STATEMENT: US Bureau of Reclamation; Upper Basin Division
The Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado Basin recently prepared a targeted Environmental Assessment to pursue implementation of flow options at Glen Canyon Dam to respond to invasive smallmouth bass below the dam. With the extended drought, water levels in Lake Powell continue to decline to historically low levels, which has contributed to record high water temperature releases through Glen Canyon Dam. Below the dam, these warmwater releases are creating ideal spawning conditions for smallmouth bass, a predatory invasive fish species, which poses a threat to the federally protected humpback chub and other native fish.
To respond to the threat of smallmouth bass establishment below Glen Canyon Dam, a targeted EA was prepared that identified various flow options designed to disrupt and prevent smallmouth bass from spawning in the Colorado River between Glen Canyon Dam and the confluence of the Little Colorado River.
Reclamation appreciates the many comments received on the draft Environmental Assessment. The Comment Analysis Report is available now at the link below. Consistent with the NEPA process, we will transition this analysis to an Environmental Impact Statement process which will be initiated through a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register. Comments received on the Draft EA will be considered in the future EIS.
Draft Environmental Assessment. USBR.
Public Comment Analysis. USBR.
Click here to read the comments written by Taylor McKinnon of Center for Biological Diversity
Click here to read the comments written by John Weisheit of Living Rivers & Colorado Riverkeeper.
