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. . . Colorado Water Conservation Board Department of Natural Resources 1313 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203 Phone: (lOll 866-l441 FAX: (lOll 866"4474 STATE OF COLOAADO . MEMORANDUM Bill ()..."ens Governor To: Colorado Water Conservation Board Members From: Peter Evan}~ ~_./ Director CregE. Walcher Executive Director, DNR Peter H. Evans Director, eWeB Date: July 22, 1999 Re: Agenda Item 13(i), July 26-27, 1999 Board Meeting Grand Canyon Protection Act, Adaptive Management Program Status Report This memo is provided for information purposes; no action is recommended. The July 21-22 meeting of the Adaptive Management Workgroup (AMWG) was an interesting reflection of the status of this developing program. Established as a function of the 1992 Grand Canyon Protection Act, the Workgroup adopted the following "vision statement" following a river trip in May: "The Grand Canyon is a homeland for some, sacred to many, and a national treasure for all. In honor of past generations, and on behalf of those of the present and future, we envision an ecosystem where the resources and natural processes are in harmony under a stewardship worthy of the Grand Canyon. We advise the Secretary of the Interior on how best to protect, mitigate adverse impacts to, and improve the integrity of the Colorado River ecosystem affected by Glen Canyon Dam, including natural biological diversity (emphasizing native biodiversity), traditional cultural properties, spiritual values, and cultural, physical and recreational resources through the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and other means. We do so in keeping with the federal trust responsibilities to Indian Tribes, in compliance with applicable federal, state and tribal laws, including the water delivery obligations of the "Law of the River" and with due consideration of the economic value of power resources. This will be accomplished through a cooperative long-tenn partnership utilizing the best available scientific and other infonnation through an adaptive ecosystem management process," Many attending the Workgroup meeting were surprised that this vision statement was so easily adopted. Tribal representatives and state representatives talked about an extended drafting process intended to include greater recognition of their interests. I was able to establish that the Workgroup intends that human activities and needs are understood to be an obvious part of the "natural processes" and "ecosystem" prior to approval and, on that basis, voted with a large majority of the Workgroup!. There was also a good deal of anxiety concerning a "guidance document" prepared for the Workgroup by an attorney for the Interior Department (Scott Loveless) representing the Department's understanding of the GCPA and the Workgroup's role. The anxiety became intense after a draft of the guidance document was distributed last spring indication the 1 The Workgroup is chaired by a representative of the Secretary of Interior and includes representatives of 12 cooperating agencies,7 states, 2 environmental groups, 2 recreational interests and 2 hydropower representatives,