On January 13, 2006, representatives from state and federal agencies participated in the dedication of a habitat improvement project in the Rio Grande.  The proposed project would improve habitat for the Rio Grande silvery minnow, a federally listed endangered species in Albuquerque.  Suitable habitat would be created by removing exotic plant species and physically altering the river, island and streambed.  The project is jointly funded by the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Act Collaborative Program. 

The speeches focused upon partnerships among agencies and groups that can achieve habitat improvement for an endangered species, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation. 

Participants included Congressional representatives Senator Peter Domenici and Representative Heather Wilson; state agencies (NM Interstate Stream Commission, NM Attorney General Office, NM Department of Game and Fish); federal agencies (US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers); Albuquerque officials and many others.