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<br />-, <br /> <br />Final Report <br /> <br />April 2004 <br /> <br />Appendix B: Interpretation of Pathfinder Project Tools <br /> <br />Table 1.3 of the Pathfinder Project Report contains actions or strategies (tools) that could <br />be used to provide for or protect instream valueslbenefits on NFS lands in the GMUG. <br />These tools cover a broad array of actions. Some are actions that are generally <br />undertaken by the Forest Service through its resource management responsibilities, others <br />are cooperative or partnership approaches to instream flow management and others <br />require use or adherence to State instream flow procedures under the Colorado ISF <br />Program. <br /> <br />The Pathfinder Project Steering Committee developed this list of tools to address an array <br />of situations and management options. The numbering of the tools in no way reflects an <br />order or sequence of application. The Pathfinder instream flow management matrix <br />(Table 3) attempts to provide a basic order of application or implementation through the <br />use of tiers with tools categorized in either Tier I or II as a preferred order of <br />implementation. The following discussion attempts to document the details related to <br />each of the tools and the intent(s) in applying them. <br /> <br />Forest Service Management Options <br /> <br />1. Inventory and consult with permittee on water rights, water uses, and <br />permits. <br /> <br />Issue: <br />The Forest Service does not always <br />have a complete inventory of existing <br />water rights, water uses, and other <br />water related permits when evaluating <br />instream flow needs relative to <br />evaluating special use permit <br />renewals. There appeared to be a <br />lack of coordination between State <br />water management agencies, the <br />Forest Service and water users on <br />determining existing water rights and <br />water uses on National Forest System <br />(NFS) lands. . <br /> <br />Intention in a I in the tool: <br />The Forest Service would complete and <br />maintain an up-ta-date inventory of water <br />rights acquired and held by the United <br />States for NFS lands as well as those <br />valid and existing water rights recognized <br />by the Colorado State Engineer that have <br />a point of diversion on or are conveyed <br />across NFS lands. The Forest Service <br />would consult with special use permittees <br />on water use and water needs as part of <br />its water rights and water use inventories <br />and assessments prior to making <br />determinations on instream flow needs as <br />they relate to water-related, special-use <br />ermits. <br /> <br />- 17 - <br />