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can be anticipated by loss of habitat as a result of the proposed action due to elevation of test flows before the nesting season that might inundate historic nest trees up to 1.5 m from ground level and degrade nesting territories. The incidental take is expected to be in the form of harm through loss of vegetative understory that provides cover and forage species habitat for both adults and young. If, during the course of the action, the amount or extent of the incidental take anticipated is exceeded, Reclamation must reinitiate consultation with the Service immediately to avoid violation of section 9. Operations must be stopped in the interim period between the initiation and completion of the new consultation if it is determined that the impact of the additional taking will cause an irreversible and adverse impact on the species, as required by SO CFR 402. 14(i). An explanation of the causes of the taking should be provided to the Service. EFFECT OF THE TAKE In the accompanying biological opinion, the Service determined that this level of anticipated take is not likely to result in jeopardy to the species or destrUction or adverse modification of critical habitat. REASONABLE AND PRUDENT MEASURES The Service believes the following reasonable and prudent measures are necessary and appropriate to minimize take: 1. Conduct test flow to avoid adverse interactions with territorial southwestern willow flycatchers by concluding the maximum flow portion (1275 cms) of the test flow no later than April 15, and preferably before April 1. 2. To verify the stage-discharge relationships and flow models used to predict elevation and flow at nest sites and to monitor level of incidental take, quantify flow depth and velocity at each of above four territories. 3. To assess how flow regimes affect understory structure, conduct on-site visits of the four historic territories detailed in the draft Supplemental Report (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 1996a) visiting sites during the post-breeding season (late summer 1996). . Measure habitat characteristics important to southwestern willow flycatcher such as vertical strUcture, foliage height diversity, distribution of flood deposited debris, and habitat patch size and configuration. Evaluate these habitat characteristics as they relate to flood flow levels and the monitoring completed in the above reasonable and prudent measure 2. Compare with an aerial canopy evaluation to determine if habitat characteristics important to the southwestern willow flycatcher can be measured from aerial photographs or video media. Biological and Conference Opinions Glen Canyon BcachlHabitat-Building Flows 2116196 30