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<br />", <br />, <br /> <br />'\ <br /> <br />rights upstream. Expansion of the National Monument and designation of a Wild and <br />Scenic River in the Gunnison Gorge are also expected to affect upstream water users. <br />Perhaps the most serious impacts to historic water-based recreation and other uses will <br />occur with the re-examination of the Aspinall Unit's effect on endangered fish species <br />habitat downstream. <br /> <br />Concern over the result of these Federal initiatives comes at a time when there is <br />unprecedented competition for Gunnison River water within Colorado. The major <br />transmountain diversion projects proposed in the last 5 years have caused USBR and <br />water users throughout the basin to take a renewed interest in administration of local <br />water resources and in the processes involved in planning for water projects in today's <br />economic climate. Local water users, local governments, USBR, and the State Engineer <br />have recognized needs for additional tools to help keep track of water in the basin and <br />to more effectively plan for future projects. With increased competition for water comes <br />more strict adherance to rules and regulations. With the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the <br />National Park Service, and East-slope municipalities demanding an accurate accounting, <br />it is inevitable that the water rights, storage accounts, and exchanges operating in the <br />Gunnison Basin will be subject to strict administration. There exists an opportunity for <br />local water user groups to participate in decisions affecting this administration-accounting, <br />rather than waiting for Federal and State directives which might disregard local needs. <br /> <br />PROJECT SPONSORSHIP <br /> <br />The following organizations have joined forces in contributing money and staff time <br />toward development of the decision-making tools needed to improve water administration <br />and planning in the Gunnison River Basin: <br /> <br />-u. S. Bureau of Reclamation <br />-Colorado River Water Conservation <br />District <br />-Office of the State Engineer <br />-Uncompahgre Valley Water Users <br />Association <br /> <br />-Colorado Water Conservation Board <br />-Upper Gunnison River Water <br />Conservancy District <br />-Tri-County Water Conservancy <br />District <br /> <br />$360,000 has been budgeted for the project, including Federal matching money, Colorado <br />Water Conservation Board funds, and donations of cash and in-kind services from the <br />other entities. <br /> <br />2 <br />