Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment for Federal Agency Participation in the Virgin River Resource Management and Recovery Program

Résumé

This notice advises the public that the Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for Federal agency participation in the Virgin River Resource Management and Recovery Program (Program) is available for public review and comment. The purpose of the proposed Federal action described in the DEA is to formally declare the intent of the Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service to participate in the multi-agency program designed to implement recovery actions for two endangered fish species, the woundfin and the Virgin River chub, as well as conservation actions for the Virgin spinedace, as species being managed as sensitive by the State of Utah and subject of a Conservation Agreement. In addition to implementing recovery actions, the Program facilitates resolution of conflicts between endangered species protection and water development in the Virgin River Basin in Utah. Other participants include the State of Utah Department of Natural Resources, Washington County Water Conservancy District, and Grand Canyon Trust, a local non-profit, environmental conservation group.