Technical Report

Habitat Restoration Plan for the Middle Rio Grande

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/TetraTech_2004_HabitatRestorationPlanfortheMRG.pdf

Date: 2004/09/01

Author(s): Tetra Tech, Inc.

Publication: Report prepared for the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Act Collaborative Program, 151 p.

Abstract:

The Rio Grande stream system, including its tributary aquifers, provides the water supply for the majority of New Mexico’s citizens and is fundamental to the economics of the region. Water management activities were implemented throughout the 20th century to address needs related to flood protection, consistent water supplies, conveyance depletions, and water delivery obligations for New Mexico under the Rio Grande Compact (Compact). The highly variable and limited water supply of this region necessitated these actions as New Mexico’s population expanded. As New Mexico enters the 21st century, the need for water management has increased to accommodate broader environmental considerations.

The various water management activities that fostered agricultural and urban developments along the Rio Grande also produced detrimental impacts on the habitats of species now listed as Federal and State endangered species (i.e., listed species). In particular, the Rio Grande silvery minnow (silvery minnow; Hybognathus amarus) and southwestern willow flycatcher (flycatcher; Empidonax traillii extimus) are Federal and State endangered species with habitat in the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) basin. The purposes of the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Act Collaborative Program (Program), as defined in its Draft Program Document dated April 21, 2003, “are to protect and improve the status of listed species in the Middle Rio Grande while simultaneously protecting existing and future water uses and to contribute to the recovery of those species, all the while complying with state and federal law, including Compact delivery obligations.”

The Program’s Habitat Restoration Subcommittee (Subcommittee) was given the responsibility for developing a comprehensive habitat restoration plan for the Program. The intent of the following sections is to present a framework plan to implement and integrate actions needed to address both water and endangered species management issues in the MRG. The Subcommittee intends to develop reach-specific habitat restoration plans over the next two years. These plans will evaluate current habitat conditions in greater detail, define opportunities for improvement, and establish priorities for habitat restoration sites and/or activities along the defined priority reaches.