RGBRT Minutes of February 14, 2006

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Eric also commented on the first IBCC meeting, stating it was not the intent of the State to fully define what the roundtables or IBCC would be. There were comments from Roundtable Members regarding the IBCC and its process. The point was made that unless the local Roundtable discussed the local issues then members would not attend meetings. The question was asked if the Roundtable could be a forum for discussing the issue of well pumping by those with or without surface rights. Ray addressed this by saying that first it was necessary for all Roundtable Members to have a common basis of knowledge to discuss these matters meaningfully. Peter Brinkman of the Colorado Geological Survey said he would be attending future Roundtable meetings as a resource to the group. He gave the Roundtable a Groundwater Atlas of the State of Colorado that maybe of value in future discussions. A member of the Roundtable said that it might be appropriate in the future to move future growth to areas where there was water, rather than moving water to the population centers. This may provide economic and social opportunities for rural areas. Education Committee: Doug Shriver reviewed the work of the Committee, stating they felt it was necessary to start at the beginning, covering such matters as the Doctrine of Prior Appropriation, the Rio Grande Compact, etc. He asked Mike Sullivan of the CDWR to cover these topics at the next Roundtable meeting in March. The Committee will continue to select presentation topics of interest and relevance to the members. Eric said he was trying to get copies of educational materials from the Colorado Foundation for Water Education for Roundtable members, including their brochure on Colorado Water Law. The Foundation is in the process of raising $1,000.00 for materials for all nine Roundtable members. On-Going Water Court Trial: Ray Wright and Doug Shriver briefly reviewed the issues being addressed by the trial and some of the testimonies of expert witnesses of the State. Ray reviewed the contribution made by the Rio Grande Water Conservancy District through its extensive data collection over the years and how this was being used by the State. Steve Vandiver pointed out that it was critical to include as much information in this trial as possible, as if the court's rulings is appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court, no new evidence can be introduced and no new testimony would be given and only the transcript of the current court proceedings would be available to the Supreme Court. It was recommended that if anyone had time they should attend the hearings. Updates for Reference Manual: Mel Getz distributed updates for the materials he had previously provided to members. There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM/ Page 4 of 5 RGBRT Minutes February 14, 2006