Evaluation of the Decision Making Processes of the Central Arizona Project Fund Transfer Program

摘要

The Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) was asked to perform a 1-year evaluation of the decision making processes of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Fund Transfer Program in achieving its goal of assisting in the recovery of native fishes of the Gila River basin and disadvantaging non-native fishes in the basin. This work was deemed essential to determine if the program direction or methods of implementation need adjustment. WMI was asked to review the original objectives of the program as stated in the 1994 and 2001 consultations, pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and subsequent actions of the CAP Fund Transfer Program to determine if progress is being made in achieving those goals. WMI was charged with performing 3 basic tasks: 1. Review relevant portions of the 1994 and 2001 biological opinions and subsequent actions of the CAP Fund Transfer Program, contracts let, and other completed and ongoing project activities associated with the program. 2. Critically evaluate the decision-making processes and the assumptions used by the CAP Fund Transfer Program to achieve its goals and formulate recommendations for improvement. 3. Prepare a draft Final Performance Report for the Service that incorporates all analyses, conclusions, specific recommendations, and other materials derived from completion of Tasks 1 and 2, and make a presentation to a joint meeting of the CAP Fund Transfer Program Policy and Technical Teams to discuss the results and recommendations.