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<br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />a well-structured legislated comprehensive conservation strategy were in place, project planning <br />certainty would be very high from that point forward. The possibility exists that Reclamation <br />and the Service would be amenable to a legislative solution and would participate in its <br />development. <br /> <br />7. Alternative G: Modified Habitat Conservation Plan <br /> <br />This approach is complex, may take a long time to develop, and may be costly to develop <br />relative to the other alternatives. However, in the long term, it would offer the advantages of <br />each of the alternatives it incorporates. Because the Modified HCP alternative includes an HCP, <br />it would allow the Participants to take a leadership role in the compliance process, would permit <br />involvement by many interests (particularly Native American tribes), and would provide <br />incidental take authorization under Section IO(a). Because this alternative includes a multi- <br />species RIP, it would provide a comprehensive, coordinated conservation strategy appropriate <br />to an aquatic environment. Because it includes a Programmatic Section 7 agreement, it would <br />provide a mechanism for efficient, pro forma Section 7 consultations. Because it includes <br />legislation, it would provide a delineated, circumscribed, and enforceable funding program, as <br />well as the strongest possible statutory foundation. Invoking Section 6 of the ESA adds a <br />supplementary, if very limited, funding strategy. Section 6 agreements will bring concomitant <br />responsibilities and commitments. All these features combine to provide the greatest planning <br />certainty and assured operational flexibility of any alternative. <br /> <br />Like the HCP alternatives, the Modified HCP has the potential to transform the results of <br />Reclamation's BA into a collaborative process potentially more advantageous to Participant <br />interests. <br /> <br />8. Conclusion <br /> <br />These alternatives provide a range of options, with a range of costs, benefits, and disadvantages. <br />It is not the purpose of this document to make a recommendation, but rather to report <br />information that will assist decision makers in understanding the relative effectiveness and <br />feasibility of the compliance strategies available to them. <br /> <br />FINAL REPORT <br /> <br />December 20, 1994 <br />Page 15 <br />