MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS Clause Samples

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. This category consists primarily of research and monitoring activities that have application to more than one of the foregoing elements. In the General Recovery Program Support Action Plan, this element includes: monitoring populations and habitat and annually assessing changes in habitat and population parameters (i.e., population estimates); determining gaps in existing life-history information and recommending and conducting research to fill those gaps; and improving scientific research and sampling techniques. Research activities are identified for each subbasin only to the extent that such activities are related to another recovery action in that subbasin. Such identification now, however, does not preclude further research in that subbasin that may be identified later or that is identified in the General Recovery Program Support Action Plan.

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. ‌ This category consists primarily of research and monitoring activities that have application to more than one of the foregoing elements. In the General Recovery Program Support Action Plan, this element includes: monitoring populations and habitat and annually assessing changes in habitat and population parameters (i.e., population estimates); determining gaps in existing life-history information and recommending and conducting research to fill those gaps; and improving scientific research and sampling techniques. Research activities are identified for each subbasin only to the extent that such activities are related to another recovery action in that subbasin. Such identification does not preclude further research in that subbasin that may be identified later or that is identified in the General Recovery Program Support Action Plan. The Recovery Program is updating data management to track individual fish via passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags implanted in endangered fish handled by Recovery Program hatchery and research personnel. In recent years, tag, and re-sight events have greatly increased, primarily from increased number and survival of stocked fish, increased sampling associated with nonnative fish activities, and detections from several remote antennas installed in locations throughout the Upper Basin. Antennas have significantly increased tag detections and researchers have now begun to incorporate these data into demographic analyses. Colorado Natural Heritage Program has designed and built a web-based database that will store and query the large amount of tag data the Recovery Program now manages (The Species Tagging, Research, and Monitoring System [STReaMS], ▇▇▇.▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇.▇▇▇). The database allows Recovery Program partners to input data easily and effectively, and allows researchers and the public to interact with the data under various permission levels. STReaMS launched in 2016, with structural and quality control improvements occurring in 2017 and 2018. In 2019, the focus will switch to enhancing user tools and providing additional query options.

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT) V.A. Conduct research to acquire life history information and enhance scientific techniques required to complete recovery actions. V. A.1. Determine relative abundance and fate of Colorado pikeminnow congregation below ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Reservoir. FWS-FR Complete V.A.

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT) V.A. Conduct research to acquire life history information and enhance scientific techniques required to complete recovery actions. ! Researchers documented razorback suckers spawning in the White River for the first time. White River Work Group met December 14, 2011, to determine native fish priorities for the White River in Utah; the Group is developing a White River Conservation Plan. V.A.1. Determine relative abundance and fate of Colorado pikeminnow congregation below ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Reservoir. FWS-FR Complete ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ 1997. V.A.2. Monitor the White River fish community downstream of ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Reservoir to determine long-term effects of mainstream impoundment on the White River. FWS-FR Complete ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ 1997. 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 2011 peak = 4,980 cfs 600 cfs draft wet base flow Last modified: 2/1/2012 11:06:41 AM ACTIVITY WHO STATUS FY 12 10/11-9/12 FY 13 10/12-9/13 FY 14 10/13-9/14 FY 15 10/14-9/15 FY 16 10/15-9/16 OUT- YEARS Assessment of significant accomplishments (!) and shortcomings (X), (Focused on February 1, 2011 - January 31, 2012) I. PROVIDE AND PROTECT INSTREAM FLOWS (HABITAT MANAGEMENT) I.A. Colorado River above Gunnison River

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT) V.A. Conduct research to acquire life history information and enhance scientific techniques required to complete recovery actions. V.A. 1. Verify additional Colorado pikeminnow spawning areas in lower Green. UT Complete Chart et al. 1999. V.A.2. Identify additional razorback sucker spawning areas in lower Green. UT Complete Chart et al. 1999, ▇▇▇▇ et al. 1998. V.B. Conduct population estimate for humpback chub. V.B.

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT) V.A. Measure and document population and habitat parameters to determine status and biological response to recovery actions. V.A. 1. Conduct interagency data management program to compile, manage, and maintain all research and monitoring data collected by the Recovery Program. FWS-FR Annual X X X X X X Migration of PIT-tag database to Access complete. V.A.1.a. Develop basinwide razorback monitoring program (implementation to be reflected in sub-basin worksheets) LFL X Razorback monitoring plan behind schedule; anticipated in 2011. V.A.2. Evaluate population estimates. PD Ongoing X X X X X X V.A.3. Collect and submit data according to standard protocol (e.g., location, PIT tag #, length, weight, etc.) on every endangered fish encountered in all field activities in order to provide annual information on population status outside of formal population estimates. ALL Ongoing X X X X X X V.B. Conduct research to acquire needed life history information. ACTIVITY WHO STATUS FY 11 10/10-9/11 FY 12 10/11-9/12 FY 13 10/12-9/13 FY 14 10/13-9/14 FY 15 10/14-9/15 OUT YEARS Assessment of significant accomplishments (!) and shortcomings (X), (Focused on February 1, 2010 - January 31, 2011 ) V.B.1. Identify significant deficiencies in life history information and needed research. PD Ongoing X X X X X X X Research Framework study behind schedule; final draft out in 2010 with Biology Committee review/approval scheduled for spring 2011. V.B.2. Conduct appropriate studies to provide needed life history information. FWS-FR/ STATES Ongoing X X X X X X V.B.2.a. Evaluate need for imprinting based on reintroduction plans. FWS-FR Complete Reintroduction plans complete; imprinting not called for. V.C. Develop and enhance scientific techniques required to complete recovery actions. V.C.

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT) V.A. Measure and document population and habitat parameters to determine status and biological response to recovery actions. X Preliminary pikeminnow population estimate from the Colorado River in 2013 was 413 (an earlier preliminary estimate was revised up with 2014 data) and 377 adults in 2014, the lowest since abundance estimates began in 1992. Captures per pass during 2015 appeared lower than 2014. ! Record high catch of Age-0 Colorado pikeminnow collected in the lower Colorado River in fall 2015. ! Initial razorback sucker (>400mm TL) population estimates from the Colorado River indicate the population ranged from 656-2,035 from 2005- 2010. 661 unique razorbacks were captured in the Colorado River in 2013; 835 were captured in 2014; and 1202 were captured in 2015 during Colorado pikeminnow population estimates. V.A.1. Conduct interagency data management program to compile, manage, and maintain all research and monitoring data collected by the Recovery Program. FWS-FR Ongoing X X X X X X Colorado Natural Heritage Program has been developing the program database ("STReaMS") since August 2014 and conducting monthly webinars with PIs to improve the database. A hands-on workshop is scheduled for mid- March 2016. V.A.1.a. Develop basinwide razorback monitoring program (implementation to be reflected in sub-basin worksheets). Bestgen et al. 2012. LFL X The San ▇▇▇▇ River arm of Lake ▇▇▇▇▇▇ has been being sampled for razorback since 2011. In 2011, 75 adults were captured; in 2012 71 were captured. Spawning areas have been identified and 1 larvae was collected. In the Colorado River arm of Lake ▇▇▇▇▇▇, 241 adults were captured in 2014, 378 in 2015. Three spawning areas were identified, and 811 larvae were collected in light traps. V.A.1.a.

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. (RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND DATA MANAGEMENT) Adult Colorado pikeminnow popualtion estimation efforts in the Yampa River are a component of the Green River abundance estimates and are reported there. The results of annual larval pikeminnow monitoring in the lower Yampa River are also discussed in the Green River tab. Fish community monitoring in the middle Yampa River and in Yampa canyon are secondary objectives of nonnative fish removal activities and are referenced under that program element (see above). ACTIVITY WHO STATUS FY 18 10/17-9/18 FY 19 10/18-9/19 FY20 10/19- 9/20 FY21 10/20-9/21 FY22 10/21-9/22 FY23 10/22- 9/23 Post- Program Description of Anticipated Post- Program Activity Assessment of significant accomplishments (!) and shortcomings (X) (Focused on February 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018) I. PROVIDE AND PROTECT INSTREAM FLOWS (HABITAT MANAGEMENT) I.A. Identify initial year-round flows needed for recovery. FWS-ES Complete I.A.1. Conduct hydrology/water availability study. UT Complete I.A.2. Conduct follow-up study to evaluate and refine flow recommendations. FWS/UT Complete I.B. State acceptance of initial flow recommendations (dependent on development of initial flow recommendations). I.B.1. Review scientific basis. UT Complete I.B.2. Assess legal and physical availability of water. See Central Utah Water Conservancy District 2013. UT, CUWCD, FWS Ongoing X At its Oct 2017 meeting, the Duchesne River Working Group (DRWG) acknowledged the need in 2018 to make a 5-year update to its 2013 water management report. I.C. Legally protect and deliver identified flows. UT, CUWCD, FWS Ongoing X X X X X X X Lower Duchesne River Workgroup stakeholders, primarily Central Utah Water Conservancy District, will continue to supply flows according to the 2005 Biological Opinion. The Duchesne River Basin April-through-July runoff at the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ was 149% of average. The 'Priority 4' target in a wet year like 2017 is 115 cfs at the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ from March to June, plus a 'Priority 1' target of 50 cfs through the low-flow season. In 2017, only one day fell below the March-June target, and no days fell below the 50 cfs target. To support these flows, 1,500 AF of releases were made from Big Sand Wash Reservoir. The average flow in Aug-Oct was 161 cfs. Peak Flow was 3,840 cfs on June 8. CUWCD and UDWR have investigated the outflow for these releases and believe its unlikely that fish escape alive. I.C.1.

MONITOR POPULATIONS AND HABITAT AND CONDUCT RESEARCH TO SUPPORT RECOVERY ACTIONS. This category consists primarily of research and monitoring activities that have application to more than one of the foregoing elements. In the General Recovery Program Support Action Plan, this element includes: monitoring populations and habitat and annually assessing changes in habitat and population parameters (i.e., population estimates); determining gaps in existing life-history information and recommending and conducting research to fill those gaps; and improving scientific research and sampling techniques. Research activities are identified for each subbasin only to the extent that such activities are related to another recovery action in that subbasin. Such identification now, however, does not preclude further research in that subbasin that may be identified later or that is identified in the General Recovery Program Support Action Plan.2.6 2.6 VI. INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR THE ENDANGERED FISHES AND THE RECOVERY PROGRAM Public information and education is crucial to the Recovery Program’s success. A strategic, multi-faceted information and education program is being implemented to: develop public involvement strategies at the beginning of any and all projects; educate target audiences (including media, the public and elected officials) about endangered fish and increase their understanding of and support for the recovery of these fish at local, state and national levels; provide opportunities for the public to participate in activities that support recovery; and improve communication and cooperation among members of the Recovery Program. Numerous site-specific activities are undertaken to promote understanding of, and support for, Recovery Program actions and to involve the public in decisions which may impact specific locations in the Upper Basin. These include public meetings, presentations, communications (e-mails, newsletters, etc.), exhibits and distribution of Recovery Program publications. The information and education program continues to develop a number of products including an annual newsletter; up-to-date fact sheets; interpretive signs and displays; bookmarks; Congressional briefing documents; and a public website. In addition, the Recovery Program actively seeks news media coverage of its activities. Special educational publications are produced as needed. Because funding for capital construction and ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) for the Upper Colorado River and San ▇▇▇▇ River Basin Recovery Programs is tie...