The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) participated with three other agencies to tour the Rio Grande in New Mexico with Congressional representatives to visit key sites along the Rio Grande to develop an understanding of the river system and its many issues concerning water supply, drought, floods, pueblo needs, environment, facilities maintenance, and recreation.  The tour began at Chama, New Mexico and ended at Elephant Butte Reservoir, that included stops at 5 reservoirs.  The agencies included the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission.  Representatives of the Service included the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office, the Deputy Regional Director, and the Region 2 External Affairs office.  The tour explained how federal, state, and local governments are working together to meet the challenges of limited water supply and increasing demand.  A brief presentation was made at each tour stop to explain the important issues related to the site.

Issues that were addressed by the Service included water management coordination throughout the Rio Grande; our participation in the Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River management; acequia rehabilitation by the Corps; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act involvement with other agencies; our participation in the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program; Rio Grande silvery minnow (listed as endangered) rescue and recovery; recovery activities for the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher; the Middle Rio Grande Bosque Initiative that addresses the Rio Grande ecosystem; our involvement with tribes and the Middle Rio Grande Conservation District; and the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.