BOARD00081 ‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 11/14/2006
• Description: WSP Section - Native Species Conservation Trust Fund Recommendations for FY 2007-08
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

Agenda Item 16, Native Species Conservation Trust Fund Recommendations
November 13-15, 2006 Board Meeting ,
Page 2 01'4

(b) Candidate species, in order to assist ,in the recovery or protection of the species to avoid
listing of the species; and,
(c) Scienti tic research relating to listin~ or delisting any species.

Current SCTF Status

We are pleased to report that all the cost share funding obligations required for the Upper
Colorado River Recovery Program (UCRIP) and the San Juan Recovery Program (SJRIP) have been
completed.

However, the SCTF still needs to maintain adequate funds to meet Colorado's remaining cost
share obligation required to implement the 1st increment of the recovery program developed under
the Platte River CA, which is estimated to b~ $24,000,000. Last year, $5,000,000 was appropriated
and is available to meet part of that need, but an estimated $19,000,000 is still required.
Furthermore, funds will be required to continue to provide the CDOW with state funding to address
state listed species, candidate species and species of concern and implementation of the Habitat
Conservation Plan for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher in the San Luis Valley. Attached hereto are
three Attachments that describe the history of the SCTF.

FY 2007-08 Recommended Prol!rams

The recommendations for FY 2007-08 were recently discussed with the stakeholders group that
DNR convenes annually, but will not be discussed with the Wildlife Commission until their
December meeting. Therefore, this recommendation should be considered preliminary. Further
infomlation will be provided at the Board meeting. Depending on the amount of additional funding
made available to the SCTF, the recommendations that follow may need to be adjusted accordingly:

1. Platte River Program: IIpto $19,000,000 {the CA capital account will be allocated $5,000,000
of the 24,000,000 1st increment and the balance ($19,000,000) to the CA O&M account with
the understanding that the split may be adjusted depending on actual funding and needs.

With the signing of the Program Agreement developed under the CA this year, the state now has
a multi-million dollar obligation pursuant to the Program Agreements. The Platte Program
developed under the CA will ultimately serve as the "reasonable and prudent alternative" under the
Endangered Species Act for water use and development in the North and South Platte River basins
while promoting the conservation and recovery of downstream endangered bird and fish species.
The funding appropriated in FY06-07 was $5,000,000. Colorado's cost share contribution for the
first program increment (I3-years) is estimated to be $24,000,000 (in 2005 dollars) or $1.85 million
per year. However, many of the activities of the Program occur in the beginning of the Program.
For example, land acquisition is expected to occur within the first five years of the Program, at an
estimated cost of $23,000,000. The land acquisition program operates under a "willing seller,
willing buyer" concept; therefore, the program must be able to act on short notice when an
opportunity arises. In addition, many of the monitoring and research activities will require
substantial capital and operating expenditures in the first few years.
We would note that Wyoming is planning to pay its entire $6,000,000 cost share at the outset and
deposit it with the Nebraska Community Foundation. Thus, Wyoming will not be required to adjust
its cash contribution upwards to account for inflation pursuant to the Program Agreement. The
earlier Colorado pays its cost share, the less the overall costs Colorado may experience, due to
inflation. We would encourage the Board recommend appropriating the remaining $19,000,000 if
funds are available.

Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection
Water Supply protettion . Conservation Planning

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