BOARD02414

• Board Meeting Date: 9/25/2000
• Description: Directors' Reports
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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using the GIS data layers, and (3) determination of instream flow strategies for the three pilot
watersheds. By using layers of data on a GIS map that show the location of native species, gold medal
fishing streams, state lands, and the like, we can examine on a statewide basis where the need for .-
instream flow protection may be the greatest. Once accomplished, an advisory team comprised of water -
users, cWcB board members, DNR staff, SEO staff, representatives of the environmental community,
GOcO board members and/or staff, and DOW staff will select three pilot watersheds and recommend
various instream flow protection strategies. These strategies will be site-specific for each pilot
watershed. For instance, we may find that a new instream flow appropriation is all that is necessary to
preserve the natural environment to a reasonable degree. In other situations, options such as dry-year
lease agreements, operational agreements with reservoir owners or purchase of senior water rights may
the best strategy.

GOCO's strategic plan recognizes the importance of Colorado's river corridors and their
conservation. This project, if funded, provides the opportunity for the GOcO board and the cWcB to
work together to further this objective. In addition, this project will increase public awareness about the
Instream Flow Program and how acquisitions could help the cWCB accomplish its mission, and how
our program can be used to address issues such as endangered, threatened or declining aquatic species.

A copy of the application is attached. The GOcO board will be making its decisions in February

2001.

Link to National Drought Policy Report: Because of the increased interest in drought planning
this year we have created a link between our website on the recently released report by the National
Drought Policy Commission. Our staff helped produce this report. The report can be found at
http://www .fsa. usda.gov/drought/.

Congress created the Commission in 1998 to "provide advice and recommendations on the tit
creation of an integrated, coordinated Federal policy designed to prepare for and respond to serious
drought emergencies." The law directed the Commission to "conduct a thorough study and submit a
report on national drought policy." The Commission's conclusions and recommendations are attached.

Open Space Council: On Aug. 23 the Governor's Commission on Saving Open Spaces, Farms
and Ranches met in Pueblo at the State Fair to discuss water issues including water leasing and water
transfers. The Commission was created in May 2000. The Commission was tasked with examining
public and private efforts to preserve land in Colorado. Its efforts include:

. Cataloguing state and private efforts to preserve open space, farms and ranches;
. Examining the procedures by which state and local governments prioritize the use of
taxpayer funds for land preservation;
. Identifying regulatory barriers to land preservation imposed by the state;
. Recommending the best means for providing agricultural landowners with maximum
flexibility for using their water rights;
. Reviewing the effectiveness of existing land preservation tools and recommending
additional strategies to further encourage land preservation;

The Commission is composed of 16 members drawn from the land preservation, environmental,
agricultural, wildlife, and government communities. Colorado House Speaker Russell George is
chairman of the Commission. This meeting was one of several that have been held by the Commission.
Recommendations are expected this fall.

Education Initiative: When the Colorado Water Congress Board of Directors met in Vail in J Ul_
it endorsed the Water Education Initiative you supported last spring. They pledged to continue to help

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