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Feasibility Study for the Plaza Project — Phase 2: McDonald Ditch Implementation Project Section 1- Project Sponsors The project, The Plaza Project — Phase 2: McDonald Ditch Implementation Project (Phase 2), is sponsored by a partnership between the Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation (Foundation) and the McDonald Ditch Company (McDD). 1.1 The McDonald Ditch Company The McDD, was incorporated as a mutual irrigation ditch company on December 17,1921, and on May 23,1950 the company's corporate existence was extended to perpetuity. The McDD diverts water from the Rio Grande at the Sevenmile Plaza Bridge, which is 5 miles north and 7 miles west of the town of Monte Vista. The irrigation system is approximately 2.5 miles long and services eight landowners irrigating approximately 1,32o acres. The water right is 14.4 cubic feet per second (cfs), with a river priority number 11 on 13.4 cfs, and number 18 on 1.o cfs. Due to high priority of the water right, water is accessible throughout the irrigation season. 1.2 The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation and the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation (Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) Colorado non- profit organization. The Foundation is the fiscal agent for the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project ( RGHRP). The mission of the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project is "to restore and conserve the historical functions and vitality of the Rio Grande in Colorado for improved water quality, optimal agricultural water use, riparian habitat, wildlife and aquatic species habitat, recreation, and community safety, while meeting the requirements of the Rio Grande Compact." The RGHRP was formed to implement the recommendations of a study completed in 2001. The 2001 Study was prompted by local stakeholders due to a realized deterioration of the historical functions of the Rio Grande, which include providing high quality water, healthy riparian areas, fish and wildlife habitat, and a functioning floodplain. The 2001 Study analyzed the condition of the riparian area and structures along a 91 -mile reach of the Rio Grande and provided recommendations for improvement. The 2001 Study was sponsored by the San Luis Valley Water Conservancy District and funded with a $250,000 grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). In 2004 the need was identified for a well- defined Rio Grande Watershed Restoration Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). Completed in 2007, the Strategic Plan highlighted the importance of continued efforts to implement the recommendations from the 2001 Study. Since establishment, the RGHRP has accrued a successful record of performing projects on the Rio Grande through collaboration with landowners and local, state, and federal entities. The RGHRP administers three programs: The Outreach and Education Program, the Streambank Stabilization and Riparian Restoration Program, and the Diversion Repair and Replacement Program. The RGHRP administers a robust Outreach and Education Program. Informative press releases are submitted to local and regional media with notable project updates. Talks and tours are routinely given to local schools, community groups, and water related organizations. The RGHRP website provides project updates and information. Content of the Outreach and Education program includes details about projects, partnerships, funding entities, and the importance of protecting and conserving the Rio Grande. Through the Streambank Stabilization and Riparian Restoration Program, the RGHRP has administered six (6) cost -share projects with fifty (50) landowners with $1.8 million grant funding raised. The projects have aimed to improve river function using a multi- faceted approach to riparian restoration and streambank stabilization and have resulted in the treatment of 7.5 miles of streambanks. The techniques used include bank and channel shaping, riparian revegetation, installing rock and log structures, and implementing grazing best management practices. By continuing efforts to implement the recommendations from the 2001 Study across different sections of the Rio Grande, overall continuity and function of the river is improved. Through the Diversion Repair and Replacement Program, the RGHHP is working with ditch companies to address concerns surrounding aging and inefficient diversion and headgate structures. The first