Expanded Non-Native Aquatic

Species Management Plan

Environmental Assessment

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service

Grand Canyon National Park

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Intermountain Region

Expanded Non-Native 

Aquatic Species 

Management Plan below 

Glen Canyon Dam

Presentation to TWG

June 25, 2018
Expanded Non-Native Aquatic Species Management Plan

Environmental Assessment

Changes in response to comments, meetings and consultations

• Alternatives

– Reduced to one action alternative

• Triggers

– Several meetings and comments regarding triggers

– For most actions we have adjusted wording of the triggers to remove the one or two year 

delays between tiers based on comments/concerns 

– Added some limitations for chemical treatment actions based on risk level of species.

– For Brown trout triggers we have met several times with GCMRC, USFWS, Reclamation and 

AGFD and are working on two types of modeling to ensure that the triggers are tied to risks 

to the humpback chub population. We will disclose assumptions/values and their 

references in the EA

– Triggers may be adjusted annually in response to new modeling or information and will be 

discussed with TWG for any adjustments

• Incentivized Harvest 

– Added details on guided harvest trips for Tribal youth and Tribal members based on 

consultations. 

– Discussed development of educational materials with a focus on respectful harvest. 

– Will not use the term ‘bounty’ but rather ‘restoration reward’

– Meetings with AGFD and GCMRC are leading to careful pricing structure for the restoration 

reward – will remain adaptable

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Expanded Non-Native Aquatic Species Management Plan

Environmental Assessment

Changes in response to comments, meetings and consultations

• YY males

– A number of concerns were expressed in comments, meetings and tribal consultations

– We have pulled the YY male actions out of the tiered structure and written language 

for them being a separate experimental possibility

– We have added language about a review of the science (studies and modeling) after 

brood stock becomes available (likely between 5-10 years). We added language 

specifically stating that we bring this review before the TWG at that time for discussion 

and we would consider whether any additional planning/consultation is needed

• Live transport/relocation

– During Tribal consultations with Zuni and Hopi we discussed this possibility and our 

understanding is that these Tribes would be in support of this

– We have discussed with AGFD and to some degree with Utah and many biological 

concerns have been expressed about this that we are discussing further

• Coordination with AGFD

– Adding language regarding a specific consultation with AGFD to seek consensus prior 

to changing brown trout triggers or enacting brown trout mechanical removal. This 

language will be fully consistent with our enabling legislation for Glen Canyon National 

Recreation Area and with the existing MOU between AGFD and NPS

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Expanded Non-Native Aquatic Species Management Plan

Environmental Assessment

Next Steps/Timeline

• We are currently writing the EA – expect it should be 50-75 pages in 

length for main plan but may have some larger appendices.

• Admin draft EA to cooperating agencies and tribes – expect 2 week 

review July 16-27.

• Public draft EA likely to be released August 13.

• Consultation with tribes as scheduled

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