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<br />region." During the past 100 years, complex changes have occurred in river <br />morphology and aquatic fauna from water diversion, construction of large dams, <br />channelization, introduction of non-native fishes, and introduction of non- <br />native riparian vegetation. The goal of the Recovery Program is to recover <br />four endangered fishes that are endemic to the Colorado River system so that <br />populations become viable and self-sustaining. <br /> <br />The affected environment also includes sites that are used as refuges or as <br />propagation facilities to rear endangered fishes as required by the Recovery <br />Program. At the present time, the Recovery Program has use of two permanent <br />facilities: the Ouray Endangered Fish Facility downstream from Vernal, Utah <br />(Toney 1992) and the Horsethief State Wildlife Area downstream from Grand <br />Junction, Colorado. Feasibility and engineering design studies are presently <br />underway at two additional sites: the Craig Municipal Facilities along the <br />Yampa River near Crai9, Colorado and the Wahweap State Fish Hatchery in a dry <br />wash of Lake Powell at Big Water, Utah (Wydoski 1994). Other sites may also <br />be used to hold or rear endangered fishes for the Recovery Program. All sites <br />will be approved by the Recovery Program participants. <br /> <br />Finally, the affected environment will include aquaria located in the Upper <br />Basin as well as in other locations in the United States that may display live <br />endangered fishes with interpretive displays. The fish would be provided to <br />these aquaria through proper permits issued under the Endangered Species Act. <br /> <br />ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES <br /> <br />1. No Action. All captive-reared endangered fish that are considered to be <br />surplus to Recovery Program needs would be retained in propagation <br />facilities but would not be stocked or euthanized. This alternative is <br />not appropriate because propagation facilities for endangered fish in the <br />U"per Colorado River Basin Recovery Program are limited and the space <br />must be allocated to species and stoc~s of endangered fish that are <br />identified as priority to the Recovery Program. Captive-reared <br />endangered fish that are considered surplus become detrimental to the <br />Recovery Program because available resources (e.g., facilities, space, <br />equipment, personnel and funds) must be directed at activities that are <br />designated as Program priorities. Presently, captive-reared endangered <br />fish that are surplus to Recovery Program needs are occupying propagation <br />facilities that are needed for priority Recovery Program requirements. <br />This alternative would preclude implementation of actions that would <br />contribute to recovery of the endangered fishes because of the demand for <br />resources. <br /> <br />2. Discontinue Propaqation of Endanqered Fishes. Propagation of captive- <br />reared endangered fish was identified under the Recovery Program element <br />of "native fish stocking". Captive propagation was identified as an <br />important management tool to prOVide protection of species or stocks at <br />risk of extinction in refuges and provide fish for research and <br />development, information and education, and stocking. <br /> <br />Pedigreed family lots of endangered fish stocks that are at risk of <br />extinction are being developed to form broodstocks. These broodstocks <br /> <br />8 <br />