MSCP
Multi-Species Conservation Program
MSCP is a comprehensive program for the protection of 27 covered species and their habitat in the Lower Colorado River Basin, including eight federally listed endangered and threatened species.
The MSCP goal is to balance the Lower Basin Colorado River system operations and water uses with conservation of native species and their habitat.
This includes:
- Creating new or enhanced habitat within the historic 100-year floodplain of the Lower Colorado River including 8,132 acres of cottonwood, willows and honey mesquites, along with marsh and backwaters.
- Stocking 1.2 million native fish – razorback suckers and bonytail chub.
The MSCP covers about 1,119 square miles in Arizona, California and Nevada. Started in 2005, this 50-year program has, and will continue to, provide significant benefits to protected species thanks to new and augmented habitats in the Lower Colorado River Basin.
The program operates through funding provided by the United States and from water and hydropower users in California, Arizona, and Nevada. There are more than 30 participants in Arizona, and CAWCD is the largest single contributor in Arizona.
