8013

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8013
• Author: Pontius, D. and I. SWCA.
• Title: Colorado River Basin Study.
• USFW Year: 1997.
• USFW - Doc Type: Tucson, Arizona.
• Copyright Material: NO

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Executive Summary

. The basin states and local water managers need to develop stronger
conservation programs to maximize conservation and reuse potential
and more clearly define and regulate reasonable beneficial use. In the
lower Colorado River basin, the Bureau of Reclamation and the states,
working together, need to more clearly define and regulate reasonable
beneficial use.

. Recovery plans for endangered fish in the Colorado River basin should
be consolidated in one multi-species recovery plan and recovery goals
more clearly defined. In addition, the three different recovery
implementation programs in the basin should be coordinated.

. The Secretary should establish a policy which allows for more public
input into the development of reasonable and prudent alternatives
under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. The FWS should
develop policies that provide water development interests with more
clearly defined, realistic mitigation requirements that will provide the
maximum possible certainty for existing and planned water
development projects.

. An environmental trust fund should be established with dedicated
funding for endangered species recovery, habitat restoration, and
environmental enhancement in the basin.

. A Binational Commission should be established to review and make
recommendations on the potential for restoration of the Colorado River
delta and the environmental and economic benefits and costs of such
restoration.

. The Secretary should commission a comprehensive study of
alternatives to operation of the Yuma Desalting Plant and what
should be done with this facility if it is determined not to be in the
long-term interest to operate the Plant.

. Future salinity control programs should emphasize on-farm irrigation
management, reuse and conservation, fallowing agreements, and
retirement of marginal lands.

. The federal government should develop a more effective strategy and
establish priorities for settling and implementing Indian water rights
claims in the basin.

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