Programmatic Biological Assessment of Bureau of Reclamations Water and River Maintenance Operations, Army Corps of Engineers' Flood Control Operation, and Non-Federal Actions on the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico, March 1, 2003-February 28, 2013

摘要

This biological assessment (BA) describes proposed federal actions on the Middle Rio Grande, including Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) water management operations and river management activities, the Corps of Engineers (Corps) flood control operation, and non-federal actions. The BA considers the effects of these proposed actions on federally protected species occurring in or near the Rio Chama watershed and the Rio Grande, including all tributaries, from the Colorado/New Mexico state line downstream to the headwaters of Elephant Butte Reservoir. This BA focuses on the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus; silvery minnow), the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus; willow flycatcher), and the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Reclamation and the Corps are submitting this BA to the Service pursuant to Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This BA incorporates by reference and summarizes applicable and relevant portions of the BA submitted to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on June 6, 2001. If the proposed actions are modified or affect listed species in ways not considered in this BA, reinitiation of consultation will be requested in accordance with 50 CFR Part 402.16.