WSP10545

• File Number: 8240.200.30.B
• Description: UCRBRIP Instream Flow Approprations
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 12/12/1995
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: Base Flow Recommendations Colorado River at Top of 15-Mile Reach
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Data

CIR

DEPA.R:rMENT OF
NATURAL
RESOURCES

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ASC
F
,
L
E

MEMOR

Department of Nalural Resources
1313 Sherman Slreet. Room 718
Denver. Colorado 80203
Phone' [phone]
TDD, [phone]
FAX, (303) 866,2115

TO:

Interested Parties

PROM:

James S. Lochhead=-~'
Executive Directoi/

June 10, 1994 ,,-----

~Cv(

Roy Romer
Go-..ernor

James 5. Lochhead
becutive Director

.DATE:
RE:

Ronald W. Canany
Depuly Director

(1) Memorandum of Agreement between colorado, wyoming,
Nebraska, and the u.s. Department of the Interior to
Develop a central Platte River Basin Endangered Species
Recovery Implementation program; and (2) Letter from
Governor Romer to Secretary Babbitt

I have attached for your information a copy of a Memorandum of
Agreement for a Central Platte River Basin Endangered Species
Recovery Implementation Program (MOA). This MOA was signed today
by Governor Romer and Secretary Bruce Babbitt at a signing ceremony
at the State capitol. Arrangements have been made for Governors
Nelson and Sullivan to sign the agreement as well, though their
schedules did not permit them to be at the signing ceremony. ~

This MOA represents the first step in an important effort that will
last at least one year to develop a Recovery Implementation Program
for the whooping crane, the piping plover, and the interior least
tern. It is the culmination of several months of preliminary
negotiations between the three Platte River Basin States and the
federal government, first initiated in December 1993 when Governor
Romer invited Secretary Babbitt and Governors Sullivan and Nelson
to explore the feasibility of this initiative.

This MOA represents an important tool in resolving the present
controversy surrounding the renewal of permits for water facilities
located on the Arapahoe-Roosevelt National Forest. It demonstrates
that strides can be made toward restoring ecological health without
unduly disrupting the continued use of water in accordance with
state law. We strongly believe, for example, that the Recovery
Implementation Program can be developed collaboratively within the
provisions of the South Platte, River Compact. A letter from
Governor Romer to Secretary Babbitt which describes the State's
view on this important point is also attached.

As we move forward in developing the Recovery Implementation
Program, you have my assurance that every effort will be made to
provide opportunities for your involvement in developing the State
of Colorado's position in these ongoing negotiations. ~

Board or Land CommiSSl'oners . DIVision 01 Mmerals & Geology/Geological survP
Oil & Gas Conservation Commission. Colorado State Parks. 5011 Conservation Board
Waler Conservalion Board. Division of WaIN Resources. DIVIsion 01 Wildhle