WSP10246 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

2000 ANNUAL REPORT several approved private sector proposals upon implementation of USDA-funded, on-farm programs. In some cases, USDA funds are not now available, nor may not be available in the ..... near future to accomplish the on-farm work. Accordingly, the claimed cost-effectiveness for the 0) ..... off-farm Bureau Basinwide Program components of these projects (as set forth in the approved OQ proposals) cannot become a reality. The Council recommends that the Bureau revise its ranking criteria for future proposals so that this risk can be significantly reduced. One of the key elements in developing the plan of implementation is predicting river salinity trends into the future. The Council feels that the Bureau model used to make those predictions must be as accurate as possible. The Council is concerned that the current model does not meet this requirement and, therefore, recommends that USBR dedicate adequate staff to ensure a reliable model is available for the 2002 Review. The Council further recommends that, on a permanent basis, the Bureau employ technically skilled staff to ensure that the model can be maintained and operated effectively in the future. The Council recommends in the Management and Budget Recommendations portion of this report that the federal program be accelerated to reduce downstream damages and to further reduce the risk of excursions above the numeric criteria. The Council requests that Reclamation ask for an increased appropriation in FY 2002 and FY 2003 as shown in Table I of this report. The Council asks that Reclamation respond in writing to recommendations contained herein by May 11, 2001 (see page 12). Bureau of Land Management (BLM) The Council continues to be encouraged by the direction the BLM is taking to try to track the salinity reductions assignable to its various activities. The BLM has reported its efforts to identify activities on public lands that reduce salt loading in the Colorado River. The BLM has also reported it is undertaking a major land use planning effort and the Council feels that quantified salinity control should be an important focus during this planning. The Council recommends that the BLM add a specific criterion for evaluating salinity to the guidelines for the BLM's land planning process. The Council urges the BLM to continue to educate its field personnel on how to identify and quantify salinity reducing activities. The Council recommends that the BLM educate its personnel COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALINITY CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL 4