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<br />(jiJu71~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />FWS Accomplishments <br /> <br />Lower Virgin River Unit <br /> <br />Reclamation's preliminary findings study of the lower Virgin River Unit project for salinity <br />control and water resource development involves a cooperative effort between the Las Vegas <br />Valley Water District (District) and Reclamation to divert water from the Virgin River basin to <br />the Las Vegas Valley area for municipal use. The Service has been working with Reclamation <br />pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act and has served on the Water Supply Work <br />Group, an ad hoc committee of technical representatives formed by Reclamation planning <br />branch for the project. <br /> <br />During 1993 Reclamation completed a Preliminary Findings Report on the project, which <br />involves a diversion structure and reservoir near Halfway Wash, Nevada, The Service has <br />concerns about possible impacts to endangered and threatened species, riparian communities, <br />and the enhancement of non-native fish populations as a consequence of the project. <br />Reclamation still has not announced its decision, but discussions with District staff indicate that <br />Reclamation may determine the project is not feasible, <br />I <br /> <br />The District is pursuing the project independently to preserve their priority date for diversion <br />of Virgin River water, They may attempt to wheel the Virgin River water into Lake Mead <br />and remove it using existing Saddle Island pumping facilities, but the Nevada State Engineer <br />has yet to approve their permit to appropriate Virgin River water. . <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />San Juan River Unit <br /> <br />The Service received the Biological Assessment for the San Juan Unit, Hammond Portion in <br />August 1994, As this project is entirely in the State of New Mexico, and specifically affects <br />the San Juan River, the lead for the field Biological Opinion has been transferred to the <br />Service's office in Albuquerque, New Mexico as of September 9, 1994, <br /> <br />Grand Valley Unit <br /> <br />The Service continues to monitor progress associated with wildlife development for the <br />Colorado River Wildlife Area and Horsethief Canyon Wildlife Area, Habitat improvements <br />are progressing nicely at both properties, Reclamation's acquisition and <br />developmentJmanagement of mitigation properties is on schedule, ,.commensurate with overall <br />Grand Valley Project development. The Service is currently working with Reclamation <br />towards the purchase of an additional 130 acre tract, at the confluence of the Gunnison and <br />Colorado Rivers (Clyner property), which has tremendous potential for wildlife, <br /> <br />Wildlife habitat replacement remains problematic as regards the SCS onfarm program for the <br />Grand Valley Unit.. ,with onfarm salinity improvements approximately 80% completed the <br />SCS has installed only 2oo:t acres of the total 1,200 acre SCS commitment for wildlife <br />improvements. Reclamation has agreed to underwrite the SCS mitigation commitment by <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />9 <br />