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I- `WijdiIi_L ?IgRIQ) BA/WTR CO Mailstop 60189 MEMORANDUM G -/ ,I '? 4 tj I S To: ARD-Fish and Wildlife Enhancement, Region 6 From: Regional Hydrologist, Region 6 Subject: Analysis of Flows Remaining to be Depleted in the Upper Colorado River Basin Above the Confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers (Update of Analysis Reported in Memorandum Dated March 30, 1983). Introduction Whenever the cumulative effects of flow depletions in the Upper Colorado River Basin are considered in biological opinions under the Endangered Species Act, conservation measures are formulated according to the ratio of the project's average annual depletion to the amount of water remaining to be depleted under the various compacts and decrees. The amount of water remaining to be depleted was last calculated in the March 30, 1983 memorandum. That value. has been the basis of the "Windy Gap" assessments since then (along with a $25 million conservation plan). A new Recovery Plan ($52.5 million federal and state contribution plus $10 per acre-foot depletion private contribution) has been developed, but not yet fully approved and funded. Interim projects which complete the Section 7 consultation process before approval and funding of the Recovery Plan may have conservation measures to offset cumulative effects formulated in a manner similar to the "Windy Gap" method. The new base for calculating a project's fair share of the cost of the Recovery Plan should be based upon the amount of water remaining to be depleted in the Upper Colorado River Basin after all projects that have completed the Section 7 process have been subtracted. That is the purpose of this analysis. PC,- CEt W1 IN REPLY REFER TO: Crdi United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS: STREET LOCATION. Post Office Box 25488 134 Union Blvd. Denver Federal Center Lakewood, Colorado 80228 Denver, Colorado 80225