motion for nonconsumptive needs assess

• Basin Roundtable: Colorado
• Title: Motion for Non-Consumptive Needs Assessment
• Basin Roundtables - Doc Type: Correspondence/Memos

Motion for Non - Consumptive Needs Assessment

A large portion of the economy and lifestyle of the entire Colorado River
Basin is derived from the values, attributes and uses of waters flowing in
rivers and streams. These attributes include recreation, like fishing and
rafting, as well as the outstanding scenic qualities of Colorado’s Western
Slope. Rivers and streams are an essential aspect of the attraction to live and
work in the Colorado River basin . They are integral to our economy and
quality of life. Quantifying and fully understanding the scope of in - stream
flows required to provide for these values and attributes is essential to
protect this critical component of our economy and lifestyle.

HB05 - 1177 specifically requires an assessment of these non - c onsumptive
water supply needs. The CBRT moves that a high priority need for assistance
from the HB05 - 1177 process is the quantification and scope of in - stream non -
consumptive water supply needs. This may be best accomplished by the
development of a “Stream Management Plan” for the entire Colorado River
Basin. This initiative should be funded by monies from HB 1400 and thus
not compete with specific projects funded by SB 179.

First, the Stream Management Plan (“SMP”) should identify important non -
consumpti ve uses and values on a stream reach basis throughout the Basin.
Then the SMP should define and quantify flows necessary for the protection
of those uses and values. Quantification should include the magnitude,
frequency and duration of non - consumptive flo ws. Examples of important
non - consumptive uses and values include:
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Fisheries and aquatic life.

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Flows for channel maintenance and riparian rejuvenation.

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Commercial and important noncommercial rafting and kayaking

reaches.
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Flushing flows to remove sedime nt deposition that may smother

spawning beds.

In some circumstances, other approaches coupled with the SMP may be
necessary to address the values identified. For example, habitat
improvement measures might be necessary to protect a certain stream reach
and to make the necessary flow regime work .

The results of this SMP will meet the legislative requirement for a non -
consumptive water needs assessment. When combined with the consumptive
use needs assessment the CBRT will be able to determine water a vailability,
another requirement of HB05 - 1177.