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<br />Final Report <br /> <br />April 2004 <br /> <br />16. Consider off-channel storage for later release. <br /> <br />Issue: Intention in applyin2 the tool: <br />Traditional water storage often The Forest Service would consider <br />places the reservoir on the main the use or development of off- <br />stem of the stream channel channel storage to meet its instream <br />creating fish passage barriers and flow needs. <br />changes the hydrology down- <br />stream. Utilization of off- <br />channel storage facilities avoids <br />some of the changes to stream <br />hydrology and does not create <br />the barriers to fish passage that <br />in-channel dams create. <br /> <br />17. Provide State Engineer with documentation on water rights not being used. <br /> <br />Issue: <br /> <br />The Forest Service could be <br />aware of water diversion <br />facilities or reservoirs that have <br />fallen into disrepair or non-use. <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 but if the <br />Forest Service is aware of non-use of <br />existing water rights or facilities it <br />should, in a cooperative manner, <br />make that information available to <br />the State Engineer's Office. <br /> <br />18. Initiate educational programs for water conservation and promote/facilitate <br />delivery and application efficiencies. <br /> <br />Issue: <br />Because diversion facilities are often <br />older structures built when there was <br />less demand for water and overall <br />water use was lower on inany of the <br />rivers and streams in the area, there <br />was a lack of concern with <br />conveyance losses, irrigation <br />efficiency and water conservation. <br />Inefficient irrigation practices have <br />the potential to require greater <br />diversion of stream flows than may <br />be necessary. <br /> <br />Intention in a I in the tool: <br />Programs to educate and inform water <br />users about conservation and the most <br />current irrigation technology may <br />encourage more efficient use of water. <br />The Forest Service, in cooperation with <br />other agencies and interest groups should <br />help to encourage and implement <br />strategies for more efficient delivery and <br />application of irrigation water. More <br />efficient use of water should result in <br />reduced diversions and in turn benefit <br />instream flows. <br /> <br />- 23 - <br />