In order to improve the status and contribute to the recovery of the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (RGSM) and the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (SWWF), two federally mhgmd species, the Bureau of Reclamation has engaged in a Supplemental Water Program (Program) during the past decade. In February 2003, Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Enginem (USACZ)issued a Programmatic Biological Assessment (BA) of the Bureau of Recl&onrs Water and River Maintenawe Operations, Army Corps of Engineers' FIood Control Option, and Non- Federal Actions on the Middle Rio Grande, New Mexico, March 1,2003 - February 28,201 3. In March 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) issued Biological and Conference Opinions (BiOp) on the Effects of Actions Associated with the Programmatic BA. The Reasonable and Prudent Altmtive incIudes components of the. Program which USFWS has deemed necessary to avoid the likelihood of jeopardizing the continued existed of the RGSM rmd tke SWWF.

This Supplement to the Programmatic Supplemental Water EA (PEA), completed in 200 1 by Recfamation, is intended to serve three purposes. This document will update the elements of the Program, the existing mvironmentd conditions as well as the environmental consequences of the Program for the identified resources. As a result, the other contents of the PEA are incorporated by reference into this Supplement The second purpose of this document is to disclose information and impacts associatsd with the ongoing Low Flow Conveyaact Channel (LFCC) Pumping Project. Last, the Supplement discloses additional specific information on the water leasing program, This EA shall serve as the appropriate documentation for fuhue leasing activities by Reclamation for the benefit of the RGSM and the SWWF.

For more information contact: Charles Fischer, Albuquerque Area Office, 555 Broadway NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87102, (505) 462-3656, cfischer@uc.usbr.gov