Request for Formal Consultation Process

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increment of the Program that also contains the intenelated and interdependent activities as descnbed in the Program documents and attached DEIS. Reclamation and the Service request initiation of consultation on the impacts on the target species and on other listed species and designated critical habitat found in the Central and Lower Platte River for water-related effects associated with the Program. Given the programmatic nature of this consultation and the long-term importance of the Program to federally-listed species and designated critical habitats and existing and future water development within the Platte River basin, Reclamation and the Service request that this consultation and the resultino, BO address the following issues: Will implementation of either of the proposed GC Alternative scenarios for the first . increment of the Program likely jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitats in the Platte River Basin? . Can implementation of either of the proposed GC Altemative scenarios reasonably be expected, for the first increment of the Program, to provide ESA compliance for existing water-related activities and for water-related activities covered by depletion plans for the target species and for other listed species and critical habitat found in the Central and Lower Platte River? Description of the Action Area The action area is defined as all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the proposed Federal action as defined on the first page of this letter and not merely the immediate area involved in the action (50 CFR 402.02). For purposes of this consultation, the action area is defined as the.main stem, tributaries, and associated water projects of the Platte River in Nebraska; the main stem South Platte River, tributaries, and associated water projects in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado; and the main stem North Platte River, tributaries, and associated water projects in Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado. Some effects may occur in the Missouri River near its confluence with the Platte River. This reach of the Missouri River is a component of Recovery- Priority Management Area 4 of the Pallid Sturgeon Reeovery Plan. The action area also includes irrigated lands in the Platte River basin where water may be leased or sold to the Program. These lands generally lie within a few miles of the North Platte River from Seminoe Reservoir in Wyoming downstream to Lake McConaughy in Nebraska; the South Platte River from Greeley, Colorado downstream to its confluence with the North Platte River in Nebraska; and the Platte River downstream to Grand Island, Nebraska. The DEIS will serve as the BA for the prupqsed Federal actic?n and Cvaludl.es l.he effects nf lhe proposed Federal action on the following listed and candidate species and designated critical habitats that may be present in the action area.