WSP05094

• File Number: 8277.600.10
• Description: Big Sandy River Unit - Colorado River Salinity Control Program
• State: WY
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 2/1/1988
• Title: U.S.D.A. Selected Plan - Big Sandy River Unit
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Definite Plan Report

does routinely for every action. SCS wetland policy (7 CFR Part 650.25)
requires land users be advised of alternatives to avoid or replace the
incidental loss of wetlands. Replacement measures, insofar as
practicable, will ensure that wetland habitat values obtained are
equivalent to those lost. SCS provides assistance only if the
alternatives selected for installation or adequate replacement have been
or will be accomplished in the salinity control area. Provisions for
managing these established wetlands will be made to ensure wetland
habitat values obtained remain equal to or greater than those lost
insofar as practicable. Persons, organizations, or agencies other than
the land user may assume these management responsibilities. SCS
encourages land users and project sponsors to consider and use programs
of other federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations to
preserve and enhance wetlands,

The SCS state conservationist may grant written exceptions to the SCS
wetland protection rules on a farm-by-farm basis for installing
irrigation water management, water conservation, water quality, or
erosion control systems, or where small, low-value wetlands occur as
minor inclusions within cropland, hayland, or pastureland fields. The
exceptions must be based on documented findings that--

1) there are no practicable alternatives to the proposed activity,
and

2) the proposed actions include all practicable measures to
minimize any resulting loss to wetlands.

The WGFD has agreed to assist SCS in the design and location of fences
and power lines to minimize hazards to whooping and sandhill cranes. In
addition, SCS and WGFD will work together in the design and location of
major wetland development, enhancement measures, and irrigation-
regulating reservoirs. In addition, the SCS and WGFD will work with the
irrigation district and the state engineer to explore and develop fish
and wildlife habitat potentials relating to the operation of the
Big Sandy and Eden Reservoirs.

Wherever possible, location of structural measures will avoid prairie
dog colonies, the preferred habitat of black-footed ferret habitat.
However, should a needed structural measure site contain a prairie dog
colony, the SCS will consult with the WGFD and USFWS to eliminate the
possibility of adversely impacting an area used by black-footed ferrets.
The SCS will also conduct cultural resource reviews and surveys
according to SCS rules and regulations (7 CFR 656) during individual
onfarm salinity control planning and when specific project construction
sites are identified.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Three general purposes for monitoring and evaluation activities are to--

(a) Collect salinity control data;

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