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<br />t;;.I <br />o <br />o <br />~ <br />a <br />Q <br /> <br />DRAFT AND PREDECISIONAL DOCUMENT - FOR COORDINATION COMMmEE REVIEW ONLY <br /> <br />accurately characterize the effects of various water quality parameters (singly, synergistically, <br />or antagonistically) are needed to improve management strategies for the endangered fish <br />species. Studies and management activities outlined under this objective will address specific <br />water quality impacts and necessary remedial actions. <br /> <br />Historical physical and chemical water quality of the San Juan River will be characterized using <br />data from various sources, primarily that data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey. Data <br />gaps and informational needs regarding the type and source of water quality degradation and <br />contamination will be emphasized. <br /> <br />Recent water quality studies have indicated that elevated levels of constituent elements and <br />contaminants occur in the water and biota of the San Juan River. These pollutants are primarily <br />related to agricultural, petrochemical/industrial, and municipal activities, but include a variety <br />of other potential sources. <br /> <br />The biological effects of elevated constituent levels and contaminants on the endangered fish <br />species will be determined by laboratory studies of hatchery-reared surrogates and, when <br />possible, tissue analysis of wild specimens. Determination of the importance of the relative <br />sensitivities of endangered fish species at different life stages will enable integration of this <br />information with other factors which affect survival. <br /> <br />The comparative effects of unregulated Animas River and reservoir-controlled flows on selected <br />physical-chemical water parameters in downstream reaches occupied by endangered and other <br />native fish species will be evaluated. Water quality changes relative to hydrologic cycle and <br />origin (i.e., mainstem San Juan River versus tributaries) will be qualified and quantified and <br />related to known life history stage sensitivities. These data will assist in the selection of flow <br />criteria designed to satisfy native fish requirements and to evaluate the efficacy of reservoir- <br />controlled releases in providing needed environmental conditions. <br /> <br />4.6 DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT AN INFORMATION AND EDUCATION <br />PROGRAM TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ENDANGERED <br />FISH SPECIES AND THREATS TO HABITATS. <br /> <br />Without fail, every recovery planning document has identified the need for an increase in public <br />awareness concerning resource protection, conservation (implying a certain degree of use), and, <br />in some cases, preservation. The simple fact that intelligent use and management of natural <br />resources, particularly those related to aquatic environments of the southwestern United States, <br />can accommodate maintenance of native fauna and flora and consumptive use (often ill-defined) <br />is not well understood or perceived by the general public. This misunderstanding or <br />misperception has been fostered by previous efforts to focus on the plight of a particular species <br />or a small group of species rather than addressing the ecosystem that the species and, <br />coincidentally, the general public depend upon. Thus, it is necessary to pursue appropriate <br />public outreach programs that emphasize the similarity of needs of endangered species and the <br />general public; both depend upon the same basic resource. That resource, simply put, is water; <br /> <br />10 <br />