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I I I I I I 2001 RESERVOIR OPERATIONS Minimum instream flow levels and annual operating strategies have been established at several locations in the Upper Basin which are intended to protect the aquatic resources dOI).'!1stream of specific darns. The regulation of the Colorado River has had both positive and negative effects on aquatic resources. Controlled cool water releases from dams have provided for increased productivity of some aquatic resources and the development of significant introduced sport fisheries. However, the same releases may be deemed detrimental to endangered and other native species of fishes. I I I I I Consultations with the Fish and Wildlife Service in compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (Section 7 consultations) on the operation of the Aspinall Unit on the Gunnison River, Navajo Dam on the San Juan River, Flaming Gorge on the Green River, and Glen Canyon Dam will continue in 200 I. Studies associated with these consultations \0\;11 be used to better understand the flow related needs of endangered and other native species offish. Modifications to planned operations may be made based on changes in forecast conditions. However, due to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin, Section 7 consultations, and other downstream concerns, modification to the monthly operation plans may be based on other factors in addition to changes in streamflow forecasts. Decisions on spring peak releases and downstream habitat target flows may be made midway through the runotT season. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service will initiate meetings with interested parties, including representatives of the Basin States, to facilitate the decisions necessary to finalize site-specific operations plans. I I Reclamation completed Section 7 consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service in April 1997 on current and projected discretionary routine lower Colorado River operations and maintenance activities for a period of up to 5 years. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service have also fonned a partnership with other federal, slate, and private agencies to develop the Lower Colorado River ~1ulti-Species Conservation Program. This program permits both nonfederal and federal parties to participate under Sections 7 and 10 of the Endangered Species Act. I I I The following paragraphs discuss the operation of each of the reservoirs with respect to compact, decree, and statutory water delivery obligations; and in stream flow needs for maintaining or improving aquatic resources, where appropriate. Fontenelle Resen.'oir I I I Precipitation and ensuing runoff in the Upper Green River Basin during water year 2000 was below average. The April through July runotTinto Fontenelle during water year 2000 was 616 MCM (0.50 MAF), or 59 percent of norma!. Inflow peaked at 154 ems (5,440 cfs) on May 27, 2000. Releases in excess of powerplam capacity were not required from Fontenelle Reservoir in 2000. Maximum releases in 2000 were powerplant capacity releases of approximately 45 ems November 16, 2000 7