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<br />incidental take. The incidental take statement of the biological opinion exempts GVIC, the <br />Recovery Program, and others from "take" under Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act <br />provided reasonable and prudent measures are implemented to minimize take. These measures <br />are reported in Chapter 2 of the final EA, It is the responsibility of the Recovery Program to <br />implement the measures. Specifically, GVIC is not responsible for any loss offish due to the <br />passage operation and will not be responsible for any costs associated with fish screens if they <br />are needed in the future. The Recovery Program is designed to assist the fish recovery while at <br />the same time protecting existing and future water users, supplies, and uses. <br /> <br />#8. Concerns were expressed on the effect of the proposal on recreational boating. The <br />Colorado River is becoming increasingly popular in the Grand Valley for boating. The project <br />design and operation would not adversely affect use of the upper river. The EA does recognize <br />there are some existing problems with launch sites, boat passage at the GVIC diversion, and with <br />safety. Coordination with local rafters, canoeists, and kayakers during the draft EA review <br />period, indicated that the proposed design could improve conditions for these recreational users. <br />Recreational boaters also requested that they be involved in planning of upstream passage <br />projects and this will be done at an early stage. It is recognized, however, that boating concerns <br />will be more difficult to address at the upstream passages because upstream diversions are <br />significantly taller than the GVIC diversion. Please refer to the section of the report on social, <br />economic, and recreational resources. <br /> <br />#9. Water supply and hydrology discussions need minor changes, These changes were made in <br />response to letters from the Colorado Water Conservation Board and Colorado River Water <br />Conservation District and others. Drought periods are the greatest concern because competition <br />for limited water supplies increase. The passage is designed so stop-logs can be placed in the <br />fish passage notch, so GVIC would have priority for river flaws over the fish passage. <br /> <br />#10. Fish screens need to be addressed in more detail, The biological opinion on the project is <br />part of the project plan. The Recovery Program will determine if screens (or other fish <br />preclusion devices) are needed to keep adult and sub-adult sized fish out of the GVIC Canal. <br />Attempts would not be made to screen larval (very small) fish from the canal unless a practical <br />method could be developed The screening, if needed, would be funded by the Recovery <br />Program. Design, construction, and operation costs would specifically not be the responsibility <br />of GVIC. GVIC would be involved in any design, and any construction appurtenant to their <br />facilities would require their permission. <br /> <br /># 11. Others: <br /> <br />- There were concerns that the program should be coordinated with other efforts by other <br />agencies and organizations such as the Mesa County Land Use Plan. The Recovery Program is <br />not intended to adversely impact existing water rights and uses or the conservation efforts of <br />others. All rehabilitation and restoration efforts are made in relation to the natural functioning <br />of the riverine ecosystem. For example, several conservation goals of the Mesa County Land <br /> <br />27 <br />