Agenda: Management Committee Meeting November 23 1993

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.11/23/93 08:35 .0303 866. 4474 CWCB X1003 /O(f3 p .e z- 'Tlie -WAC is re �pons ble' fbr overseeln . a to of sevM :prajeets ifteluding : the following; ! Nonteoh,nical Instream Flow Issues (GURU II) + Steamboat Lake Lease * 0 & M.for Palisade Gage • 0 & M for 27.5 Mile: Road- Gages • . Capitol ImprovementslGrand Valley Water Management • Water Rights Acquisition- Consultant Ya�mPa River Pref�ed Al ",Alve y o Cools GQ C� Ke- - �d' 1 These Projects will be monitored under the WAC's proposed Work plan. The first report will be submitted to the Management Committee in late. i�►ry�}p of Agricultural u-6 - The issue of acquiring or appropriating absolute water rights for the endangered fish is an issue of concern in Colorado, as it is in ,some ways contradictory to the Board's charge of assisting in the development of the State's compact apportioned waters. At a special subcommittee meeting of the CWCB in July, 1993, it was concluded that except in certain Circumstances where acquisition of absolute water rights was necessary for critical habitat or flooded bottom lands, it would be more appropriate to pursue water management strategies such as reservoir operation or water banking before considering the potential acquisition and conversion to instream flows of water already developed for beneficial consumptive uses, Coordination of_Management of Non- le4eral Pteserv&rs. - Under the Recovery Program, the CWCB is responsible for coordinating changes to private reservoir operation in lieu "of re- opening of Section 7 Consultation on existing private reservoirs. This issue was raised at a recent WAC meeting and will be addressed in the upcoming months. The Bureau is responsible for looking into federally ownedand operated reservoirs. Return Flows in thelf Mile Reach - The Service has been monitoring return flaws in the 15 Mile Reach for the past 2 years. It is anticipated that the WAC will formally ask the CWCB fil to e for instream flow water rights on these flows. Board staff will provide the CWCB with a briefing at the January 1994 meeting, Consultant r e CWCB - As approved by the ImpJanentation Committee, a total of $35JK was added 10 the initial $40K for the Water Rights Consultant available to the WAC for evaluation of water rights offered for sale. The rationale for this plan is provide assistance to the CWCB during FY 1994. so that RIPRAP activities for water acquisition Can be met, and the CWCB will have sufficient time /help to complete the worleload, and request an FTF from the legislature in the 1994 session if needed. At this time, a Plan is being developed by thie CWCB regarding the methods for appropriation of instream flow water rights. Included in this plan will be the tasks for CWCB staff and the consultant in completing water- related Ril'RAp tasks. Au m285.mem