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. . . Product Produced: A watershed restoration plan and construction of in-channel and riparian area improvements to address degraded habitat, water quality problems, control severe tamarisk infestations, and potentially enhance water available for instream flow water rights. Water Planning Relationship: This study and implementation of its findings will complement existing irrigation improvements being installed upstream pursuant to the Colorado River Salinity Control Program by enhancing water quality and riparian areas on private and Ute Mountain Tribal lands adjacent to Mesa Verde National Park. While agriculture remains the major water use in the Mancos watershed, tourism is also an important part of the local and regional economy. By unde11aking this watershed planning effort in a cooperative and voluntary fashion, water potentially conserved from irrigation improvements can be utilized to enhance the riparian environment and improve water supplies available to Tribal lands. The in-channel and riparian restoration efforts will also help offset environmental impacts from extensive wildfires over the last 2 decades as well as ongoing energy development in the area. Recommendation: StatT gives a high recommendation to this project because of its importance in local and regional watershed planning, better utilization of local water supplies, and the unique pm1nerships between Tribal, Federal, State, and local agencies and water users. 8. Potential Water Needs and Supplies Evaluation Reconnaissance Study Beneficiary/Gran tee/Contractor: Amount of Request: Dolores Water Conservancy District, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe $42,000 Ranking: Medium Product Produced: The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe through its Tribal Council and the Dolores Water Conservancy District through its Board of Directors have jointly committed to a reconnaissance level study to determine specific needs for additional water for the Tribe and projects that could feasibly be constructed to deliver this natural resource and be mutually beneficial to both entities. Preliminary discussions between the Tribe and the District have resulted in several possible options. The Town of Towaoc, Colorado, located on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation that is south of Cortez, Colorado, approximately 10 miles, has experienced continual growth over the past 15 years. One topic that has emerged from these initial talks is the Maintenance and Industrial (M&I) water consumption in Towaoc and the future demands on both supply and existing infrastructure. The development of the Dolores Project by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation provided the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe the opportunity to utilize 23,300 acre-feet of agricultural water for 7,634 acres of center-pivot irrigated land. The Ute Farm and Ranch Enterprise, the operating entity for this agricultural operation, has continually faced critical water shortages at the end of the growing season. Discussions have established this as a priority for study to determine how this water could be delivered as well as a quantity based on economics. Water Planning Relationship: This reconnaissance study will evaluate potential projects and water supplies that would be mutually beneficial to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Dolores Water Conservancy District. The study would provide the preliminary information to allow critical analysis and evaluation for the purpose of selecting projects to move into a feasibility phase and finally the design and construction phase. Recommendation: Staff gives a medium recommendation to the funding of this project because other funding has become available. 7