WSP01478

• File Number: 8240.200.40.H
• Description: Yampa
• State: CO
• Basin: Yampa/White
• Water Division: 6
• Date: 12/13/1995
• Title: Instream Flow Filings for Endangered Fish in the Yampa - Special Meeting
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Board Memo

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Colorado \Vater Conservation Board
Department of Natural Resources

STATE OF COLORADO

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721 State r;ntPnnl:::l1 Building
1313 Shennan Street
Denver. Colorado 80203
Phone [phone]
FAJe [phone]

Roy Romer
Govemor

James S. Lochhead
&ecmive Di=tor. DNR
Daries C. Lile, P.E.
Director. CWCB

MEMORANDUM

To:

Colorado Water Conservation Board Members

Peter Evans t~~-L
E. r. Jencsok I----
December 5, 1995

From:

Date:

Re:

Agenda Item lc, December 13, 1995, Special Board Meeting
Endanl!;ered Fish Instream Flow Water Ril!;hts, "15 Mile Reach," Colo. River

INTRODUCTION
Importance of the Colorado River: The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has
identified the "15 Mile Reach" of the Colorado River (between Palisade and Grand Junction) as
one of the highest priority sites for flow protection. The 15 Mile Reach is viewed by the Service
as critical in recovering Colorado River populations of the Colorado squawfish and razorback
sucker. Both species are endemic to the Colorado River and were once widespread and
abundant. A small remnant population of razorback suckers persisted in the Grand Valley area
until the mid-1980's, but only a few individuals have been observed in recent years. The
Colorado squawfish continues to persist, but its distribution and abundance have declined to the
point that the prospect for its long-term survival is considered uncertain.
In accordance with the state's 1988 commitment to participate in the Recovery Program
for Endangered Fishes of the Upper Colorado River Basin (Recovery Program) and state statutes,
the Service is responsible for conducting instream flow quantification studies and recommending
instream flows to the Board for review, approval and implementation; the Board is responsible
for the appropriation, acquisition and protection of instream flow water rights in Colorado.
The Service has prepared the following flow recommendation reports to substantiate the
endangered fish waterlhabitat requirements for the 15 Mile Reach of the Colorado River:
. "Biologically Defensible Flow Recommendations for the Maintenance and
Enhancement of Colorado Squawfish Habitat in the 'IS-Mile Reach' of the Upper
Colorado River During July, August and September" - May 1989
. "Recommendations for Flows in the IS-Mile Reach During October-June for
Maintenance and Enhancement of Endangered Fish Populations in the Upper
Colorado River" - April 1991