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APPENDIX B <br /> South Platte Lower River Group <br /> Demonstration Projects in Progress <br /> TAMARACK SWA DEMONSTRATION PROJECT <br /> The project is named the Tamarack SWA Project because of the major involvement of the <br /> Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife Area(SWA) in the reregulation of South Platte flows for <br /> beneficial uses to Colorado. There are multiple uses associated with the project including <br /> enhancement of the primary flow targets for threatened and endangered species in central <br /> Nebraska, creation of waterfowl habitat incidental to the water features of the project, <br /> creation of a small flowing stream to support propagation of minnow species of concern in <br /> Colorado, and offsetting depletions to senior Colorado water rights caused by well <br /> pumping. The Tamarack SWA contains over 10,000 acres of land owned by the <br /> Colorado Division of Wildlife that are well suited to incorporate managed recharge <br /> activities that create the benefits listed above. The SPLRG has funded$40,000 for this <br /> pilot project. <br /> For purposes of demonstration,a well capable of pumping 2000 gallons per minute has <br /> been drilled near the South Platte river to pump water up to pond areas located away from <br /> the river to induce recharge of the alluvial aquifer, to create a small artificial stream for <br /> small minnows that are species of concern in Colorado,and to create waterfowl and <br /> wetland habitat in association with the ponds (see Figure 2). Water from the new well will <br /> be supplemented by water from an existing well that is part of the DOW's decreed water <br /> rights on the SWA. The new well has been permitted pursuant to a temporary substitute <br /> water supply plan issued by the State Engineer. In addition, 5350 feet of 12" and 15" <br /> pipeline has been purchased and installed to distribute water from the two wells to the <br /> recharge ponds and small stream system. Monitoring wells will be installed to record <br /> impacts resulting from the project. It is anticipated that this pilot project will illustrate the <br /> multiple positive results that can be achieved by such reregulation activities. <br /> Future efforts connected with the Tamarack Plan will be focused upon enlarging the <br /> capacity and benefits of the project at the Tamarack SWA and on doing similar projects at <br /> other SWA's in the lower river. The projects will help meet Colorado's potential <br /> obligation to provide additional water for the benefit of threatened and endangered species <br /> in central Nebraska. It is expected that the Tamarack Plan will be usable for such <br /> purposes in a Three-State/Department of Interior basin recovery plan or in a"Colorado <br /> Only"plan in the event that the negotiations between the states and the federal <br /> government fail to produce a basin wide plan. In addition, the Tamarack Project is also a <br /> potential source of replacement water for existing uses, will provide habitat for Colorado's <br /> minnow species of concern, and will create waterfowl habitat in the areas in and adjacent <br /> to the water features of the project. <br /> �_ -�. -1(.:-1.4(2r 7 <br />