Report on Multi -species Conservation Program Activities Board...2012/08/02 · Report on Multi...
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Report on Multi-species Conservation Program Activities Chuck Cullom Colorado River Programs Manager August 2, 2012
Report on Multi -species Conservation Program Activities Board...2012/08/02 · Report on Multi -species Conservation Program Activities Chuck Cullom Colorado River Programs Manager
Report on Multi-species Conservation Program Activities Chuck Cullom Colorado River Programs Manager August 2, 2012
Presenter
Presentation Notes
CAP is a leader in the implementation of the Lower Colorado River Multi-species Conservation Program. CAP serves as the fiscal agent for Arizona participants. The program is a unique partnership among the Lower Basin states, federal agencies, Native American nations and communities, and water providers. This presentation documents the current status of the program and describes the overall progress of the program.
MSCP Overview
• 50 year program, through 2055 • Total estimated costs $626 million (2003 dollars)
• Fish Goal = 1.28 million • Razorback Sucker = 660,000 • Bonytail = 620,00
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The program is structured to provide compliance with the Endangered Species Act for water operations, deliveries, maintenance, and power generation along the lower Colorado River. The program area extends from Lake Mead to the northerly international boundary with Mexico. The program does not extend into Mexico nor does it support activities in Mexico. There is significant exchange of information and operational experience between US and Mexico restoration efforts. There are 27 Arizona funding participants, 57 total Federal and non-Federal participants.
The program covers 26 species of which six are currently listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In addition, the program provides coverage for potential future listing of 20 other species. This is a forward looking program to provide certainty for compliance with the ESA for the 50-year period.
Program Status
• Program Spending is on schedule
• Habitat development is ahead of schedule
• Fish augmentation is delayed, but consistent with the plan.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The three primary measures of MSCP accomplishments are: spending consistent with the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), creation of habitat to meet acreage goals, and fish augmentation consistent with population goals. At present, the spending for MSCP is consistent with the HCP. Note on the graph the step up in funding during FY 2011. This was planned as part of the 2005 program documents to provide increased funding for habitat creation and land/water acquisition. The habitat creation is ahead of schedule and will be discussed in the next slide. Fish augmentation is delayed, but consistent with the program plan and will be discussed later.
Habitat Creation Status
• Habitat development is ahead of schedule
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The MSCP is ahead of schedule on habitat creation. The program is in its 8th year of the 50 year period (16% of time) and most of the habitat types are about 25% of the accomplishment goal. The program is creating 11 sites. The newest site is the Laguna project which will add an additional 1,100 acres, keeping the program ahead of schedule over the next couple of years.
Fish Augmentation Status
• Delayed due to concerns about survivorship, disease, and quagga
• 207,070 fish repatriated • 158,998 Razorback • 48,072 Bonytail
• 2009/2010 Survivorship study showed poor performance
• Outbreak of largemouth bass virus at Dexter NFH reduced Bonytail production
• Retrofit of hatchery facilities to reduce spread of quagga
• Expect to resume large-scale production in 2013/14
Presenter
Presentation Notes
The fish production program is delayed due to three issues: concerns about depressed survivorship of native fish, disease outbreaks at fish hatcheries, and need to retrofit hatcheries to reduce the spread of quagga in the Colorado River. The survivorship issue is under intensive research to determine if growing fewer but larger fish will increase the survivor rate. A decision, based on research, is expected in 2014. The resolution will not increase the cost of the program. The native fish are especially sensitive to disease so an outbreak of disease at hatcheries interrupted the production of Bonytail for two age classes. The hatcheries that provide fish to the program, including those in Arizona had to be retrofitted with new facilities to reduce the introduction of quaggas from and to the Colorado River system. The program is expected to resume large-scale production in 2013/14
