WSP01579

• File Number: 8240.200.10.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Annual Report
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 12/22/1997
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: 1997 Annual Reports Package Part 2
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

COLORADO RIVER RECOVERY PROGRAM
FY 97 ANNUAL PROJECT REPORT

RECOVERY PROGRAM
PROJECT NUMBER: 2.i

I. Project Title: Upper Colorado River Flow Recommendations

II. Principal Investigator(s):

Frank K. Pfeifer, Project Leader (FWS, Grand Junction)
David Irving, Fishery Biologist (FWS, Vernal)
Richard M. Anderson, Fishery Biologist (CDOW, Grand Junction)
U.s. Fish and wildlife Service
764 Horizon Drive, South Annex A
Grand Junction, Colorado 81506
[phone]: Fax [phone]

III. Project Summary:

The Colorado River above the Government Highline diversion is
historic habitat for Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker.
However, both species have been extirpated from this reach and
recolonizing the reach is prevented by impassable barriers at the
Price-Stubb and Government Highline Dams. The Recovery Program
proposes to repopulate this reach by constructing fish-passage
facilities at both structures. Stocking of one or both species is
also being considered as a future management option for this river
reach. These activities will ultimately increase occupied habitat
for the endangered fishes by about 50 miles.

A high priority of the Recovery Program has been legal protection of
instream flows to benefit the endangered fishes. The Recovery
Program Action Plan specifies that flow recommendations be made for
this upper portion of the Colorado River by early 1997.

IV.

Study Schedule:

1996 - 1997.

V.

Relationship to
LA.l.a. and b.
recovery, Rifle

RIPRAP: Colorado River Action Plan: Mainstem
Initially identify year-round flows needed for
to Roller Dam and Roller Dam to IS-Mile Reach.

VI. Accomplishment of FY 97 Tasks and Deliverables, Discussion of Initial
Findings and Shortcomings:

The study approach focused on three components: 1) determine the
structure of the existing fish community and identify any
relationships between the fish population and flow conditions over a
three-year period; 2) obtain a description of channel morphology
using cross sectional data and use this data to assist in identifying
minimum flow recommendations; and 3) obtain aerial videography of the
study section at low, medium and high flows and use them to establish
relationships between flow and availability of flooded bottomland and
backwater habitats.

A draft report summarizing existing flow information and fish
community information (components 1 and 2) was prepared in early 1997

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