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<br />., <br /> <br />- 5- <br /> <br />recreational experience, for each recreational opportunity sought. The type of language in paragraph 8.C <br />of the proposed decree is sometimes referred to as "a trigger claim" and it allows the Applicant to provide <br />for different types of recreational experiences at different flow rates, while providing exchange potential <br />when a call by the Applicant will not produce the minimum needed to provide for a given recreational <br />experience. <br />The Applicant has included language in the proposed decree that assures that this water right will <br />only be in effect between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and this is appropriate. <br /> <br />2. Whether the RICO diverts captures and controls water in its natural course or location with physical <br />control structures. <br />The Staff recommends a finding that the structures described in the proposed decree, which are <br />based on designs contained as Exhibit A ofthe S1. Vrain Greenway Master Plan for Longmont <br />and dated May 200 I, may divert, capture, and control the water if they are properly designed and <br />constructed. <br /> <br />3. Whether the adjudication and administration of the RICO would impair the ability of Colorado to fully <br />develop and place to consumptive Beneficial Use its Compact Entitlements. <br />Pursuant to SB 216, the Board must consider the RICO's effect on Colorado's ability to develop <br />its compact entitlements. There must be a balance between the ability to operate future exchanges <br />and permit reasonable future upstream water development and the desire of the Applicant to <br />provide for a recreational experience. Pursuant to these considerations, the Staff finds, and <br />recommends to the Board, that at the flow rates provided in the proposed decree would not impair <br />the ability of Colorado to fully develop and place to consumptive beneficial use its Compact <br /> <br />Entitlements. Briefly, the South Platte River Compact states that between April 1st and October <br /> <br />15th Colorado shall not permit diversions from the South Platte River downstream of the western <br />boundary of Washington County by Colorado appropriators junior to June 14, 1897 on any day <br />when the flow at the interstate station at Julesburg is less than 120 cfs. The RICO does not impact <br />the South Platter River Compact because the S1. Vrain River is tributary to the South Platte River <br />upstream of the western boundary of Washington County and because the RICO is a non- <br />consumptive use of water. The recommended flow rates leave adequate exchange potential and <br />reasonable upstream water development potential and allow the Applicant to protect the <br />minimum flow necessary to provide several types of reasonable recreational opportunities. <br /> <br />4. Whether the RICO appropriation is for an appropriate reach of stream for the intended use. <br />The Staff recommends a finding that the reach described in the proposed decree is an appropriate <br />reach of stream for the intended uses. The Staff also recommends a finding that the RICO <br />structures, as proposed, will not significantly affect flooding, flood control, or the 100-year flood <br />elevations on property not owned by the City of Longmon1. <br /> <br />5. Whether there is adequate access for the RICO. <br />The Staff recommends that the Board find that there is adequate access to the RICO and <br />associated facilities. <br /> <br />6. Whether the exercise of the RICO would cause material injury to existing ISF water rights. <br />The Staff recommends that the Board find that the exercise of the RICO will not cause material <br />injury to existing instream flow water rights. There are no instream flow water rights on this <br />segment of the S1. Vrain River. <br /> <br />7. Whether the adjudication and administration of the RICO would promote maximum utilization ofthe <br />waters of the State. <br /> <br />Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Finance. Stream and Lake Protection <br />Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning <br />