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C:l ,) '":l - c:T.l oo,J The Recovery Program has five principal elements: (I) habitat management through provision of instream flows, (2) habitat development and maintenance through non-flow options, (3) stocking of native fish species, (4) management of non-native species and sportfishing, and (5) research, monitoring, and data management. A critical element is the appropriation lacquisition and protection of instream flows required for the recovery of the species. With regards to (I), habitat management through provision of instream flows, the Recovery Program has conducted a number of studies to develop flow recommendations in the mainstem Colorado River, Yampa River, and Green River, which would contribute to the protection and maintenance of endangered fish habitat. As directed by the Recovery Program, the Service is required to conduct flow quantification studies to provide instream flow recommendations which will be submitted to the state water resources agencies for review, approval and implementation. Under this process, flow recommendations have currently been developed by the Service in three separate studies using a variety of flow methodologies on the Colorado and Yampa Rivers in Colorado. These recommendations were for the IS-Mile Reach of the Colorado River, extending from about Palisade to the confluence with the Gunnison River; and the Yampa River from Craig, Colorado to the Colorado-Utah Stateline. Future studies will be conducted on the White, Dolores and Gunnison Rivers, The Recovery Program also outlines the procedures for Section 7 consultations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under section 7 of the ESA, the Service is required to consult with other federal agencies to insure that any action authorized, funded or carried out by such agencies is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species, or result in destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat of such species. Those actions include issuance of permits and licenses to other entities or individuals. In order to ensure whether progress toward recovery of the fish is sufficient to allow for continued issuance of favorable biological opinions by the Service on various water projects, a number of agreements have been developed. These agreements clarify how the Recovery Program suffices as the reasonable and prudent alternative to offset jeopardy biological opinions on depletion impacts related to new and existing water projects in the Upper Basin. These agreements include the Enforcement and Protection of Water and Water Rights and Section 7 Consultation, Sufficient Progress and Historic Projects Agreementsl. 1 "Memorandum of Agreement Between the United States Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service and the Colorado Water Conservation Board concerning the Enforcement and Protcction of Water and Water Rights", (Enforcement Agreement) adopted by the Board in September 21, 1993, "Section 7 Consultation, Sufficient Progress, and Historic Projects Agreement", accepted by the Recovery Program October 15, 1993, 2