ABSTRACT
The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission set as part of the priorities, goals and objectives in the 2003 State Water Plan: river restoration, fish and wildlife habitat preservation; and protecting water quality. These goals, while inherent in the ISC’s mission, were never explicitly stated before. How these goals and objectives are now to be balanced with the protection of senior water rights and enforcement of compact compliance throughout the State is still a ‘work in progress’ with many challenges. A scientific basis for decision-making is critical to obtaining long-term solutions. The survival and recovery of the Rio Grande silvery minnow is just one example where so many competing factors control the outcome of this species. Collaborative programs may be the best way to achieve lasting solutions on the river. Over the past 4 years, the ISC has invested much of its efforts in the middle Rio Grande on research projects and on-the-ground restoration projects. These projects as well as future plans will be discussed.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Grace Haggerty is currently employed at the Office of the State Engineer/Interstate Stream Commission (ISC) for the Rio Grande Bureau in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She represents her agency on several collaborative programs, particularly involving Endangered Species Act (ESA) issues within the Rio Grande watershed. She is also managing the construction of a Rio Grande silvery minnow refugium and a Phase II habitat restoration construction project in Albuquerque. Prior to joining the ISC, Ms. Haggerty worked for over 18 years at several environmental consulting firms in California and New Mexico. She received an M.S. in Hydrology from New Mexico Tech in 1993 and a B.S. in Geology from the University of California, Davis in 1983.