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•• APPENDIX B South Platte Lower River Group Demonstration Projects in Progress :u::: � �: 1 u1► C: 1►'�1 •• The project is named the Tamazack SWA Project because of the major involvement of the Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife Area (SWA) in the.reregulation of South Platte flows for beneficial uses to Colorado. There are multiple uses associated with the project including enhancement of the primary flow targets for threatened and endangered species in central Nebraska, creation of waterfowl habitat incidental to the water features of the project, creation of a small flowing stream to support propagation of minnow species of concern in Colorado, and offsetting depletions to senior Colorado water rights caused by well pumping. The Tamarack SWA contains over 10,000 acres of land owned by the Colorado Division of Wildlife that aze well suited to incorporate managed rechazge activities that create the benefits listed above. The SPLRG has funded $ 40,000 for this pilot projec� For purposes of demonstration, a well capable of pumping 2000 gallons per minute has ... been drilled near the South Platte river to pump water up to pond areas located away from the river to induce rechazge of the alluvial aquifer, to create a small artificial stream for small minnows that are species of concern in Colorado, and to create waterfowl and wedand habitat in association with the ponds (see Figure 2). Water from the new well will be supplemented by water from an existing well that is part of the DOW's decreed water rights on the SWA. The new well has been permitted pursuant to a temporary substitute water supply plan issued by the State Engineer. In addition, 5350 feet of 12" and 15" pipeline has been purchased and installed to distribute water from the two wells to the recharge ponds and small stream system. Monitoring wells will be installed to record impacts resulting from the project. It is anticipated that this pilot project will illustrate the multiple positive results that can be achieved by such reregulation activities. Future efforts connected with the Tamazack Plan will be focused upon enlazging the capacity and benefits of the project at the Tamarack SWA and on doing similar projects at other SWA's in the lower river. The projects will help meet Colorado's potential obligation to provide additional water for the benefit of threatened and endangered species in central Nebraska. It is expected that the Tamarack Plan will be usable for such purposes in a Three-State/Department of Interior basin recovery plan or in a"Colorado Only" plan in the event that the negotiations between the states and the federal government fail to produce a basin wide plan. In addition, the Tamarack Project is also a potential source of replacement water for existing uses, will provide habitat for Colorado's minnow species of concern, and will create waterfowl habitat in the areas in and adjacent to the water features of the project.