1998 Work Plan of the Western States Water Council

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groups continue to be active in seeking to enforce their interpretation of the Act'pursuant to its citizen suit provisions. For example, in Southwest Center for Biological Diversity v. Bureau of Reclamation, the plaintiff's challenge Reclamation's operation of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, arguing that raised reservoir water levels have resulted in inundation of much of the riparian habitat of the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. The complaint urges the court to order that the current water level in Lake Mead must be reduced immediately. The symposium will examine the experience of states with challenges associated with implementation of the Act, and particularly the reforms that have been initiated by the Administration. This examination will include an evaluation and assessment of reforms passed by the Congress, if Congress reauthorizes the Act in the interim. Symposium participants will also share experience with federal/state cooperative approaches, such as the Colorado River and Platte River recovery plan agreements, and the agreements in the Northwest that rely on state conservation efforts as a means to avoid a listing. The symposium will thus provide a valuable forum for sharing of experience, and discussion of the impacts of recent reforms and the success of cooperative approaches involving states. It could also provide an opportunity to formulate recommendations for improvements. Given the WGA's interest in this matter, WGA will be invited to again cosponsor and participate in the symposium. The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies would also be invited to participate. This item will be delegated to the Legal Committee. Time frame: April - September 4. WSWC WATER POLICY SEMINAR Work to date: The Council has sponsored three biennial seminars in Washington, D.C. to enhance congressional contacts and advise congressional staff on major western water issues from the perspective of western states. We have also used the occasion to hold regular Council meetings where federal officials are involved in dialogue with Council members over issues pertaining to federal/state relationships. These seminars have largely fulfilled their purposes, and the Council had determined to hold another such seminar be held in April 1998 in conjunction with the regular Council meetings in Washington, D.C. Responding to an overture from the Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP), the Council held joint sessions of the seminar with the ICWP at its 1996 seminar. An invitation again to jointly participate in some sessions has been extended to ICWP, and they have accepted. Hotel arrangements have been made and subject areas identified. Although some work in preparation for the Seminar will be completed this year, additional work will be necessary to prepare for its March, 1988 meetings. A format very similar to the last seminar is contemplated.