Rio Grande silvery minnow PVA Model Single Source Continuation

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In 2007, the Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program, contracted with the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) to assist in developing a population viability analysis (PVA) model for the Rio Grande silvery minnow. The initial model was developed through a series of meetings with local experts in silvery minnow biology and the Rio Grande ecosystem. Initial model results were presented to the Collaborative Program and interested stakeholders at a population habitat viability assessment workshop held December 2008. During the PHVA, workgroups identified several water management scenarios that could be evaluated using the PVA. The evaluation would provide relative and qualitative measures of species persistence under each scenario. The Service believes this evaluation is a critical step in developing a defensible “baseline” scenario for an adaptive management program for the river. We will rely on the technical knowledge that has been previously supplied (and gained) by CBSG to continue our modeling work. The services of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group will provide information that can potentially be used to supplement a new Biological Opinion to the Bureau of Reclamation and the Army Corps of Engineers for their actions in the Middle Rio Grande area and will investigate important biological questions regarding the minnow. The Fish and Wildlife Service seeks technical expertise in conducting population viability analyses for the Rio Grande silvery minnow. This work will build on the PVA model currently under development by CBSG. Through this work, the Service will assist stakeholders and action agencies in the Middle Rio Grande by developing a biologically defensible water management strategy for the basin. The Service is seeking technical support for the following specific tasks:1. Work with the Upper Rio Grande Water Operations Model technical team to identify water management scenarios for testing and to develop relevant inputs to the PVA model.2. Work with PVA-biology group to modify the current PVA model to test water and species management scenarios3. Provide documentation (white papers, discussion drafts, and final reports) of all model inputs, data, and analyses – note: this does not include meeting notes.As justification for Single Source Determination, in accordance with Department of the Interior guidance (505 DM 2.14) USFWS Region 2 provides notice of its intent to make a single-source award for Phase II, in the amount of 77,000, via a grant agreement with Global Conservation Network (DBA) Conservation Breeding Specialist Group. Additional awards and amendments are dependent on available funds.

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