11 ‎(3)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 3/18/2008
• Description: WSP Section - Wild and Scenic Rivers
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

6) the potential for water resources development. I recognize the limits of your
budgetary constraints, but given the importance of these water resources to your agencies,
the State of Colorado, environmental organizations, and local communities, I am asking
you to support the collaborative process that is now occurring in the San Juan basin. I
understand that the Forest Service previously delayed acting on a management plan in the
South Platte basin to allow the South Platte Protection Plan to be developed. The South
Platte Protection Plan is a model of collaboration and cooperation that protects the natural
resources and some water development options within that watershed.
I am formally requesting that you postpone your LMP process in the San Juan basin so
that the State, environmental, local representatives, and your representatives can fully
explore alternatives to resource protection. This collaborative effort promotes both the
Forest Service and BLM mandates to work collaboratively with the public and with state
and local entities in developing alternatives for resource protection. I hope you will
consider this as an appropriate way to proceed in order to further your goal to respond to
both national and community needs. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any
questions about this matter.
Sincerely,
Harris Sherman
cc: Colorado Congressional Delegation
Colorado Water ConserL~ation Board members