WSP04626

• File Number: 8240.300.10
• Description: San Juan Recovery Implementation Program
• Basin: San Juan/Dolores
• Date: 2/1/1995
• Author: SJRIP
• Title: San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program - Long Range Plans
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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3.0. GOALS

The major focus of the LRP is recovery of the endangered fish species. The goals
as presented below form the genereal structure of the community approach of
which the endangered species are a part.

3.1. MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE NATIVE FISH
COMMUNITY OF THE SAN JUAN RIVER.

The native fish community of the San Juan River basin was composed of at least
eight species and perhaps ten. Among the verified native fishes, only speckled
dace, flannelmouth sucker, and blue head sucker remain comparatively common
and Widespread. Mottled sculpin is common in Colorado tributaries and in New
Mexico is found mainly in the San Juan drainage above Farmington. Colorado
cutthroat trout is eliminated from almost all areas of former occupancy. The range
of roundtail chub is fragmented and it is generally rare where present. Colorado
squawfish is found in low numbers only in mainstem habitats downstream of the
Animas and San Juan confluence while razorback sucker is extremely rare and
persists mainly as a few individuals that periodically enter the San Juan Arm of
Lake Powell. If historically present, bony tail and humpback chub probably occurred
mainly in the canyon-bound reaches of the lower San Juan River. Numerous
human-induced modifications and manipulations of the aquatic habitats and
introduction of non-native fishes have impacted all native fishes, including those
that remain comparatively common.

The overall strategy of maintenance and enhancement of the native fish
community must be accomplished to enable the achievement of the more specific
goals of recovery and conservation of Colorado squawfish and razorback sucker.
The successful accomplishment of this goal is dependent upon and will be
assessed by the achievement of the following objectives. These general objectives
provide the framework for development of interim management objectives and
quantifiable recovery goals.

3.1.1.

Mimickry of a natural hydrograph that reflects recent climatic
(conditions to meet the biological and habitat needs of the fish
while providing for human use of the water resources.

3.1.2.

Management of extant native fish species and enhancement of
depleted native species possible within the context of activities
for endangered species.

3.1.3.

Removal or remediation of factors which impede or preclude
successful management of the native fish community.

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