Federal officials may reduce flows on the Rio Grande in central New Mexico earlier than normal because of drought conditions.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, Fish and Wildlife officials are reviewing a plan by the federal Bureau of Reclamation to reduce flows through Socorro County as early as this weekend.
Rules implemented in 2003 require river managers to maintain a continuous flowing river for minnow habitat along a stretch of the river above Elephant Butte Reservoir through June 15.
However, the Reclamation Bureau's river managers are asking Fish and Wildlife to go along with drying the river sooner.
Bureau of Reclamation Middle Rio Grande Project manager Leann Towne says the bureau is trying to stretch limited supplies until summer rains start.
Information from: Albuquerque Journal.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.