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<br />,. . <br /> <br />002~JU <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />impacts to the Salton Sea, the status of the fanner sign-ups in lID, and the forbearance by MWD and <br />lID of38,000 acre-feet of priority 6(a) water for use by CVWD. In response to these questions, the <br />California parties indicated that additional information addressing these questions would be sent to them <br />prior to the next meeting. The next meeting of the Basin states' representatives is currently scheduled <br />to be held on May 271h. <br /> <br />Colorado River Environmental Activities <br /> <br />Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program <br /> <br />The SAIC/JSA Technical Consulting Team is preparing the draft habitat conservation plan <br />(HCP) and draft Biological Assessment components of the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species <br />Conservation Program (LCR MSCP). These important draft documents are scheduled to be released <br />for public review and comment in mid-June 2003. These documents are being prepared based upon the <br />technical and policy-level guidance contained within the framework document resulting from recent <br />efforts of the Coordinating Team over the past few months. As you may recall, I have briefed you <br />regarding the progress ofthe Coordinating Team and the resultant negotiations between the U.S. Fish <br />and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game. <br /> <br />Members of the California LCR MSCP Caucus are continuing to meet with representatives of <br />the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to discuss potential mitigation requirements <br />associated with issuance of a 2081 incidental take authorization pursuant to the California Endangered <br />Species Act. The parties are continuing to have discussions related to the potential requirement for <br />additional mesquite mitigation. The latest proposal by CDFG is being considered by the California <br />MSCP parties. It appears to be close to the last offer by the MSCP parties. As necessary, additional <br />meetings will be set in an attempt to bring closure on this issue. <br /> <br />California Senate Joint Resolution No.8 - Re: Salt Cedar Eradication <br /> <br />Included in your Board folder is a copy of a Senate Joint Resolution regarding eradication of <br />salt cedar. The Joint Resolution asks the President and Congress of the United States to take action to <br />implement a project to eradicate salt cedar along the lower Colorado River and in the other Colorado <br />River Basin States. <br /> <br />Currently, large-scale salt cedar eradication is not being considered along the Lower Colorado <br />River as much of this habitat, although poor quality, is the only riparian habitat providing cover and <br />forage for many species, including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. Until such time as <br />the LCR MSCP and other similar programs in the Colorado River Basin can effectively replace the <br />existing salt cedar habitat with high quality native riparian habitats (e.g., cottonwood-willow, or <br />mesquite) it is not advisable to embark upon a wholesale salt cedar eradication program. <br /> <br />7 <br />