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<br />AC <br /> <br />endangered fishes. One such strategy proposed is to reconnect <br />former side channels, allow modified flow through the open water <br />wetland with a sloped bottom, install water control structures and <br />fish traps or fish screens. This strategy is thought to be <br />appropriate for the tertiary side channel at the Golf-Course West <br />site. <br /> <br />V. Study Area <br /> <br />Colorado River downstream from Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado, <br />River Mile 159.7-159.9. <br /> <br />VI. Study Methods/Approach <br /> <br />This pilot project will consist of two phases. Phase I will be be the <br />evaluation of contaminant impacts on razorback sucker utilizing restored <br />flooded bottomlands in the Upper Colorado River Basin (see Attachment). <br /> <br />Phase II will consist of a sequence of steps as follows: <br /> <br />1. ToooQraohv of Site. One-foot contour mapping of the site will be <br />conducted to determine if the site is suitable for the proposed <br />action. The proposed action will include mechanical excavation of the <br />upstream end of the tertiary channel, widening and deepening of the <br />channel downstream to the confluence of the secondary and tertiary <br />channel. Contour mapping will also aid in determining if this site is <br />feasible for containing and maintaining larval and adult razorback <br />sucker for up to one year to conduct contaminant related studies. <br />This work will be conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation, Survey <br />Section of the Field Engineering Branch" Grand Junction Project's <br />Offi ce. <br /> <br />,2. Conceotual Plan. A conceptual plan ~ill be developed identifying 'the <br />proposed actioo, study objectives, and end products as it relates tQ <br />1) accomplishing the directives identified by the Technical Advisory, <br />Group (11/10/94) for determining some of the potential factors <br />limiting razorback sucker recruitment, and 2) providing off-channel <br />habitats in the flood plain in assisting in the recovery of razorback <br />sucker. The plan will include razorback sucker stocking protocol. <br /> <br />3. BioloQical Inventorv/HvdroloQical Monitorinq. A fishery inventory of <br />the site will be conducted to describe the present fish community, <br />prior to- and following any proposed action. Species composition and <br />relative abundance data will be obtained. Water levels and the area <br />inundated will be monitored with staff gages and aerial photos; short- <br />and long-term changes in the flood plain will be monitored in addition <br />to the adjoining channel geomorphology. <br /> <br />4. NEPA Comoliance. An umbrella programmatic document will be developed <br />for the Flooded Bottomlands Habitat Program. As individual sites are <br /> <br />3 <br />