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3.2.3 Options to Augment and Maintain Adequate Stream Conditions The following sections provide a brief discussion of measures that Reclamation could take to protect existing stream flows or to remedy a degrading flow situation in the MA. These are only some of the most likely possibilities to have success in the lower La Plata River system. 3.2.3.1 Use of Water Rights Acquired with the MA Purchase Reclamation will acquire water rights with the purchase of the mitigation property in the La Plata drainage (See Appendix E for a tabulation of water rights to be purchased) . There are several ways in which these rights can be utilized to ensure water is getting to the mitigation lands. The simplest and easiest way is to apply the water to the land in a manner similar to the historic application (simple turnouts for pasture) which flows across the land and drains back to the river in the upper portion of Tract III through natural drainages. This will ensure that the return flows from the property will continue to contribute to the spring areas in the northern (furthest upstream) section of the mitigation property, thus helping to keep a live stream through the MA. Because the La Plata River is such a losing stream between the point where the water is diverted and the MA, the existing irrigation canals will continue to be used to get the water to the mitigation lands because they are much more efficient. Reclamation will seek a change in use for these acquired water rights to include fish and wildlife. Currently the water rights are only fort pasture/agricultural, stock and M&I water. 3.2.3.2 Water Rights from Pine Ridge Ditch There is the strong possibility that Reclamation could move its water right from the Pine Ridge Ditch', leaving it in the La Plata River System, and allowing that water to flow to the MA. This change would require a change in point of diversion under Colorado Water law. These rights are detailed in Appendix D. Summarized, they are for 4.375 cfs and are available from 4 to 6 weeks during most years (which is approximately 240 to 360 AF, and may extend up to 400-500 AF in wet years). This, combined with the water rights from the Huntington purchase, will provide significant flow for the MA. 3.2.3.3 Instream Flow Protection Using Purchased MA Water Rights, Pine Ridge Ditch Water Rights, and Compact Water The best benefit to be gained in the MA from moving and maintaining Reclamation's water rights (both the Pine Ridge Ditch right and the rights purchased with the Huntington property) '. The Pine Ridge Ditch diverts water from the La Plata River approximately one-half mile above Hesperus, Colorado and delivers that water over into the Animas River drainage in the Ridges Basin Area. -33-