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<br />~ <br /> <br />0L12230 <br />Representatives of the Colorado River Board agencies have been meeting to discuss <br />Reclamation's proposed role and have separated their comments into major and minor issues. These <br />issues and how they relate to the interstate discussions on California's 4.4 Plan and the discussion <br />related to potential revisions needed in the proposed offstream banking rules will be discussed at the <br />March 11th Board workshop. The California representatives have scheduled another meeting on <br />March 18th, to further frame our proposed comments. Consideration is also being given to discussing <br />our comments and concerns with the other Basin States, if time allows. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />In considering California's and others concerns regarding an opportunity to discuss the <br />proposed role, Reclamation is attempting to schedule a public meeting at which time dialogue with <br />Reclamation representatives can occur on the intent of the proposed rule and the rationale used in <br />selecting the wording of various sections. That public meeting has tentatively been scheduled for <br />March 27th in the Ontario California area. <br /> <br />Colorado River Endan!!ered Fish Species <br /> <br />The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) Workgroup <br />met on February 26th in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Plan Development contractor (Ogden) is <br />continuing to collect data that is required for the Plan. A Biological Subcommittee meeting is <br />scheduled for April 16th to review the information gathered and determine if any additional data is <br />required. <br /> <br />As you recall, at the last Board meeting there was an active discussion regarding the intention <br />of some Steering Committee members to extend the geographic scope the MSCP beyond the <br />Southerly International Boundary to the Upper Gulf of California. Additionally, a letter signed by <br />various conservationists, scientists, academics, and environmental advocates has formally requested <br />the Federal agencies to extend the MSCP into Mexico. During the past week I mailed an extensive <br />package (which included the subject letter) to the Board members and others. This package <br />delineates the history, to date, in developing the MSCP. Included in the Board folder is a <br />memorandum which summarizes the issue along with a draft resolution for your consideration. <br /> <br />Also included in the Board folder is a letter from the Southwest Center for Biological <br />Diversity (SWCBD) regarding Reclamation's Imperial Division Backwater Restoration Project which <br />provides to Reclamation a 60 day notice of a lawsuit for Reclamation. s failure to comply with the <br />Endangered Species Act. <br /> <br />The second half of the LCR MSCP tour is still planned for April 27-30, 1998. Included with <br />the Board folder is a sign-up form and preliminary itinerary. <br /> <br />WESTERN WATER PLANNING <br /> <br />Glen Canyon Environmental Studies <br /> <br />The Glen Canyon Technical Work Group (TWG) met on February 171h & 181h in Phoenix, <br />Arizona. The TWG is still developing the biological criteria that are required as a component of the <br /> <br />5 <br />