Rio Grande near Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

From U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region:

Efforts to Protect Endangered Species in the Middle Rio Grande Continue with Renewed Commitments from Key Water Management Agencies 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed and provided a new biological opinion to the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and the State of New Mexico, providing Endangered Species Act coverage for water-related activities in the Upper and Middle Rio Grande. 

The Rio Grande is one of the most important natural resources in the state of New Mexico.

“This Biological Opinion recognizes the core management elements that are necessary to sustain and ultimately recover populations of silvery minnows. The Biological Opinion is based on years of experimentation, rigorous science, and adaptive management strategies that will balance and meet human water needs while supporting wildlife conservation,” said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, the Service’s Southwest Regional Director. “The substantial conservation commitments made by the Middle Rio Grande Partners will significantly improve the status of the silvery minnow, flycatcher and cuckoo.”

More information is at: https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/NewMexico/

Photo: Rio Grande near Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (courtesy of Save Our Bosque Task Force)

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