riprap - Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program

PREFACEThis document was originally finalized on October 15, 1993. Part One received a minorrevision on March 8, 2000, to accommodate programmatic biological opinions. PartTwo has been revised to accommodate annual updates, designation of critical habitatfor the endangered fishes, and development of specific recovery goals for each of thespecies.PART ONE:Section 7 Consultation, Sufficient Progress, and Historic ProjectsAgreementSections 4.1.5, 4.1.6, and 5.3.4 of the Recovery Implementation Program forEndangered Fish Species in the Upper Colorado River Basin (Recovery Program)outline procedures for consultation pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered SpeciesAct on water projects in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The Section 7 Agreement(including Section 7 Consultation, Sufficient Progress, and Historic Projects Agreement)was developed by Recovery Program participants to clarify how Section 7 consultationswill be conducted on water depletion impacts related to new projects and impactsassociated with historic projects (existing projects requiring a new Federal action) in theUpper Basin.PART TWO:Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action PlanThe Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action Plan (RIPRAP) was developedby the Recovery Program participants in support of the Section 7 Agreement using thebest, most current information available and the recovery goals for the four endangeredfish species. It identifies specific actions and time frames currently believed to berequired to recover the endangered fishes in the most expeditious manner in the UpperBasin. The RIPRAP is the Recovery Program’s long range plan. It contains dates foraccomplishing specific actions over the next 5 years and beyond. The RIPRAP is ameasure of accomplishment the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses to determine if theRecovery Program can continue to serve as a reasonable and prudent alternative forprojects undergoing Section 7 consultation to avoid the likelihood of jeopardy to thecontinued existence of the endangered fishes as well as to avoid the likely destructionor adverse modification of critical habitat.