The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP)

Transcription

1 Agenda Number 12. The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (MSCP) Perri Benemelis, Chair MSCP Steering Committee September 7, 2017 MSCP Overview Program description and events that led to creation of the program MSCP programmatic compliance approach Program implementation status Program funding and CAWCD s role in the MSCP 2 1

2 LCR MSCP A combined federal, non-federal Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) compliance program to protect 26 (soon to be 27) endangered, threatened and sensitive species and to provide assurances to water and power users that their operations may continue upon compliance with the terms of the program. 3 System Alteration FLOW BELOW HOOVER DAM FLOW (1000 CFS) FEB '35 STORAGE BEGINS LAKE MEAD JULY '41 LAKE MEAD FILLS MAR '63 STORAGE BEGINS LAKE POWELL JUNE '80 LAKE POWELL FILLS CALENDAR YEARS 4 2

3 ESA Issues Emerging Species Issues: GCPA 1994 Bonytail chub and razorback sucker critical habitat designated in the lower Colorado River 1995 Southwestern willow flycatcher listed as endangered 1995 Reclamation consults on its operations 1997 Biological Opinion on Reclamation s operations results in a jeopardy finding for southwestern willow flycatcher, bonytail and razorback sucker 5 MSCP Program 50-year program, through 2055 Habitat Goal = 8,132 acres Cottonwood-willow = 5,940 acres Mesquite = 1,320 acres Marsh = 512 acres Backwater = 360 acres Fish Stocking Goal = 1.28 million Razorback Sucker = 660,000 Bonytail = 620,00 6 3

4 LCR MSCP CONSERVATION AREAS 14 Conservation Areas Established 8 in Arizona 4 in California 1 in Nevada 1 in Arizona & California 4 Conservation Areas Currently in Planning 7 MSCP Purpose Programmatic Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) Compliance Covered Actions: Mainstem Water Operations Maintenance Power Generation Water Transfers Canal & Drain Maintenance Other Activities Parties: Lower Basin States Federal Agencies Tribes Water Users Power Users 8 4

5 MSCP Species 26 Covered Species (+ 1) 6 ESA Listed species Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Yuma clapper rail Desert tortoise Bonytail chub Humpback chub Razorback Sucker Petition to add the northern Mexican gartersnake 9 MSCP Actions Improve the status of Covered Species Contribute to recovery of species Maintains existing habitat Creates and maintains new habitat Avoid and minimize adverse impacts to covered species and habitat from otherwise lawful actions Enhance fish populations Monitoring, research and adaptive management 10 5

6 Program Status USFWS annual meets requirements determination Program spending as required Fish augmentation consistent with requirements; USFWS concurs, but significant challenges Habitat development ahead of schedule; overall almost 70% complete 11 Fish Augmentation Challenges Fish Augmentation Challenges Quagga Mussel Large mouth bass virus Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Poor post-stocking survival 12 6

7 Mohave Valley Conservation Area 13 Cibola Valley Conservation Area 14 7

8 Laguna Division Conservation Area 15 Yuma East Wetland 16 8

9 Habitat Creation Planet Ranch 3,418 acres 4,894 AF/YR 17 Program Funding Total Cost $626 million (2003 dollars) 50/50 Federal/Non-Federal Cost-share Non-Federal Cost-share: Arizona = 25% California = 50% Nevada = 25% Arizona payment schedule per fiscal year: FY % FY % FY %* FY % *Plus make up payment for FY

10 Program Funding Arizona MSCP Funding Sources: Arizona Colorado River Water and Power Users Funding Authorized and Collected: Arizona Department of Water Resources Colorado River Water Use Fee Arizona Game & Fish Department Colorado River Special Use Permit surcharge CAWCD as the fiscal agent and guarantor of Arizona s funding obligation April 4, 2005, Trust Indenture and Joint Payment Agreement 19 Program Funding Arizona Program Funding: CAWCD Funding Obligation FY 2017: $3.3 million Total Arizona Funding to Date: $26.8 million Total Program Funding to Date (Years 1-12) of 50 year program = $308.4 million: Federal $154.0 million Arizona $26.8 million California $83.1 million Nevada $44.5 million 20 10

11 Questions? 11