West Slope Caucus 5-18-06

• Basin Roundtable: Colorado
• Title: Minutes
• Date: 5/18/2006
• Basin Roundtables - Doc Type: Minutes

HB 1177 Roundtable
Colorado River Water Conservation District
&
Southwestern Water Conservation District
May 18, 2006
Montrose, CO

Bill Trampe, president of the Colorado River Water Conservation District, opened the
joint 1177 Roundtable discussions by saying this was an important opportunity for the
Western Slope to get together and hear ideas. All perspectives apply to all of us. We
need to protect and to provide for our future. He went on to say that everyone in
attendance needs to take this oppOltunity to express his or her concerns and ideas.

Southwestern Water Conservation District President Fred Kroeger added his welcome,
saying that today's discussions are critical to the Western Slope.

Individual introductions were then made.

Steve Harris - San Juan/Dolores Basin: Mr. Harris thanked the two conservation districts
for sponsoring today's meeting and added that the State of Colorado was covering the
lunch expenses. Steve stated that every basin thinks they're unique and the San Miguel,
Dolores, Animas and San Juan were no different. All of these rivers go separately out of
the state, mostly into the San Juan in New Mexico. Moving water between basins
happens all the time in southwestern Colorado, and basin of origin legislation doesn't
worry the southwestern people as much as in other areas of the state. Population growth
is a concern in the Dolores, San Miguel and San Juan basins. Our roundtable has held a
couple of meetings trying to get things started, getting a handle on future uses and
deciding where the roundtable needs to go. The SWSI report used the state demographer
for many of their statistics and actually missed by 40% in Archuleta County, so some
data needs to be revised. Mr. Harris mentioned the lack of funding available for
preconstruction activities, as well as permitting and feasibility studies. Future legislative
funding has to be approved by the basin roundtables. Any intrabasin compact must
address how much water southwestern Colorado has to use under the Compact. The prior
appropriation system must be maintained, and the executive committee must look into
Colorado Compact appropriations. Steve reminded everyone that our West Slope
economy is driven by the East Slope, and for that reason we need to get on board with the
Front Range to help solve their water problems. Mr. Harris stated that ag transfers are the
answer right now.

Hugh Sanford- Gunnison Basin: In response to Mr. HatTis' remarks, Mr. Sanford
remarked that looking outside may appear monolithic but Gunnison is greatly diversified,
and enjoys diversified participation on the roundtable with everyone having common
concerns. The Gunnison is second to the Colorado with thousands of diversions and
ditches. (See attached) Tremendous amounts of water are stored in the basin. The