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<br />The RIPRAP identifies actions currently believed to
<br />be required to recover the endangered fishes in the
<br />most expeditious manner possible in the upper basin.
<br />However, the RIPRAP is expected to change along
<br />with priorities, additional information, and development
<br />of the states' water entitlements in the basin. The
<br />RIPRAP will be reviewed and modified or updated as
<br />necessary each year by September 30, It is intended
<br />to provide the reasonable and prudent alternatives
<br />needed for projects to proceed under ESA Section 7
<br />requirements without triggering a jeopardy opinion.
<br />The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will monitor
<br />progress and measure population response, habitat
<br />improvement, any reduction in the threat of extinction,
<br />and legal protection afforded instreamflows essential
<br />to recovery of the endangered fishes.
<br />
<br />The draft agreement and RIPRAP are available from
<br />the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Assistant Regional
<br />Director, Ecological Services, P.O. Box 25486, Denver
<br />Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225. Fax
<br />requests to (303) 236-0027, Written comments may
<br />be sent to the above address by October 4. For more
<br />information contact Robert Jacobsen (303) 236-8189.
<br />
<br />WESTERN STATES WATER COUNCIL
<br />
<br />Native American Rights Fund/WSWC Symposium
<br />
<br />On September 7-9, over 200 people gathered in
<br />Bismarck, North Dakota to participate in the third
<br />Symposium on the Settlement of Indian Reserved
<br />Water Rights Claims cosponsored by WSWC and the
<br />Native American Rights Fund (NARF). The three day
<br />event included the Dakota Plains Dancers presenting
<br />"A Powwow's Journey," a special cultural performance
<br />chronicling the history of the modern day powwow.
<br />The symposium was attended by Indian, local, state,
<br />and federal government officials, as well as water
<br />users and various industry and other interest groups.
<br />
<br />The Initial discussion focused on the basics of
<br />negotiating settlements. Experienced officials
<br />representing various groups discussed gathering
<br />background information and the role of technicians in
<br />negotiations, identifying parties and Issues, and how
<br />negotiators bind larger groups. Administrative Issues
<br />were also covered, along with establishing and
<br />improving communications. Gail Bingham spoke. She
<br />is President and Director of RESOLVE, a Center for
<br />Environmental Dispute Resolution. Other speakers
<br />
<br />examined water rights management in Indian country,
<br />and water marketing proposals in the Colorado and
<br />Missouri River basins.
<br />
<br />.
<br />
<br />Joseph Little, representing the Department of
<br />Interior, reiterated the Administration's support for the
<br />negotiated settlement of Indian water right claims.
<br />Previously with the Albuquerque Office of the Bureau
<br />of Indian Affairs, he is working on federal Indian water
<br />rights settlement policy. He noted Interior's intent to
<br />flexibly interpret the Principles and Guidelines on
<br />settlements. He also said it would be a challenge to
<br />provide qualified federal negotiating teams to fill an
<br />increasing number of tribal requests. Mike Jackson,
<br />Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Steve Heeley,
<br />House Native American Affairs Subcommittee, next
<br />discussed getting bills through Congress.
<br />
<br />Joe Ely, a well-known tribal representative,
<br />provided a wrap-up speech that will be sent to all
<br />symposium attendees in the next few weeks, Audio
<br />cassettes of the meeting will also be available for a
<br />fee. Those attending the symposium received a copy
<br />of Indian Water Riahts. Neaotiatina the Future by
<br />Bonnie Colby and Elizabeth Checchio. It is available
<br />from the University of Arizona. Call (602) 621-4174,
<br />
<br />MEETlNGS
<br />
<br />.
<br />
<br />The WSWC's 1121h quarterly meetings will be held
<br />at the Coeur d'Alene Resort In Idaho on October 6-8.
<br />Guests Include Interior Assistant Secretary Betsy Rieke
<br />and John Clements, Office of Hydropower Licensing,
<br />Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC),
<br />
<br />Schedule of Meetings
<br />
<br />Wednesdav, October 6
<br />Management Subcommittee
<br />FERC Subcommittee
<br />
<br />6:00 p.m.
<br />7:30 p.m.
<br />
<br />Thursdav, October 7
<br />Water Resources Committee
<br />Water Quality Committee
<br />Executive Committee
<br />Legal Committee
<br />Social Hour by Boyle Engineering
<br />Dinner Cruise
<br />
<br />8:00 a.m.
<br />10:15 a,m.
<br />12:30 p.m.
<br />2:00 p.m.
<br />6:30 p.m.
<br />7:00 p,m,
<br />
<br />Fridav. October 8
<br />1121h Quarterly Meeting
<br />
<br />8:00 a.m.
<br />
<br />The WESTERN STATES WATER COUNCIL is an organization of representatives appointed by the Governors of .
<br />member states - AJaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota,
<br />Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, and associate member state Ok,lahoma.
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