21 ‎(4)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 3/18/2008
• Description: CF Section - Severance Tax Trust Fund Operational Account Recommendations
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

deposition are affected by a stream's flow regime. The DRD will field test these findings using
GIS mapping with high-resolution color imagery
Water Planning Relationship: The Dolores River Basin has impacts from a historic hard rock
mining site upstream at Rico, Colorado, that is designated as a CERCLA site. Below McPhee
Reservoir, new gas exploration is occurring between Cahone and Disappointment Valley, as well as
renewed interest in uranium deposits in proximity to the river. This project will assist the DRD in its
planning efforts to improve ecological conditions on the Dolores River in conjunction with existing
and projected water uses.
Recommendation: Staff gives a high recommendation to this project because of its importance to
facilitating the progress and achievements of an ongoing local collaborative effort in which the
Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the CWCB are actively participating.
4. River Protection Workgroup
Beneficiary/Grantee/Contractor: Southwestern Colorado Water Conservation District and other
stakeholders
Amount of Request: $20,000 Ranking: Medium
Products Produced: The River Protection Workgroup (Workgroup) is a Southwestern Colorado
entity formed in late 2006 to provide a framework for considering various forms of protection and
management strategies for six (6) streams in La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan Counties, and parts of
Hinsdale and Mineral Counties: the San Juan River, East and West Forks; portions of the upper
Animas River; Piedra River, Middle and East Forks; Pine River; Hermosa Creek; and upper
Vallecito Creek. The Workgroup is seeking to develop long term, reliable federal, state or other
measures to protect the identified values of these streams, which may incorporate or be in addition to
outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, while considering
current water uses and addressing future needs. This project consists of a collaborative, public
process for discussing methods to protect the key values of these streams, which will benefit the
regional community, especially those with an interest in the management of National Forests and/or
water resources. The Workgroup will hold 10 to 12 public meetings for each stream, with the goal of
reaching consensus on measures to protect the identified values of these streams.
Water Planning Relationship: This collaborative community process will protect compact
entitlements and stream values while allowing needed water development to go forward. It is critical
for a community to find balance in managing its natural resources, particularly in a way that
provides for community economic health and respects the environment. This collaborative, public
process offers an opportunity for finding common ground, while minimizing conflicts among
varying interests and allowing a wide range of opinions and options to be considered. There is
special need for this economic/environmental balance in Southwestern Colorado, which is heavily
impacted by minerals and mineral and oil and gas development.
Recommendation: Staff gives a medium recommendation to this project because other funding
sources may be available.
11