1996 Washington, D.C. Briefing Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin

• Description: 1996 Washington, D.C. Briefing Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 3/18/1996
• Title: 1996 Washington, D.C. Briefing Recovery Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Meeting

• More than 200 water projects have proceeded in the upper Colorado River Basin, in compliance
with the Endangered Species Act.
• Recovery Program actions have resulted in no water project litigation whatsoever.
• Flooded bottom lands have been restored in four sites: three on the Colorado River near Grand
Junction, and one at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge on the Green River.
In short, the program is succeeding in implementing the Endangered Species Act while also
allowing for water resource development and complying with all State water laws. For all of these
reasons, this has been called a "model program." Continued Congressional funding is needed if
key recovery actions are to be completed.
Workers build forms at the entrance to the fish ladder before concrete is poured. The
Redlands Diversion Dam can be seen in the background. The dam is located 2.3 miles
upstream of the Gunnison's confluence with the Colorado River. It is scheduled to be
complete this spring.