Providing adequate stream flows

This aspect of endangered fish recovery involves acquiring and protecting adequate stream flows and altering operations of federal dams to re-create more natural flow patterns.

This strategy seeks to mimic more natural flow patterns, providing high flows during natural spring runoff, and lower, more stable flows the rest of the year. Large volumes of water carve out the riverside nooks and crannies, or "backwaters and side channels," that endangered fish need to feed, grow and survive.

• Since 1998, a cooperative effort of public and private organizations has resulted in management of releases of 30,000 acre-feet of surplus water from Green Mountain Reservoir and coordinated releases from Ruedi and Wolford Mountain Reservoirs.
• Colorado State Parks, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have developed an agreement to release up to 3,300 acre-feet of water annually from Steamboat Lake for endangered fish in the Yampa River.
• Agreements have been signed with the Colorado River Water Conservation District and the Denver Water Board to coordinate water releases from several Colorado reservoirs to benefit the endangered fishes.
• The Recovery Program is building structures in the Government Highline Canal near Grand Junction, Colorado to improve efficiency and reduce diversions by more than 28,000 acre-feet on average per year. The "saved" water will remain in the Colorado River and be legally protected for the fish.
• The Bureau of Reclamation has altered the timing and magnitude of releases from Flaming Gorge Dam on the Green River and the Aspinall Unit dams on the Gunnison River to help researchers better determine habitat requirements of the endangered fishes downstream of these dams. This research has culminated in synthesis reports and flow recommendations that will be used in preparing new biological opinions on dam operations and in determining future dam operations.