Approved Minutes April 2008 CBRT

• Basin Roundtable: Colorado
• Title: Colorado Minutes 4/08
• Date: 4/28/2008
• Basin Roundtables - Doc Type: Minutes

the CBRT. The Gunnison and San Juan Roundtables agree that we should meet, and the Yampa-
White Roundtable had not yet discussed the concept. After a varied discussion at which several
members voiced approval or opposition to the concept, Jim Polcrandt deternuned that it was best
to write a letter indicating that the CBRT would like to schedule a joint meeting.
12. Eric Kuhn's vision statement. Included with these minutes is Eric Kuhn's vision statement of
future water diversions from the Colorado River. Highlights inchide:
a. 10825 water. 10825 water will come from 3 sources:
1. Improve Orchard Mesa irrigation efficiency.
2. Releases from Granby Reservoir.
3. Ruedi Reservoir releases if the above are inadequate.
b. Energy development. Energy companies have large conditional water rights that are junior
to Front Range and Western Slope municipal water rights. Preliminary reports indicate
150,000 to 200,000 of will be required to develop additional energy.
c. Water Availability Study -The WAS will determine Colorado's remaining undeveloped
water under the Colorado River Compact . The State hopes to sign a contract by July 2008;
Phase I will provide a range of available water based on existing uses and it is scheduled for
completion in July 2009. Phase II will consider available water if all conditional water rights
are developed; it is scheduled for completion in July 2010.
d. Climate change - The WAS will consider climate change, but not its impact on other basins.
e. Total anticipated diversions and new energy needs total 198,000 to 318,000 acre feet.
Proposed Eastern Slope diversions and energy water needs amount to more than half of
existing diversions to the Front Range. Excluded below are the Yampa Pumpbaclc being
discussed by the South Platte and Yampa-White roundtables (300,000 acre feet) and Aaron
Million's Green River Pumpbaclc (400,000 acre feet).
Pro osed diversion or new use Pro'ected diversions -Acre feet

Northern's Windy Gap firming project 10,000
Denver's Moffatt Firming project 18,000
Denver's Blue River pumpbaclc 30-40,000
Changes to the Blue River Decree 40-50,000
Energy development 150-200,000

Total of proposed diversions 248-318,000

Current East Slope diversions (from page
7 of CRWCD 2008 Annual Report
450-600,000
f. Greg Trainor recommended that the Vision Statement include a preface that describes the
Western Slope's broad goals and addresses the following.
1. Eastern Slope water conservation projects.
2. Set aside water for non-consumptive uses including fishing and recreation.
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