DNR-Project-Final Report to Hecox

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be known, such as with water. Sharp and Tranel developed and published an 18-page document titled "Colorado Waterfor the 21St Century: An Educational Fact Sheet about the Basin Roundtable Process." The document is designed to help citizens of Colorado better understand the collaborative process of waterpolicy created by House Bill 05-1177. Furthermore, thefactsheet intends to enhance the understanding and appreciation of collaborative waterplanning,and, in turn, increase the number of Colorado citizens involved in determining solutions to managing of the state's greatest natural resources. The fact sheet provides descriptions to: - The Interbasin Compact Process, - Water Supply Reserve Account, - Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI), - A summ ary of compacts and treaties governing Colorado's use of streams, - An overview of each basin roundtable and a few facts about the basin, and - Various web sites (URLs) germane to water issues in Colorado. Dr. Reagan Waskom, Eric Hecox, Mary Lou Smith, and two Extension Water Specialists (1) provided input into the development of the publication and (2) reviewed the document for accuracy and ease of reading. Published copies of the fact sheet are available from Sharp and Tranel. Copies are being distributed to each Roundtable member and others. An unpublished version of the fact sheet is available in Appendix D. Summary This project enabled Colorado State University Extension to participate in discussions and educate people about water issues in Colorado. The principle investigators (Tranel and Sharp) worked with Basin Roundtables to facilitate educational opportunities at Roundtable meetings and Town Hall meetings sponsored bythe Basin Roundtables. This allowed the Roundtables to meet their mandated education of Roundtable members and to provide education to and solicit input from Colorado's citizens. The Town Hall meetings served as great forums in which citizens could discuss issues pertaining to water in a less formal and intimidating setting than Roundtable meetings. A key lesson learned is that Roundtable mem hers must have "buy in"and claim ownership of events such as Town Hall meetings. A fact sheet developed by Colorado State University Extension (specifically Sharp and Tranel) will have an on- goingimpact on the education of all Colorado citizens about the Basin Roundtable process. The document is designed to help citizens of Colorado better understand the collaborative process of water policy created by House Bill 05-1177. The principle investigators of this project appreciated the cooperative involvement of Eric Hecox in all aspects of the project. His support and counsel enhanced the impact of the project.