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I CWCB LONG RA.J.\TGE PLAN Adopted July 20, 1994; Revised May 23, 1995 Page 3 . Relatively slow population growth and adequate water supplies during the past decade have resulted in low public awareness of the need to prepare for future drought cycles and population growth; . Public involvement in water resource management is increasing, including ballot proposals to amend the water rights framework in the state Constitution; . Protection of water quality often conflicts with development of new water supplies; . Economic and environmental considerations are prompting many agricultural, municipal, and industrial water users to adopt more efficient management practices; and . Reluctance by states to accept federal programs that are viewed as imposing unfunded mandates, the "taking" of private property, and a questionable cost/benefit relation without the benefit of sound scientific evidence. Although many people predict that the demand for significant new water supplies will remain relatively limited and localized in the near future, the CWCB expects that the growth of Colorado's population and economy will eventually require additional development of water resources. Preparation to meet those future needs must include consideration of dry year conditions and rigorous protection of Colorado's interstate allocations. CWCB members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate in accordance with statutory provisions intended to assure both (a) balanced representation of Colorado's varied regions and interests and (b) appropriate expertise for water policy formulation. As a result, the CWCB is able to serve as one of the most effective agencies for anticipating and examining water policy issues in coordination with the Colorado General Assembly. Key Communities and Interests As a public agency, the Board's list of constituents or "customers" would include all citizens of Colorado and a number of agencies or organizarions. For the purposes of this planning document, however, it is useful to identify the following constituent groups more specifically: . Colorado General Assembly; . Governor and DNR Executive Director; o Water User Communi!:';: . Individual<; (including agricultural, municipal, and industrial users); . Conservation and conservancy districts;