An independent panel composed of subject matter experts convened in February 2009 and met throughout the summer and fall to assess CVPIA program activities related to refuge water supply. The panel assessed the acquisition and conveyance of CVPIA-mandated quantities of water to National, State, and private refuges and wildlife areas.

The Refuges Independent Review was conducted at the request of the Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and in compliance with OMB requirements. The review was aimed at seeking outside programmatic recommendations on managing and implementing refuge water supply program activities.

The panel's final report contains recommendations on how to prioritize actions and improve efficiency and effectiveness to achieve the CVPIA refuge water supply goals. Please visit http://www.cvpiaindependentreview.com/refugesReports.html to view the Refuges Independent Review final report. To request a paper copy of the report, please contact Ms. Shay Humphrey at 916-658-0180, or s.humphrey@circlepoint.com.

For additional information on the CVPIA Refuge Water Supply Program Independent Review, please contact Ms. Shana Kaplan at 916-978-5190 (TDD 916-978-5608) or skaplan@usbr.gov.