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~, t I I I I, I' I I I I I I I J I I o o W l'J Summary areas are scattered throughout privately owned agricultural lands. Long- tenn protection of habitat lands may not be possible under these conditions. The FWS has concurred in this approach, citing potential problems with salinity impacts, selenium concentrations, and management problems. Consultation on endangered species would be required on the project, Biological assessments and a biological opinion prepared for the original LGBU plan would be updated. Species of special concern include the endangered clay-loving wild buckwheat and two candidate plant species-the adobe penstemon and the adobe desert parsley. Surveys of project impact areas would be required, and designs would be modified to avoid plant locations. Endangered Colorado River fishes would also be discussed. While these fishes are not present in the Uncompahgre River, the Gunnison River downstream from the project area has been designated as critical habitat for the recovery of the endangered fish species. The project's effect on downstream river flows, water quality, and depletions would be considered. However, the piping program is not expected to have any adverse effect on downstream river flow or water quality as the stream depletions would not be increased. Another environmental consideration for this project is coordinating cultural resources. Several canal systems, including the East and South Canals, are considered to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and require coordination with the State Historic Preservation Officer. Class III cultural resource surveys would be required on lands to be disturbed and on habitat replacement lands. Habitat Replacement Plan The major components of the habitat replacement program would be to acquire, develop, and manage approximately 1,370 acres of land. Replacement wetlands can be created, provided an adequate land and water base can be acquired. For purposes of this report, a generalization is used that up to 3 acres of land may be needed to create I acre of wetland on the average. According to the FWS, this ratio is based on the fact that the most likely wetland mitigation would be enhancement of existing wetlands in the bottom lands of the Gunnison or Uncompahgre Rivers where wetlands already occur. It also takes into consideration that few wetland creation or enhancement efforts are 100-percent successful. Under worst-case conditions, a total of 760 mature cottonwood trees could be lost due to the piping of laterals and canals. In order to reduce impacts, designers would attempt to avoid the trees or would work with individual landowners to determine if alternative water supplies for trees can be used. These measures should reduce losses of mature cottonwood trees; however, S-5