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Ou2535 . . users, and environmental organizations to press the value of the program with Congress. Recent appropriations by Congress for similar activities are encouraging. With broad based support, it is believed that funding will occur. IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM Development of the recovery program represents an outstanding achievement by all of the interests involved. The true test of the program, however, will be in its implementation, which will not be without difficulty. Committments made by all parties must be fulfilled. " While details of the program will change as information becomes available, there are SOme basic committments which will r.ot change. The Federal government is obligated to protect habitat for endangered species within the context of State water law. The States and water users are committing to work with the Federal government to establish scientifically-based instream flows under State law which are needed to protect endangered species habitat. Environmental organizations and water users are committed to acting in good faith in implementing this program, and to its continued support, as long as the principles on which it is based are upheld. The proposal is not a legal contract. At any time, if the parties find that the committments are too great, the terms become unreasonable, or the principles are not upheld, the program may cease to exist. Before such drastic action is taken, however, the alternatives must be carefully considered. During the next few months, the details of the proposed program will become widely known to State governments, various constituent interests, Congress, Federal agencies, and the public at large. Many questions will be raised which can only be answered as the process evolves. Considerable skepticism 1 1