WSPC01240

• File Number: 8062
• Description: Federal Water Rights - Colorado Litigation - National Forest ISF Claims - Division 2
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 4/24/1998
• Author: Unknown
• Title: Materials of Interest - FSM 2500 - Chapter 2540 - Water Uses and Development
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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1. Prepare and update water uses and needs inventories.

2. Prepare water use notifications, water rights applications, and
analyses of water needs.

2541.1 - Determining Water Rights and Needs. The right to use the amount
of water needed to manage the National Forest System is provided under
authority of Federal laws (sec. 2541,01), or under State law, Determine
specific amounts required when claiming water rights under the
reservation doctrine, applying for water under State laws or purchasing
water rights. Identify specific uses, sources and quantities of water
needed. Water rights asserted under the Federal reserved rights doctrine
may provide for present and foreseeable future uses.

2541.11 - Inventory and Records Maintenance. The Forest Service Water
Uses, Requirements and Rights (WURR) system provides a uniform data file
for recording and storing information needed to properly manage water
uses and rights. File design and data elements definitions are described
in FSH 2509.17, chapter 10, Water Information Management System
Handbook. Use WURR and other files such as Landownership Status and Land
Use Reporting, that form the Landownership Management System (LOMS) (FSM
5490) to track current status of existing water rights and other
interests in water. Prepare and maintain inventory records to show (1)
valid water rights of private parties on National Forest System lands (2)
water rights of the United States including nature of rights such as
reserved, riparian, appropriative and so forth; and (3) foreseeable
National Forest water requirements. Prepare a map record of water uses
keyed to WURR.

2541.12 - Instream and Standing Water Requirements. Determine the amount
of water needed for instream and standing water purposes, particularly
for the following,

1. Adjudications. To be certain of meeting public obligations,
establish Forest Service claims for instream flows and standing water
during State or Federal court proceedings to adjudicate claims.

2. Land Management Planning. Many management objectives are
dependent upon certain water flow and lake-level conditions. Determine
the amount and location of water needed to meet management objectives.

3. Water Development Projects. Examine instream flow and standing
water level needs, and establish requirements whenever a diversion or
impoundment threatens to alter existing flows or levels.

Determine quantities of water needed to maintain instream flows for
recreation, fish and wildlife and other uses, as well as activities and
uses associated with timber production and securing favorable conditions
of water flow.

2541.2 - Establishing Rights to Water

2541.21 - Claims Under the Reservation Doctrine

1. Use the Organic Administration Act of la97 authority to claim
reserved water rights for consumptive or nonconsumptive needs on reserved
lands directly related to securing favorable conditions of water flow or
to furnish a continuous supply of timber. Claim the following:

a. Domestic water needed for Ranger Stations, fire stations,
work centers, housing, and other facilities constructed and
maintained for administering National Forest System programs for
watershed protection and timber production.

b. Water needed for fire protection and control.

c. Water needed for constructing and maintaining access roads
for timber production and watershed protection activities.

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