In the early 1990’s, Reclamation embarked on a series of projects to safeguard the levee in the Santo Domingo reach of the Rio Grande which channelized the river corridor and enhanced water conveyance through Tribal Lands. In effect, the removal of river meanders, back waters and side channels promoted a high velocity river (Hiebert 1990).  These activities are thought to have impacted the population of Rio Grande silvery minnow (silvery minnow).

The Santo Domingo Tribe-Natural Resources Branch (NRB) proposes to work at four sites along the Rio Grande.  Each project will complement prior year habitat restoration projects in the Cochiti Reach.  The NRB will be practicing multiple habitat restoration techniques outlined in the “Habitat Restoration Plan for the Middle Rio Grande,” (Tetra Tech 2004).  All of the proposed restoration projects are aimed at enhancing riverine features to accommodate the needs of the silvery minnow. One project will be the second phase of a project awarded in 2005.  This work involves completing the removal of non-native phreatphytes, while the remaining projects will refurbish low-flow side channels and backwater habitats. Each project will incorporate embayments or scallops and other habitat features associated with desirable silvery minnow nursery habitat.  Each project is intended to provide and expand suitable habitat for the silvery minnow.

The Project is funded by the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program (Collaborative Program) through the Bureau of Reclamation. This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been conducted to evaluate the impacts of the construction on environmental resources and their relationship to other projects while complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

For more information contact: Charles Fischer, Albuquerque Area Office, 555 Broadway NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, NM 87102, (505) 462-3656, cfischer@uc.usbr.gov.

Santo Domingo Tribe - Endangered Species Habitat Improvement Project Phase III Environmental Assessment and FONSI
Cover pages	162 KB
Finding of No Significant Impact	49 KB
Table of Contents, Abbreviations and Acronyms	29 KB
Chapter 1 - Purpose and Need for Action	31 KB
Chapter 2 - Alternatives	734 KB
Chapter 3 - Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences	68 KB
Chapter 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 - Environmental Commitments, Consultation and Coordination, List of Preparers, Appendix	47 KB
Corps of Engineers Jurisdiction Determination Letter	260 KB
Fish and Wildlife Service Concurrence Letter	169KB
Entire Document	1.5 MB