BOARD01242

• Board Meeting Date: 11/19/2001
• Description: WSP Section - Colorado River Basin Issues - Proposed Modifications to the Boards Colorado River Delta Policy ‎(Specifically Concerning the Yuma Desalter Plant)‎
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION
UNITED STATES AND MEXICO

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of the ecology affected by decreases in Colorado River flows in this reach and potential
impacts to the habitat offish, marine and wildlife species of concern to each country.
The Commissioners observed that some entities!in their respective countries may seek
water and seek to ensure its use for ecologic~l purposes in the Colorado River's
Iimitrophe section and the Colorado River delta.

The Commissioners recognized that there was a need for the United States and
Mexico to create a framework to fonnalize a process that will: 1) consider Colorado
River delta restoration studies prepared by gov~nunent, scientific, academic and non-
government organizations in the two countries; 2) provide for development of
additional studies through the binational technical task force; and 3) formulate
recommendations for cooperative projects cobceming the Colorado River delta in
Mexico to be undertaken by the United States aod Mexico based on the principle of an
equitable distribution of resources. The Commissioners also recognized that there is
a need to support the binational teclmical task force with a forum for the exchange 9f
infonnation and advice among government and non-government organizations with an
interest in the affected areas. .

Based on the above, the Conunissioners submit the following reconunendation
for the approval of the two Governments:

I.

That in recognidon of their respective goverrunents' interest in
the preservation of the riparian and estuarine ecology of the
Colorado River in its limitrophe section and its associated delta,
the Commission shall establish. a framework for cooperation by
the United States and Mexico through the development of joint
studies that include possible approaches to ensure use of water
for ecological purposes in t~is reach and formulation of
recommendations for coopet;ative projects, based on the
principle of an equitable distribution of resources. The
Commission may elicit the support and technical advice of the
competent agencies of each Gdvemment.

2. That the Commission, through the binational technical task
force, shall examine the effect:offlows on the existing riparian
and estuarine ecology of the Colorado River from its limitrophe
section to its delta with a focus on defming the habitat needs of
fish, and marine and wildlife s*ecies of concern to each country.

3. That the Commission shall su~port the binational technical task
force by establishing a forumi for the exchange of information
and advice among government and non-government
organizations with an interestiin the affected area.

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