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C'.~"'.' , {c. t.- 00253G 'J '......'..! "' <.:,'. ',. ~ 1996 Report to the Rio Grande Compact Commission Bureau of Reclamation ~ _ r maintenance projects such as the removal of sediment plugs in the San Marcial reach of the middle Rio Grande and creating a river channel through the delta area of Elephant Butte Reservoir to enhance the efficiency of water and sediment transport, These projects have far reaching impacts throughout the Middle Rio Grande Project area by alleviating operational bottlenecks and increasing the flexibility of managing the system for both water delivery and environmental benefits. Through cooperation with the U.S, Fish and Wildlife Service and other stakeholders, these projects were constructed without the likelihood of adverse effects on the silvery minnow. "1 ., '-", Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ., .~ ;.. .> The Southwestern willow flycatcher was listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service effective March 29, 1995. Reclamation and its contractor, New Mexico National Heritage, conducted flycatcher surveys and nest monitoring at several locations along the Rio Grande from Velarde, New Mexico to Elephant Butte Reservoir during 1996, The major concentrations of flycatchers continues to be the Velarde area in the Espanola Valley and the San Marcial area upstream of Elephant Butte Reservoir. The lack o'f water in the Rio Grande channel and floodplain near San Marcial during May and June likely contributed to unsuccessful nesting. There was evidence of nest predation at both Velarde and San Marcial. Cowbird parasitism remains a strong concern, especially near San Marcial. Reclamation proposes to continue flycatcher surveys and nest monitoring along the Rio Grande. A cowbird trapping effort was initiated by Reclamation near San Marcial to reduce the incidence of cowbird parasitism on nesting flycatchers. Reclamation proposes to expand this effort in 1997 to include a pre-trap census of cowbirds to better evaluate the success of the program. A grazing management plan will also be developed for Reclamation lands at Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs to reduce the effects of grazing on flycatchers. ;:i Cooperative Program with the State of New Mexico (,,1 Reclamation cooperates with the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission on water salvage and drain improvement efforts. During 1996, Reclamation performed maintenance such as vegetation mowing for Drain Unit 7 and the Escondida Drain. Reclamation also performed work along a 3-mile reach of the Upper Belen Riverside Drain to reduce sloughing of banks and increase the effectiveness of the drain. Reclamation also performed work for the Drought Relief Program for the State of New Mexico in 1996. The purpose of this project was to divert approximately 30 to 40 cfs 17