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<br />1997 ANNUAL REPORT <br /> <br />o <br />~ <br />c.o <br />l\) <br /> <br />developing, in cooperation with the Forum's Work Group, a program which will allow the tracking <br />of salt load reductions and funding (as funding is programmatic in nature). <br /> <br />It is also unclear as to the opportunity for the use ofEQIP funds on federal lands by those holding <br />grazing leases. This lack of clarity appears to come from a lack of focus on the need for evolving <br />policy by BLM. The NRCS EQIP manual states: <br /> <br />"Land may be considered for enrollment if the land is publically owned land where: <br /> <br /> <br />I. The land is under private control for the contract period and included in the <br /> <br /> <br />participant's operating unit, 2. Installation of conservation practices will contribute <br /> <br />to an improvement in the identified natural resource concern, 3. The conservation <br /> <br /> <br />practices will benefit nearby or adjacent agricultural land owned by the participant, <br /> <br /> <br />and 4. The participant has written authorization from the Govemment landowner to <br /> <br /> <br />apply the conservation practices, or, 5. Tribal, allotted or Indian trust land." <br /> <br />The Council suggests that BLM research this issue and report back to the Council. Are there <br />examples ofEQIP funds being used to enhance federal rangelands in the Colorado River drainage? <br />The Council is also concerned about the uncertainty caused by BLM's cost-effectiveness protocols <br />when comparing BLM efforts with Ag and USBR efforts, and so the Council recommends <br />coordinating meetings be held, with USBR serving as coordinator. Lastly, the Council encourages <br />the BLM to continue its efforts to identify and plug flowing saline wells. <br /> <br />u.s. Geological Survey <br /> <br />The USGS plays a significant role in fulfilling the federal obligation to assess the progress and <br />effectiveness ofthe Salinity Control Program. The Council is concerned that data needed for future <br />evaluations may become less available due to organizational, personnel, and budget changes. The <br />Council urges that continued operation of existing long-term water quality and quantity monitoring <br /> <br />COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALINITY CONTROL ADVISORY COUNCIL <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br />" <br />