WSP03180

• File Number: 8240.200.16.E
• Description: UCRBRIP Technical Committee
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 1/1/1996
• Author: UCRBRIP
• Title: Draft 1997 Work Plan Review
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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VI.

Study Area:

The study area will include the entire Upper Colorado River Basin, with
concentration on high priority areas such as the 15-Mile Reach, the Yampa River
below Craig. lower reaches of the Little Snake River. and in the White River below
Kenney Reservoir.

VII. Study Method/Approach:

VIII.

Water right studies are broken up into three phases: Phase I consists of a
reconnaissance level evaluation where basic, readily-available information about the
fight IS gathered from the proponent and from State records. From this information,
the consultant prepares a report to the Subcommittee which includes basic
information about the right. its benefit to the Program, and a recommendation on
the advisability of the Program procuring the right.

When a water right is found to be of interest to the Program, Phase II is authorized.
In Phase II, the consultant prepares a detailed analysis of the yield of the right,
determines the value of the water right to the Program, and prepares an appraisal
of the market value of the right. The Phase II study is done to a level of detail so
that appropriate State agencies are able to use the information in converting the
water right to instream flow for endangered fish.

Phase III activities are ad hoc efforts which need to be accomplished to lay the
foundations for future water right acquisition.

Task Oescription and Schedule:

E'h a S e..LTasks..M1l',0o.clude.:

A. Contacting proponents once they have submitted a complete water right
description form to the Program to secure any missing information.

B. Contacting the State Engineer, District Engineers. and local Water
Commissioners to obtain available information on the yield of the water right.

C. Developing limited information on recent comparable water right sales in the
area so that a rough estimate of the value of the right can be made.

D. Preparing a written report estimating the yield and rough estimate of the
market value of the water right. The report should also describe the utility of
the water right in providing water for endangered fish during periods when,
and in places where. the fish need additional flows.

E. Presenting'oral reports to the Water Acquisition Committee and Management
Committee on the water rights evaluated. The consultant will have developed
sufficient information to make recommendations and present evidence on the
benefit of acquiring the water right.

F.

If the consultant recommends that the watef fight should be acquired and the
Management Committee concurs, the consultant will develop a scope of work
for Phase II based upon the information gained in Phase I. The scope of work
will be of sufficient detail so that it may be used as a contract for Phase II
work.

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