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Arkansas Basin Roundtable Meeting of March 12, 2008 Meeting Notes 1. Roundtable Business Chairman Barber called the meeting to order at 12:35 pm. Thirty three (33) members were present, sufficient for a quorum. Introductions were skipped because of tight agenda. A motion was made by Alan Hamel, seconded by Jane Rawlings, and unanimously passed to approve the minutes of the meeting. The agenda was reviewed and no changes were made. 2. Executive Committee Reports Executive Committee Report The executive committee had a joint meeting with the Gunnison Basin executive committee. It was a very successful meeting. SeEtta gave a presentation to them of our Non-Consumptive Needs Assessment process and results. They gave a presentation on their basin as a whole; its responsibilities and challenges. The executive committee would like the roundtable to consider meeting with them jointly, in Gunnison, in July. Gary introduced Tom Wallace, a new Roundtable member that replaces Frank Wallace as Bent County representative. The Roundtable expressed their appreciation of Frank Wallace's service to the roundtable. Ag Efficiency Rules: The Executive Committee met with Dick Wolfe, Steve Witte and state attorneys last week. They'll be coming to our April meeting to give a presentation. The proposed rules are aimed to prevent potential compact violations. Dick and Steve have been meeting with water groups throughout the basin over the last month or two. They have been informed of our Roundtable concerns. Jay introduced Don McVee and Dale Mauch who met with Dick Wolfe during the previous month. 1. Don: We brought up all of our concerns, and we felt they listened to us. Surface water has different things that affect efficiency compared to well water. We brought up sprinkler efficiencies and other concerns. 2. Dale: John Proctor and John Schweizer were also at the meeting. Ranchers were well- represented, from Pueblo to the state line. One of the big issues is the sprinkler problem. They are thinking in terms of sprinklers that draw from wells, not flood water sprinklers. The reason farmers are putting up sprinklers isn't just to manage water, but to manage our time and manage our farms more efficiently overall. Colorado ranchers are competing directly with Kansas ranchers, who are relying heavily on sprinklers. I thought the meeting went well, they listened. We gave them five or six pages of questions. We hope they bring their answers to the meeting next month. Terry Scanga and his staff also met with Dick and Steve. Every five years, Colorado has to report on compliance with the Kansas-Colorado Compact. Every time they do this report, they are required to address sprinkler and other efficiencies. In this report they need to show that the state is addressing any depletions that are occurring if there are reductions in return flows caused by irrigation efficiency.