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<br />f <br /> <br />0024:~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />.\ <br /> <br />like to proceed. Mr. Ybarra also mentioned the hydrology model that is being cooperatively developed <br />through IBWC. After some discussion of the model, it was decided to convene a briefing on the model <br />in mid-November. <br /> <br />Colorado River Environmental Activities <br /> <br />Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP) <br /> <br />Development of the LCR MSCP is continuing with the technical consultant teams evaluating <br />comments from various subcommittees on the recently released administrative draft of the conservation <br />plan. The Steering Committee and consultant teams are continuing to await receipt of critically needed <br />information associated with preparation of an "impacts assessment" from the U.S. Bureau of <br />Reclamation. Reclamation is developing hydrologic and hydraulic modeling data regarding the <br />potential water transfers that may occur during the 50-year life of the MSCP, through relevant programs <br />such as the California Colorado River Water Use Plan and Arizona-Nevada Water Banking Agreement. <br />The analyses being developed are similar in nature to those developed for the environmental assessment <br />for the I1D-SDCW A transfer. Reclamation and the technical contractor believe that the majority of the <br />impacts assessment will be finalized and released for review and comment by early to mid-November <br />2001. <br /> <br />Mr. Harris and members of the MSCP Water Acquisition subcommittee have prepared a draft <br />white paper detailing potential issues and alternatives for the acquisition of Colorado River water <br />resources to be utilized for habitat restoration and maintenance purposes. This paper is being reviewed <br />by members of the subcommittee and then will be presented to the Steering Committee, as well. as <br />participating agencies within the three states and the Department of the Interior. Not only are there <br />issues associated with acquiring water, but there may be issues associated with the diversion, use, return <br />flows, and accounting pursuant to Article V of the decree in Arizona v. California. <br /> <br />I have included in the Board folder, a copy of a letter I received from Reclamation in which it <br />states that Reclamation has completed all provisions of Reasonable and Prudent Alternative No. 14 of <br />the Biological and Conference Opinion and has presented them to the Multi-Species Conservation <br />Program. In its letter, Reclamation lists its accomplishments as spelled out in RPA No.14. RPA14 <br />required Reclamation to evaluate habitat restoration technologies, prepare a technical bibliography <br />associated with habitat restoration, and develop a report detailing suggested habitat restoration projects <br />along the lower Colorado River. This two-volume report was completed in January 1999. <br /> <br />Lower Colorado Water Suuulv Proiect <br /> <br />On September 14th, staff mailed 6,126 letters to property owners, in California, along the Lower <br />Colorado River advising them of the availability of water from the Lower Colorado Water Supply <br />Project. Of this total, 3,611 letters were mailed to property owners in San Bernardino County, 1,730 <br />letters in Riverside County, and 785 in Imperial County. <br /> <br />5 <br />