The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will accept comments on its proposed critical habitat designation for the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow until October 2, 2002. The original deadline was September 4.
The middle reach of the Rio Grande in New Mexico is proposed to be designated as critical minnow habitat. Meetings were held over the summer to solicit comments on the draft proposal, an environmental impact statement and an economic analysis. Interested parties now have until early-October to submit comments, technical information and approved conservation plans. All information will be considered and used to shape the final rule.
The proposed area encompasses the river reach immediately downstream of Cochiti Reservoir to the Elephant Butte Reservoir Dam as well as the tributary Jemez River from Jemez Canyon Reservoir to its confluence with the Rio Grande. A 300-foot riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian zone adjacent to each side of the river, except in areas bounded by existing levees, is included.
People have requested more time to review the information, particularly the economic analysis which measures costs, benefits and other impacts. The proposal, an environmental impact statement and the economic analysis are posted on the Service
