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o o C..., i-'- ,~ ,,) o The ultimate goal of this research is to characterize those factors which limit native fish populations in the San Juan River and to provide management options to conserve and restore the endangered fish community. This research will be conducted as part of the San Juan Recovery Implementation Program. 2. Reclamation will operate the Navajo Dam for the 7-year research period so that releases mimic a natural hydrograph. Test flows will provide a wide range of flow conditions including high flows similar to 1987, which are hypothesized to benefit reproduction and recruitment in the endangered fish community. Release schedules will be based on a) research studies, b) the available water supply after meeting baseline depletions, c) limitations on the outlet works facilities at Navajo Dam, and d) safe routing of flows through the Upper Colorado River Basin. 3. At the end of the 7-year research period, the Navajo Dam would be operated to mimic a natural hydrograph for the life of the Animas- La Plata Project, based on the results of the research. 4. There shall be a binding agreement that the reservoir releases (for both the study period and for the life of the Project) are legally protected to and through the endangered fish habitat to Lake Powell. 3.2.3.2 Other Sources It is anticipated that at the end of the initial 7-year research period instream flow needs and the Navajo Reservoir water available for flow needs will be quantified. When this occurs, releases from Navajo Reservoir available to mimic natural hydrograph will exceed, be equal to, or less than the amount of water needed for instream flows. In the event that releases from Navajo reservoir do not meet the instream flow needs of the fish, or additional depletions result in additional water being needed for in5tream flows, or additional uses of Navajo Reservoir reduce the quantity of release 14