Laserfiche WebLink
June 30, 2008 <br />Con <br />• It would be necessary to add ISF use as a decreed use of the water right. <br />5A. VOLUNTARY FLOW MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS <br />I. Basic Concept <br />Flow Management Programs ( "FMPs ") provide a water management tool that can be <br />used for maintaining and enhancing flow related values within a given stream reach <br />through collaborative operation of water facilities. FMPs generally consist of a series of <br />operating principles and guidelines that are intended to provide a flow regime that <br />maintains or enhances environmental and recreational attributes, while maintaining the <br />ability for water providers to operate their water facilities in a manner that will not <br />adversely impact current or future water supplies. <br />II. Potential Benefit to Stream Segments <br />FMPs are typically developed through a voluntary, collaborative process that provides a <br />degree of local management and control that may not be achieved through designation <br />under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( "WSRA "). Stakeholders are able to craft an IMP <br />that takes into account the operational, technical, and legal considerations that are unique <br />to the river system. FMPs have been successfully implemented in Colorado on both the <br />South Platte and Arkansas Rivers to support fisheries, meet the demand for boating <br />recreation, and support the regional tourism industry. Some of the key components that <br />have been included in FMPs to benefit the stream segments include the following: <br />• Year -round minimum flows, winter incubation flows, and spring egg hatching /fry <br />hatching flows to support fisheries; <br />• Coordination of water releases to support and enhance rafting activities; <br />• Voluntary curtailment of exchanges through the river segment during periods of <br />peak recreation; <br />• Coordination of water releases for temperature moderation; <br />• Flow ramping schedules and guidelines for daily streamflow fluctuations; <br />• Annual operating plans and stakeholder meetings to establish reasonable and <br />achievable flow targets based on anticipated weather, streamflow, and operational <br />considerations. <br />III. Permanent Flow Protection <br />Although the FMP may be "voluntary ", failure to comply with the terms and conditions <br />of the program could result in the BLM moving forward with designation of the river <br />segment under the WSRA. Threat of designation under the WSRA is, in itself, a strong <br />incentive for all parties to continue working in good faith to ensure the success of the <br />program. Additional permanence can be achieved by entering into agreements (e.g., <br />intergovernmental agreements) that bind parties to the terms and conditions of the IMP. <br />Voluntary FMPs have proven to be successful over the long -term, in part, because <br />stakeholders value the high degree of flexibility and relatively minimal regulation and <br />oversight that these programs afford. <br />C: <br />