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c--; (c. \ - ..~- I -, PAGEU. THE VILLAGER NEWSPAPERS. MAY 27,1993 ~pdate on Little Dry Creek by Jan Waddington retained by Greenwood Village to study Little Dry Creek. Here are the latest developments on Glenmoor's attempt to appropriate water from Little Dry Creek to water their golf course. Glenmoor Country Club "passed" on Little Dry Creek during the Trial Date Hearing before the Water Court in Greeleyon March 2.1993. A date of Aug.13,1993hasbeen set for a trial on the Greenwood Gulch filing. Friends of Little Dry Creek are still working toward a designated in-stream flow through the Colomdo Water Conservation Board (CWCB). Any flow they establish however will be a junior right to Glenmoor's 1991 ftIing, if Glenmoor is given a water right by the court However, we have been assured by Bill Waller, of Glen moor, that the country club will honor any in-stream flow established by the CWCB. 1be Colorndo Water Conservation Board (CWCB) is composed of nine Colorado citizens each representing one major river drainage in the state. 1bere are also fiveex-officio members. The board under author- ity of legislation passed by the Colorado Legislawre. can reserve a water right for a stream in Colorado to protect the natural environment The CWCB held a meeting in Denver on May 6. Dan Merriman, Chief Investigator for the CWCB testified before the board urging them to establish an in-stream flow for Little Dry Creek. Also speaking for Little Dry Creek ~uckCoward, City Manager of Cherry Hills Village; ~wis, City Manager of Greenwood Village; Mryna PotJcha, a City Councilwoman of Greenwood Village: and Georgie Fernandez. representing the Friends of Little Dry Creek. All of them strongly supported an in-stream flow to protect the creek. Barney White, attorney for Glenmoor also spoke to the board. He raised questions about the advisability of such a designation. After discussion and questions, the board did pass, on preliminary notjce. their, support for an in-stream flow designation for Little Dry. The next meeting will be held in Meeker. Colorado on July 2 and 23. At that time, they will discuss the creek again and, we hope, designate an instream flow. It is also hoped that the board will be given more information on the creek than they had at the last board meeting. The board did not even have the report at the meeiing"and had to depend only on what they heard at the meeting to make their decision. Jay Skinner was on vaca- tion SO he was not at the .meetingto present and defend hiS report or answer questions. The reports are fInished! Dr. David Cooper, the most renowned expert on wetland ecology in Colorado was , The summary of his recommendation are: I. Peak flows in Little Dry Creek must continue. 2. Base flows can be reduced by approximately 40-60 percent without causing appreciable harm to the riparian vegetation. He suggests a minimum slream flow of ap- proximately 225 cubic feet per second. (cfs) 3. He suggests that a maximum of 2.25 cfs. of water be removed from Little Dry Creek at any time. 4. The stream must never go dry, unless it is a natural phenomenon. Dr. Cooper also determined, "The groundwater in most wells appear completely connected with the slream. and stream levels determine groundwater levels." He also stated, "Any withdrawals of water' from Little Dry Creek will directly affect ground water levels, and the riparian vegetation along the creek." TIlis can be interpreted to mean that the wells along Little Dry could dry up if water is removed from the creek. Dr. Cooper worked with Jay Skinner of the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Mr. Skinner studied the aquatic resources of Little Dry Creek. He concluded that 2.75 cfs is necessary between April 1 and August 31, and 1.75 cfs is necessary between September I and March 31. THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. We have been asked. by Dan Merriman chief investigator of CWCB, to submit comments to the staff of the CWCB.lt is important that the board realize what broad support there is for saving this little creek. If you would like to have the CWCB establish a minimum stream flow on Little Dry Creek, write a brief note to: Colorado Water Conservation Board 721 SUIte Centennial Bldg. I3I3 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203 Just tell them why lhecreek is important to you. How you use it, how close your house is to the creek. This may be our one and only chance to save the creek. If you would like to see Dr. Cooper's complete report. it is available at the Greenwood Village City Hall. If you have questions or suggestions call Jan Waddiilgton 781-8804, or Georgie Fernandez 781-0341. Cherry ere workshop schoolboc Two positions on the I District Board of Educ ovember. Candidates Director District D or ) eek School Board has for anyone interested ir equirements and the ro The workshop is SChCl the Cherry Creek Sch bom21O,4700South'r embers willanswerqu les/responsibilities,ltir . ttees; current issues ments. Cherry Creek: Board ( at-large for a four-year t sation. For more informatior , helpdetermineresidenCl ~assen. 773-1184,ext "The Cherry Creek S, lation into five "direct. director district is elecu voters in the Cherry Cre , positions - the Board I Director District D j SclKloI District which g High School attendance that section which genCl of these elementary scho Dry Creek, High Plairu Call 773-1184, ext421 e