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3 A wintering population of approximately 20 bald eagles and the presence of an active nest site along the Animas River led to the 1979 conclusion that reductions in streamflow would neither significantly affect the food base of the Animas River nor deter eagle use of the area. While a historical aerie for peregrine falcons exists within the Project area, it has been unoccupied since 1963, and there was no evidence of breeding activity or sightings in or around the immediate Project area. In addition, the Colorado Division of Wildlife determined that the surrounding hunting habitat is of marginal quality (Jerry Craig, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Personal Communication). The 1979 biological opinion found the Project was unlikely to jeopardize the continued existence of any of the three species identified above; however, several recommendations were made regarding Colorado squawfish and bald eagles in furtherance of their conservation. It was recommended that a Bald Eagle Management Plan be developed for Project reservoirs. For Colorado squawfish, it was recommended that: 1. native fish populations of the San Juan River be thoroughly surveyed, 2. environmental needs of Colorado squawfish be determined, 3. an attempt be made to meet the above needs by adjusting projects on the San Juan River drainage, and 4. provide and fund artificial facilities in which to spawn and rear Colorado squawfish until such time that suitable habitats in the San Juan River can be developed and maintained. Fishery surveys of the San Juan River since 1979 (Platania 1990) have documented the presence of adult Colorado squawfish and evidence of reproduction. In addition, wintering bald eagle populations along the Animas, La Plata, Mancos, and San Juan Rivers have increased substantially and communal winter roost sites (essential habitat), as defined in the Bald Eagle Recovery Plan, may exist in the area affected by the Project. Three nest sites are known in the general area, two of which are active. It is anticipated that newly created Project reservoirs will attract wintering eagles, possibly encouraging the establishment of another nest site. Water quality in the Animas, La Plata, Mancos, and San Juan Rivers drainages has become a significant CDncern. Potential hydrocarbon, heavy metal, and/or selenium contamination and subsequent bioaccumulation in the food chain could become a problem for the predatory Colorado squawfish and bald eagle. ~ . , c., BIOLOGICAL OPINION Based upon the best scientific and commercial information currently available, it is the Service's biological opinion that the Project, as described below, is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the Colorado squawfish by appreciably reducing the likelihood of both the survival and recovery of the species in the wild by further reducing its numbers, reproduction, and distribution.