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up through a grassroots structure. It is hoped that the HCW can be the beginning of this group. <br />Model programs such as the Verde Valley Group can be studied. One major concern is that <br />this group does not become politicized and partisan nor that it functions as a group that is <br />"meeting just to meet." Finally, it needs to be helpful to and work in concert with the Public <br />Land Managers yet able to give input where it deems necessary. The San Juan Mountains <br />Association could serve as a role in this endeavor. <br />Water <br />The RPW was established because of the general contentious nature of water across the <br />West especially in relation to the WSR designation. So, not surprisingly, current and future <br />water protections were discussed at length in this process. After many weeks of deliberation, <br />the following consensus was reached: <br />The Hermosa Creek Workgroup and the RPW Steering Committee will "circle <br />back "for discussion ofsA additional water protections for Hermosa Creek, and <br />most especially the Wild and Scenic Rivers designation issues, after four <br />remaining public workgroups are concluded in 2011. These public workgroups <br />will be organized by the RPW for the Animas; Piedra; Vallecito Creek /Pine; and <br />the San Juan. <br />This approach became known as "Option 1" in the HCW and HCDC meeting as well at <br />the RPW level. This option was selected so that clear momentum on land protections for <br />Hermosa Creek can be capitalized on now. Yet, in order to get consensus on any additional <br />water protections for Hermosa Creek, it was decided that the context of the entire basin needs <br />to be known and under consideration. <br />In the HCW meetings, many expressed a desire for addition water protections on the <br />Creek beyond what is there now. For the conservation /environmental community(ies) and <br />some others, a primary concern is impoundment of the water via a major reservoir or structure <br />on Hermosa Creek and its tributaries. Additionally, the presence of the trout fishery and the <br />designation of the Creek as having "Outstanding Waters" make the case, many said, for <br />lasting protections. Still others simply said that this is a very special area and it needs to be <br />Hermosa Creek Workgroup Final Report: Second Draft 11/2/09 Fire Draft.- 1 ;z8�09 20 <br />