The Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program (EA RIP) met a milestone just in time for the Christmas Holiday as Dr. Tuggle, Regional Director for the Southwest Region of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, signed an MOA between the Service and the EA RIP committing to work together in hopes to resolve the conflicts between endangered species and water users. At stake are seven federally-listed species (Texas blind salamander, San Marcos salamander, Fountain darter, Texas wild-rice, Comal Springs riffle beetle, Comal Springs dryopid beetle, Peck's Cave amphipod).

The Edwards Aquifer is one of the most prolific artesian aquifers in the world. Located on the eastern edge of the Edwards Plateau in Texas, it discharges about 900,000 acre-feet of water a year and directly serves about 1.7 million people and the primary source of water for
San Antonio, the nation’s seventh largest city.

The MOA is the result of the State of Texas Senate Bill 3 which, among other things, directed the MOA between the Service and the EA RIP be signed by the end of 2007. Though the signing by all willing participants may linger through January of the New Year, this is considered to be a great accomplishment for this large group of state and local governments and NGOs.  It includes, water users, environmental groups, and scientists.