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OtJ2JKl . . I. Use Plan and the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. According to agency representatives, this bill will, in all likelihood, have additional language added in the neartenn which addresses the fully protected species issue. Draft Recovery Goals for the Endangered Colorado River Fish On March I" and March 91", 2001, Mr. Harris attended briefings conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on its draft recovery goals for the endangered fish of the Colorado River Basin. These draft recovery goals are due to be published in Federal Register at the end of March 2001. After a public review and comment period, the recovery goals will be included as amendments to the existing recovery plans for the humpback chub, Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and bonytaiI. The recovery goals are being developed and finalized by the USFWS Regional Office in Denver, Colorado (Region 6), and include minimal coordination and cooperation with the Southwestern Region (Region 2) or the Lower Basin state wildlife resource agencies. The draft recovery goals identify population numbers and locations required for each of the fish species in the Colorado River Basin, as well as criteria necessary to down-list or de-list each species pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act. The draft recovery goals for humpback chub include the following criteria: (l) no net loss of species in existing populations; (2) two core populations in the upper basin (greater than 2, I 00 fish in each); and (3) one core population in the lower basin of more than 2,100 fish. The draft recovery goals for the Colorado pikeminnow include the following: (I) no net loss offish in existing populations; (2) Green Iliver population must be greater than 2,600 adult fish; and (3) the upper Colorado River population must be greater than 1,000 adult fish, or greater than 700 adult fish in conjunction with a San Juan Iliver population greater than 800 adult fish. The recovery goal for pikeminnow in the lower basin is still not fully determined. The USFWS is consulting with the Solicior's Office regarding the recovery role of the lower basin. Currently, the USFWS considers the Colorado pikeminnow to be "extirpated" from habitats in the lower basin. The California Department ofFish and Game does not manage for pikeminnow, nor does it consult with the USFWS on potential impacts and effects to pikeminnow. Also, pikeminnow is designated as a "fully protected" species under California Fish and Game Code. Finally, the USFWS indicated at the briefings that a decision regarding the lower basin's recovery role should be made relatively soon, and will likely not include any consultation with the lower basin state wildlife resource agencies. The draft recovery goals for the razorback sucker include the following criteria: (I) maintain populations of adult fish in the Green River and either in the upper Colorado or San Juan Rivers, each greater than 5,800 adults; (2) maintain the genetic refuge in Lake Mohave; and (3) establish two core populations in the lower basin of greater than 5,800 adult fish. The draft recovery goals for the bonytail, the most rare of the endangered fish, includes the following criteria: (I) maintain populations in the Green River and upper Colorado River, each with greater than 4,400 adult fish; (2) maintain g~netic refuge in suitable locations in the lower basin; and (3) establish and maintain two core populations, each with 4,400 adult fish. 7