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<br />necessary to support healthy aquatic systems and a .strong recreational economy throughout the <br />state.. While there are scattered places where such data are available, those pockets of <br />information are surrounded by a sea ofuncertainty~ This has made it difficult for the SWSI teani <br />to incorporate fully the suggestions of the environmental and recreational roundtable participants <br />in the manner we would have hoped.. However, it will be important that the legislators who <br />directed SWSI be done understand this gap and how it may lead to underestimating <br />environmental and recreational needs.. <br /> <br />2. Existing Planning .Efforts: <br />The final report should highlight that local suppliers are ,doing a relatively good job of planning <br />for future needs.. While the environmental and recreational interests certainly do not support all <br />of the proposed short-term projects and processes, we are hopeful that many of these projects and <br />processes will ultimately demonstrate smart supply and smart storage principles, including <br />maximizing. existing supplies through conservation and efficiency measures, will factor in <br />regional concerns to achieve greater integration and will contribute where appropriate to <br />conserve) protect and restore Colorado's rivers and streams. <br /> <br />IV. Post-November SWSI Follow Up: <br />It is our understanding that the CWCB is reserving $300,000 of the original SWSI appropriation <br />for follow-up work after November. We feel that the most effective use of that money is to bring <br />local water providers and water interests together to raise awareness about water concerns and <br />how they plan to meet increased demand, to incorporate the CPR action plan and to identify <br />favorable areas for processes like the South Metro Study. The state should provide the resources <br />to support these discussions to lead regional, int~ted planning processes like UPCO or the <br />South Metro Study, albeit with an additional, healthy component of public participation, and <br />more of an emphasis on incorporating the need to conserve, protect and restore rivers while <br />supplying increased municipal needs and incorporating Smart Supply and Smart Storage criteria, <br />including the maximization of existing supplies through conservation and efficiency, into water <br />supply planning and management.. <br /> <br />Thank you in advance for your consideration. <br /> <br />SincerelYt <br /> <br />Melinda Kassen, Trout Unlimited <br />David Nickum, Colorado Trout Unlimited <br />Elise Jones, Colorado Environmental Coalition <br />Bart Miller, Western Resource Advocates <br />Jennifer Pitt, Environmental Defense <br />Rev. Peter Sawtell~ Eco-Justice Ministries <br />Gary Graham, Audubon Colorado <br />Matt Sura, Western Colorado Congress <br /> <br />4 <br />