Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program

Program overview

The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) is a cooperative effort among the Lower Basin States of Arizona, California, and Nevada, several federal agencies and others to balance the use of the Colorado River water resources with the conservation of native species and their habitats. The program, initiated in 2005, works toward the recovery of species currently listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). Implementation of the LCR MSCP also reduces the likelihood of additional species listings. Implemented over a 50-year period (2005 through 2055), the LCR MSCP accommodates current water diversions and power production, and provides opportunities for future water and power development by providing long-term ESA and CESA compliance through the implementation of a Habitat Conservation Plan.

The program area extends over 400 miles of the lower Colorado River from Lake Mead to the southern border with Mexico, and includes lakes Mead, Mohave, and Havasu, as well as the historic 100-year floodplain along the main stem of the lower Colorado River. The LCR MSCP requires the creation of over 8,100 acres of habitat for fish and wildlife species and the introduction of over 1.2 million native fish to augment existing populations. The LCR MSCP is designed to benefit 27 state or federally listed endangered, threatened, or sensitive species and 5 evaluation species. Visit the LCR MSCP website to learn about the fisheries, wildlife, and vegetation and habitat protected through this collaborative effort.

The map below shows locations where habitat is being restored and maintained by the LCR MSCP.  More information about these conservation areas can found on the LCR MSCP website.

Colorado River Board activities

CRB is a permittee of the LCR MSCP’s ESA and CESA permits and represents the State of California as a member of the Steering Committee. Partnership in the LCR MSCP occurs primarily through the Steering Committee, currently representing 57 entities, including state and federal agencies, water and power users, municipalities, Native American tribes, conservation organizations, and other interested parties.