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<br />OJJ792 <br /> <br />1993 ANNUAL REPORT <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />issue the Council recommended that USDA undertake with the cooperation of the USFWS, and <br />EPA an annual review of the program to assess the acres and values foregone and the progress <br />made towards replacement, The review should recognize that under the current way the <br />program is being implemented it is not realistic to expect that values foregone will be replaced <br />simultaneously with the removal, It is also recommended that under USDA's lead the agencies <br />reach some conclusion on the issue of value of wetland replacement. In previous planning <br />studies, the SCS has utilized the Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) to value habitat. EPA <br />is now advocating a different procedure at least for Type 1,2, and 9 wetlands. The agencies <br />should agree on the method for determining the value of the wildlife values foregone and of the <br />corresponding replacement. The agreement should recognize the amount of effort and data <br />collected under the previously accepted HEP methodology and not require previously completed <br />or nearly completed studies to be recycled just to comply with a new methodology. The <br />resolution of this issue should also reflect the full recognition that only voluntary replacement <br />is authorized (pL 98-569), and that maintenance of the federally-mandated water quality <br />. standards is the primary pUlpose of the program, The Council also suggests that resolution <br />reflect the fact that some wetlands have less value than others, and urge that these differences <br />be taken into consideration when determining appropriate replacement of fish and wildlife values <br />foregone. The Council requests that the agencies keep the Council and the Forum advised as <br />to progress in resolving this controversy. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />COWRADO R1VER BASIN SAUN1TY CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL <br /> <br />4 <br />