Response of Columbia spotted frog to restoration efforts

Authors: Wilson, Krissy W., Bailey, Carmen

Year: 2004 (xxxvi)

Abstract

The Provo River Restoration Project in Wasatch County, Utah, has provided opportunity to expand habitat for the imperiled Columbia spotted frog, Rana luteiventris, along the Wasatch Front. Columbia spotted frog habitats within the restoration project are protected from impactive land us es and maintained by a constant water supply, independent of weather related factors. More than 200 wetlands were created as part of river restoration during 1999-2003, approximately 65% of which were constructed following guidelines developed for creating Columbia spotted frog habitat. During the four-year period, 20% of the new wetlands were colonized by the species. Four-hundred and twenty egg masses were placed in new ponds, representing 21% of the reproductive effort for Heber Valley. Reproductive effort (number of egg masses observed during the breeding season) increased 30% in Heber Valley since 2001. In comparison, Columbia spotted frog populations and habitats outside Heber Valley suffered five years of drought and experienced more than 50% decline in reproductive effort. The restoration project exemplifies how protecting and enhancing habitat can result in positive population responses.

Resumen

Respuesta de la rana pinta Columbia a los trabajos de restauración El Proyecto de Restauración del Río Provo en el Co ndado Wasatch, Utah, ha constituído una oportunidad para la expansión del hábitat de la rana pinta Columbia, Rana luteiventris, especie en peligro, a lo largo del frente o del acantilado Wasatch. Los hábitats de esta rana en la zona donde se lleva a cabo el proyecto de restauración están protegidos del impacto del uso de tierra y tienen un abasto constante de agua. En el período de 1999 al 2003, se han creado más de 200 humedales como parte de la restauración del río. Casi 65% fueron construidos siguiendo los lineamientos desarrollados para crear hábitat para la rana pinta Columbia. En el período de cuatro años, 20% de los nuevos humedales fueron colonizados por dicha especie. Cuatrocientas veinte masas de huevos han sido depositadas en estanques recién creados que representan 21% del esfuerzo reproductivo total en el Valle Heber. El esfuerzo reproductivo (número de masas de huevos observadas en el período de reproducción) se ha incrementado en 30% en el Valle Heber desde 2001. Por el contrario, las poblaciones de la rana y los hábitats fuera del Valle Heber han resentido cinco años de presiones debidas a la sequía y muestran un descenso de más de 50% en el es fuerzo reproductivo. El proyecto de restauración es un ejemplo de cómo la protección y mejora del hábitat pueden resultar en respuestas positivas de las poblaciones.

MINUTES OF THE BUSINESS MEETING / MINUTAS DE LA REUNION DE NEGOCIOS Business Meeting Minutes of 36th Annual Meeting of Desert Fishes Council, Tucson Arizona, 10-14 November 2004 President Jim Brooks called the business meeting of the 36 th annual meeting of the Desert Fishes Council, held at the Doubletree Inn at Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona, to order at 1700 hrs on 12 November 2004. Old Business The first order of business was a request for changes or additions to the meeting agenda; none was offered. The next order of business was review and approval of the minutes of the 35th annual meeting of the Desert Fishes Council, held at Death Valley National Park, California. No change to minutes of 35th annual business meeting was offered. Clark Hubbs moved that minutes be accepted as presented to membership. Harold Tyus seconded motion. There was no discussion and minutes were accepted by unanimous voice vote. Executive Secretary Phil Pi ster reported that DFC accounts (money market and checking) currently held about $80,000. A precise figure would not be available un til all income and costs associated with 36th annual meeting were reconciled. Nonetheless, the financial health of DFC was hale and hearty. Pister reported that DFC had acted as funding conduit (at no cost to DFC) for 3 projects that complemented the mission of DFC during 2004. Suggestions were offered by membership on possible use of funds. These included development of educational programs for children, public outreach efforts similar to that of the North American Native Fishes Association, a “seed” grant program, and development of a teacher’s guide for aquatic education. Steve Ross urged that use of DFC funds for projects should not erode or diminish current financial well-being of DFC. Members were urged to post their suggestions on the DFC list server bulletin board. Depending upon postings, Excomm may appoint an ad hoc committee to review ideas and make recommendations to membership. Membership Secretary Marlis Douglas (in absentia) reported that DFC currently had 226 members, including 63 new members. Membership reports for 2003 and 2004 were provided by Douglas (Attachments 1 and 2) Proceedings Editor Dean Hendrickson reported that Proceedings of previous meetings (34th and 35th) were nearly finished and hard and electronic (html and pdf) copies would soon be available to members. Hendrickson noted that editing and translation to Spanish of poorly written abstracts slowed publication process and urged those submitting abstracts to carefully review abstracts for grammar and clarity prior to submission. He also pointed out that there are detailed instructions to abstract authors on the webs ite that are often not followed. Overall quality of the Proceedings would be greatly improved by authors paying attention to these instructions, and the workload of the Proceedings Editor and Translation Committee would be diminished. Program Secretary Stewart Reid reported that all presenters at 36th annual meeting had paid their dues and registration on time, per DFC rules. Member-at-Large Tony Echelle reported that during his tenure he was impressed with work and accomplishments of Excomm. Student Awards Chair Eric Gustaf son thanked his committee of Marty Brittan and Matt Andersen for their efforts. Gustafson commended the quality of student presentations and related that selection of best student papers was difficult. Eleven student presentations, given in one session, were made at the 36th annual meeting. The Robert R. Miller and Frances H. Miller Award for Be st Paper by a Latin American Student was presented to Norman Mercado-Silva of the University of Wisconsin – Madison for his paper “Long Term Trends in the Fish Assemblage of the Laja River, Guanajuato, Mexico; an Example of the Decline of Fish Communities in Central Mexico”. The Carl L. Hubbs Award for Best Student Paper was presented to Lindsey Lyons of Southern Oregon University, for her paper “Temporal and Spatial Variation in Larval Pupfish Abundance and Associated Microhabitat Variables in Devils Hole, Nevada”. Areas Coordinator Nadine Kanim reported that the 2002 Species Status Tracking report would be in the 2003 Proceedings. An electronic database is in development by Pete Rissler and Tom Skyles and when completed will be available on the DFC website. Kanim urged membership to review the species tracking report and provide updates and corrections. Area coordinators were thanked for their efforts. Kanim provided an update on individuals serving as area coordinators: Stewar t Reid will continue as Ore gon area coordinator, Steve Parmenter will continue for California, Eric Miskow will replace Anita Shaul and Cynthia Martinez as Nevada area coordinator, Matthew Andersen will continue for the Bonneville area, Kevin Christopherson will replace Tim Modde as upper Colorado River basin coordinator, Kara Hilwig replaced Sally Stefferud as lower Colora-

do River basin coordinator, Hilary Watts replace Jim Brooks as upper/middle Rio Grande coordinator, Gary Garrett will continue as Texas area coordinator, Gorgonio Ruiz-Campos will replace Alejandro Varela-Romero as northwest Mexico coordinator, and Salvador Contrera s-Balderas will continue as coordinator for northeast Mexico and Mexico (national). President Brooks announced that Kanim was retiring as Areas Coordinator, after 10 arduous years, and thanked her for her considerable contributions during her tenure. Cuatrociénegas Meeting Arrangements Chair Hendrickso n presented the membership an overview of Cuatrociénegas, local facilities, and travel options for this meeting. President Brooks announced that nominations for Me mbership Chair, Area Coordinator, and Member-at- Large had been received. Marlis Douglas (appointed by Excomm to fill unanticipated vacancy) and Heidi Blasius (nominated by Peter Reinthal) were nominated for Membership Chair. Kara Hilwig (nominated by Nadine Kanim) and Kathy Boyer (nominated by Phil Pister) were nominated for Areas Coordinator, and Chuck Minckley was nominated by Stephanie Coleman for Member-at-Large. Each nominator provided a brief introduction and affirmation for their respective candidates. Paper ballots were provided to membership and collected by Excomm. Tucson Meeting Arrangements Chair Scott Bonar thanked all who helped him with arrangements for 36th annual meeting in Tucson. Those recognized for their contributions were Dean Hendrickson, Stewart Reid, Tony Robinson, Peter Reinthal, Scott Gurtin, Jeff Simms, Steve Norris, Peter Rissler, Chuck Minckley, Paul Barrett, Phil Pister, Rob Bettaso, Alison Iles, Andy Schu ltz, and Heidi Blasius. Pres ident Brooks thanked Bonar for his efforts and complimented him for a most successful and enjoyable meeting. One resolution, regarding use of piscicides in New Mexico, was submitted and posted on website with abstracts for consideration by membership. David Propst, resolution submitter, provided brief background on recent decision by the New Mexico State Game Commission to ban use of piscicides by New Mexico Department of Game and Fish for native fish restoration effort s. This ban has essentially halted recovery efforts for Gila trout and Rio Grande cutthroat trout, thereby making possible downlis ting of Gila trout problematic and increasing chances that Rio Grande cutthroat trout might be federally listed. A motion was made, and seconded, to accept the resolution. Steve Platania offered several editorial corrections to the resolution. Matt Andersen asked if resolution could be expanded to other states. Propst replied that the specific issue, at this time, applies only to New Mexico. Several members expressed opinion that other states should be appraised of resolution. Membership decided that including International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies among resolution recipients would ensure other states are aware of resolution. Membership suggested that “undesirable” be used instead of “nonnative” fishes and that sp ecies restoration efforts include non-salmonid examples. The resolution was revised accordingly and will be transmit ted to recipients via form transmittal letter signed by President Brooks. The membership approved the following resolution by voice vote, without dissent. Whereas the Desert Fishes Counc il (http://www.desertfishes.org) is an international organization numbering in excess of 250 agency, university, and private research and management scientists and resource specialists and other individuals concerned with the long-term integrity of North America’s desert ecosystems, and Whereas the expertise of its members collectively reflects many years of education and experience working in the fields of aquatic ecosystem research, conservation and management, and Whereas New Mexico’s aquatic ecosystems support a diverse and rich native fish fauna that contributes immeasurably to the state’s biological heritage; and Whereas many of New Mexico’s native fish species that utilize these habitats are imperiled by habitat modification and predation, competition, and hybridization with undesirable fish species; and Whereas without continuing and concerted efforts to control and diminish fact ors that threaten native New Mexico fishes, many will continue to decline in status; and Whereas elimination or control of undesirable fish species is a primary means by which security of several imperiled native fish species may be enhanced; and Whereas the piscicides antimycin A and rotenone are proven environmentally safe, effective, and efficient means to control or eliminate undesirable fishes; and Whereas each of these piscicides has been a critical tool in successful restoration and contributed to the recovery of several rare fish species throughout the United States, including greenback cutthroat trout, Apache trout, California golden trout, Leon Springs pupfish, Gila chub and Gila topminnow; and Whereas prohibition of use of piscicides for elimination of noxious undesirable fish species by the New Mexico State Game Commission will seriously impede, if not halt, recovery and conservation of rare native fish species in New Mexico, particularly Gila trout and Rio Grande cutthroat trout; now therefore be it

Resolved that the Desert Fishes Council, by majority vote of the membership assembled at its thirtysixth annual business meeting on November 12, 2004 in Tucson, Arizona, urges the New Mexico State Game Commission to reverse its decision to ban use of the piscicides antimycin A and rotenone in native fish conservation and management.

Resolution Recipients

Bill Richardson, Governor State of New Mexico State Capitol Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504

Guy Riordan, Chairman New Mexico State Game Commission 9514 Kandace Dr. NW Albuquerque, NM 87114

Alfredo Montoya, Vice-Chairman New Mexico State Game Commission San Juan Pueblo, NM 87566

Tom Arvas 7905 Spain NE Albuquerque, NM 87109

David Henderson P.O. Box 9314 Santa Fe, NM 87504

Jennifer Atchley-Montoya 4010 Oleta Dr., Apt. A Las Cruces, NM 88001

Peter Pino 026 Chamisa Dr. Zia Pueblo, NM 87053-3304

Leo Sims, II P.O. Box 2630 Hobbs, NM 88241-2630

Dr. Bruce Thompson, Director New Mexico Department of Game and Fish P.O. Box 25112 Santa Fe, NM 87504

International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 725 Washington, DC 20001

Arizona Game and Fish Department Assistant Director Bruce Taubert, after complimenting student presenters, addressed the membership on issues regarding the resolution (and associated transmittal letter) passed by DFC at its 35 th annual meeting concerning native fish management in Arizona and sent to Arizona Governor Napolitano. Although the “message” of the resolution was appropriate, the negative style of the initial transmittal letter was not likely to elicit a positive response, in Taubert’s opinion. Taubert explained that Arizona Game and Fish Department receives funding for its activities from several sources and has a broad array of constituents to which it is responsible. In his perspective, Taubert believed Arizona Game and Fish Department devotes considerable effort to native fi sh conservation, but that these efforts have to be accomplished within the agency’s diverse, and often conflicting, responsibilities for all its constituents. The DFC membership was reminded that AZGF is only one of many agencies having a responsibility for management and conservation of native fishes in Arizona. For DFC to influence Arizona Game and Fish Department, as well as the State Game Commission, Taubert urged DFC to become a constituent of AZGF by attending State Game Commission meetings and promoting the interests of native fishes . Taubert also encouraged DFC members to volunteer with AZGF on various native fish restoration efforts. President Brooks asked Taubert if AZGF’s “Twelvestep” project review process enabled potentially affected permittees to “v eto” proposed projects. Taubert responded that for a project to proceed AZGF believes it is necessary that a potentially affected permittee be a willing partner. Taubert was then asked by Stewart Re id how DFC might introduce itself to State Game Commission and was advised that a presentation by Executive Secretary Pister might be appropriate. New Business President Brooks provided a brief review of the informal meeting held on Wednesday evening (10 November 2004) to discuss future direction and role of DFC. Much of informal meeting involved discussion of events surrounding controversy of resolution (and transmittal letter) to Arizona Governor. In the end, the general

thinking of those in attendance was that several processes within DFC should be more structured to avoid contretemps, but that DFC should generally function as it has in past. One outcome of that meeting was that Peter Unmack would solicit ideas from DFC members on how resolutions might be handled in the future and would report that information to membership. At its May 2004 meeting, the Exco mm reviewed the constitution of DF C and recommended changes that would improve clarity and clearly define several ambiguous points. An electronic copy of the suggested changes was made to the membership prior to the 10 November 2004 meeting. The Constitution and Bylaws were displayed for membership at business meeting and comments/suggestions solicited. Steve Platania provided several editorial suggestions (e.g., spelling and grammatical corrections). The DFC “Mission Statement” was inserted in the preamble to DFC Constitution. Hendrickson made changes to the Constitution and Bylaws as they were discussed and approved by voice vote. The final revised document will be reviewed by Excomm, and published on the website and in the 2004 Proceedings. Peter Unmack reported to membership that his informal “survey” of membership indicated a desire for creation of a Resolutions Committee to act as a “clearinghouse” for resolutions and between-meeting actions on issues. As presented by Unmack, a Resolutions Committee could handle all non-controversial matters, but pass on to Excomm those that need further review/discussion. The Excomm, after obtaining appropriate background information, would present any resolutions to membership for consideration. If the issue demanded timely action, the Excomm could request discussion via listserver and act by sending a letter from the Executive Committee (i.e. not a resolution, which requires membership vote), or, the resolution could be presented to membership at annual meeting. Walt Courtenay was sugges ted as a possible chair for proposed Resolutions Committee, and area coordinators as me mbers. Questions were posed by memb ership regarding the need for a formal Resolutions Committee (i.e., changing Bylaws). After some discussion, Lloyd Findley noted that Excomm had power to create ad hoc committees and that that approach might be better than changing Bylaws. Findley’s suggestion was accepted and Walt Courtenay was asked to serve as Chair of ad hoc Resolutions Committee. At its May 2004 meeting, the Excomm drafted standard formats for resolutions and transmittal letters. These formats were presented to membership for discussion and suggestions. A motion was made, and seconded, to accept recommended changes of Excomm. The motion passed by voice vote without dissent. The policy is as follows: Resolutions Instructions for authors: Resolutions must further the mission of the DFC and must be submitted via the same mechanism as are abstracts for presentations, and by the same deadline date. All resolutions must begin with the following two “whereas” statements:

Whereas the Desert Fishes Council (http://www.desertfishes.org) is an international organization numbering in excess of 250 professional members including agency, university, and private research and management scientists and resource specialists and other individuals concerned with the long-term integrity of North America’s desert ecosystems, and

Whereas the expertise of its members collectively reflects considerable decades of education and active experience working in the fields of aquatic ecosystem research, conservation and management, and

followed by the resolution’s specific text (additional “whereas” statements explaining the particular situation of interest, etc.), followed by this “Resolved” paragraph: Resolved that the Desert Fishes Council, by majority vote of the membership assembled at its XXth annual business meeting on November XX, 20XX in XXXXCity, State, …. (action statement asking recipients to do something, etc., possibly with additional “and, be it further resolved” paragraphs)…. and finally, a list of all persons to whom the letter is proposed to be sent must follow with complete mailing addresses for all.

Council action: Resolutions will be acted upon as per the Council’s Constitution and bylaws, and may be edited by the membership. If approved by the membership, the approved version of the resolution will be promptly transmitted by the President to all recipients under a standardi zed cover letter that contains only the following text in the body of the letter following a standard salutation: At its annual business meeting on XX November 20XX, held in conjunction with its XXth annual conference in XXXXXXXXXXXX, the general membership of the Desert Fishes Council voted to approve and transmit the attached resolution to you and other recipients listed in the body of the resolution. We appreciate your consideration of its content.

Sincerely,

President Desert Fishes Council (no address or other affiliation necessary since will be printed on DFC letterhead)

Hendrickson presented a request to DFC for provision of financial support for “field station” at Cuatrociénegas. The field station provides accommodations and basic equipment for visiting scientists and students at an annual cost of about $US 14,000. Usage over the five years that Hendrickson and colleagues have been renting the house has been great, with many students starting projects and many new collaborations facilitated through contacts made via usage of the facility. To date, Hendrickson has obtained financial support for facility from other sources, but for upcoming y ear anticipates a shortfall of $US 6,293. The request is for one year; Hendrickson anticipates obtaining funding from other sources for support of the facility in subsequent years. Steve Ross commented that before considering any request to use DFC funds, DFC might wish to establish general guidelines regarding how its funds will be used , and establish mechanisms by which funds would be replaced. There some discussion, but members suggested that the specific request being discussed was clearly within the scope of DFC’s mission and important to act now. A motion was made, and seconded, to provide funding ($US 6,293) for one year to support establishment of the Cuatrociénegas field station. The motion carried, by voice vote, without dissent. President Brooks advised the membership that ballots for Area Coordinator, Membership Chair, and Member-at-Large would be tallied by Excomm and results announced on 12 November 2004. President Brooks adjourned the business meeting of the 36 th Annual Meeting of the Desert Fishes Council at 1930 hrs on 11 November 2004. On 12 November 2004, President Brooks announced that Kara Hilwig was elected Areas Coordinator, Heidi Blasius Membership Chair, and Chuck Minckley Member-at-Large. Following the meeting, Executive Secr etary Pister provided an accounting of DFC finances as of 31 October 2004 (Attachment 3).

ATTACHMENT 1

DFC MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES AND FEES:

COM (Complimentary) N/A DOM (Domestic) $25 FAM (Family) $35 LIF (Life) $625 STU (Student) $15 SUS (Sustaining) $35

17 members paid dues twice during FY03; each of these payments is counted individually (i.e., two different payments)

DFC DUES PAID IN FY2003 BY MEMBER CATEGORY

Category N Total $ Extra $ Dues only

COM N/A DOM 157 $4,100 $175 $3,925 FAM 15 $625 $100 $525 LIFE 2 $1,250 $0 $1,250 STU 40 $650 $50 $600 SUS 25 $925 $50 $875 239 $7,550 $375 $7,175 Legend: N is the number of payments for a category; Total $ = total amount of money members paid (some paid membership fees and included a donation to the DFC travel fund within their payment); Extra $ = amount of extra money that was paid; Dues only = amount of money that was paid for membership dues only. The last two columns are a break-up of Total $ column.

DFC DUES PAID IN FY2003 LISTED BY PAYMENT TYPE

Category Paytype N Total $ Extra $ Dues only

COM N/A 3 N/A N/A DOM Cash 104 2,680 80 2,600 Paypal 48 1,245 45 1,200 Phil 5 175 50 125 FAM Cash 12 520 100 420 Paypal 3 105 0 105 LIF Cash 2 1,250 0 1,250 Paypal 0 0 0 0 STU Cash 14 245 35 210 Paypal 25 390 15 375 Phil 1 15 0 15 SUS Cash 13 505 50 455 Paypal 12 420 0 420 239 $7,550 $375 $7,175 Legend: Most columns as above: table lists also how payment was received. Cash = payment was received by Jerry Stefferud (presumably as check) and deposited into Wells Fargo Bank account; PayPal = payment was received via paypal (not sure if all or some of these payments were directly transferred in the main DFC account Phil maintains); Phil = probably indicates that payment was directly sent to Phil (rather than Jerry Stefferud).

Funds transferred from Wells Fargo Account to First National Bank Account

19 Feb 04 Check $1,400.75 19 Feb 04 Cash $5.00 19 feb 04 check $590.00 Total $1,995.75

ATTACHMENT 2

DFC MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES AND FEES:

COM NA DOM $25 FAM $35 LIF $625 STU $15 SUS $35

DFC DUES PAID IN FY04 (up to 8 Nov 04) BY MEMBER CATEGORY

Category N Dues $ Extra $ Total $

COM 2 N/A N/A DOM 118 2,995 105 3,100 FAM 11 385 0 385 LIF 0 0 0 0 STU 31 465 50 515 SUS 12 420 60 480 172 $4,265 $215 $4,480

Legend: N is number of payments for a category; Dues $ = amount of money that was paid for membership dues only. Extra $ = amount of extra money that was paid (donations); Total $ = total amount of money members paid (membership dues and donation). (DOM category – 118 x $25 would be $2,950; one check was made out for $20 only, another member paid $50; thus the difference)

NUMBER OF DFC MEMBERS (as of 8 Nov 04)

Category Total 04 New 04 03 not 04

COM 2 1 3 DOM 133 40 77 FAM 16 1 2 LIF 25 0 NA STU 31 18 22 SUS 19 3 11 226 63 115

Legend: Total 04 is number of members in good standing for calendar year 2004 (i.e., dues paid for FY04). New 04 is number of members that joined DFC during calendar year 2004 (some might have been members in the past, but had not renewed dues since 2000 – if a member does not pay dues for 5 years, he/she is deleted from the membership database). 03 not 04 is number of members that paid dues during calendar year 2003, but have not yet renewed their membership for 2004 (some might intend to do this during the meeting in Tucson). Members of previous years that did not renew membership in subsequent years: 12 2002 members (not renewed in 2003 or 2004); 28 2001 members (members in 2001, but not renewed in 2002, 2003, or 2004).

ATTACHMENT 3

Desert Fishes Council Balance Sheet As of October 31, 2004 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings Bank of America Checking 35,278.66

Capital Preservation (Minckley fund) 10,219.54 Morgan Stanley Asset Account 45,741.64 First National Bank, Ft. Collins (Memb.) 3, 826.40 PayPal (registration fees) 4,207.71

Total Checking/Savings 99,273.95

Total Current Assets 99, 273.95

TOTAL ASSETS 9 9 , 2 7 3 . 9 5

LIABILITIES & EQUITY Equity Retained Earnings 75,362.15 N e t I n c o m e 2 3 , 9 1 1 . 8 0

Total Equity 99,273.95 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 99,273.95

Prepared by Patricia Pontak, CPA. 11/06/04 250 E. Line Street Bishop, CA 93514 (760) 872-9777

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS AS AMENDED AT THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING OF THE COUNCIL, 2004 CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE DESERT FISHES COUNCIL (As amended November 12, 2004, Tucson, Arizona) CONSTITUTION OF THE DESERT FISHES COUNCIL ARTICLE I - NAME The name of this organization shall be the Desert Fishes Council, and shall be referred to as the Council in this document. ARTICLE II - PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES Section 1. Purpose Within the framework of an entity organized exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes [including distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3 ) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law)], the Council exists to conserve the biological integrity of desert aquatic ecosystems and their associated life forms, to hold symposia to report related research and management endeavors, and to effect rapid dissemination of information concerning activities of the Council and its members. Section 2. Definition For the purpose of this Council, the term “desert fishes “ is intended to include any endemic fish or aquatic organism, be it species, subspecies, race or population that inhabits any drainage of the world’s deserts or arid areas as broadly defined. Section 3. Objectives 1. To stimulate and support studies in all phases of life history, ecology, conservation, management, and related intrinsic values of desert fishes and their ecosystems, including studies of introduced or exotic species that may be detrimental to desert fishes. 2. To provide a clearing house of information among all agencies, organizations, and individuals professionally engaged in work on desert fishes and the general public, through appointment of work committees, preparation of bibliographies and abstracts, publication of information on the World Wide Web, and related methods, when desirable. 3. To function in a professional advisory capacity, where appropriate, on questions involving conservation, management, and protection of desert fishes and their ecosystems, and to adopt such measures that will ensure continued survival of desert fishes and maintenance of their associated ecosystems in a natural state. 4. To publish symposium proceedings and transactions of meetings so as to present current information on problems relating to conservation of desert fishes and their ecosystems, and to commend outstanding action by the public and professionally engaged individuals in supporting the purposes of the Council. ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP Any person or organization interested in or engaged in the management, protection, or scientific study of desert fishes and their ecosystems, or some related phase of desert fish conservation, shall be considered eligible for membership upon application.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS The officers of the Council shall be a President, Executive Secretary, Proceedings Editor, Membership Secretary, Program Secretary, and Areas Coordinator, whose duties are described in the Bylaws (Article II). ARTICLE V - MANAGEMENT The Council shall be governed by an Executive Committee. ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS An Annual Meeting of the Council shall be held. ARTICLE VII - PUBLICATIONS The Proceedings of the Desert Fishes Council shall be published annually. ARTICLE VIII - ARCHIVE A Desert Fishes Council archive shall be maintained at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas library. ARTICLE IX - TAX EXEMPT STATUS The affairs of the Council shall at all times be managed in such a way as to preserve and safeguard its taxexempt status. Specifically, no part of the net earnings of the Council shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, officers, or other private person s, except that the Council sh all be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes and objectives set forth in Article II hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Council shall be in promulgating propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Council shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Council shall not, except to an insubstantial degree, engage in any activities or exercise any powers that are not in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the Council, as stated in Article II. ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION Section 1. Dissolution Defined The Desert Fishes Council shall be deemed dissolved after a two-thirds vote favoring dissolution by the attending membership at any Annual Meeting, and upon cessation of all administrative functions, provided, however, that in no event shall said administrative functions continue for a period in excess of six months from the date of the dissolution vote. Section 2. Obligations Upon Dissolution The Dissolution Committee shall, upon the dissolution of the Council, and after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the Council, dispose of all of the assets of the Council exclusively for the purposes and objectives of the Council in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as the Dissolution Committee shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the appropriate Court of the county in which the principal office of the Council is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes. ARTICLE XI - TAX EXEMPT STATUS–ADDENDUM Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted by (a) an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law)

or (b) an organization which receives deductible contributions under Section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law). BYLAWS OF THE DESERT FISHES COUNCIL ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Classes The membership of the Council shall consist of the following classes: Student; Regular (foreign or domestic); Complimentary; Family; Sustaining; Life; and Patron. Section 2. Application Application for membership shall be transmitted in writing to the Membership Secretary on forms provided by the Council. Section 3. Duration Membership is on a calendar year basis. Section 4. Benefits Only members may present papers at the Annual Meeting, be appointed or nominated as Council officers, and be eligible for awards and assistance granted by the Council. Each membership class is entitled to receive a single copy of the annual Proceedings of the Desert Fishes Council. ARTICLE II - OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES Section 1. President The President shall have general direction of the Counc il officers. The President shall appoint, with the assistance of the Executive Commi ttee, Chairs of all Committees, and sha ll be an ex-officio member of all Committees. The President shall preside at meetings of the Executive Committee and Council. Section 2. Executive Secretary The Executive Secretary shall serve as general business manager and ombudsperson for the Council, and shall appoint a member of the Executive Committee to record the minutes of bo th Executive Committee and Council Business meetings. Furthermor e, the Executive Secretary shall be responsible for receiving and disbursing all funds of the Council. A report concerning activities of this office, and an auditing of accounts during the preceding year, shall be made by the Executive Secretary to the Council at th e Annual Business Meeting, and at any time requested by the President. In the event that a majority vote of the Executive Committee determines that the President cannot serve or is not se rving in the capacity designated, the Executive Secretary shall serve pro-tempore. Section 3. Membership Secretary It shall be the responsibility of th e Membership Secretary to collect and account for all membership dues payments, and to maintain the membership directory and mailing database. The Membership Secretary will provide data from the membership database to members and others, as approved by the Executive Committee, and will transmit membership dues to the Executive Secr etary on an annual basis. The Membership Secretary will also provide a report to the Executive Committee and to the Council during the Annual Business Meeting. Section 4. Proceedings Editor It shall be the responsibility of the Proceedings Editor to receive and compile abstracts and resolutions submitted by members as potential presentations at the Annual Meeting, and to transmit these in accordance with a predetermined deadline to the Program Secretary. The Proceedings Editor will also insure that abstracts and articles from the Annual Meeting are published on an annual basis in the Proceedings of the Desert Fishes Council. The Proceedings Editor will provide a report to the Executive Committee and to the Council during the Annual Business Meeting.

Section 5. Program Secretary It shall be the responsibility of the Program Secretar y to announce the Annual Meeting to members, and to organize resulting abstracts into an interesting and informative program. The program agenda shall be given to the Executive Secretary at least 30 days prior to the meeting date. The Program Secretary will provide an activities report to the Executive Committee and to the Council during the Annual Business Meeting. Section 6. Areas Coordinator It shall be the responsibility of the Areas Coordina tor to function as a liaison between the Executive Committee and the Area Chairs. In this capacity, the Areas Coordinator will provide a report to the Executive Committee and to the Council during the Annual Business Meeting. Section 7. Area Chairs Area Chairpersons shall be appointed by the Executive Committee to represent specific areas as determined by the Executive Committee, and from other areas of interest to the Council. Area Chairs will compile synopses of conservation, research, and management endeavors in their respective areas for presentation at the Annual Meeting. Area Chairs will also insure rapid dissemination of Council information among members within and among areas, and will assist the Executive Secretary in responding to information requests of a specific regional or local nature. Section 8. Local Meeting Committee The Local Meeting Committee shall be composed of a chairperson and two members of the Council selected by the Executive Committee to make necessary arrangements that will promote the success of a meeting. Complete information pertaining to arrangements shall be given to the Executive Secretary at least 90 days prior to the Annual Meeting. The chair of the Local Committee will provide a report to the Executive Committee and to the Council regarding the status of the upcoming meeting. Section 9. Student Awards Committee The Student Awards Committee will consist of a chairperson and two members of the Council selected by the Executive Committee to d ecide by majority rule at each Annual Meeting the recipients of the Carl L. Hubbs Award, and the Robert Rush and Frances Hubbs Miller Award (By-Laws Article IV Section 7). Award recipients will be announced at close of the Annual M eeting. The chair of the Student Awards Committee will provide a report to the Executive Committee and to the Council at the Annual Business Meeting subsequent to the year the awards were made. Section 10. Miscellaneous Committees Miscellaneous committees shall be appointed as needed by the Executive Committee of the Council, or by the membership of the Council at its business meeting, to fulfill the needs of the Council in pursuing its Objectives and Purposes (Constitution Article II). Section 11. Accountability All Committees shall be accountable to the Council President. Section 12. Tenure All committees shall serve until new committees are appointed in their stead, or until their assigned duties have been discharged. ARTICLE III - MANAGEMENT Section 1. Executive Committee Shall be composed of the officers of the Council (Con stitution Article 4) and the immediate Past President of the Council and the Executive Committee Member-at-Large, whose responsibility it shall be to function as a liaison between the membership and the Executive Comm ittee by soliciting and facilitating communications between the membership and the Ex ecutive Committee. All members of the Executive Co mmittee are voting members.

Section 2. Obligation The Executive Committee shall conduct its affairs to co nform to the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws. The Executive Committee is authorized to act for the Council between meetings and shall report its interim actions to the members at the succeeding Annual Business Meeting. Any action of the Executive Committee may be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership during the Annual Business Meeting. Section 3. Restriction The Executive Committee will insure that all publicity shall be restricted to Council action, programming, awards and announcements. At no time will publicity be released that would discredit any person or organization. Section 4. Nomination The Executive Committee shall recommend nominees for officers of the Council and the Executive Committee’s Member-at-Large during the Annual Meeting. Such nominees must formally accept the nomination. Section 5. Floor Nominees Members may offer additional nominations from the floor during the Annual Business Meeting. Such nominees must be present at the Annual Business Mee ting and must formally accept the nomination from the floor. Section 6. Balloting When more than one nominee exists for an office, written ballots shall be received by the Executive Secretary from members present at the Annual Business Meetin g, and shall be counted by the Executive Secretary and two members appointed by the President. Balloting for an individual nominee (a single candidate for an office) may be taken by a show of hands or indicated by voice. Section 7. Alternate If the office of Executive-Secretary is being contested, the President will fill the obligations of Balloting. Section 8. Election The nominee receiving the largest number of votes (a plurality) shall be declared elected. No one may hold two elective positions simultaneously in the Council. In the event of a tie in election for any office, the Executive Committee shall determine the winner and the membership will be informed. Section 9. Term of Office Officers will serve two year terms beginning 1 January following their election in odd-numbered years. The Executive Committee’s Member-at-Large will serve two year terms beginning 1 January following election in even-numbered years. Section 10. Vacancies Vacancies among officers shall be filled by majority vote of the Executive Committee. Section 11. Resolutions Members may submit resolutions to the Council by following the same instructions and deadlines established to submit abstracts for the Annual Meeting. Propose d resolutions must be submitted with complete lists of proposed recipients of the resolution together with all contact information for those individuals. Proposed resolutions will be reviewed by a committee of memb ers appointed for this purpose for compliance with Section 12 (Limitations) and, if deemed in compliance, proposed resolutions accepted by that committee shall be discussed by the assembled membership at the Annual Business Meeting and ratified by majority vote. The author of a resolution will report to the membership where appropriate. Section 12. Limitations Resolutions will be limited to those that further the objectives of the Council. Section 13. Recommendations Council members may recommend changes to the Constitution or Bylaws by submitting such changes to the Executive Secretary for consideration at the Annual Business Meeting of the Council.

Section 14. Acceptance Constitution and Bylaws changes must be voted on an d passed by two-thirds majority vote of the assembled membership at the Annual Business Meeting of the Council. Section 15. Files The Executive Secretary shall maintain a file containing: Constitution and Bylaws, minutes of all meetings, correspondence pertinent to Council affairs, all committee reports, financial statements and records, and any other material judged by the Executive Committee as pertinent ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS Section 1. Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the Council sh all be during the first three weeks of November at a site determined by the Executive Committee. Section 2. Location The Annual Meeting of the Council will rotate sequentially between three locations in western North America: (a) Death Valley National Park; (b) a site to be determined in western United States of America; and (c) a site to be determined in Mexico. Section 3. Meeting Notice Notification of such meetings shall be given to the Executive Secretary at least six months prior to the Annual Meeting of the Council. Council members shall be noti fied at least ninety days prior to the Annual Meeting of the Council. Section 4. Quorum The quorum shall be 20 members. Section 5. Meeting Rules The rules contained in the latest revision of Roberts’ Rules of Order shall govern the Council and its Executive Committee in all cases wh ere they are applicable, and when they ar e not inconsistent with the Bylaws or the special rules of order of the Council. Unless otherwise stated in the Constitution and Bylaws for specific cases, all decisions will be made by a simple majority vote. Section 6. Order of Business The order of business at the Annual Business Meeting of the Council, unless changed by a majority vote of assembled members, shall be as follows: 1 Minutes of the previous Annual Business Meeting of the Council. 2. Minutes of the most recent Executive Committee Meeting of the Council. 3. Report of the Council’s Executive Secretary. 4. Report of the Council’s Membership Secretary. 5. Report of the Council’s Proceedings Editor. 6. Report of the Council’s Program Secretary. 7. Report of the Council’s Areas Coordinator. 8. Report of the Council’s Member-at-Large of the Executive Committee. 9. Report of the Council’s Chairperson of the Student Awards Committee. 10. Report of the Council’s Chairpersons of Local Committees for future meetings of the Council. 11. Election of Officers of the Council. 12. Resolutions of the Council. 13. Old Business of the Council. 14. New Business of the Council.

Section 7. Minutes of Meetings Minutes of all Council meetings shall be recorded by the Executive Secretary or any member designated by the President. Section 8. Student Awards Two student awards will be presented at each Annual Meeting: The Carl L. Hubbs Award for best overall student paper, and The Robert Rush and Frances Hubbs Miller Award for best paper presented by a Latin American student. Students must be members of the Coun cil and must indicate their desire to compete for an award at time of abstract submittal. ARTICLE V - FINANCES Section 1. Finance Funds of the Council shall be under the supervision of the Executive Secretary. Section 2. Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Council sh all commence immediately after 00:00: 00 hours on January 1 and end at 23:59:59 hours on December 31. Section 3. Disbursement The Executive Secretary shall deposit all funds of the Council in a bank approved by the Executive Committee, at frequent intervals, and in the name of the Council. The Ex ecutive Secretary shall be responsible for disbursement of Council’s funds. The Executive Secretary shall balance accounts at end of each fiscal year, and report to the Executive Committee and the Council those adjustments as required by the annual audit. Section 4. Audit An audit of the Council’s financial status shall be made at the end of each fiscal year by the officers of the Council. Section 5. Bond The Executive Secretary need not be bonded. Section 6. Funds Funds shall be derived from dues, special assessments, work projects, and contributions. Section 7. Dues Annual dues shall be fifteen U.S. dollars for Stud ent Membership, twenty-five U.S. dollars for Regular Membership (foreign or domestic), thirty-five U.S. dollars for Family Membership, thirty-five U.S. dollars for Sustaining Membership, and 25 times the annual Regular Membership dues for Life Membership. Patron Membership is available to companies and corporations for a single payment of one thousand U.S. dollars ($1,000). All memberships are payable on a calendar year basis. Complimentary memberships are gratis. Section 8. Publication The cost of producing and distributing the Proceedings of the Desert Fishes Council shall be covered through dues, the sale of copies, and contributions.

As revised November 12, 2004.

DFC HYDROLOGIC BASIN AND AGENCY REPORT COORDINATORS The following people were responsible for coordinating agency and other input to reports presented on activities in each area during the year between meetings of the DFC.

Areas Coordinator: Nadine Kanim, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Yreka Field Office, 1829 S. Oregon Street, Yreka, California 96097. Tel. (530) 842-5763, FAX (530) 842-4517, e-mail:Nadine_Kanim@fws.gov Oregon (State of, and Upper Pit River Drainage of California): Stewart Reid, U.S.F.W.S., Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Office, 6610 Washburn Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97603, Phone: (541) 885-8481, FAX: (541) 885-7837, Email: stewart_reid@fws.gov California (State of, except for the Pit and Klamath Drainage of Northeast California and mainstem Lower Colorado): Steve Parmenter, California Department of Fish and Game, 407 W. Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514, Phone: (760) 872-1171, FAX: (760) 872-1284, Email: spar@dfg.ca.gov Nevada (State of, except for the Virgin River): Anita E. Shaul, Nevada Department of Wildlife, 1100 Valley Road, Reno, NV 89512, Phone: (775) 688-1532, FAX: (775) 688-1595, Email: acook@ndow.org; Cynthia Martinez, U.S.F.W.S., Southern Nevada Field Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130, Phone (702) 515-5230, FAX: (702) 515-5231, Email: cynthia_t_martinez@fws.gov Bonneville Basin (western Utah, far eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, and far southwestern Wyoming): Matthew E. Andersen, Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources, 1594 W. North Temple, Suite 2110, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114, Phone: (801) 538-4756, FAX: (801) 538-4745, Email: matthewandersen@utah.gov Upper Colorado River (upstream of Glen Canyon Dam on Powell Reservoir, including Green, Gunnison, Dolores, and San Juan Rivers): Timothy Modde, U.S.F.W.S., Colorado River Fish Project, 1380 S., 2300 W, Vernal UT 84078, Phone: (435) 789- 0351 x14, FAX: (435) 789-4805, Email: tim_modde@fws.gov Lower Colorado River (including Little Colorado, Virgin, Bill Williams, and Gila rivers): Kara Hilwig, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Inc., 114 N. San Francisco Street, Suite 100, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, Phone: (928) 774-5500 x242, Email: khilwig@swca.com Upper/Middle Rio Grande and Pecos Rivers, including Tularosa and Guzman Basins of New Mexico (downstream to the confluence of the Rio Grande and Rio Conchos): Hilary E. Watts, U.S.F.W.S., New Mexico Fishery Resources Office, 3800 Commons Avenue, N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109, Phone: (505) 342-9900 x112, FAX: (505) 342-9905, Email: hilary_watts@fws.gov Texas (State of): Gary Garrett, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center, 5103 Junction Hwy, Ingram, Texas 78025, Phone: (830) 866-3356, FAX: (830) 866-3549, Email: gary.garrett@tpwd.state.tx.us Northwestern Mexico (including the peninsula of Baja California): Alejandro Varela-Romero, Universidad de Sonora, DICTUS - Departmento de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnologicas, A.P. 1819, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Phone: [011] (52) 62 12 19 95, FAX: [011] (52) 62 12 32 71, E-mail: avarela@guayacan.uson.mx Mexico (National) and Northeastern Mexico (Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Fish Province): Salvador Contreras-Balderas, A.P. 504, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, Mexico 66450, Phone: [011] (52) (8) 376-2231, Home: [011] (52) (8) 313-1641, Email: saconbal@axtel.net