WSP00892

• File Number: 8240.300.03
• Description: San Juan River - Recovery Implementation Program - General Info
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Water Division: 7
• Date: 2/4/1992
• Title: San Juan River Seven Year Research Plan ‎(Fiscal Year 1992)‎
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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occur and may reproduce (Platania 1990). In addition, state listed
species of concern such as roundtail chub still occur (reproduction
documented, but no adults captured). The study also documented a
fairly intact native fish community with all of its historic
elements except for the bony tail chub. The non-native fish
community in the river consisted of several species that are
relatively widespread and common. Relative abundance and
composition of the non-native species, however, was different than
that reported for other upper basin Colorado River basin streams.
The most noteworthy and significant differences may be the paucity
of centrarchids and absence of northern pike (Esox lucius) and
walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) .

PURPOSE AND NEED. Animas La Plata is a proposed water
development project which could ultimately deplete up to 154,000
acre feet of water from the Animas and La Plata Rivers. Concerns
have been raised that diversion of water from the Animas River
.could potentially impact endangered fish species in the San Juan
River. A 1979 biological opinion for the Animas - La Plata project
concluded that the project would not impact the endangered Colorado
squawfish in the San Juan due to the apparent small size of the
population in the San Juan river. Subsequently the importance of
the San Juan River basin was re-evaluated based on new evidence.
The revised biological opinion for the project resulted in a
jeopardy finding for the Colorado squawfish which is a listed
endangered species and the razorback sucker which is proposed for
listing. The revised biological opinion, however, also contained
a reasonable and prudent alternative for the project. Elements of
the Reasonable and Prudent Alternative applicable to the research
program include:

1. A commitment by Reclamation to fund approximately seven
years of research on the San Juan River and its
tributaries in conjunction with research on the impact of
flows from Navajo Dam. Research emphasis will be
directed towards Observing a biological response in the
endangered fish population and habitat conditions as a
result of altered flows. This research would be
conducted by knowledgeable endangered species and habitat
experts and would allow for testing of hypotheses. The
ultimate goal of the research would be to characterize
those factors which limit native fish populations in the
San Juan River and to provide management options to
conserve and restore the endangered fish community;
Approval of the study design would rest jointly with the
Service and Reclamation. .

2.

Reclamation will operate the Navajo Dam for the seven
year research period under guidelines developed by the
research program. Test flows will be provided to re-
create a wide range of flow conditions including high

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