BOARD01505

• Board Meeting Date: 11/15/2005
• Description: CWCB Director's Report
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

recommendations, the study indicated that significant staff resources may be required in order to develop .
the grant application and that the grant process is highly competitive with a relatively low success rate.
However the report also addressed other funding mechanisma that may be available in the future. Senior
Staff from each CWCB program area are currently reviewing the report and COM will be attending an
upcoming senior staff meeting to address questions and provide further explanation on the report
recommendations. Staff has requested that COM provide the report in electronic format so that it can be
posted on the CWCB web page.

NRCSIBOR MOU: On Oct. 16, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Bureau of
Reclamation announced the signing of a five-year memorandum of understanding to accomplish
"efficient use and long-tenn sustainability of available water supplies for agricultural production, fish and
wildlife protection, recreation and other beneficial uses." The agreement includes 1) support for local-led
cooperative conservation projects regarding efficient water management; 2) developing and implementing
specific plans of action for cooperative conservation activities; 3) support for state and local organized
drought action teams; 4) identifying joint research needs and opportunities for field application of new
technology; 5) joint USOAlDOI training, conferences, seminars and educational programs; and 6)
designated agency liaisons to communicate and coordinate activities at the national, regional, state and
local levels. The MOU covers Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska,
Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Otegon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and
Wyoming.

. USGS Streamgaglng Program Funding Request: On Sept. 30, ten Senators signed a letter to Interior
Secretary Gale Norton and Joshua Bolten, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, requesting
increased funding for the USGS's National Streamflow Information Program and Cooperative Water
Program. These programs deal with the agency's ability to monitor dynamic water flow and quality in .
rivers and streams.

Statewide

Interim Water Committee: On Oct. 6 the Water Resources Review Committee met to discuss water
issues including state financing for water projects, water quality standards, a proposal by a coalition of
environmental groups and Colorado Springs' proposed Southern Delivery System. The committee held a
two-day meeting to help shape water issues for the upcoming Legislature, and some who spoke to the
group urged the Legislature to stay the course on water issues addressed last year.

Colorado Water Wise CouneD Holds Workshop: In cooperation with the CSU Water Center, the
Colorado Water Wise Council held a workshop on Oct. 29 & 30 that offered an opportunity to learn the
basics about water conservation programs and planning, water resources in Colorado, and the new State
reporting requirements. Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregg Hobbs was the featured lunchtime
speaker on Oct. 19.

ewc 48" Annual Convention: In conjunction with the January 2006 CWCB meeting, the 48th Annual
Convention of the Colorado Water Congress will be held on Jan, 26 - 27, at the DIA Holiday Inn, 15500
East 40th Ave., Denver, Colorado. Registration forms and a tentative agenda is listed on the CWC
website at httu://www.cowaterconllress.or.pmeetinlJnotices.htm

Colorado Watershed Assembly Annual Meeting: In September, the Colorado Watershed Assembly
held their annual meeting in Glenwood Springs. This year's topic was "Rivers, Roads and Recreation - .
Our Working Watersheds". David Harrison, representing The Nature Conservancy, spoke about "Water
for People and Nature - Collaboration and Innovation on Managing Water for Human and Ecological
Needs", Part of his presentation described the recent Colorado Water Trust water right donation to the

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