Laserfiche WebLink
<br />0021rn . <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />regard, the Basin staies representatives are attempting io identify people that may be able to assist them <br />in gaining that understanding. This will be further discussed at the Basin states meeting to be held on <br />December 12,2001. <br /> <br />The Basin states representatives reviewed a draft resolution prepared by the Arizona Deparbnent <br />of Water Resources regarding "Sharing of Resources for the Riparian and Estuarine Ecology of the <br />Colorado River in its Limitrophe Section and its Associated Delta" which is included in the Board <br />folder. After some discussion it was decided to take information contained in this draft resolution, <br />along with other materials previously developed by the Basin states and others to prepare a more <br />comprehensive statement. That statement can then be used as talking points when meeting with others <br />to express the states' position regarding restoration of the Colorado River Delta and acceptable <br />alternatives to be considered when looking at potential participation with Mexico in restoration of the <br />Colorado River Delta and its associated environment. <br /> <br />During the meeting George Caan, of the Colorado River Commission of Nevada, provided an <br />overview on the status ofthe Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP). <br />His presentation stressed that the MSCP is at a critical juncture. The second draft of the Impact <br />Assessment Report has been released by the consultants for comment; and in January, the consultants <br />plan to release the second draft of the Conservation Plan. For the MSCP to stay on schedule, a number <br />of issues must be addressed by the principles from the Basin states. These issues include: the <br />governance structure for the MSCP, funding for completion of the MSCP, cost sharing among the <br />participants for the implementation phase of the MSCP, the assurances that the participants expect to <br />receive from the Fish and Wildlife Service associated with the incidental take statements, acceptable <br />means for acquiring water for the implementation of conservation opportunity areas, and how <br />international issues will be addressed. This means that the principles, including some of the other Basin <br />states representatives, must become actively engaged in the process over the next six months. <br /> <br />Reclamation representatives announced that within the next two weeks a notice will be placed <br />in the Federal Register announcing the initiation of the five-year Review of the Long Range Operating <br />Criteria for Operation of the Colorado River System Reservoirs. <br /> <br />Draft Policy and Procedure for <br />Transferring an Entitlement of Lower Basin Colorado River Water in the State of Arizona <br /> <br />Included in the Board folder is a copy of Arizona Department of Water Resources' (ADWR) <br />memorandum requesting comments on its proposed policy and procedures for the conveyance of <br />Colorado River water entitlements, intrastate. This policy will guide the ADWR's process for <br />evaluating proposed transfers, including conveyances, leases and assignments, of Lower Basin Colorado <br />River water entitlements. The public review and comment period ended on November 9, 2001. A <br />summai)' of the public comments is also included in the Board folder. <br /> <br />Colorado River Delta Connections - A Brief Water History <br /> <br />Included in the Board folder is a copy of a newsletter entitled "Sea Notes" is published by the <br />Salton Sea Authority. This newsletter presents a chronology for the formation of the Salton Sea and <br />the development of the Colorado River Delta. <br /> <br />5 <br />