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Water Project Construction Program -Project Data Non-Reimbursable Investment Applicant: Ted Kowalski, CWCB Project Name: Wild and Scenic Rivers Project Project Type: Exploration of wild and scenic alternatives for protection of water dependent resources within Colorado. County: Statewide Drainage Basin: Colorado River basin, other basins using Colorado River water, the Yampa River basin, and perhaps other basins Water Source: various Total Study Cost: $ 200,000 Funding Sources: Construction Fund Type of Applicant: Government Median Household Income: N/A CWCB Investment: $ 200,000 Background: The Kremmling and Glenwood Springs BLM field offices are currently rewriting their Resource Management Plans and evaluating whether "eligible" streams {under the wild and scenic rivers act) are "suitable" for wild and scenic designation. The Little Snake BLM field office is currently further along in this same process. In addition, the Forest Service, Park Service and other BLM offices are at different stages of similar processes. These project funds would be used to facilitate the process that has been recently initiated by the Colorado River Water Conservation District, the Northern Colorado Water Conservation District, Denver Water, and others, and could be used to facilitate similar discussions regarding resource protection alternatives in other basins. Discussion: The purpose of this project is to explore possibilities for protecting water dependent resources where wild and scenic designation is currently being considered. This matter is of great importance to the State. The CWCB has competing roles with regard to this study--protection of the non-consumptive resources values and protection of the State's ability to fully use its compact entitlements. Wild and scenic designation could affect the State's ability to fully use its compact entitlements, but it maybe an effective tool, especially in combination with other tools, to protect certain water dependent resources. This project could provide benefits to people and organizations within the Colorado River basin, the South Platte River basin and perhaps other river basins. This project will be used in combination with the non-consumptive needs assessments being conducted by the roundtables and through the IBCC and 1177 process.