SWSI Environment and Recreation Needs and Priorities TRT Draft

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. What are sources of funding and payment for projects that enhance environment and recreation? . Are there examples of payment mechanisms in the state that serve as a model? . What have other western states done to address the acquisition and financing of instream flows? Legal/Water Rights . What are the current conflicts in interpretation of existing RICD legislation? . What are the potential impacts on senior and junior water rights holders if an environmental or recreation enhancement project is developed? What are the impacts on future uses of water? . What are the potential impacts on timing and location of return flows if existing water rights are acquired and transferred for dedication for instream flow purposes? . Does the water rights process need to be streamlined to implement the CWCB Boards acquisition program? 2. Background The purpose of the Prioritize and Quantify Environmental and Recreational Needs Technical Roundtable is to, where possible, fill gaps identified in the SWSI Report. Potential items to address include: prioritizing and characterizing important and sensitive areas, evaluating methods for quantifying environmental and recreational needs, and evaluation methods/ alternatives to address needs. Colorado was the third fastest growing state during the 1990s and this high growth rate is projected to continue. One of the primary factors for this growth rate is the quality of life in Colorado. In addition to the attractive climate, the natural environment of the Rocky Mountains and the wide array of recreational opportunities attract new residents and businesses. Recreational opportunities include skiing and snowboarding, golf, hunting, bicycling, camping, hiking, backpacking, reservoir-based recreation, stream and lake fishing, watchable wildlife, rafting and kayaking, boating, and water skiing. Many of these recreational activities are water- based (fishing, boating, rafting, kayaking, and water skiing) or rely on water to support the activity (turf watering for golf and snowmaking for skiing and snowboarding). In addition to the recreational opportunities for residents, recreation and the natural environment support tourism, and is a major economic driver in many parts of the state. In many headwaters counties, recreation and tourism are the largest industries. As population growth continues, there will be increasing and competing demands for water. The new permanent residents and businesses will require water for their domestic uses, residential landscaping, urban recreation, and the associated municipal, commercial, and industrial uses that accompany population growth. These same residents will also seek water-based and other types of recreation in Colorado's natural environment. ~5\^ISI S.lal~.....ide WeIer Supply Initiclive DRAFT CDIVI C:\DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\ROWANNC\DESKTOP\SWSI\RICKREDREC_ENV WHITE PAPER_1 Q-4-QS.DOC 3