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<br />The worst case scenario is that the layers of protection of the water system feeding the MA' s <br />wetland/riparian area will fail or degrade over time, thus negatively impacting Reclamation's <br />wetland/riparian mitigation results. If this occurs, Reclamation still has all of the options for <br />protection and enhancement discussed above available to it and may, as a last resort, develop <br />additional wetland/riparian mitigation acres in and around the ALP Project area (such as on the <br />Animas, Florida or Pine River systems). Reclamation could also develop, protect or enhance <br />additional wetland/riparian acres within Ridges Basin or along Basin Creek in support of the <br />mitigation program. <br /> <br />3.12 Events Beyond Reclamation's Control. <br /> <br />Events beyond Reclamation's control and natural catastrophes that affect the mitigation site, with <br />the exception of water development, which further degrades the natural hydrology of the La Plata <br />River system to the point where wetland/riparian acreage is affected, are not considered <br />Reclamation's responsibility. Ifnatural disasters result in the permanent loss of <br />wetland/riparian acreage, Reclamation will be required to expand their mitigation efforts to make <br />up for that loss. <br /> <br />Reclamation will not be responsible to replace vegetation or to restore acreage damaged by flood <br />events, drought events or similar natural events (such as fire) that may negatively affect <br />Reclamation's mitigation results in a temporary manner. If such disasters result in a permanent. <br />loss of wetland/riparian function and acres, Reclamation will expand the mitigation effort as <br />discussed above. While Reclamation will be responsible to protect new plantings against wildlife <br />damage to a reasonable degree, Reclamation will not be responsible to maintain specific <br />protection for more than 3 years during establishment and will not be responsible to replace <br />excessive damage (that which reduces planting success below target levels) if all reasonable <br />efforts have been made for protection. Reclamation's mitigation effort is designed to promote a <br />functioning ecosystem, not to create isolated static islands of vegetation. <br /> <br />-42- <br />