BOARD00038 ‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 9/20/2006
• Description: WSP Section - San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program Document Revisions
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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CHAPTER 4: RECOVERY OBJECTIVES

The recovery objectives for the razorback sucker and the Colorado pikeminnow are downlisting,
followed by delisting of the species under the Endangered Species Act. Recovery goals have
been developed for the razorback sucker and the Colorado pikeminnow by recovery teams, which
are advisory teams of experts established under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act. The
recovery goals for both species are published in recovery plans that were approved by the Service
in 2002, and include target sizes for populations of each in the San Juan River. The recovery
goals provide specific management actions, measurable downlisting and deli sting criteria, and
estimates of the time required to achieve recovery of each of the endangered fish species. A
status review for both species is conducted at least once every five years.

The Program seeks to determine and implement recovery actions to meet the recovery goals
stated for the San Juan River populations of Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker.
Although considerable research and planning are required to maximize the effectiveness of the
Program's recovery actions, the Program participants recognize that action is required.
Management actions and capital projects need to be implemented expeditiously to improve the
habitat for and status of the populations of endangered fish species in the San Juan River and to
allow water development in the San Juan River Basin to proceed in compliance with federal and
state laws.

The recovery goals and criteria are summarized below for each species. The recovery goals and
criteria are based on the best available commercial and scientific information and are structured
to attain a balance between reasonably achievable criteria and ensuring the viability of the
species beyond deli sting. The recovery criteria may need to be reevaluated and revised after self-
sustaining populations are established and there is an improved understanding of the biology of
the species.

The specific management actions and downlisting and delisting criteria that apply to the
razorback sucker and Colorado pikeminnow throughout the Colorado River system are described
in the recovery plans for each species. The recovery plans are available for viewing and
downloading at http://www.r6.fws.gov/crrio/rg.htm.

Conservation Plans

Conservation plans for razorback sucker and Colorado pikeminnow will go into effect at
delisting to provide for long-term management and protection of the species, and to provide
reasonable assurances that recovered species populations will be maintained without the need for
relisting. Elements of the conservation plans could include: provision of flows for maintenance
of habitat conditions required for all life stages of the species; regulation and/or control of non-
native fishes; minimization of the risks of spills of hazardous materials; and monitoring of
populations and habitats. In order for delisting of a species to occur, State agencies, Federal
agencies, Indian tribes, and possibly other parties may need to sign agreements to provide for
implementation of a conservation plan for that species.a
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