Annual Report

FY13 Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program Annual Report

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Program%20Management%20Team_2014_Fiscal%20Year%202013%20Annual%20Report.pdf

Date: 2014/01/01

Author(s): MRGESCP

Publication: Prepared by Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Act Collaborative Program, 23 p.

Abstract:

In 2009, the EC directed efforts to pursue implementation of the Collaborative Program through a RIP to enhance the focus on recovery activities, and to serve as an ESA compliance vehicle using a new LTP as a mechanism for advancing the Program based on the framework of the silvery minnow and flycatcher recovery plans.

The general purpose of the RIP is:

• To protect and improve the status of species listed pursuant to the ESA within the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) by implementing certain recovery activities to benefit and work toward recovery of those species and their designated critical habitats, with special emphasis on the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (Hybognathus amarus; silvery minnow) and the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus; flycatcher);

and, simultaneously,

• To protect existing and future water uses while complying with applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations, and to serve as the ESA coverage vehicle for entities that rely on the RIP as the ESA conservation measure for the effects of water uses and management actions in the Program area (Figure 1.1).