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o ," .~-:) ,..\C,'':' efforts but have broad knowledge of the Upper Colorado River Basin and the '" problems encountered by the endangered fishes. The independent biologists ~- prepared a report (Appendix A) on the biological merits of the proposed ~ conditions. The following statements provide a concise summary of their report: o Ideally, stocking of nonnative fish species in the 50-year floodplain that are potential predators on, or competitors with, the endangered Colorado River fishes would be prohibited, o Realistically, social and political pressures place demands for multiple use of the Upper Colorado River Basin so that efforts to recover the endangered fishes must be balanced with providing diverse sport fishing opportunities to the public in the Upper Colorado River Basin. o If the proposed conditions can be implemented in their entirety in management of nonnative fish species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, the overall effect should be positive for the endangered fishes by reducing adverse impacts of nonnative fishes from predation and competition. o The stocking of razorback suckers, bony tail, humpback chub, and Colorado squawfish in ponds within the 50-year floodplain should also be considered for grow-out and stocking in the upper basin. o If the conditions are partially implemented, underfunded, or permission is not secured to rennovate the majority of private ponds, the effort will only provide marginal benefits to the endangered fishes. The Review Team reviewed the report by the independent biologists, incorporated their recommendations into the present draft Procedures dated June 7, ]995, and prepared this report to provide the background and basis for the Procedures. The proposed conditions to stock nonnative, nonsalmonid fish species in the upper basin were modified to apply to the Colorado River from Rifle downstream to the Utah State Line and the Gunnison River from Delta downstream to the confluence of the Colorado River. All other proposed stocking in the 50-year floodplain will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROCEDURES During the past 18 months a number of opportunities have been provided to the public for comment on this subject. The Interim Procedures and a cover memorandum dated April ]], 1994 were provided to over 300 persons, including participants on the Recovery Program's Biology, Management, and Implementation Commi ttees , The Interim Procedures were also included with Lake Management Plans that were mailed to about 300 additional persons in September, ]994 by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. A 30-day review period was provided for review and comment to the Division. 4