Laserfiche WebLink
<br />o <br />-.:l <br />l',j <br />0) <br /> <br />1993 ANNUAL RlIPORT <br /> <br />issue the Council recommended at the October 1993 meeting that USDA undertake, with the <br />cooperation of the USFWS and EPA, an annual review of the program to assess the acres and <br />values foregone and the progress made towards replacement. The review should recognize that <br />under the way the program is.being implemented iUs not.realistic to expect that values foregone <br />will be replaced simultaneously with their removal. It is also recommended that under USDA's <br />lead, the agencies reach a conclusion on the issue of the value of wetland replacement. In <br />previous planning studies, the SCS has utilized the Habitat Evaluation Procedures (REP) to value <br />habitat. EPA is now advocating a different procedure at least for Type 1, 2,and 9 wetlands. <br />The agencies should agree on the method for determining the value of the wildlife values <br />foregone and of the corresponding replacement. The agreement should recognize the amount <br />of effort and data collected under the previously accepted HEP methodology and not require <br />previously completed or nearly completed studies to be recycled just to comply with a new <br />methodology. The resolution of this issue should also reflect the full recognition that only <br />voluntary replacement is authorized (pL 98-569), and that maintenance of the federally-mandated <br />water quality standards is the primary purpose of the program. The Council also suggests that <br />resolution reflect the fact that some wetlands have less value than others, and urges that these <br />differences be taken into consideration when determining appropriate quantity and timing of <br />voluntary replacement of fish and wildlife values foregone. The Council requests that the <br />agencies keep the Council and the Forum advised as to progress being made in solving these <br />important habitat replacement issues. <br /> <br />COWRADO RlVER BASIN SAUN1TY CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL <br /> <br />4 <br />