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<br />M <br />1'0 <br />r,;. <br />,~ <br /> <br />such as crop rotations or increasing housing development in our rural <br />area. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br /> <br />Evaluation of the planned wildlife practices in the 255 salinity <br />and 9 CWHEP contracts and of the 21.1 salinity and 6 CWHEP contracts <br />evaluated using HEP indicates replacement of wildlife habitat values <br />forgone will be achieved. Planned projections show a loss in pheasant <br />values, but evaluation of completed contracts show that actually a <br />gain in pheasant values is taking place. A small loss in yellow <br />warbler and marsh wren values is showing up on completed contracts, <br />however this is expected to change as more contracts which contain <br />wildlife practices and management are completed. <br />The 6 CWHEP contracts cover typed are included in the Salinity <br />Program mitigation efforts. However, this does not reflect the <br />benefits this program has provided from the contracts that have not <br />been evaluated through the HEP process. <br /> <br />CONCERNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> <br />It is recommended that contracts with wildlife practices be <br />reevaluated through HEP and AREM 15 to 20 years following completion. <br />The applied values calculated at the time of contract completion can <br />then be compared to what they are over the life span of the wildlife <br />practices. <br />We will continue to encourage establishment of grass/legume <br />plantings to improve upland habitat in order to offset. the projected <br />habitat loss indicated from the pheasant model and the guild of <br />species it represents. In addition, we will encourage the <br />establishment of cattail wetlands and WOOdy/willow areas to ensure <br />losses do not occur for the marsh wren and yellow warbler as might be <br />suggested by the completed contracts. <br />Priority will be placed on the creation of new wetlands over <br />enhancement of existing wetlands unless the existing wetlands are in <br />poor condition. <br />opportunities for replacement of wildlife values forgone in the <br />salinity project area should be allowed through the development of <br />wildlife only contracts. <br /> <br />20 <br />