BOARD01657

• Board Meeting Date: 3/24/2003
• Description: Fish & Wild life Mitigation Accound Requests
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

Proiect Number:

03-02

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Proiect Name:

Comprehensive Analysis of Western State Instream Flow Programs

Proiect Applicant:

CWCB Stream and Lake Protection Section Staff

Amount Reauested:

$15,000

Proiect Description:

Over the last 30 years, most western states have adopted instream flow programs to preserve the
natural environment of streams and lakes in their states. Recently, several states have begun to
rely on private water markets to address environmental water needs. Since Colorado law grants
the CWCB exclusive authority to hold instream flow water rights, environmental groups often
charge that Colorado's instream flow program is~inadequate, and that other "progressive", private
programs do a better job of preserving the natural environment.

In July 2002, with the assistance of a summer iritern, staff conducted a cursory review of western
state instream flow programs. Based on that preliminary review, the Intern concluded that
Colorado's Instream Flow Program is the most c;leveloped, and most active program in all the
western states.

This project will build on those findings by conducting more in-depth research into the programs, .
comparing strengths and weaknesses of state'$ programs, highlighting Colorado's
accomplishments and focUSing on several case, studies to demonstrate the flexibility of the program
in meeting both public and private resource needs. The final product would be a publishable paper
to be released In conjunction with this year's 30th anniversary of the Instream Flow Program.

This document will demonstrate to federal agencies, water users and environmental groups that
Colorado's Instream Flow Program is an effective tool that can be used to achieve resource
protection goals in a manner consistent with st~te law.

Applicabllitv of Proiect:

This study will assist the Board in implementing Policy #15 by:

. Providing certainty to water users and federal agencies considering a new ISF appropriation
or water acquisition to mitigate the impacts of an existing water project;
. Facilitating resolution of federal water rights issues;
. Demonstrating opportunities to assist :in the recovery of threatened or endangered wildlifei
specie or the conservation of existing l,jIildlife species within riparian ecosystems; and,
. Encouraging reliance on Colorado's' Instream Flow Program to accomplish resource
protection goals in a manner consisterit with state water law.

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Flood Protection. Water Project Planning ~d Financing. Stream and Lake Protection
Water Supply Protection .!Conservation Planning