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I~"" . ~.~ - New Appropriati,ons' -, . 0 Description of Program Area The statutes vest the Board with exclusive authority to hold instream flow or natural lake level water rights. The Board appropriates new junior instream flow or natural lake level water rights on an annual basis in accordance with the timeline outlined in the ISF Rules. Each February, staff conducts a workshop to request recommendations for streams and lakes to be included in the Program. Recommendations must be submitted in writing and with specificity. Staff prioritizes recommendations based on several criteria including presence of critical species, special wildlife designations, unique habitats or features, or other factors. Prioritized recommendations are presented to the Board each March as the proposed ISF Workplan for the coming year. Staff conducts a natural environment and water availability analysis for each recommendation included on the workplan. The public has an opportunity to review and contest any recommendation pursuant to procedures outlined in the ISF Rules. All recommendations are presented to the Board to make the following determinations prior to filing a water right application with the water court: (a) A natural environment does exist on each stream and lake; (b) Water is available in each stream and lake for appropriation; (c) The natural environment will be preserved to a reasonable degree by the water available for the recommended appropriations; (d) There is a natural environment that can be preserved to a reasonable degree with the recommended water rights, if granted; and (e) Such natural environment can exist without material injury to water rights. Program Applications ~ Appropriated water rights on 1430 stream segments, covering 8,422 miles and 476 natural lakes. ~ Facilitation of regulatory compliance for water projects (Fry-Ark Project -1973, Windy Gap Project -1980, and Green Mountain Reservoir Water Sales -1985) ~ Protection of urban, riparian values (Little Dry Creek Homeowners' Association, Cherry Creek) ~ Streamflow protection for State Parks (Castiewood Canyon, Sylvan Lake) ~ Protection of unique hydrologic features (Deadhorse Creek, Hanging Lake) ~ Streamflow protection on federal lands (USFS and BLM) ~ Flow protection for Endangered Species (Colorado River) Issues and Challenges ~ Techniques for evaluating water availability. ~ Identification of streamflow protection needs for the state. ~ Quantification methodologies. ~ Prioritization of submitted recommendations. ~ Determination of effect on compacts other water rights. ~ Education and outreach.