WSP05551

• File Number: 822.600.10
• Description: Colorado River Annual Operating Plan - Annual Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/2002
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Annual Operating Plan
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Annual Report

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2002 RESERVOIR OPERATIONS

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The regulation of the Colorado River has had effects on downstream aquatic and riparian
resources. Controlled releases from dams have modified temperature, sediment load, and flow
patterns, resulting in increased productivity of some introduced aquatic resources and the
development of economically significant sport fisheries. However, these same releases have
detrimental effects on endangered and other native species. Operating strategies designed to
protect and enhance downstream aquatic and riparian resources have been established at several
locations in the Colorado River basin.

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Consultations with the Fish and Wildlife Service in compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act (Section 7 consultations) on the operation of the Aspinall Unit on the Gunnison
River, Navajo Dam on the San Juan River, Flaming Gorge on the Green River, and Glen Canyon
Dam will continue in 2002. Studies associated with these consuhations will be used to better
understand the flow related needs of endangered species of fish.

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Modifications to planned operations may be made based on changes in forecast conditions,
However, due to the Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the
Upper Colorado River Basin, Section 7 consuhations, and other downstream concerns,
modification to the monthly operation plans may be based on other factors in addition to changes
in streamflow forecasts, Decisions on spring peak releases and downstream habitat target flows
may be made midway through the runoff season, Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service
will initiate meetings with interested parties, including representatives of the Basin States, to
facilitate the decisions necessary to finalize site-specific operations plans.

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Reclamation completed Section 7 consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service in April 1997
on current and projected discretionary routine lower Colorado River operations and maintenance
activities for a period of up to 5 years. On an annual basis, Reclamation's compliance with
environmental commitments related to the April 1997 Biological Opinion are reported to the Fish
and Wildlife Service. The most recent report documenting Reclamation's compliance with these
commitments is dated October, 2000. Reclamation's compliance with additional environmental
commitments, related to adoption of the Interim Surplus Guidelines, will be addressed in future
annual reports, as appropriate. Reclamation and the Fish and Wildlife Service have also formed
a partnership with other federal, state, and private agencies to develop the Lower Colorado River
Muhi-Species Conservation Program. This program permits both nonfederal and federal parties
to participate under Sections 7 and 10 of the Endangered Species Act.

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The following paragraphs discuss the operation of each of the reservoirs v,.;th respect to compact,
decree, and statutory water delivery obligations, and instream flow needs for maintaining or
impro\;ng aquatic resources, where appropriate.

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October 15, 200 I

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