9367 ‎(3)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9367
• Author: Colorado Water Workshop.
• Title: Proceedings
• USFW Year: 1992.
• USFW - Doc Type: Colorado Water Workshop July 22-24, 1992.
• Copyright Material: NO

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While you are digesting dessert, 1'11 attempt to dive into the turbulent
Colorado River and we'll see just how well we answer the questions raised.

We all know the traditional western viewpoint concerning water as the
dominating factor in our history. Only about 3% of the earth's water supply
is fresh, and of that amount, 77% of the fresh water is frozen.. Furthermore,
the western states receive a small share of that water that isn't frozen in
some arctic icecap.

Somehow, that all didn't seem fair to the early settlers who found
abundant, fertile, but arid lands. They watched the precious spring waters
run downstream...and they reacted with the same vigor that American's have
applied to so many problems.

The American west is what it is today...a tremendously productive,
vitally contributing segment of America...due, in large measure to the
development of water resources. Once an assured water supply for cities and
farms could be developed, settlement occurred and economies were established.

Just what are we talking about in terms of Colorado River management? I
think it begins with a recognition that we need to seek a balance in all we
do. Tonight we will talk about a handful of issues...all that are best
served, in my opinion, through a careful balancing of multiple concerns,
opportunities, and actions.

Cornerstone to such a discussion is a recognition that water was, is,
and should remain, a state held right. However, as we shall see, there
remains opportunity for states to achieve their own balances among themselves.
Historically, that has been achieved through the Colorado River Compact and
the resulting compilation called the Law of the River.

Within that recognition, there is ample opportunity for the Bureau of
Reclamation to playa major role in shaping the future of the Colorado River
system.

Let's start with the Long-Range Operating Criteria for the river and the
Annual Operating Plan.

The Long Range Operating Criteria for the Colorado River were
promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior in response to Section 602 of
Public Law 90-537. The criteria provide the overall umbrella guidance by
which the river is to be operated.

The Secretary is required to sponsor a review of the criteria at least
every 5 years. While the previous three reviews were not conducted in a
public forum, it was decided that the 1990 review would be open to the public
to comment and participate in the decision-making process.

The operating criteria provides for the coordinated operation of Lakes
Powell and Mead. Much of the criteria simply restates the provisions of
Section 602 of the 1968 Act, but also adds the 8.23 million acre-foot minimum

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