional locations ofthe river. <br /> <br />Colorado River near Grand Junction - new project to focus on removal of chatmel catfish. <br />Any northern pike found will also be removed. CDOW will need landowner permission tei access <br />ponds and irrigation ditches to evaluate the need for, and to install, fish screens. <br /> <br />PIP 127- Normative Fish -- 4 <br />