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<br />r~~-CC-CUUl IHU U~;~~ rn Urrt~ ~U ~lVt~ ~UMM <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />001960 <br /> <br />rAX NO. 8015319705 <br />e <br /> <br />P. 02 <br /> <br />Surplus Criteria (ISe) were issued in January 2001, that could, when <br />implemented, reduce the additional flows to Mexico almost immediately. All of <br />these factors combine to cause many scientists and non-government <br />organizations that have studied the situation to believe that the Delta habitat is <br />immediately threatened. <br /> <br />Recognizing the seriousness of the ecological problems that the Delta could face <br />the governments of the United States and Mexico executed Minute 306 to the <br />United States - Mexico Treaty on December 12, 2000. The two countries, <br />among other measures, set up a technical task force and called for pursuing <br />studies of Delta restoration and cooperative projects concerning the Delta "to <br />ensure use of water for ecological purposes." <br /> <br />The David and Lucile Packard Foundation commissioned the following report to <br />explore options for securing immediate sources of water for Delta ecosystems. <br />The study was undertaken in the belief that immediate benefits could be <br />achieved if solutions can be found quickly, and that a variety of constructive <br />actions could be taken by both governmental and non-governmental entities to <br />contribute to solving the Delta's problems even as needed research continues. <br /> <br />A comprehensive, long-term solution will require considerable research as well <br />as negotiations among multiple stakeholders. The issues implicate scientific <br />complexity as well as important political and legal questions. These efforts, even <br />when they raise controversial questions, must be addressed in the spirit of <br />binational commitment that Minute 306 represents. <br /> <br />The options proposed in this report are bilateral measures that can be <br />implemented with a minimum of delay and difficulty. Although they may <br />encounter fewer practical, political, and financial challenges and arouse less <br />controversy than many other options, there is much work to do to accomplish <br />them. Funding will be needed from public and private sources. Among other <br />things) the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders have to be weighed; their <br />support will greatly increase the likelihood of success. Commencing these efforts <br />should also encourage stakeholders and government representatives to pursue a <br />comprehensive solution. In addition, these projects can complement and build <br />upon the ongoing work of non-government organizations and universities to <br />understand better the Delta ecosystems and promote their restoration.2 <br /> <br />This report proposes two sources that are available in the short-run for furnishing <br />a sustainable, annual supply of water to some of the ecosystems in the Delta. <br />One source involves the purchase of marginal agricultural land with water rights <br />in Mexico, and the dedication of those water rights for targeted ecological <br />purposes. The acquired water could amount to as much as 15,000 acre-feet per <br />year. Legal research conducted as part of this report has confirmed that water <br /> <br />2 For a list of efforts underway by universities and non.government organizalions involved with <br />Delta Restoration see Exhibit fiN to this Report. <br />