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002526 In July, 1983, the u.s. Fish and wildlife Service proposed a significant change in approach to Section 7 consultations. The u.S. Fish and Wildlife Service defined minimum flows on the Colorado River, Green River, Yampa River, White River, and Gunnison River as being necessary to maintain endangered species habitat. Any project causing depletions below those minimum flow levels would receive a jeopardy opinion. The minumum flow levels had no scientific basis. They were simply based on the perceived need to maintain pre-1960 flows in the Upper Colorado River Basin. It was assumed by the Service that native fishes were better off prior to 1960. The proposal had the potential to disrupt State water rights law, and to deny water project sponsors of thei~ legal right to divert water ," under State law. The approach ignored the interstate compacts and the decrees of the u.s. Supreme Court ratifying the interstate compacts. THE SPECIAL PROJECT In response to the 1983 approach, twenty-five Colorado River Basin, Platte River Basin, and Arkansas River Basin muncipalities, special districts, and industries joined together and asked the Colorado Water Congress to sponsor the Special Project on Threatened and Endangered Species. Project sponsors agreed to provide funding for the project, and to staff the project with special committees. A Management Committee was formed, as well as Legal, Technical, and Political Committees. Sixty-five managers, attorneys, scientists, and engineers served on the Special Project committees. On December 1, 1983, the Special Project engaged the services of a Project Coordinator. The goal of the Colorado Water Congress Special Project has been to seek an administrative solution, acceptable to the water users and the Federal government, which would allow continued water development, and avoid conflicts with the Federal Endangered Species Act. 2