04-07-2015, 11:58 PM
True to a point. I am part of the group that is working on a plan to deal with the effect of quagga mussels in Powell. One of the group is with USFWS recovery program on the Green and Colorado. They are finding stripers, walleye, SMB, LMB, Crappie, and Gizzard Shad up both rivers as far a Grand Junction and Moab. Stripers and Walleye present a major problem to the recovery project . The game fish are following the shad, feeding on them. When the get up the river, they feed on all the endangered species as well. So, having sterile game fish will present a minimal impact on the endangered fish downstream, as no spawning population will be established. The problem of migration out of Powell will still have to be addressed, but it will be addressed as part of the Recovery plan.
I agree that Red Fleet would not become a haven for Endangered Species, however, the mandate to recover endangered species can and has taken precedent over every thing else. Look at salmon in the Columbia drainage, Pike minnow, SMB, walleye, etc are being limited and/or sacrificed in the process. Dams that provide power are being breached, water resources are being co-opted and diverted at the expense of agriculture. So, there are a lot of bad things that can happen with these programs.
I agree that Red Fleet would not become a haven for Endangered Species, however, the mandate to recover endangered species can and has taken precedent over every thing else. Look at salmon in the Columbia drainage, Pike minnow, SMB, walleye, etc are being limited and/or sacrificed in the process. Dams that provide power are being breached, water resources are being co-opted and diverted at the expense of agriculture. So, there are a lot of bad things that can happen with these programs.