CWCB Long Range Plan 1994/1999

• Publications - Doc Type: CWCB Annual Report

O CWCB LONG RANGE PLAN
Adopted July 20, 1994; Revised May 23, 1995
Page 3
• Relatively slow population growth and adequate water supplies during the past
decade have resulted in low public awareness of the need to prepare for future
drought cycles and population growth;
• Public involvement in water resource management is increasing, including ballot
proposals to amend the water rights framework in the state Constitution;
• Protection of water quality often conflicts with development of new water supplies;
• Economic and environmental considerations are prompting many agricultural,
municipal, and industrial water users to adopt more efficient management practices;
and
• Reluctance by states to accept federal programs that are viewed as imposing
unfunded mandates, the "taking" of private property, and a questionable
cost/benefit relation without the benefit of sound scientific evidence.
• Although many people predict that the demand for significant new water supplies will
remain relatively limited and localized in the near future, the CWCB expects that the growth
of Colorado's population and economy will eventually require additional development of water
resources. Preparation to meet those future needs must include consideration of dry year
conditions and rigorous protection of Colorado's interstate allocations.
CWCB members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate in
accordance with statutory provisions intended to assure both (a) balanced representation of
Colorado's varied regions and interests and (b) appropriate expertise for water policy
formulation. As a result, the CWCB is able to serve as one of the most effective agencies for
anticipating and examining water policy issues in coordination with the Colorado General
Assembly.
Key Communities and Interests
As a public agency, the Board's list of constituents or "customers" would include all
citizens of Colorado and a number of agencies or organizations. For the purposes of this
planning document, however, it is useful to identify the following constituent groups more
specifically:
• Colorado General Assembly;
• Governor and DNR Executive Director;
• Water User Community:
• • Individuals (including agricultural, municipal, and industrial users);
• Conservation and conservancy districts;