Agenda Item 14, Request for Approval of Policy Regarding RICD's

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Rate should be based upon more general characteristics of the stream reach, site, intended use, and efficient use of the flow. The CWCB recommends that Applicants follow these guidelines: • The CWCB recommends an RICD flow rate in the range of approximately 50 cfs to 350 cfs for destination - oriented boating facilities. An actual RICD flow rate for a specific site will vary within this range depending on water availability and other factors related to the recreational facility. The CWCB suggests that an RICD water right should be granted for an intended use and for a specific flow rate during an intended period of time. Several parties suggested not limiting RICDs to one single identified flow rate. The CWCB suggests that an RICD flow rate be unreasonable if it exceeds the 40th percentile flow rate during the intended time period (flow rates can be evaluated or estimated using available streamf low gage data or other acceptable means). • Based on the futile call doctrine, a holder of an RICD should not be able to call for the water right if such a call would not result enough flow to provide a reasonable recreational experience. The above - recommended range of flows for a destination - oriented RICD was arrived at through the following means: • A review of existing and planned "pay for" courses worldwide. At "pay for" courses, the boaters are presumably having a reasonable recreational experience because they are willing to pay for the experience. (See the "Summary of Hydrologic Requirements in the Appendix). One party suggested that this policy concentrate more on courses in Colorado. • Surveys of existing boating courses, including surveys obtained for the Golden and Gunnison whitewater courses. Those surveys determined that a reasonable recreation experience could be obtained at those courses within the range of flow rates stated above. • Recommendations and opinions from the CWCB's RICD expert, who has significant experience with evaluation and design of boating courses locally and nationwide. • Evaluations that the high end of the CWCB's recommended flow range (350 cfs) is at or above the minimum flow rate utilized for a significant number of recognized and international quality sites throughout the world (including the internationally recognized boating course at La Seu d'Urgell, Spain, which operates with flows as low as 210 cfs. See the appendix for details). 6. Hydraulic Engineering Definition of Control A recreational whitewater boating course must include hydraulic stream features that provide "control" of the streamf low as required by engineering principles. The hydraulic 4