CWCB Basin Plan Meetings 2000-2001

Home Browse Search

2000 -2001 Basin Planning Meetings Summary of Basin Planning Meetings Findings The following is a summary of common issues, discussions and feedback in all seven of the basins that was gathered from the participants during the Basin Planning Meetings. Planning Issues • Concerns were raised regarding the loss of Colorado's water allocations to neighboring states. • Support was broad for continuing to update and use the Decision Support System as a tool to understand water use and identify water projects. • Requests were made for CWCB to coordinate and develop a statewide drought plan. • The CWCB was requested to create model drought plans that describe plan components, requirements and development methods. • The CWCB was requested to perform and support project feasibility studies including studies on non - traditional water needs such as water quality management and recreation. • The CWCB was requested to prepare short- and longterm growth projections for areas of the state that are prone to rapid growth. Implementation Issues • Continue facilitating efforts among state and federal agencies for endangered species recovery programs. • Provide support for projects that satisfy multiple objectives and multiple users. Policy Issues Page 2 • Use instream flows to protect endangered species. Fundin,Q Issues • Continue funding non - reimbursable projects such as feasibility studies and the Decision Support System. • Develop a fund to loan money to citizens for acquiring instream flows to protect fisheries in communities. • Provide small businesses with streamlined loan procedures and business planning support. • Provide outreach to water commissioners and water conservancy districts regarding loan availability to identify and develop small - projects. Outreach • Act as facilitator in resolving conflicts associated with water issues. • Continue general water education through the use of meetings, fact sheets and the CWCB web site. • Continue open communication and outreach with the community. Supporting Water Education Statewide is Board Membership Critically Import to the Opposition to changing board Long -Term membership to reflect population Conservation, rather than by water basin. Development Protection and Management of the State's Waters The role of the CWCB in conserving, developing, managing and protecting the water of the state is ever changing. This is due to water demands by the state, the needs of local water suppliers and users, the interests of other states, federal interests and countries and the requirements of state and federal regulations. In addition, growth pressures throughout the state impact the CWCB and place increasing demands on the Board to provide guidance, leadership and technical assistance on water issues. Policy issues identified and discussed during the Basin Planning Meetings include: • Provide assistance to local communities regarding growth management through planning support, policy development and implementation. This may include floodplain development restrictions and identification of adequate water supply for new construction. Project development and ownership in all major river basins. Water and storm water quality management. This may include dam rehabilitation methods to control sediments, acid mine drainage control and use of instream flows for water quality management. The CWCB needs to continue to work with the Division of Water Resources to conduct statewide water planning.