Reservoir changes may help endangered fish

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. (AP) — Proposed changes at Flaming Gorge Reservoir would raise the average water level and cause less fluctuation between seasons.

The changes are intended to help endangered nongame fish such as the Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker and the bonytail and humpback chubs. But the changes should also help maintain and could improve fishing in the reservoir, according to an environmental study.

The study was released last week for public review.

The construction of Flaming Gorge Dam in 1964 disrupted the natural flow of the Green River, trapping sediments and altering the temperature and chemistry of the water below the dam.

The water before the dam was built was warm and muddy. Below the dam it now runs cold and clear, which isn't ideal for the four native species.

The Bureau of Reclamation is proposing to mimic natural flows before the dam was built. The goal is to stir up sediment, redistribute it and create sandy shores where vegetation can take root and feed fish.

Meanwhile, fishing on the reservoir for species like kokanee salmon has been known to drop off when the reservoir level was quickly reduced to meet electricity demand. The Bureau of Reclamation says the new plan would improve fishing on the reservoir by releasing water more gradually.