The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public input on a plan to prevent smallmouth bass from spawning downstream of Glen Canyon Dam.
Officials say the historically low levels in Lake Powell result in warm water being released from the dam which creates ideal spawning conditions for the predatory invasive species.
The bureau wants to prevent the bass from establishing in the Colorado River between the dam and the confluence of the Little Colorado River and could try to reduce the water temperature and change the flow velocity from the dam.
Smallmouth bass are a major threat to native fish including the federally protected humpback chub that live at the confluence.
A draft environmental assessment is available on the Bureau of Reclamation’s website. Comments can be submitted until March 10 to gcd_smb_ea@usbr.gov.