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, - , - - -- -- --- -- FEB-15-'~1 FRI ~() 1 6 :--.5--" ~----~----------------- . . 3 The States' alternative was acceptable in the following areas: 1. It identifies the need for conducting long-term research and monitoring of the fish commun'ity of the San Juan River. 2. It calls for the development of a Recovery Implementation Program with emphasis on the protection and recovery of the endangered fish. 3. It identifies impacts that have occurred to the San Juan River and where efforts should be undertaken to improve conditions that would directly benefit the native fish species. Reclamation's Reasonable and Prudent Alternative The following elements of Reclamation's alternative are based on the conclusions of the Biology Team includ'ing the development of an alternative which was supported by each of the team members (Enclosure 1 includes letters of support). The basis of this alternative centers on three critical bases or assumptions developed by the species experts serving on the Team: 1. "The San Juan River population of Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker, while representing a reproducing population, are in danger~D becoming extirpated. However, with appropriate management, the status of the populations might be enhanced," 2. "The present (flow) conditions of the San Juan River have been significantly altered or impacted by the operation of Navajo Dam and other man-caus~d impacts along the river," and 3. "There is an urgent need to collectjn:depth biolQ.g;cal.__----Ci) physical and chemical information on(the fish)and their habitats and to assess the application of all information." 4. Based on the above assumptions, the proposed reasonable and prudent alternative is offered for your consideration. The alternative contains five elements. One recommendation is also provided for your consideration. Reclamation believes the alternative is biologically supportable only if all of the elements are implemented and commitments are made in support of the recommendation. /' '7\ ,./ Ir ,.,-1. ) E 1 entents ,;::::::x~~__________---/~ 1. After reviewing curr~-hydrologic conditions and how Reclamation bID could operate Navajo~)Xrmimic the natural hydrograph, it was determined that a depletion 0~,57 ,100 AF was acceptable for the ALP. This depleti is that portion of the~P available from the construction of Ridges Basin Dam and Reservoir, Durango Pumping Plant, and inlet pipeline. 2. Seven years of research effort on the San Juan and its tributaries would be funded with emphasis on observing a biological response in the fish population and habitat conditions. Funding of the 7-year research efforts will be assumed by Reclamation. However, if in the future other funding ["