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<br />000" 'J:" <br />0, <,' <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. Water Right. - Because of the large numbers of streams and water rights <br />analyzed, it was not possible in a summary document to list each water right <br />individually. Nor is it possible to include information about administration <br />practices and stipulations which affect the exercise of each water right. The <br />focus is on summarizing the extent of current water use on each stream system. <br />Please note that this report does not contain information about Utah water rights <br />for those portions of the Colorado WSAs which cross the Utah-Colorado border. <br /> <br />It is assumed that any water rights listed in this report will be senior to any <br />water right created to support new wilderness areas. Under the terms of the <br />Federal Land Policy and Management Act, any existing water rights could continue <br />to be exercised after designation of new wilderness areas. <br /> <br />. Water-Dependent Wilderne.. Value. - Because of the complex relationships <br />between streamflows and wilderness values, it was not possible in a summary <br />document to quantify these relationships. Rather, the focus of this report is <br />on identifying and listing water-dependent values which Congress may want to <br />consider in creating legislation. <br /> <br />. Congres.ional Power. - Interpretation of this report assumes that the reader <br />is aware that Congress, rather than the BLK, will determine whether water rights <br />are created to support wilderness values. Congress will also make the final <br />determination of wilderness boundaries. <br /> <br />. Water Policy I.auea - This report does NOT attempt to address the following <br />water policy issues: <br /> <br />- Predict the impact of wilderness water rights on perfecting conditional <br />water rights, transferring absolute water rights to new locations, and <br />other changes to existing water rights. <br /> <br />- Predict the impact of wilderness designation on water quality management <br />of the streams which pass through wilderness areas. <br /> <br />- Discuss various mechanisms through which water could be secured for <br />wilderness uses, such as contracts, water right acquisition, etc. <br /> <br />- Economic impact of allocating water to human uses versus allocating <br />water to support wilderness values. <br /> <br />- Allocation of water which arises on federal lands versus waters which <br />arise on private, local government, and state lands. <br /> <br />Information Sources and Review <br /> <br />Representatives from water user organizations, municipalities, Colorado <br />Department of Natural Resources (Division of Water Resources), and affected <br />interest groups have been asked to review this document to insure objectivity and <br />accuracy. Information was also obtained from U.s. Bureau of Reclamation, U.s. <br />Fish and Wildlife Service, and from field work by 5LK staff. <br /> <br />Any member of the public is welcome to contact BLK with information which can <br />Lmprove the accuracy of this report. Questions and information can be directed <br />to: <br /> <br />Roy Smith - Water Rights Coordinator <br />Bureau of Land Management <br />Colorado State Office <br />2850 Youngfield St. <br />Lakewood, CO 80215 <br /> <br />303/239-3940 <br /> <br />2 <br />