CWCB Long Range Plan 1994/1999

• Publications - Doc Type: CWCB Annual Report

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CWCB LONG RANGE PLAN •
Adopted July 20, 1994; Revised May 23, 1995
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• Supporting cooperative partnerships between key communities and interests to
minimize regulatory entanglement and protect Colorado's natural environment
while encouraging water resource development to proceed in an orderly manner;
• Asserting Colorado's instream flow law as the appropriate means to be relied upon
by the united states for protection of the water dependent natural environment (to
avoid the controversy associated with federal reserved rights), and to reduce the
level of tension between water development and environmental protection interests;
• Anticipating and minimizing potential conflicts between water quality protection
and water rights;
• Exploring opportunities to increase metropolitan water supplies while minimizing
any adverse impacts; and
• Protecting Colorado citizens and property from flood damages.
The CWCB recognizes that the goals and objectives included in this long range plan
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may extend beyond current levels of funding and staffing. When appropriate, the CWCB will
seek legislative authorization to obtain the necessary funding and staffing levels.
III. Situation Analysis.
The water taken from streams and aquifers is a vital ingredient in Colorado's
agricultural, municipal, and industrial activities. Protecting these traditional uses of water is
essential to the economic vitality and general well being of Colorado's citizens. However,
Colorado is confronted with many difficult challenges in managing its water resources:
• Coloradans are spending vast sums of money in water fights that divide the state;
• Downstream states are seeking a greater share of water from Colorado's rivers;
• Federal financial support for water resource development is disappearing;
• National laws and policies which require protection of endangered species,
recreational values, water quality, wetlands, and aquatic and riparian ecosystems
are imposing new limitations on existing water facilities and traditional water
supply development;
• Public demand continues to grow for recreational uses of water and for protection
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of the environmental values of this state;