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storms, stream flows are more erratic, less ground -water recharge occurs, and the <br />reliability of ground -water and surface -water reservoirs declines. The National Research <br />Council have identified that there is a significant need for "integrated and adaptive <br />decision support systems able to explicitly account for system uncertainty ". It is clear <br />our current understanding of climate change needs to be integrated into drought <br />planning, including measures and recommendations for adaptation. <br />In order to support the update of the Colorado Drought Mitigation and Response Plan <br />we will use a sector -based approach that aligns with the Impact Task Forces (i.e., <br />Municipal Water, Wildfire Protection, Agriculture, Tourism, Wildlife, Economic Impacts, <br />Energy, and Health). The outcome will help AMEC develop recommendations for the <br />CWCB and state drought planning team for additional adaptive capacity (i.e., mitigation) <br />strategies within each sector. <br />Key sectors to be considered are: <br />Agriculture: The agricultural sector may have the most significant vulnerability to <br />drought impacts in Colorado. Drought reduces crop yield, which can reduce revenue. <br />Drought increases the potential for pest infestations and crop diseases, reducing the <br />crop quality. Crops may fail completely. Even when drought has ended, weed <br />infestation can leave fallowed lands less productive. Farmers may have to dig <br />emergency wells or pay increased costs for irrigation. Drought reduces the quantity and <br />quality of forage available on range lands and pastures, and consequently reduces <br />livestock production. Banks and other dependent merchants in the farming community <br />lose revenue as agricultural productivity falters. <br />Private, Municipal, and Industrial Water Supplies: Most people in Colorado rely on <br />managed water supply systems, which insulate users from the natural variability of <br />precipitation. Population growth, especially along the Front Range, has increased the <br />vulnerability to drought for municipal and industrial users. Droughts impact municipal <br />and industrial supplies by reducing the water supply to a level that does not meet water <br />demand, and by stimulating the search for and development of new sources of water to <br />ensure reliability. Consumers on public water supply systems experience drought <br />impacts when voluntary or mandatory restrictions are placed on water usage. People <br />who rely on private ground -water wells may have to pay to have wells deepened or to <br />drill new wells. Public water supply utilities lose revenue while having to cope with <br />increased operating costs. Those increased operating costs associated with drought <br />response are eventually passed on to consumers. <br />Recreation: Recreational activities are vulnerable to drought. Low stream flows result in <br />increased fish mortality impacting sport fishing opportunities, and fewer opportunities for <br />kayakers, canoeists, and rafters. Visits to lakes and reservoirs are sharply reduced, <br />which substantially reduces tourism revenue for resorts and other related businesses. <br />Sales of fishing and hunting permits can be significantly reduced. Reduced snowfall <br />impacts ski resorts, reducing skier visits and driving up costs for making snow. <br />Environmental: Drought has a profound effect on Colorado's flora and fauna. The <br />effects of recent droughts are seen in forests where many trees have died due to <br />drought related beetle infestation, contributing to increased risk of wildfire. Aquatic <br />