WSP02208

• File Number: 8240.200.10.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Program Summaries/Status Reports
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 8/1/1995
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: Status Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

An important aspect of this project is the quantification and protection of water saved by canal
automation. Several methods are being considered for protecting some of the saved water for
endangered fish. These options include new legislation that would allow saved water from the
Grand Valley to be made available for in-stream flows for the fish and would allow modification
of the Orchard Mesa checking operation, permitting more water to be stored in Green Mountain
Reservoir for endangered fish.

(There are no specific action items at this time.)

Questions?

Please call George Smith at [phone].

Ruedi Reservoir water contract

For the last five years Reclamation has provided 10,000 acre-feet of water to enhance habitat con-
ditions for endangered fish species in the 15-mile reach. This arrangement came about as a con-
dition of the biological opinion issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1987 on water market-
ing from Ruedi and Green Mountain reservoirs. An additional 10,000 acre-feet - for a total of
20,000 acre-feet - also was made available on a year-to-year basis beginning in 1991 following
an agreement by Reclamation, the Service and the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

Also, beginning in the late 1980s several blocks of water from Ruedi and Green Mountain reser-
voirs have been sold for municipal and industrial use. When current "Round II" water sales have
been completed, the Service, Reclamation and state of Colorado will develop an agreement to use
the reservoir's remaining uncommitted water for endangered fish. This agreement will accom-
modate environmental commitments agreed to by Reclamation in the Environmental Impact
Statement on the Round II sales and any constraints of the reservoir's authorizing legislation. If
flow recommendations for the 1 5-mile reach are met from other sources during the interim agree-
ment, additional water from Ruedi beyond the original 10,000 acre-feet would no longer be need-
ed. At the end of the interim agreement, Reclamation may pursue additional water sales, regard-
less of whether flow recommendations have been met. These sales would be subject to review
under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.

Action:
Date:

Bureau of Reclamation to begin executing Ruedi Round II water contracts.
By fall 1995.

Action:

Public meetings to be held on Ruedi Reservoir water sales. (The meeting will
be in Glenwood Springs, Colo.)
Fall 1995. (Meeting date and specific location have not yet been set.)

Date:

Date:

Bureau of Reclamation to complete contract on remaining water from Ruedi
Reservoir.
By Dec. 31,1995.

Action:

Questions?

Please call George Smith at [phone].

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