WSP02208 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The FY J 996 work plan continues studies of Gunnison River fish populations and endangered fish flow needs. The biological opinion for the Aspinall unit is to be completed in 1997. Action: Date: Grand Junction, Colo., office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to complete research and data collection for biological opinion on operation of the Aspinall Unit, which includes Blue Mesa, Morrow Point and Crystal dams. Sept. 30, 1996. Action: Date: Biological opinion on operation of the Aspinall Unit to be completed. Sept. 30, J 997. Questions? Please call George Smith at (303) 236-5322. Grand Valley water management The I 5-rnile reach of the Colorado River upstream of the confluence of the Gunnison River is an important area for recovery efforts. In recent years, biologists have captured twice as many Colorado squawfish in the 15-mile reach as anywhere else in the main stem Colorado River. Also, 10 or more years ago, razorback suckers were found in spawning condition in this stretch of river. Major agricultural water diversions have decreased in-stream flows significantly during late sum- mer and early fall. The Grand Valley Project consists of a roller dam on the Colorado River near Cameo, Colo., and more than 55 miles of canal and pipelines that deliver irrigation water for the Grand Valley. The Bureau of Reclamation is working to determine how the Grand Valley Project could be operated to increase flows in the 1 5-mile reach of the Colorado River near Grand Junction for endangered fish. A diverse group of water interests is participating in a Grand Valley water management study to explore the technical, legal and policy issues associated with modified operation and to identi- fy canal improvements that will increase system efficiency. For the past three years the Recovery Program has contracted for the operation of a water gauge at the lower end of the IS-mile reach. The gauge determines the amount of Grand Valley irriga- tion water that eventually returns to the I 5-mile reach. The report summarizing flows in the 15- mile reach can be obtained from George Smith. The Bureau of Reclamation has developed a computer model of the Grand Valley Project's canal system that identifies where gates or "check structures" can be installed to improve canal effi- ciency and reduce demands for future water diversions. A fair amount of work on this project has been completed, and Reclamation has been working with water users on how automation could help their systems operate more efficiently. Reclamation also has identified other issues that water users want to solve as part of the project. The water management work group, which includes the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Reclamation, water users and interested citizens, has iden- tified enough potential benefit that the project should move quickly into the design and permit- ting stage. 8