Rio Grande - Rio Grande Initiative_Application_2008

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In contrast to many highly fragmented river systems in the west, the Rio Grande in Colorado still has many of its traditional farms and ranches, along with senior surface water rights and important wildlife habitat, relatively intact. The Rio Grande Initiative's mapping analysis indicates that approximately 54,000 acres of private land remain in 80 acre or larger, as yet unprotected, parcels along the river. We aim to protect approximately 50% of these acres over the life of this project, for an estimated overall conservation easement value of over $100 million. This first phase, using the GOCO Legacy award, WSRA and other matching funds, targets six of the highest priority parcels and will protect approximately 5,600 acres and 19 miles of river corridor, along with the senior surface water rights that irrigate each ranch. Additional acreage is already in line for protection with willing sellers, as quickly as additional funds can be raised. Environmental compliance and feasibility study Technical Assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies, and environmental compliance Studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural, consumptive, nonconsumptive water needs, projects Study or Analysis of: ............................... . . . . . . . . I.............................! Structural project or activity Nonstructural project or activity Consumptive project or activity Nonconsumptive project or activity 2. x Structural and! or non structural water project or activity Describe how the water activity meets these Threshold Criteria. 1. The water activity meets the eligibility requirements outlined in Part 2 of the Criteria and Guidelines. The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust is an eligible non-governmental organization. The Rio Grande Initiative is an eligible non-structural water activity, which benefits both consumptive and non-consumptive water needs in the Rio Grande Basin. As a collaborative, community-based project, the project directly protects senior surface water rights in order to sustain the historic water use patterns along the Rio Grande river corridor by linking the water rights to the land in a conservation easement. This is accomplished through a willing-seller/willing-buyer process for the purchase of voluntary conservation easements. Urgency and Threat: This opportunity is both urgent and timely, as evidenced by the many project partners, funders and supporters including the Rio Grande Basin Round Table (providing funds from its account towards this Page 6 of 32 Rio Grande Initiative Janual'Y 2008