09g‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 3/18/2008
• Description: Colorado Water Resources & Power Development Authority Director's Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

difficult as more water would need to be curtailed from senior water rights to `carry' the
required deliveries to the downstream States. Protection of the existing functional system will
protect other vested water rights and Colorado's ability to deliver on Compact obligations.
Additionally, protection of the riparian habitat which has developed as part of the historic
irrigation practices is important. The Rio Grande basin has several endangered species which
rely on this habitat as part of their life-cycle. Protecting habitat through conservation easements
not only protects the species but also relieves the need for imposition of federal mandates to
accomplish the same goals.
The Rio Grande roundtable has already voted favorably on this application. I recommend the
CWCB also approve funding for the Rio Grande Initiative. If you need further information
regarding the impact of this proposal on Colorado's water administration or Compact operations
please contact me at [phone].
Sincerely,
Michael J. Sullivan
Division Engineer
Division or Water Resources, Division 3
cc: file
Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust
SLV FOCUS
•
C.