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", WI {J (;~~ Uph+u .l< Ideas for Use of Funds to Remediate Droul!bt Effects on Fisb and Wildlife Drought Assistance for Riparian and Aquatic Habitats 1. Buy Water: . Purchase temporary water rights from water right holders, such as farmers and power companies, for release to maintain in-stream flows during drought. . Water Banking - Develop mechanisms to purchase temporary water rights for storage in reservoirs for release during drought to maintain in-stream flows. . Work with the Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation to release water from storage lakes during drought. . Purchase or lease water rights from current water rights holders and transfer to in- stream use for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources. This would only work where state water law recognizes fish and wildlife or riparian habitat as a beneficial use to which ihe right can be transferred. . Provide for temporary changes in point of diversion to allow an increase in low flows in important stream reaches during drought with water available for diversion and use further downstream. 2. Protect Existing Springs, Wetlands and Riparian Systems: . Provide incentives to landowners or public grazing permitees to protect spring developments and riparian systems from livestock through fencing, water gaps, off channel water developments and other devices that provide water for livestock away from sensitive riparian areas. . Provide infrastructure grants or cost-share for development of grazing systems that rest riparian zones. 3. Restore Riparian and Aquatic Habitats to Reduce Impacts of Future Droughts . Provide for restoration of damaged riparian and aquatic habitats to reduce future impacts of drought cycles on fish and wildlife populations. This could include control of invasive plants, stream habitat restoration and fish migration passageways around diversion dams. . Enhance public access during drought by extending boat launching ramps at lakes and reservoirs.