Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Final Report <br /> <br />April 2004 <br /> <br />9. Expand Forest Service efforts to inventory and assess the aquatic and <br />riparian resources on GMUG National Forests. <br /> <br />Issue: Intention in applvinl! the tool: <br />The Forest Service has not The Forest Service should conduct <br />completed aquatic and riparian needed field evaluations of aquatic <br />assessments Forest-wide. resources and riparian areas to better <br />Completion of such assessments apply scientific data as part of the <br />would aid in the prioritization of instream flow protection strategies. <br />streams and focusing instream <br />flow protection efforts. <br /> <br />10. Practice good watershed and streamside management to deliver sufficient <br />quantity and quality water to meet downstream and forest uses. <br /> <br />Issue: <br />Concern that Forest Service programs <br />or approved activities on National <br />Forest lands could have inadequate <br />water resource protection thereby <br />causing poor quality runoff or <br />reducing water yield. <br /> <br />Intention in a I in the tool: <br />Make sure that water resource <br />protection and water management <br />objectives are considered and <br />incorporated into all activities <br />occurring on National Forest lands. <br />Emphasize the importance of erosion <br />control and the value of maintaining <br />healthy forest conditions on NFS <br />lands. <br /> <br />Cooperative or Partnership Approach Options <br /> <br />11. Assist Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and the State Engineer <br />in monitoring and protecting existing ISF rights on GMUG National Forests. <br /> <br />Issue: <br />When the Forest Service evaluates water <br />diversion or storage applications for <br />special-use permits it may not be <br />consulting. with the State Engineer's <br />Office or CWCB to see if such an <br />approval would impact an existing ISF <br />water right. <br /> <br />Intention in a I in the tool: <br />Administration and enforcement of <br />water rights is the authority of the <br />State Engineer's Office and the <br />CWCB has the authority in Colorado <br />to hold instream flow water rights. <br />Therefore, the Forest Service would <br />coordinate with those agencies when <br />new special-use permits are being <br />evaluated and assist in monitoring <br />stream flows. <br /> <br />- 20- <br />