Tamarack MOU 2002

• File Number: 8461.250
• Description: Water Issues
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Water Division: 1
• Author: CDNR, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado Division of Water Resources, CWCB
• Title: Tamarack MOU 2002
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Contract/Agreement

WHEREAS, these SWAs were acquired, in part, with funds provided through the
Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and pursuant to CRS 33-1-117, the
State of Colorado assented to manage the SWAs in accordance with said Act
and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary of the U.S.
Department of the Interior (USDOI); and -
WHEREAS, in compliance with USDOI rules and regulations the CDOW
prepared applications to amend the Federal Aid Project Agreement to broaden
the management and use of the SWAs to allow for the development and
operation of those features of the Tamarack Plan envisioned to be located on the
SWAs, and would also benefit those SWAs by, inter alia, creating additional
wetland habitat on upland sites and by enhancing existing riparian habitats along
the river through increased groundwater return flows. In support of the requested
amendment, the CDOW prepared a"Final Environmental Assessment for the
Tamarack Managed Groundwater Recharge Project at TRSWA and PESWA"
dated August 3, 1999 (EA) that evaluated the environmental consequences of
the project on soils, hydrology, vegetation, fish and wildlife, endangered or
threatened species, recreation, cultural resources, land use, and flood plains and
wetlands; and
WHEREAS, based upon its review and evaluation of the EA and other supporting
documentation, the USDOI Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Finding of No
Significant Impact for the Tamarack Managed Groundwater Recharge Project
(Project) on October 13, 1999 (attachment A) and approved amendments to
CDOW Applications for Federal Assistance for Project No. W-43-L and W-169-L
involving the SWAs including the most recent amendments dated October 15,
1999 involving the TRSWA and PESWA (attachment B); and
WHEREAS, water developed from the Project recharge facilities will be used to
assist in meeting diverse goals and objectives of the State of Colorado that
include protection and enhancement of current and future water needs in the
South Platte Basin in Colorado. These water needs include, but are not limited
to, water supplies for agricultural, municipal, domestic and wildlife management
purposes including declining fish and wildlife species within the Basin while
providing flows that benefit endangered species in the Platte River Basin in
Central Nebraska as described in the Cooperative Agreement and while
protecting Colorado's South Platte River Compact entitlement; and
WHEREAS, close coordination and cooperation between the parties to this MOU
on the planning, development, operation of the Project features and
administration of water rights associated with the Tamarack Plan, will be
necessary if the goals and purposes of the State of Colorado and the
Cooperative Agreement are to be achieved in the most efficient and timely
manner; and
2 Tamarack MOU - 2002