Laserfiche WebLink
<br />o <br />L'* <br />00 <br />""'i <br />(-J <br />C' <br /> <br />Other shorter-term studies were also conducted during the 7-year research period. The NMGF started <br />a study of the tailwater trout fishery below Navajo Dam in 1991 that continued for 4 years. The study area <br />was the first 15 miles below Navajo Dam. Although not a study of native fishes, this study was funded <br />because of concerns that reoperation of Navajo Dam may impact the blue-ribbon trout fishery that existed <br />below the dam. This study, which included trout population and movement studies and water quality and <br />angler surveys, addressed Objective 3. <br /> <br />In 1990, the Bureau initiated a mapping study of backwaters and other low-velocity habitats using airborne <br />videography. It was the only physical study that was conducted during 1991. This study continued tU1til <br />1993, when it was discontinued as more-detailed habitat studies using other methods were initiated. <br /> <br />In 1992, as the studies of the 7 -year research period were integrated into the SJRIP, another core study <br />was initiated. The BIA, through Keller-Bliesner Engineering, initiated a study that included all of the <br />physical and hydrologic efforts necessary to meet Objective 2. These studies were conducted throughout <br />the study area and provided basic information on flow and water temperature, as well as a physical habitat <br />mapping component that was adopted by most of the other studies. Another major task of these studies <br />was determining geomorphic reaches in the San Juan River with similar habitat features. They were also <br />adopted by the other studies for reporting data. These reaches are shown on Figure 2.1. In 1992, the <br />BIA and Bureau initiated another study to meet part of Objective 2 that involved developing a river <br />operation simulation model that became an important part of future flow recommendations. This study was <br />also continued through the 7-year research period. <br /> <br />Another study that started in 1992 and continued through the 7 -year research period concerned fish health. <br />During sampling in 1991 and early 1992, biologists noted that many native suckers had lesions and sores. <br />Consequentially, a fish health expert was added to adult monitoring trips in October 1992. This study was <br />the first example of adaptive management within the SJRIP: a need was identified and the research element <br />was quickly added to address that need. This study met part of Objective 2. <br /> <br />Also initiated in 1992 was a study that investigated the fish fauna of the various permanent tributaries to the <br />San Juan River. Conducted by Miller Ecological Consultants for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the study <br />lasted for 2 years and addressed Objective 1. It included both field sampling and summarizing other <br />agencies' fish collections from 1994 through 1998. <br /> <br />Three studies were started in 1993. The NMGF examined fish population dynamics in several <br />permanent, secondary channel sites. This study addressed Objectives I and 3 and was conducted <br />for 2 years. Miller Ecological Consultants initiated more-intensive monitoring of Colorado pikeminnow <br />that were radio-tagged by the USFWS during its adult monitoring study. This study addressed <br />Objective 4, and fish were followed during spawning in order to locate spawning areas and define <br />habitat used during that period. This study was also conducted in 1994, when winter habitat use <br />was also investigated. The study was reinitiated in 1998 to monitor stocked radio- <br /> <br />September 2000 <br /> <br />2-9 <br /> <br />Program Evaluation Report <br />