Overview

     Recovery Implementation Programs (RIPs) are voluntary, multi-stakeholder initiatives that seek to balance water use and development with the recovery of federally listed species. Due to the diversity of issues and level of conflict often associated with water issues, RIPs must take a long-term, interdisciplinary approach that incorporates policy formation, scientific research, habitat restoration, education, and other activities as defined by the participants. The implementation time-frame for existing programs ranges from 15 – 50 years, and may be extended, if necessary.
     Formation of a RIP requires that the stakeholders participating in the program develop a comprehensive document that outlines the program goals, activities, timelines, measurements of success, and roles of the participants. Development of the program document can take 6 months to several years, however once the program document is finalized, stakeholders who are interested in participating in program implementation sign a Cooperative Agreement to implement the activities outlined in the program document. It’s important to note that participation in the program is open to all stakeholders, including those who may not have participated in the development of the program document. In addition, stakeholders who participated in the development of the program document may elect to not participate in program implementation.
     Upon finalization of the program document and signing of the Cooperative Agreement by participants, the Secretary of Interior will also sign the Cooperative Agreement to provide the official authorization for establishing the program. Because Secretarial Authorization is a federal action, establishment of the program is subject to NEPA and consultation under Section 7 of the ESA. NEPA compliance is necessary because the authorization (and funding) of such a Program constitutes a significant Federal action and this authorization (and funding) further necessitates ESA compliance under section 7 of the ESA. Once the program is authorized by the Secretary of Interior and all regulatory requirements are met, participants, Congressional representatives, and their staff, can develop authorizing legislation for obtaining long-term, line-item Congressional funding to implement program activities. Federal funding legislation typically requires a non-federal match that is provided by the non-federal program participants.