By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
Last week, Rep. Lauren Boebert’s Fish Recovery Act passed, protecting four endangered fish species and empowering water use and development.
Part of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the bipartisan legislation extends two vital conservation programs while enabling thousands of water and power users to continue operations uninterrupted.
“These projects, including 1,200 in Colorado alone, encompass major water reservoirs, agricultural water users, ski areas and power generation facilities that collectively use more than 3.7 million acre-feet of water per year,” Boebert said. She underscored the role these programs play in balancing environmental protection with ongoing water and power operations.
In 1988, two programs were launched: the Upper Colorado and San Juan Recovery Programs. They aimed to save four native fish: the humpback chub, bonytail, Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker.
Boebert explained that the designation of these species led to significant risks of water and power use restrictions, “states, tribes, local communities, environmental groups, energy users and water users have partnered to help recover four threatened and endangered fish species while continuing water and power facility development and operations in the Upper Colorado River Basin and the San Juan River Basin.”
These fish species benefit their ecosystems.
The humpback chub is an indicator species. It reflects river health. The razorback sucker improves water quality by cycling nutrients and cleaning riverbeds. The Colorado pikeminnow, a top predator, regulates fish populations. It connects river systems by migrating long distances. The bonytail, one of the rarest native fish, is resilient. It can survive in extreme water conditions.
Balancing access and conservation has earned the appreciation of water users.
“The importance of these programs cannot be overstated,” said Melvin J. Baker, chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. “Westerners’ water supply relies on projects that store, channel and pump water where it is needed. These programs allow water use and development to proceed while recovering endangered fish species.”
Baker added that the San Juan Program was “critical to the settlement of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s water rights” and remains fundamental to future tribal water development.
The programs manage water delivery from key reservoirs, including Navajo, Flaming Gorge and Aspinall Unit, which collectively store more than 6.5 million acre-feet of water.
Through the years, they have celebrated notable achievements:
Authorities have downlisted the humpback chub from endangered to threatened.
Experts recommend downlisting the razorback sucker, reflecting significant conservation progress.
“These programs help restore critical habitat, enhance stream flows, maintain fish ladders and screens, and support the conservation of genetic integrity through hatcheries and stocking efforts,” said Jim Lochhead, CEO/manager of Denver Water.
Boebert emphasized the burden that water and power users might face: “Without these programs, 2,500 water and power users would have to perform extremely burdensome Section 7 consultations for all 2,500 individual projects,” she said.
“Last Congress, I worked on a short-term extension to reauthorize these programs until Sept. 30, 2024,” Boebert stated. “I am proud to report that this bill today is the result of months of hard work with local stakeholders, the Bureau of Reclamation, and Sens. [John] Hickenlooper and [Mitt] Romney to provide a long-term solution by reauthorizing these vital programs until 2031.”
The programs benefit local economies by supporting irrigation, municipal water use and energy production while preserving ecosystems. Non-federal partners contribute $11 million annually for recovery actions, with additional funding from the Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Reclamation for infrastructure projects like reservoirs and canals.
“The Purgatoire River Water Conservancy District relies on these programs to ensure the long-term viability of Colorado River basin waters, supporting agricultural and municipal water uses for future generations,” said Steve Kastner, general manager of the district.
More than 30 organizations advocated for and supported Boebert’s legislation. They include local and tribal governments, water districts and conservation groups from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
Representatives who co-sponsored the bill include Reps. John Duarte (California), Paul Gosar (Arizona), Doug LaMalfa (California), Doug Lamborn (Colorado), Harriet Hageman (Wyoming), Troy Nehls (Texas), and Dan Newhouse (Washington).