PHOENIX � The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has approved a 50-year Conservation Benefit Agreement (CBA) with Freeport Minerals Corporation, which will protect habitat and conserve four listed species in upper Eagle Creek, located within Greenlee and Graham counties in southeastern Arizona. The voluntary agreement benefits three endangered fish species (spikedace, loach minnow and Gila chub) and one federally listed threatened snake, the narrow-headed gartersnake.
The Eagle Creek Multi-Species CBA allows for the construction of a nonnative fish barrier on lands belonging to Freeport Minerals Corporation. The fish barrier will prevent nonnative aquatic species from entering the uppermost 8.4 miles of Eagle Creek and its tributary streams. The agreement also permits the stocking or reintroduction of all four species into this protected habitat. In addition, the agreement authorizes incidental take of the covered species caused by the implementation of the CBA, as well as from Freeport Minerals Corporation’s ongoing management and operations downstream of the fish barrier.
Native aquatic species contribute to the biodiversity and health of waterways. In 1986, the spikedace and loach minnow were listed as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and in 2012 their listing status was changed to endangered. The narrow-headed gartersnake was listed as a threatened species in 2014, and the Gila chub was listed as an endangered species in 2005. The biggest threats for all four species are habitat loss and the presence of nonnative species.
A Conservation Benefit Agreement is a formal, voluntary agreement between the agency and non-federal landowners to conserve at-risk species and their habitat. These agreements offer tools for participants to voluntarily develop and provide proactive conservation on private lands. In return for fulfilling the conditions of the CBA, participants receive assurances that the Service will not require any additional or different management activities without their consent.
Collaboration with landowners and other partners can lead to effective habitat management and recovery of at-risk species. The Eagle Creek Multi-Species CBA and all associated documents are available on the Arizona Ecological Services Field Office website. To obtain a copy by mail, send a request to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 9828 North 31st Avenue, Suite C3, Phoenix, AZ 85051 or by phone 602-242-0210.
