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"The agreement is an example of how cooperation between tribes, states and the federal <br />government solves difficult natural resource problems in the West," said Fish and Wildlife Service <br />Regional Director Benjamin N. Tuggle, Ph.D. "We not only offset the impact of development but <br />we recover endangered species." <br />As a result of the cooperative effort, biologists are seeing signs of recovery in both the razorback <br />sucker and Colorado pikeminnow populations. Stocked fish have been captured at spawning sites <br />in reproductive condition and captures of young fish in the San Juan River demonstrate that these <br />endangered fish are successfully reproducing. Overall habitat for native fish in the river has <br />improved and water development for agricultural, municipal and hydroelectric projects has been <br />able to continue. <br />"The program's early years consisted of extensive research into the habitat and life requirements <br />of the fish species," said David Campbell, the program's director. "We are now at a juncture <br />where recommended management actions are improving the quality of river habitat. This is <br />reflected in growing populations of razorback sucker and Colorado pikeminnow. The extension of <br />the program will allow for continued efforts to recover these rare fish." <br />For more information, call 505-761-4745 or visit the Recovery Program's website: <br />http : //s outhwe s t. fws . g av /s j rip. <br />The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, <br />protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of <br />the American people. The Service manages the 95-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, <br />which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special <br />management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and B1 <br />ecological services field stations. The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the <br />Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant <br />fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native <br />American tribal governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal <br />Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing <br />and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies. Visit the Service's website at <br />http://w-w-w.fws. gav. <br />- http://www.fws.gov/southwest- <br />