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GO Z 5'1 'J . . The proposed Conservation Strategy has been developed based upon the following assumptions: . The LCR MSCP will provide mitigation related to the potential impacts associated with all of the covered projects; the LCR MSCP is not intended to achieve recovery oflisted species; . The Technical Consultants utilized a "worst-case" analysis in describing and quantifying potential impacts to cottonwood-willow habitat within the planning area; . The existing riparian habitat within the planning area is of relatively low value and quality (i.e., generally monotypic saltcedar with minor amounts of mesquite and cottonwood-willow present); . The restored native riparian, marsh, and aquatic habitats will generally greatly improve the overall quality of the habitat within the planning area; . Existing and proposed land-cover types will support multiple species (i.e., cottonwood- willow habitat will support more species than just the southwestern willow flycatcher); . The temporal loss of habitat (i.e., the ongoing habitat loss associated with development of the river and reservoir system) does not drive the development of the MSCP mitigation ratios; . There is no requirement for mitigation of current status quo degraded conditions within the planning area; . Future degradation of habitats related to prior development of the river and reservoir system does not require mitigation; . Current and future impacts associated with third parties (non-MSCP participants) are not mitigable through the LCR MSCP; and . The LCR MSCP will avoid impacting the Topock Marsh on the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. The draft Proposal also describes a detailed Conservation Preserve Concept. The preserve concept utilizes commonly held principles of conservation biology, the current status of the species and habitats within the planning area, and applies an "integrated mosaic approach." In other words, the conservation strategy is geared toward development of linked and contiguous patches of high quality habitat in areas conducive to utilization by the various covered species. The primary elements of the preserve concept include the following: . Develop patches of restored habitat within the functional range of the target species; Utilize an "integrated mosaic" approach by creating vegetation communities historically present within the planning area (i.e., cottonwood-willow forests with a mix of atriplex, arrowweed, and mesquite); Ensure habitat restoration in and around areas currently occupied by MSCP covered specIes; Give priority to habitat restoration projects involving larger sized patches (e.g., 20-200 acres in size); Utilize a mix of federal, state, Tribal, and private lands in developing restoration projects; . . . . 7