Difference between revisions of "National Park Service Expanded Non-native Aquatic Species Management Plan and EA"

In 2013, the NPS completed the Comprehensive Fish Management Plan (CFMP). The intent of that effort was to provide guidance for managing fish within the Colorado River and its tributaries from Glen Canyon Dam to Lake Mead. Since the completion of the CFMP and the 2016 Long Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) for Glen Canyon Dam operations, increases in potentially harmful non-native fish have been documented. This plan is intended to address this concern. The NPS is coordinating with the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and several other federal and non-federal cooperating agencies and traditionally associated tribes on this project. [2]

The purpose of this action is to provide additional tools beyond what is available under the CFMP and the LTEMP, in order to allow the NPS to prevent, control, minimize or eradicate potentially harmful non-native aquatic species, or the risk associated with their presence or expansion, in the action area. The need for this action is due to the increase of green sunfish, brown trout and potential expansion or invasion of other harmful non-native aquatic species that threaten downstream native aquatic species including listed species or the Lees Ferry recreational rainbow trout fishery. These non-native species have become an increasing threat due to changing conditions since the completion of the 2013 NPS CFMP and the 2016 LTEMP. Existing measures may be inadequate to address potentially harmful non-native aquatic species. [3]

1. Define purpose and need/develop preliminary alternatives
2. Conduct external scoping
3. Analysis of public comment
4. Refine alternatives
5. Identify environmental impacts and select preferred alternative
6. Prepare draft plan/environmental document
7. Public review of draft plan/environmental document
8. Analysis of public comment
9. Prepare final plan/decision document
10. Release final plan/decision document to the public

• National Park Service Expanded Non-native Aquatic Species Management Plan and EA website

• Public scoping summary report
• Public scoping comments
• Draft proposed alternatives table
• Scoping posters
• Scoping presentation
• Expanded Non-native Species EA Scoping Newsletter
• May 2018 newsletter

2018

• Expanded Non-Native Aquatic Species Management Plan Environmental Assessment PPT
• Expanded non-Native Aquatic Species Management Plan Below Glen Canyon Dam PPT
• Expanded Non-Native Management Plan Below Glen Canyon Dam PPT
• Expanded Non-Native Management Plan Below Glen Canyon Dam

• 2016 Long Term Experimental Management Plan
• 2015 AZDGF Lees Ferry Fisheries Management Plan
• 2013 Comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan