WSPC00304

• File Number: 8220.106.I
• Description: Colorado River Water Projects - Animas La Plata - Environmental Studies
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 4/15/2004
• Author: DOI-BOR
• Title: Animas La Plata Project - Environmental Commitment and Monitoring Plan
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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measures are complete Reclamation will prepare a summary report that describes
the condition of the uplands habitat mitigation and the relative success achieved
by the enhancement measures,
iii) La Plata River WetlandslRiparian Area:
(1) The wetlands/riparian mitigation area monitoring started in 2002 and monitoring
will continue on a yearly basis through the time when Ridges Basin Reservoir is
being filled and for a 5-year period after reservoir filling to monitor progress of
the wetland/riparian mitigation program and to ensure the continued success of
the wetlands/riparian mitigation area The purpose of the monitoring started in
2002 was to obtain baseline conditions before restoration and enhancement
measures are initiated and future monitoring will be to track the effectiveness of
the mitigation measures. Chapter 4 of the Animas-La Plata Project
WetlandslRiparian Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (Attachment B) contains
additional information on the monitoring plan, success criteria, and reporting
requirements for the WetlandslRiparian mitigation for the ALP Project. Refer to
this reference for details on the specific objectives, monitoring criteria and
variables, monitoring area, and monitoring period for the La Plata River
wetlands/riparian area. Reclamation will prepare an annual summary progress
report for the wetland/riparian work, Upon the completion of the subsequent 5-
year monitoring period (five years after reservoir filling) Reclamation shall
prepare a summary monitoring report that describes the condition of the
wetland/riparian mitigation area relative to the mitigation success criteria.

4) Wildlife Resources - Construction of Ridges Basin Dam and the inundation of Ridges Basin
and other direct and indirect losses will result in the loss of approximately 2,700-2,900 acres
of wildlife habitat. The 2,700-2,900 acres include the approximately 1,645 acres of upland
vegetation as reported under Vegetation Resources, Also, the construction of the gas
pipeline relocation corridor, relocation of County Road 211, relocation of transmission lines
and recreation development will have a temporary adverse impact to wildlife. Once
constructed, County Road 211 and the recreation areas (if constructed) will reduce the use of
the area by wildlife and the increased use of the areas around the reservoir by humans will
disrupt deer and elk habitat utilization and behavior. Construction of project facilities
including possible recreational facilities and the relocation of gas pipelines, County Road 211
and transmission lines could impact nesting of golden eagles on Carbon Mountain. Also,
development of Ridges Basin Reservoir and associated recreation area will increase use of
the general area and could disturb nesting of golden eagles on Carbon Mountain.
Construction of non-binding end uses and water conveyance pipelines could result in the loss
of 20 to 300 acres of wetland and wildlife habitat. Construction activities, including noise
and human intrusion, could result in short-term disturbance to wildlife security.
a) AvoidancelMinimization:
i) By Design:
(1) CR211 and Recreational Facilities:

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