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measure ground water pumping. The state of Kansas has challenged this method in testimony before the Special Master. This study is expected to resolve this controversy. Hydrologic- Institutional Model Revisions and Data. Colorado does not believe that the current H -I Model as modified by Kansas and adopted by the Special Master to determine the depletions for the 1986 -94 period is accurate. While we have to accept the H -I Model for this period (subject to continued objections to modifications by Kansas), we must attempt to revise the H -I Model and associated data to more accurately reflect the interactions of pumping and surface water diversions upon stateline flow. It is important that Colorado improve the model in order to properly determine future Compact compliance for the period beginning in 1995. Colorado's expert on computer models is working on the H -I model code and reviewing additional data on well locations, pumping, and irrigated acres with the intent of improving the model's calibration and accuracy. In addition, the Colorado State Engineer has developed an accounting model to administer augmentation plans on a real time basis. Ideally, the two models can be merged into a model acceptable to both states for determining compact compliance. U.S. Forest Service Federal Reserved Water Right Claims — The USFS has asserted reserved water right claims on a number of streams in Water Division 2. These claims have been broken into 3 Groups. Group 1 streams are streams that water users have visions of developing in the future and would like to limit claims to CWCB instream flows. Group 2 streams are streams that the USFS would like to see both CWCB flows and higher spring peaks protected on. Group 3 streams are generally those in wilderness areas that water users are willing to discuss allowing the USFS claiming all flows on. The discussions are now centered on Group 1 streams and the desire of the USFS to at least claim some high spring peaks on those streams they also view as critical as well as on general principles to be covered in any proposed decree. Trinidad Lake Project, 10-Year Review of Operating Principles — As a result of the 1985 -1994 10 -year review, USBR has proposed amended operating principles. ARCA was willing to approve a portion of the amended principles that would allow the City of Trinidad to convert existing irrigation rights to M &I purposes and store them in Trinidad Reservoir. However, more extensive changes that would benefit the Purgatoire WCD still were not approved. However, Kansas is willing to meet with USBR and others to further discuss the changes and the next meeting is set for February 18, 1998 in Kansas City Arkansas River Compact Commission Representation — The Director of the CWCB represents Colorado on ARCA and dues to ARCA (60% of the cost to operate ARCA) are paid from the CWCB budget. CWCB staff is responsible for a considerable amount of support to ARCA including preparation of the annual report of ARCA and preparation of some of the meeting notices, budgets, minutes and reports of some of the ARCA committees as necessary. SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN Senate Bill 96 -74 - Authorizes the creation of a Special Water Committee to investigate Denver Basin Groundwater Management and South Platte Basin Issues. Directs the State Engineer and CWCB Director to administer a study of specific issues and report the results to the Special Water Committee. The study is to use the latest methodologies, including hydrologic modeling, to develop the information submitted to the committee. Each phase of the study will be subject to peer review and written comments by qualified hydrologists, geologists and engineers. These comments will be available to the committee and public. We will coordinate with existing studies and use data from previous and existing studies in the preparation of the report and consult with C;\msoffice \wi nword \document \basi nisuues December 30, 1997 Page 15 of 19