[env-trinity] Reclamation Announces Biological Opinions Annual Science Review and Workshop for the 2013 Long-term

[Tom Stokely]

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Subject: Reclamation Announces Biological Opinions Annual Science Review and Workshop for the 2013 Long-term
 


Reclamation Announces Biological Opinions Annual Science Review and Workshop for the 2013 Long-term
 
Mid-Pacific Region
Sacramento, Calif.
MP-13-206
Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero at usbr.gov
For Release On: Oct. 29, 2013
Reclamation Announces Biological Opinions Annual Science Review and Workshop for the 2013 Long-term Operations of the CVP/SWP
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Water Resources has scheduled an annual science review and workshop on the long-term operations biological opinions of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project. The 2013 annual science review will be the fourth annual review.
This annual science review and workshop has been scheduled in response to the June 4, 2009, NMFS Biological and Conference Opinion (BiOp) issued on the long-term operations of the CVP and SWP. This BiOp concluded that the long-term operations of the CVP/SWP were likely to jeopardize the continued existence of several federally listed species under NMFS jurisdiction. Consequently, NMFS provided a Reasonable and Prudent Alternative that met the criteria of 50 CFR 402.02 and included a provision for an annual science peer review and workshop.
Under direction from the Secretaries of Commerce and Interior, this review has been expanded to include a review of the implementation of the USFWS Long-term Operations BiOp. DWR also participates in the review because of the joint operations of the CVP/SWP.
The goal of the annual science review and workshop is to: (1) provide an Independent Review Panel a forum for presentations and discussion of submitted technical reports; (2) develop lessons learned; (3) incorporate new science; and (4) make appropriate scientifically justified adjustments to the RPA or its implementation to support real-time decision making for the next water year. Additionally, the IRP will inform NMFS and USFWS as to the efficacy of the prior years’ water operations and regulatory actions prescribed by their respective RPAs.
This year’s annual review will focus on the implementation of the long-term operations BiOps RPAs for operations and fisheries for water year 2013 (Oct. 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2013) and will include:
	* Shasta Operations in Water Year 2013, including temperature management coordination with the Sacramento River Temperature Task Group
	* Term and Condition 2a: A synthesis of recent and historic information to develop loss equations for listed anadromous species
	* Retrospective Analysis of Water Operations and Delta Smelt Protective Actions in wy 2013.
The workshop is scheduled over two days in Sacramento:
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Park Tower Conference Center
980 Ninth St., Second Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
The workshop will have an Instant Net Conference web page and a call-in line for audio. Public comments through this courtesy service will be limited to written comments and may not receive a response during the meeting.
To participate via the website:  http://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?sigKey=mymeetings&i=749552140&p=OCAP&t=c.
To call-in for audio: 1-877-402-9753, Participant Pass Code: 1882129.
For additional information, please contact Traci Michel, Reclamation, at 916-414-2420 (TTY 800-877-8339) or tmichel at usbr.gov or Lindsay Correa, Delta Stewardship Council, at 916-445-0092 or lcorrea at deltacouncil.ca.gov.
The public is encouraged to visit the Delta Science Program website at http://www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/science-program for the meeting materials. A limited number of copies of these materials will be available at the meeting. Reasonable time limits may be established for public comments (California Government Code Sections 11125).
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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov. 


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