WSP12160 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

~ 0020til . . important issues associated with development of the MSCP. Issues discussed at the meeting, and reiterated in the letter, included various analyses required pursuant to NEPA and CEQA, conservation opportunities on USFWS wildlife refuges, scope and size of the MSCP and relationship to activities in Mexico, and potential utilization of extraordinary flow releases for MSCP conservation activities. Status of Lower Colorado River Biological and Conference Opinion Reasonable and Prudent Alternative Implementation, October 2000 Messrs. Zimrnennan and Harris attended a meeting in Las Vegas on October 26, 2000 where Reclamation provided an update and status report of its activities associated with implementation of the Lower Colorado River biological and conference opinion for routine Lower Colorado River operations and maintenance activities. Reclamation has continued to make progress in developing approximately 300 acres of aquatic habitat for endangered native fish, implementing native riparian habitat restoration pilot projects (e.g., Pratt agricultural lease lands, etc.), providing funding for research projects associated with native endangered species, funded acquisition of approximately 700 acres of suitable southwestern willow flycatcher habitat, continued comprehensive willow flycatcher surveys, and continued participation in development of the MSCP. Status of Efforts Addressing California Fully Protected Species As the Board is aware, there are 37 species described under California Fish and Game Code that are classified as "fully protected." Currently, fully protected species cannot be takcn in any fashion. Seven of those species arc potentially affected by activities and operations associated with Colorado River management and implementation of the MSCP. Those species include the following: razorback sucker, Colorado pikeminnow (currently extirpated in the Lower Basin), Yuma clapper rail, California black rail, brown pelican, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon. Conscquently, in order for California MSCP participants to receive incidental take authorizations through the Program, for the 50-year period, it will be necessary to modify existing California Fish and Game Code to facilitate issuance of incidental take authorization by the California Department ofFish and Game (CDFG). The Board has retained the services of Mr. Fred Worthley to provide technical expertise on this issue. It is intended that Mr. Worthley will coordinate the Board's activities associated with development of potential legislative language which amends existing Fish and Game Code. In this vein, on November 6,2000, Messrs. Zimmerman, Harris and Worthley attended an infonnational meeting with CDFG Director, Mr. Robert C. Hight, and his staff, as well as legislative liaisons for Metropolitan Water District and Coachella Valley Water District in Sacramento. Messrs. Zimrnennan and Harris briefed the group on the current status and schedules associated with development of California's Colorado River Water Use Plan, Quantification Settlement Agreement and the MSCP and the need to receive incidental take authorizations for covered species, including those currently classified as fully protected species. Director Hight and his staff described CDFG's efforts at amending the Fish and Game Code for all 37 fully protected species. The group also discussed prior legislative efforts addressing a 5