Planning Report & Environmental Impact

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Executive Summary Mesa Verde cactus may be directly taken during the construction of project features. The Service concurred that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the Southwestern willow flycatcher and bald eagle. The draft biological opinion incorporates a Navajo Nation depletion guarantee, which limits new depletion associated with the project to 5,271 acre-feet at full development (see chapter VI and volume II, appendix C). The opinion concludes that the 5,271 acre- feet of new depletions associated with the proposed project would not adversely impact the Colorado pikeminnow or razorback sucker. However, because larval fish may be lost due to the project diversions, the fish would be adversely affected. The opinion identifies the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program as the reasonable and prudent measure to reduce incidental take of Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker and identifies conservation recommendations to reduce the direct take of Mesa Verde cactus. The opinion also states that if re-initiation is required, the Service will follow the procedures regarding re-initiation of consultation pursuant to the "Principles for Conducting Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultations on Water Development and Water Management Activities Affecting Endangered Fish Species in the San Juan River Basin." Results of any additional consultation will be included in the final biological opinion and will be incorporated into the planning report and final environmental impact statement. A Planning Aid Memorandum and draft Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act report have also been completed by the Service and the recommendations included, where appropriate, in the preferred alternative plan. • S- 11