WSP02208

• File Number: 8240.200.10.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Program Summaries/Status Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 8/1/1995
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: Status Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently issued draft flow recommendations for the Yampa
River during non-runoff months. The recommendations update those developed in 1990 and are
based upon new hydrology information. The Colorado Water Conservation Board has begun a
public review process of the flow recommendations in order to file for an in-stream flow appro-
priation by the end of 1995.

The Colorado River Water Conservation District has held several meetings in Craig, Colo., with
interested water users and agencies to help develop a Yampa River operation and management
plan. The Water District also has developed a draft of the plan, which was discussed at the meet-
ing in Craig and is scheduled for completion in 1995. Funding for the plan has not been finalized,
but $1.5 million has been tentatively set aside in the FY 1996 Recovery Program budget.

Action:

Colorado Water Conservation Board to submit preliminary notice on Yampa
River in-stream flow appropriation for endangered fish.
Oct. I I, 1995. (Meeting time and location to be determined at next meeting of
the Colorado Water Conservation Board.)

Date:

Date:

Colorado Water Conservation Board to submit final notice on Yampa River in-
stream flow appropriation for endangered fish.
Dec. I, 1995. (Meeting time and location to be determined at next meeting of
the Colorado Water Conservation Board.)

Action:

Action:

Colorado Water Conservation Board to file with water court for Yampa River
in-stream flow appropriation for endangered fish.
By Dec. 31,1995.

Date:

Questions?

Please call George Smith at [phone].

Gunnison River basin water issues

In the early 1980s the Aspinall Unit, which includes Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal dams,
received ajeopardy biological opinion under the Endangered Species Act for its impacts on native
fish in the Gunnison River. To correct this situation, in 1992 federal and state biologists began a
five-year research study to evaluate effects of the Aspinall Unit on endangered fish and their habi-
tat. The Bureau of Reclamation and Western Area Power Administration are providing "test"
flows during this period to benefit endangered fish.

Also, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation and Colorado Water
Conservation Board recently completed negotiations on protecting Gunnison River flows of 300
cubic feet per second in the river reach below Redlands Diversion Dam. These flows are also
needed for proper operation of a planned fish ladder that would allow endangered fish to swim
around the dam. Long-term protection of these flows will be addressed after the Service issues a
biological opinion on operations of the Aspinall Unit in 1997.

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