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DateNameCompanyComment
 jim pendletontidAs previously stated on our last two challenges to this process, this lease and transfer attempt should be denied. There is substantial evidence that the right in question hasn't been applied for extended periods of time, and should be cancelled. The application states that it should be protected to the confluence of the Rogue River, at best it shouldn't extend beyond the mouth of Dead Indian Creek at the confluence of S. Fork Little Butte. The "total volume" numbers are wrong on the application. The lease and transfer attempt will most certainly cause injury to downstream water rights. There is still significant acreage on the tract that should be considered wetland, and as such, won't be able to be dried up. Hopefully the Dept. will see its way clear to deny this right.
  Bureau of ReclamationComments on the pending transfer application for Certificate #17204, which is the underlying water right upon which this lease application is based, point to evidence of forfeiture. To protect against injury to downstream Reclamation project water rights, an evidentiary hearing should be held on the issue of forfeiture prior? to making a determination on the pending lease application.
 Dan Van DykeOregon Dept of Fish and WildlifeI am writing in support of IL 1714. The lease involving a willing landowner and water user is a terrific example of good stewardship and successful habitat restoration in action. Restoration of cold, ambient streamflow is a critical need for the native fish of the Rogue watershed, especially salmon and steelhead; as stated and re-stated in several management and restoration plans developed for this area. This project will also support efforts to improve water quality in Little Butte Creek, an action that is important to and supported by the community of Eagle Point. The lower reaches of Dead Indian Creek and South Fork Little Butte Creek have been identified as having the highest need for flow restoration in previous prioritization efforts.
 James McCarthyWaterWatch of OregonLittle Butte Creek Insteam Lease Comments – Application: IL 1714 – February 25, 2019 WaterWatch of Oregon fully supports OWRD approval transfer application IL 1714. Given the federally threatened status of coho salmon and the primary importance of the Little Butte Creek subbasin to Rogue River coho abundance and recovery, to appropriately protect and enhance fisheries resources, this application should be approved at the rate requested by the applicant of the full 2.8 cubic feet per second allowed by the certificate. According to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) data presented on pp. 58 and 59 of the Rogue River Project Biological Assessment (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, March 2012), “[t]he Little Butte Creek watershed provides some of the best coho salmon production in the Rogue River basin... and, from 1996 to 2000, this stream averaged 15 coho salmon spawners per mile (ODFW 2001a). This represents the highest average density of coho salmon spawners of all Rogue River basin areas sampled.” The state has already acknowledged the importance of this subbasin by issuing an instream water right for Little Butte Creek. However, the 1992 priority date for the current instream right means it provides significantly inferior protection for instream values including fisheries during the driest months of the year when compared to the protection provided by the instream lease proposed in this application, as provided by transfer of an irrigation right with priority dates of 1858 and 1888. In addition, ODFW’s Restoration and Enhancement Board has already recommended this project for funding, subject to approval by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. This fact further underscores the value of this project. As part of the transfer, OWRD should also require full measurement and reporting to ensure compliance.
 Kerrie MathewsBureau of ReclamationDear Ms. Henderson; The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) submits the following comments in response to the Application for Instream Lease IL-1714. While Reclamation is generally supportive of efforts to improve instream flows, it is imperative that instream leases do not injure or otherwise impair downstream Reclamation project water rights, which include the right to divert water to storage and for irrigation purposes. To protect against any injury or impairment to project water rights, the following requirements should be satisfied as part of any approval of the proposed Instream Lease: 1. The volume of water authorized under the Instream Lease should be limited to the volume consumptively used during the last five (5) years, and the determination of the amount consumptively used should be based on the best available data; and 2. The rate(s) of diversion authorized under the Instream Lease should be limited to the average monthly rate(s) of diversion that occurred during the last five (5) years;
 Brian BarrRogue River Watershed CouncilThis water right transfer will improve stream health. Protected, instream water rights during the summer and early fall months will improve the water quality of Dead Indian Creek and South Fork Little Butte Creek substantially and in a way that will increase survival of juvenile Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Cutthroat Trout (among others). For these reasons, Rogue River Watershed Council strongly supports this project.
 Jim PendletonTALENT IRRIGATION DISTRICTThis lease should be denied, there is some question if the right has been fully used for years, It most certainly will cause injury to the our project rights just downstream of their POD, Even if the right was exercised, the property is bracketed downstream by our diversion and collection system canals and would capture any waste, seepage or return flows that comes off the property. the main water rights affected would be Cert.79216, Cert. 83727 and Cert 80462 Cert 79217