Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act of 2023

Bill 118 hr 4629, also known as the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation that aims to reauthorize and provide funding for programs that focus on the recovery and conservation of endangered fish species in the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins.

The bill specifically focuses on the recovery programs for four endangered fish species: the Colorado pikeminnow, the razorback sucker, the humpback chub, and the bonytail. These species are native to the Colorado River Basin and have faced significant population declines due to factors such as habitat loss, water pollution, and competition with non-native species.

The legislation seeks to continue the efforts of the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program and the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program, which have been successful in improving the populations of these endangered fish species through habitat restoration, fish stocking, and other conservation measures. The bill includes provisions for funding these recovery programs through federal appropriations and partnerships with state and local governments, tribes, and other stakeholders. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination among various agencies and organizations involved in the conservation efforts. Overall, the Upper Colorado and San Juan River Basins Endangered Fish Recovery Programs Reauthorization Act of 2023 aims to continue and strengthen the conservation efforts for endangered fish species in the Colorado River Basin, with the ultimate goal of restoring their populations to sustainable levels and ensuring their long-term survival.