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0 -~ -" " . .. , ~ .. ,,- Co.: 6 fishes_ These conclusions were based on the cumulative impacts of water resource development projects on occupied habitats in the Green River. Water projects are constructed and operated with the understanding that when specific information regarding habitat (flow) needs of the listed fishes becomes known. then operational flexibility will be used to provide the necessary flow and habitat requirements in the Green River (Strawberry Aqueduct and Collection System Biological Opinion. February.2B. 1980). Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Green River originally provided necessary flows to meet the needs of fishes downstream. Therefore. projects such as the Jensen Unit on Brush Creek and Strawberry Aqueduct and Collection System were constructed consistent with biological opinions that recognized application of the RIP. despite their potential negative impacts to endangered fishes. Reoperation of Flaming Gorge by Reclamation has helped meet recommended flow requirements of endangered fishes in the Green River for certain months. Reclamation has reoperated Flaming Gorge for over a decade which has allowed CUP features to be constructed and operated. With the listing of the razorback sucker and designation of critical habitat on the Duchesne River. the effects of water projects that are somewhat ameliorated by reoperation of Flaming Gorge must now be reviewed through section 7 consultation. The purpose of consultation is to determine whether these ongoing Federal projects are likely to jeopardize listed Colorado River fishes or adversely modify critical habitats. If so, reasonable and prudent alternatives that would avoid the likelihood of jeopardy and/or adverse modification of designated critical habitats must be formulated. A fundamental consideration of the water development community in participating in the Program is the realization that depletions "may affect" the listed fishes and that individually or cumulatively these depletions would likely result in a "jeopardy" and/or adverse modification of critical habitat determination by the Service. Therefore. the Service recognizes that . according to the section 7 agreement and principles stated in the RIP that respons i bil i ty for comp 1 et i ng the "reasonable and prudent a lternat i ve" of thi s biological opinion will rest with the Program and its participants. The reasonable and prudent alternatives are not the responsibility of individual project proponents. The RIP for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987) was initiated on January 22. 1988. The purpose of the RIP is to address water depletion impacts and recovery needs of the Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus lucius). humpback chub (Gila cypha). and bony tail (Gila elegans). while allowing for future use of Colorado River water