Upper Colorado River Stakeholder Group Conceptual Plan for a Wild and Secnic Management Alternative June 30 2009

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June 30, 2008 D. Stakeholders Involved in the Development of the Management Plan The following list identifies the stakeholders participating in the development of this Conceptual Plan. Participation in the development of the Conceptual Plan does not assume endorsement of a final Management Plan Alternative. Grand County Eagle County Summit County Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Colorado River Water Conservation District Blue Valley Ranch Middle Park Water Conservancy District Colorado Springs Utilities Denver Water Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District Trout Unlimited American Whitewater The Wilderness Society Colorado River Outfitters Association The following agencies have consulted with the Stakeholder Group in developing this Conceptual Plan: the Colorado Water Conservation Board ( "CWCB "), the Colorado Division of Wildlife ( "CDOW "), the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (`BOR "), and the U.S. Forest Service ( "USFS "). Any management actions resulting from the Management Plan Alternative may complement the actions and management decisions of these agencies, but in no way would their land, water and resource management responsibilities be superseded. E. BLM Factors to be Considered in Creating the Management Plan Alternatives Since there are no formal guidelines for the content of Management Plan Alternatives, the BLM has provided information on factors that could make the plan comparable to or more protective of the ORVs than Wild and Scenic designation. These factors are not prescriptive and a plan that addresses many but not all of the factors may be an acceptable preferred alternative in the BLM's Draft Environmental Impact Statement ( "EIS "). As stated in the BLM manual 8351 for Wild and Scenic Rivers, any management plan adopted by the BLM shall provide protection of the following elements: ORVs, free - flowing characteristics, river classification (level of stream corridor development allowed pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act), and water quality. This Conceptual Plan focuses on an approach that addresses the following five factors identified by the BLM: • Factor 1: A mechanism to scientifically quantify the rate and timing of flows needed to support and protect the ORVs. • Factor 2: A mechanism to provide permanent protection for such flows. • Factor 3: A mechanism for cooperation and coordination with decision - making agencies and proponents of projects that have the potential to impair the ORVs. • Factor 4: A mechanism to address potential water quality impacts that may affect the ORVs.