NorthPlatteComments02 ‎(2)‎

• Basin: North Platte
• Title: Comments 2
• Date: 12/24/2003
• SWSI - Doc Type: Comments

rg:-

Gilbert, Hanna

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Sent:
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Cc:

Doug. Krieger@ state ~co. us
Wednesday, December 24t 20038:37 AM
SWSI (Statew~de Water Supply Initiative)
rick.brown @ state.co~us; Steve. Puttmann @ state.co.us; John. Ton ko @state.co.us;
David.Graf@ state.co.us
Subject: DOW participation and input

\

Hi Susan.
SWSI participants from DOW met last week in Salida in anticipation of the next round of meetings. Up until now
we our participation has been somewhat curtailed as we have attempted to resolve our role in the process. I
believe we now have a more focused approach and will actively assist with your process. Our expertise can be of
value as we discuss some key issues and move towards project permitting aspects:

. Native aquatic species - these involve those species that are already federally listed as threatened or
endangeredt and also state-listed species that we are managing so as to prevent federallisting~
. Water quality.. stated goals of maintaining or improving water qua~ity standards on which wildlife species or
recreation depend.
. Recreation ~ particularly as related to standing water wildlffe recreation and habitat.
. Stream flows - document stream flow and ffsh habitat relationships.

Other considerations:

. The DOW have a number of biologistst water quality experts, and water specialists that can assist in
SWSI. Although we should have a dedicated point contact for each basin, please expect that a number of
individuals may actual participate for our agency depending upon the issue involved so as to provide the
most accurate information.
. For the Arkansas Basin our representative as a technical advisor is still not listed (as of 11/03 summary)~
That person should be John Tanka ([e-mail] or 719-561-5304).
. There is a key document that should be utilized as the process considers reservoir levels and stream flow
trade-ofts for potential water options for the Arkansas basin~ In 1993, several agencies (Colorado Dept of
Natural Resources, US Bureau of Reclamation] US Bureau of Land Management, and US Forest Service)
signed an MOU with the goal of creating a scientific foundation for river management processes. The
report (Arkansas River Water Needs Assessment edited by Roy E. Smith and Linda M. HiI~ was
completed in 2000 and provides detailed information on the stream flow and reservoir ~evel requirements
for commercial boatjng, private boating, fisheries and wildlife, and fishing. The report is not available
online, and is contained in a three~ring binder of about 300+ pages which I wiU send you. This document
has been used to examine the potential impacts to wildlife and recreation for the DNR Flow Program as
wen as other water management operations (exchanges, transfers). The major chapters are:

-Institutional and Legal Analysis (CU Natural Resource Law Center)
-Hydrological Analysis (BLM National Applied Resource Science Center)
-Natural Resources Assessment (DOW, BLM)
-Recreational Assessment (BLM, DOWt DPOR. EDAW)

We appreciate the well structured process that you and ewes have managed~ Your summartes have been
timely, accurate and useful. Keep up the good work. The DQW looks forw-ard to the next round of meetings and
assisting you with the process and deliberations.

Doug

3/8/2004