WSP00537

• File Number: 8220.112.K
• Description: Dallas Creek Participating Project
• State: CO
• Basin: Gunnison
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 11/16/1979
• Author: USDOI - USFWS
• Title: Biological Opinion for Dallas Creek Project-Colorado
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Biological Opinion

tOV 19 79

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United States Department of the
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Interior

"E"~" "EPliN TO;
'/SE!BR-Dallas Creek
oject (6-5-SQ-F-39)

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NOV 1 6 1979

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MEMORANDllM

To:

Regional Director, Upper Colorado Region
Water' and Power Resources Service, Salt Lake City ~~,~
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From: Acting Regional Director, Region 6
0.'5. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado

In response'to your November 2, 1979, request for formal consultation on . '-~
the Dallas Creek Project, this biological opinion has been prepared as '.n> :',.
prescribed in the Interagency Cooperation Regulations published in the
January 4, 1978, Federal Re~ister and the Endangered Species Act.

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Subject: Biological Opinion for Dallas Creek Project, Colorado

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BIOLOGICAL OPINION

It is our biological opinion that the proposed Dallas Creek Project is
not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the bald eagle
(Baliaeetus leucocephalus), American peregrine falcon (Falco pere~inus
anatum), black-footed ferret (Mustela ni~ripes), and Hedgehog cactus
(Echinocerceus tri~lochidiatus var. inermis). However, the proposed
project will likely jeopardize the continued existence of the endangered
Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius) and the endangered humpback
chub (Gila cypha).

BASIS FOR OPINION-JEOPARDIZED SPECIES

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Colorado Squawfisb and Humpback Chub

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The primary area of concern in this opinion is the lower Gunnison River
and the Colorado River between its confluences with the Gunnison and the
Dolores Rivers.

The Colorado squawfish and humpback chub were once abundant throughout
the Colorado River system from the Gulf of California to southwestern
Wyoming. Presently, both species are found only in limited areas of
Colorado; Utah, and Arizona. The primary cause for their decline is

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