BOARD01194

• Board Meeting Date: 11/25/2002
• Description: Native Species Trust Fund Recommendations for FY 2003-04
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

Agenda Item 12, Native Species Trust Fund
November 25-26, 2002 Board Meeting
Page 2 00

FY 2003-04 Recommended Programs

1. Recovery Programs for the Endangered Fish of the Upper Colorado and San Juan River
Basins: $1,457,000 ($1,405,000 for the Colorado RIP and $52,000 for the San Juan RIP)

These two recovery programs are directed toward the recovery of the pike minnow, humpback
chub, bonytail chub, and razorback sucker in the Upper Colorado River and San Juan River basins
while allowing water development activities to proceed in accordance with state law and interstate
compacts. Recovery Program activities eligible for funding are drawn from the Colorado River
Recovery Implementation Program Recovery Action Plan (RIPRAP), the San Juan River Recovery
Implementation Program Workplan (Workplan) and state activities that are consistent with these
plans. These activities include:

. Removal of non-native fish from critical habitat and the development of new habitat such as
floodplain ponds;
. Landowner incentives to manage ponds for native species (e,g, through leases or short-term
payments);
. Stocking of native fish;
. Construction of fish ladders; and
. Screening and berming of ponds and canals to prevent non-native fish escapement or entrapment.

Funding from the SCTF leverages additional funds available from Reclamation, the states of
Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico, and Federal power revenues pursuant to Public Law 106-392, the
Long-term Funding Legislation. These cost share funds are now provided to and managed for the
Recovery Programs by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Several major projects are scheduled to begin this fiscal year, including fish passage at the old
Price-Stubb diversion and fish screening on the Grand Valley Project. Also, plans for the
enlargement of the Elkhead Reservoir are underway. A portion ofthe increased Elkhead storage will
benefit the Upper Colorado Endangered Species Recovery Program, Funding options for the
enlargement project are currently being discussed and include consideration of a portion of the
project being funded from the SCTF, The outcome of these negotiations for funding the
enlargement will determine how much of Colorado's $9,146,000 cost share remains.

2. Platte River Cooperative Agreement (CA): $2,066,395

The purpose of the CA is to develop a Platte River Program that will aid in the recovery of
Whooping Crane, Piping Plover and Least Tern in Central Nebraska and contribute to the recovery
of the Pallid Sturgeon in the Lower Platte River. Previous funding for the Platte has been for
Colorado's participation in the CA and to help demonstrate the feasibility of conducting large-scale
ground water recharge.

This year's request of $2,066,395 will allow for full build out ofthe Tamarack Ranch State Wildlife
Area (TRSW A) groundwater re-regulation project including up to 21 new wells, pumps, electrical
supply, hardware, and conveyance piping, In addition, it is estimated that an infiltration gallery,
pump, electrical supply, hardware and conveyance piping will be needed at the Pony Express State
Wildlife Area. The total cost for this work is estimated to be $1,971,395. The request also includes
$95,000 for technical support for the development and implementation of the three state program, or
in the alternative, a Colorado only program. The SCTF stakeholder group suggested that the full
amount ($2,066,395) be requested from the General Assembly. However, it was noted that this

Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Financing. Stream and Lake Protection
Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning