WSP06217 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

"'I F~ ,.,',1 ,.J. -, :') ,', " /'1 oj -'; i --, /'1 :j .-."Jo, :-:::,.:: "j : 'I '.-, ~: : . . , , .~~l ...."- 1998 report to the RIO Grande Compact CommIssIon Bureau of Reclamation that they believe should be actively pursued by water management agencies for the ecological well being of the Rio Grande. Under Reclamation's sponsorship, Reclamation and other water management agencies began meeting with the Alliance in August of 1998 to discuss short- and long-term water management strategies. These meetings are continuing. In January, 1999, Reclamation and the Corps of Engineers received a Notice of Intent to Sue (NOI) from seven environmental groups regarding perceived ESA and NEPA violations on the middle Rio Grande, The NOI addresses diversion dams, levees, the Low Flow Conveyance Channel, river operations, and water contracts. Southwestern Willow Flycatcher The southwestern willow flycatcher (flycatcher) was listed as endangered by the Service effective March 29, 1995. Critical habitat was designated effective August 21, 1997 in some areas of New Mexico and other states throughout the species range. The Rio Grande was not designated as critical habitat for the flycatcher. However, Section 7 of the ESA requires all Federal agencies to consult with the Service on any action that "may affect" a listed species regardless of whether critical habitat has been designated or not. Reclamation has been in consultation with the Service pursuant to Section 7 over numerous actions, mainly operations and maintenance activities along the Rio Grande since 1995. In 1998, Reclamation continued to conduct flycatcher surveys and nest monitoring along portions of the Rio Grande. Related surveys have been conducted by Reclamation since 1995 primarily in the Espanola Valley and the San Marcial area above Elephant Butte Reservoir. The surveys and nest monitoring will continue in 1999. As a result of consultations with the Service, Reclamation has been conducting a cowbird trapping program in the San Marcial area since 1996. In addition, since 1997 livestock grazing on Reclamation land in the San Marcial area has been prohibited between April 15 - July 31 to further reduce parasitism by cowbirds. To help determine the effects of winter livestock grazing on flycatcher habitat on Reclamation land near San Marcial, a 2-year study was initiated in the fall of 1997. The program, will continue in 1999. Programmatic Water Operations and River Maintenance Assessment In December, 1997, Reclamation and the Corps of Engineers jointly entered into an Endangered Species Act, Section 7, process to programmatically consult with the Service on federal water operations and river maintenance actions on the middle Rio Grande in New Mexico over a 5-year period. The biological assessment was prepared in 1998 which considered effects of these activities on federally protected species occurring in or near the Rio Chama or Rio Grande from Heron Reservoir and Velarde, New Mexico, respectively, to the headwaters of Elephant Butte Reservoir. The assessment focused on the Rio Grande silvery minnow, the southwestern willow flycatcher, and the bald eagle. Non-federal stakeholders were afforded access to the -13-