Correspondences Concerning Offsetting Reudi Reservoir Releases as a Result of Critical Habitat Designation

Home Browse Search

To Eric Kuhn \May 23, 1994 \ Page 2 The Bureau of Reclamation submitted a draft memo, which I understand will be finalized on Monday, May 23, commenting on all of the Service's proposals. It included comments on Ruedi Reservoir acquisition. The Bureau's comments on acquisition of additional water from Ruedi Reservoir are attached. The Bureau would condition this as an "interim measure to the extent that alternative water supplies could offset the need for a permanent allocation of all uncommitted Ruedi Reservoir water for endangered species flow enhancement purposes." USBR identifies several alternatives. However, USBR's approach would require commitment of Ruedi water until such alternatives are implemented. If those alternatives are not or cannot be implemented, then, apparently, Ruedi water would be perpetually committed. Peter Evans and I raised objections to the Service's attempting to acquire all available uncommitted water from Ruedi Reservoir. We pointed out that 1) a permanent commitment of Ruedi supplies or a commitment under the terms proposed by USBR would not be acceptable to the State of Colorado or to water users, 2) Ruedi is already being taxed to the extent of 10,000 acre -feet per year permanently committed, 3) its intended purpose is compensatory storage for west slope water users, and use of water for endangered species enhancement is not considered "compensatory" by west slope water users, and 4) such additional, permanent use may be inconsistent with the authorized purpose of the project. Peter suggested the following language in lieu of the USFWS proposed language: "Enter into an agreement among U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the State of Colorado for interim use of a substantial portion of the uncommitted water from Ruedi Reservoir after Round II water sales." The Recovery Program Management Committee agreed to this proposal, but the Service neither committed to or rejected this approach. The Service will consider this a recommendation of the Management Committee.