BOARD01876

• Board Meeting Date: 7/23/2001
• Description: WSP Section - Colorado River Basin Issues - Ruedi Reservoir - Proposed Annual Contract to Deliver 10,825 AF to Endangered Fish in 15-Mile Reach
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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Agenda Item 23h
July 23-24, 200] Board Meeting
Page 3 of3

. A process is required to balance the needs between recreational users, water supply
interests and endangered fish during the development of the annual operating plan for
Ruedi Reservoir so that people have a clear understanding of what to expect in any
given year. Progress: Operating plan meetings are held annually and USBR
continually strives to better coordinate with the operations of other parts of the
Recovery Program. NEP A compliance for the long-term agreement and the
proposed "Ruedi Futures Study" will help define the issues and opportunities.

Under the amended biological opinion, USBR has proceeded to process up to 6,135
AF of Ruedi Round II water sale contracts. USBR will proceed with the full 17,000 AF
(6,135 AF plus the remaining 10,865 AF) ofRuedi Round II water sale contracts after the
interim long-term agreement is signed. This 2001 water contract retains the statement
that USBR will make a reasonable effort to maintain the maximum release rate at 250 cfs.
Also, the reservoir storage target levels and dates have not been changed. Reclamation
has provided the required report documenting Ruedi reservoir operations for the benefit
of endangered fish in the 15-Mile Reach. The Service has requested that there report be
submitted only every three years because benefits are not definable on an annual basis,
therefore, no report was provided by the Service this year.

The USBR must follow a formal negotiating process in the development of long-term
water contracts. The negotiating sessions are open public meetings. The basis of
negotiation and designation of parties to the interim long-term contract have been
established. NEPA compliance in the form of an Environmental Assessment is currently
in progress.

This memorandum and the attached I-year contract have been forwarded to
representatives of the USBR, the Service, the Colorado River Water Conservation
District, the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District and the Ruedi Water and
Power Authority. They rnay wish to appear and comment at the Board meeting.

Recommendation

Staff recommends Board approval of the proposed I-year contract with the USBR
and the Service to deliver 10,825 AF from Ruedi Reservoir during 2001 to benefit
endangered fish species in the I5-Mile Reach of the Colorado River. Such approval is
done with the understanding that the interested parties will continue to negotiate in good
faith on a long-term interim contract for the release of Ruedi water to benefit endangered
fish that will satisfactorily address the issues outlined above and any other issues which
may be identified during the course of those contract negotiations.

Attachment:
DRS

c:\mydocs\agenda23hRuedi7200 I.bdm.doc