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- Reclamation Releases Draft Biological Assessment for Middle Rio Grande Water Management
News Release Archive
Reclamation Releases Draft Biological Assessment for Middle Rio Grande Water Management
Media Contact:
Mary Carlson, (505) 462-3576, 08/18/2011 13:43
For Release: August 18, 2011
The Bureau of Reclamation today released a draft Biological Assessment for Middle Rio Grande Water Management. The draft BA closely analyzes the effects of Reclamation's mission-oriented actions on affected endangered species and their habitats, and the available future water supply.
Reclamation is re-consulting and seeking a new Biological Opinion from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the 2003 Biological Opinion expires in 2013 and the availability of supplemental water is declining. As a federal water management agency, Reclamation faces the challenge to continue to manage the gap that exists between the amount of water needed to meet the flow targets of the current BiOp and the water available in the foreseeable future.
"We must have full collaboration from our federal and nonfederal partners to ensure that every drop of water is used to its fullest potential while we continue on this path of improving the status of endangered species in the area," said Reclamation Albuquerque Area Office Manager Mike Hamman.
Through this BA process, Reclamation will look to its partners in the Middle Rio Grande for help in providing adequate flows and other non-water solutions for the Rio Grande silvery minnow, improving habitat for the silvery minnow and the Southwestern willow flycatcher, and promoting recovery of listed species.
The BA will describe Reclamation's water management actions and those of non-federal signatories of the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program who agree to measurable contributions in pursuit of Endangered Species Act compliance. The draft BA is available on our web site for a 30-day public review.
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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.
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