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Monday - News - The Mountain Mail '" 01 OOOG73 Page 2 of 4 Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District, said, "would be the voluntary flow program. It provides actual water, and this would not provide a drop of water. " There is great fear this would minimize the ability to manage water on the river." The voluntary flow program which began in 1990 is a cooperative effort involving the Bureau of Reclamation and other agencies. From July 1 to Aug. 15, the river is supplemented to maintain a flow of 700 cubic feet per second. Throughout the rest of the year, if necessary, the river is supplemented to maintain a flow of 250 cfs, mainly to maintain fisheries. " To get more water in the river, you have to have the ability to have cooperative agreements and manage water," Scanga said. "Prior to the voluntary program, . (people) didn't have enough water to float on, but for the last 13 years, (they) have." Greg Felt, speaking for the Arkansas River Outfitters Association, said outfitters are also concerned about continuation of the flow program. " We think there is a definite place for an RICD within the larger context of a basin-wide commitment to a flow management program on the Arkansas River," Felt said. Harvey concurred, saying he believes an RICD should be part of the water management system, and the county is not proposing an RICD filing instead of the flow program, but in addition to the program. " I don't think the flow program will be a victim of an RICD filing," Harvey said. " It's not the end all, be all. It's just a tool to help us. We're not limiting water management, but we're talking about protecting water flow on the Arkansas River long- term." Felt said the outfitters association hoped the county would not "rush into" filing for a water right, but said they will be supportive. " Since it appears to be the course of action the county has chosen, we are supportive, but also hope the county will playa positive role in assisting us to develop a more comprehensive and long-term flow management agreement. " Scanga offered a similar comment, saying that although the water conservancy board hasn't taken formal action, there are opinions about the proposal. " Insofar as the RICD would prevent the transfer of water out of the basin, we're in favor of that," Scanga said. " Historically, the upper ark district has done everything it can to keep water in the basin." Harvey said the recreational diversion filing is a chance for the Chaffee County community to protect its recreation offerings, an important part of the economy. " Chaffee County and the area have seen enough (industries) come and go, they ought to know we can't lose what we have," he said. " I want future generations to paddle the Arkansas in the same basic way I do and love." He said he understands concerns voiced by others about the recreational diversion and said he believes the county should not "sit around just talking about it," but file for the right and explore the issues simultaneously. " I understand some people's discomfort because it's something new - less than five years old," Harvey said. " There is a natural inclination to view something new that involves something very valuable (water) as threatening. Ct[,AJf)J http://themountainmail.com/2004archives/121304/mondaynews.html 12/29/2004