Upper Colorado Recovery Program

Upper Colorado Fish Recovery

Northern Water is a committed partner in the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, a collaborative effort launched in 1988 to restore populations of four endangered fish species in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The program brings together local, state and federal agencies, water and power stakeholders, and environmental organizations to support both species recovery and Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance for water projects throughout the region. 

The program focuses on recovering four native fish species including Humpback chub, Bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow and Razorback sucker.

Upper Colorado River Recovery Program Map
As part of our participation in the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, the goal is to help recover four species of fish. Clockwise from the upper left: the humpback chub, bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker.
As part of our participation in the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, the goal is to help recover four species of fish. Clockwise from the upper left: the humpback chub, bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker.

A Comprehensive Recovery Effort

Northern Water and other partners contribute to recovery efforts through a variety of management actions aimed at improving habitat and supporting fish populations, including:

  • Enhancing peak river flows during spring runoff by releasing stored water and bypassing inflows without impacting water project yields
  • Supplementing flows during late summer to maintain suitable aquatic conditions
  • Stocking native fish and managing non-native species that compete or prey on endangered fish
  • Constructing fish passages and screens at diversion structures to support migration and reduce entrapment
  • Raising endangered fish in hatcheries for reintroduction into the wild
  • Conducting research to better understand species needs and recovery strategies
  • Improving aquatic habitat throughout the basin

Northern Water’s Commitment to the Upper Colorado River

Northern Water partnered with other water users to provide 5,412 acre-feet of water from Lake Granby to support endangered fish recovery in the Colorado River. Released under an agreement with the City of Grand Junction and in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the water is shepherded to a critical 15-mile reach of the Colorado River in the Grand Valley of western Colorado to enhance river flows and habitat conditions. The releases often provide additional benefits in Grand County by improving late-summer and early-fall streamflows below Lake Granby. Northern Water works closely with the Fish and Wildlife Service, local stakeholders and other water users to coordinate the timing and quantity of releases to maximize benefits throughout the river system.

Lake Granby