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<br />oo~.c-r,'- <br />> l ~ If / t". <br />....."....... <\..., V <br /> <br />.. <br /> <br />.. <br /> <br />I. INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />8. Purpose and Authoritv for InvesticatioD <br /> <br />The principal purpose of the study is to investigate, describe, and <br />evaluate the operation of the Bureau at Reclamation (Reclamation) <br />facilities in the Platte River Basin to ensure compliance with sections <br />7(al(1) and (2) of the Endangered Species Act. The initial phase of the <br />study will focus on the North Platte and Platte Rivers. Section 7(a)(1) <br />requires every Federal agency to utilize its authorities in consultation <br />with the Fish and Wildlife Service to further the purposes of the ESA by <br />carrying out conservation programs for listed species. Section 7(a)(2) <br />requires every Federal agency to ensure through consultation with the <br />Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) that any action it authorizes, <br />funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued <br />existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse <br />modification of critical habitat. The authority for this investigation <br />is based on responsibilities pursuant to the aforementioned sections of <br />the ESA. <br /> <br />Following completion of this study, if it is determined that <br />Reclamation's operation of its facilities in the Platte River Basin may <br />be adversely affecting listed species or their habitats, formal <br />consultation will be conducted in accordance with regulations which <br />implement Section 7(a)(2). In accordance with Section 7(a)(1) of the <br />Act, opportunities will be identified that may exist through operational <br />changes to conserve and recover threatened and endangered species and <br />their habitat to the extent practicable. The study will also identify <br />opportunities and actions that would promote conservation of other <br />significant biological resources, such as riparian habitat, fisheries, <br />and migratory birds. Compliance with the National Environmental Policy <br />Act (NEPAl would be required if any implementation plan resulting from <br />this study constitutes a significant Federal action. <br /> <br />b. Description of the study Area <br /> <br />The study area includes the North and South Platte Rivers from the <br />project facilities downstream to the confluence of the Platte River with <br />the Missouri River. The Platte River Basin channel, as shown on the <br />map, Figure 1, extends from the mouth of the Platte River near <br />Louisville, Nebraska, to the head~aterB of the South and North Platte <br />Rivers. The drainage area includes about 71,000 square miles that <br />contribute to surface runoff. The Platte River tributaries originate in <br />the Rocky Mountains flowing in a north to northeasterly direction until <br />they enter the plains and then continue in an easterly direction to the <br />confluence with the Missouri River. The mainstem of the Platte River <br />includes 310 river miles of main channel from the mouth to North Platte, <br />Nebraska, and the river elevation rises from 940 MSL to 2750 MSL. The <br /> <br />1 <br />