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Avoid reinitiation of consultation over water-related proj ects affecting Platte basin flows that <br />have been permitted since the 1997 signing of the Cooperative Agreement. As described <br />above, the vast maj ority of these consultations contain interim requirements that are linked to <br />the implementation of the Program. If a Program cannot be implemented and funded, these <br />consultations will be subject to reinitiation, with uncertain outcomes as to ESA compliance <br />requirements, individual mitigation of project impacts, and potential litigation. <br />Satisfy Colorado's water-related mitigation requirements through the Tamarack Plan, which <br />utilizes managed groundwater recharge from existing and future wells and ditches located in <br />the lower reaches of the South Platte River in Colorado to re-time river flows from periods in <br />excess to flow targets to periods where there are shortages to target flows. Water re- <br />regulation for the Tamarack Plan will be limited to water that is physically and legally in <br />excess of existing and future water demands in Colorado, i.e. water that would normally flow <br />out of the state. This water will first be diverted for a beneficial use within Colorado; some <br />of the return flows from this diverted water will subsequently reach the river in times of <br />greater benefit to the Platte species. <br />Provide potential benefits addressing two other issues important to the lower South Platte <br />River in Colorado. The higher groundwater levels produced as a result of the managed <br />groundwater recharge for the Program will benefit Colorado's Minnow Species of Concern. <br />Additionally, the Tamarack Plan will put water in the South Platte River at times when it is <br />not needed or cannot be utilized to reduce target flow shortages. This "new" water supply <br />will enhance the effectiveness of augmentation plans and provide water for new uses within <br />Colorado. <br />Reduce pressure toward permanent dry up of agricultural lands along the lower South Platte <br />for the benefit of federally listed species in Nebraska. <br />Encourage development of improved science on the Platte through an adaptive management <br />plan and monitoring/research protocols designed to test competing hypotheses concerning <br />species and habitat needs. <br />-3-