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MAY.-03-2010 MON 06:08 AM FAX NO. P. 08 <br />At this tithe, it is not known i:f'the current distribution ofthe GB and CR Lineages is: (l ) <br />natural., (?) the result of moving, fish across rivet: drainages (i.e, stocking), (3) or as the <br />- <br />physical characteristics suggests, the G13 and. CR lineages are just part of?a group of fish. <br />that have not been separated long enough to fonrl separate physical characteristics <br />(Rosenlun.d. 2009 pers. corn.). The results from the analysis o:f historical samples anal the <br />morphology and meristics analyses should help to resolve this issue. <br />Section 7 Issue <br />The identificat:inn ot'lincage GB :fish in western Colorado and eastern LJtall has raised <br />concerns regarding vvlaether there is a need for application of the Act (particu.l.arly section <br />7 consultation) in these areas. Although the greenback was listed rang;ewi.de, its <br />distribution was designated only as Colorado. Thus any greenback lineage fish found in. <br />Utalx or Wyoming wextld not currently receive any protections under the A.ct. However, a <br />question remains as -to whether or not cutthroat populations containing lineage GB fish in <br />western Colorado should receive the protections of tile Act. In an email provided to the <br />'U.S. Forest Service (USFS) (Linner 2007.), the Service stated. that we are in an interim <br />period where there are a. lot of uncertainties. During this period, we believe that <br />management agencies should be cauttious with Iishery-related activities until a thorough <br />review of the new research findings can occur. In regard. to consultation requirements <br />under the Act, we therefore find it appropriate during this interim period to use the best <br />scientific informati011 available to determine if a USES action may affect greenback <br />cutthroat trout (GBCT), including GBCT that may occur outside its historic range in <br />western Colorado. The LJSFS should. determine the effects of any actions they fund or <br />authorize where GBCT are present. If an action may affect. GBCT, including those f:o=d <br />on the west slope, initiation of consu.lta.ti.on is appropriate. Altltoucgll this e-mail was <br />specific to USl{S actions, the Service believes that all federal agencies should review <br />their activities in a similar manner. <br />Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Conservation <br />The Colorado River cutthroat t:rout. (CRCT) Conservation Team updated the <br />Conservation Strategy and Agreement in March 2006. Signatories to the Agreenl.ent <br />include the State wildlife agencies of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming; the LJSFS, the <br />Bureau of Land Man.apement (BLM), and the Service (CRCT Conservation Team 2006). <br />The purpose of the strategy is to provide a Iiam.ework for the long-term conservation of <br />the Colorado River cutthroat, and to reduce or elimbiate the threats that warrant its, status <br />as a sensitive species or species of concern by federal and state resouree agencies. The <br />objectives of the strategy are to identify and characterize all CRCT core and conservation <br />populations, secure cud enhance conservation popula.t:i.ons, reaore populations, secure <br />and enhance watershed. conditions, public oLitreach, data sharing;, and coordination. The <br />three States, U SF S, BIM, alid the Service have committed to implerent the strategy. <br />1. he Service believes that iinp:lementation o the CRC'T strategy Lc) conserve and protect <br />Colorado River cutthroat trout populations throughout their range. will also adequately