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\J <br /> <br />r~ <br />LJ <br />SFSM will utilize approximately 12,300 acre-feet of water per year for its <br />hydraulic mining operation. Recycling will account for over 95: of the <br />necessary water. The net average consumptive use of water will be <br />approximately 356 acre-feet/year. <br />Basis for Ooinion <br />Colorado squawfish <br />Early records indicate that the Colorado squawfish was once abundant <br />throughout the Colorado River system. It was abundant over all of its range <br />prior to the 1850's (Seethaler, 1978). The present range of the squawfish <br />is restricted to the upper Colorado River basin. It is found inhabiting <br />about 345 miles of the main stem Green River from the mouth of the Yampa <br />River downstream to the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers (Miller, <br />et al, 1982). <br />Decline of the populations of the squawfish correlates very closely with the <br />construction of dams and reservoirs and the removal of water from the . <br />Colorado River system. Colorado squawfish evolved in and apparently require <br />habitat conditions typified by great seasonal fluctuations in flow and <br />turbidity, coupled with warm summer temperatures. Additionally, it appears <br />that squawfish require relatively unrestricted movement to satisfy all of <br />their life history requirements. Movement of adult squawfish appears to be <br />related to flow, temperature, feeding and spawning behavior. . <br />The life stages that appear to be most critical are from egg fertilization <br />through its first year of life. It has been demonstrated that these phases <br />4 <br />