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. . . 2 every 10 to 15 years. The agencies are also encouraged to undertake a "suitability" determination as the "Preferred" process under their agency planning Manuals and Handbooks. However, they are not mandated to do so. As you can see in Attachment B, "Previous Wild & Scenic River Determinations, BLM Land Use Plans", and Attachment C, "Current Status ofFS Colorado W&S Rivers in Planning Process, September 6,2006", most BLM studies result in a suitability determination, while most USFS plans have stopped at eligibility. The SJPLC effort, being a joint BLM/USFS management area has identified its preferred process as undertaking the suitability determination. The rational for conducting a suitability determination as part ofthe SJPLC planning process is attached as Attachment "D". One ofthe major concerns expressed by the state is the extremely limited time allocated for the suitability determination when such a determination is made a part of the forest/area management plan revision process. Furthermore, the process to be followed in conducting a suitability analysis is not well understood by the public, nor have the federal agencies been able to articulate what the process will entail or the timing for such an undertaking. This is an issue currently facing the Government-to-Government Roundtable which was formed to provide input on water issues in the SJPLC forest and area management plans. In the attached letter from Colorado's Congressional Delegation to Mark Stiles, Forest Supervisor/Area Manager for the SJPLC, a request is made for "a written description ofthe suitability analysis process so we and our constituents can fully understand and participate in that [suitability]) process." (Attachment E). To expect this suitability process and determination to be carried out and made a part ofthe Forest/Management Area Plan Revision Draft, targeted for completion in November 2006, is totally unreasonable. Mr. Stiles has indicated that this issue and other plan revision activities may extent the target date for the draft plan to early 2007 or later (see Attachment A). At the September 6,2006, meeting, the Regional Forester and BLM State Director stated they would look at the time line issue, the description of the suitability process, and ways to work closer with the state in future W &SR studies. The state and federal agencies are looking for ways that they can work together on this very complex and difficult scientific and public needs analysis process to insure that the federal mandates are met while also insuring the needs of the state for adequate water supplies and reasonable protection of the natural environment are also achieved. Hopefully, the MODs between the state and the DSFS and the BLM can form the foundation for such a cooperative effort. Attachments Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Finance. Stream and Lake Protection Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning