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Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act of 2023
3/8/2024, 4:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 3918
The bill specifically focuses on the recovery programs for four endangered fish species: the Colorado pikeminnow, the humpback chub, the razorback sucker, and the bonytail. These species are all native to the Colorado River system and have faced significant declines in population due to various factors such as habitat loss, water pollution, and competition with non-native species.
The reauthorization of these programs is crucial for the continued conservation efforts of these endangered fish species. The bill provides funding for research, monitoring, habitat restoration, and other conservation activities that are essential for the recovery of these species. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and local stakeholders in implementing these recovery programs. It also includes provisions for public outreach and education to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these endangered fish species and their habitats. Overall, Bill 118 HR 3918 is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to continue and strengthen the efforts to recover and conserve endangered fish species in the Upper Colorado and San Juan River basins. By reauthorizing these programs and providing necessary funding, the bill aims to ensure the long-term survival of these species and the health of the river ecosystems they inhabit.
Congressional Summary of HR 3918
Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basin Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 and revises the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Upper Colorado River and San Juan River Basin recovery implementation programs to restore populations of certain endangered and threatened fish.
The goal of the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program is to recover the humpback chub (Gila Cypha), bonytail (Gila elegans), Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). The states of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming are partners in the program.
The goal of the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program is to recover the Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) and razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus). The states of Colorado and New Mexico are partners in the program.
The bill expands the programs to include the recovery of threatened fish stock. Thus, the bill requires the Upper Colorado River program to continue efforts to restore populations of the humpback chub, which was reclassified from an endangered species to a threatened species in 2001.
