WSP01136

• File Number: 8543
• Description: Closed Basin Division
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 1/1/1979
• Author: DOI/BOR
• Title: Final Environmental Statement - Closed Basin Division - San Luis Valley Project - Alamosa and Saguache Counties CO
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: EIS

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Seepage tests and long-range biological field investigations are cur-
rently underway. These studies will continue during construction of
Stage 1-2. The results of these studies, along with associated mitiga-
tion needs, will be included in a supplement to the final environmental
statement which will be prepared prior to beginning Stage 3 construction.

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The FWS in its June 27, 1979, comments on the Draft Environmental
Statement stated that:

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Until such time as the service has completed its
reevaluation of project impacts so that "Mishak NWR,
or comparable mitigation features, will be appropriately
determit)ed and sized as to acreage and water delivery"
(pp. II), the Bureau should consider the authorized
mitigation package as appropriate for implementation
in conjunction with staged development of project features.
If construction for Stage 1 and 2 will start prior to
completion of this reevaluation, land acquisition
for Mishak NWR should proceed proportionately with
other features for Stage 1 and 2, with the first
priority for acquisition being the existing Mishak
Lakes area. This action would be consistent with the
,President's Water Policy Directives that require mitigation
funds be spent concurrently and proportionately with
construction funds throughout the life of the project.

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Concurrent with the start of construction of Stage 1-2, a proportionate
share of the needed Mishak NWR lands as set forth in House Document 91-369
would be acquired. Since approximately 20 percent of the total project
wetlands are located in Stage 1-2, approximately 2,700 acres of land
based on 13,800 acres as set forth in HOuse Document 91-369 would be
acquired in the existing Mishak Lakes area. These mitigation and
enhancement features would be incremental and adequate to compensate for
any wetland, vegetation, and wildlife losses caused by construction of
Stage 1-2. If a Stage 1-2 mitigation plan other than the acquisition of
2,700 acres of land in the Mishak Lakes area is determined by the FWS
and Bureau of Reclamation, that plan would be equal to and in lieu of
the 2,700-acre acquisition. Other options for incremental mitigation
attendant to Stage 1-2 include additional waters }o Alamosa NWR or
assistance to Monte Vista NWR. The FWS and the 8ureau of Reclamation
have not determined the specific location or type of mitigation measures
to be implemented concurrent with and tied to Stage 1-2, but plans are
to have such measures equate with the acquisition of 2,700 acres in the
Mishak Lakes area.

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