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ApPENDIX 1 ISSUES OF ALLOCATIONS: RECONCILING SUPPLY WITH DEMAND REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING FARMINGTON, NM Over time we've developed a system in the upper basin thats unique, irrigation issues in lower basin is very differ- ent than in the upper basin states. REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING SALT LAKE CITY, LJT Are farmers paying as much as they should for their water? Context is that some people feel that Colorado River water is delivered at a cost lower than groundwater, for example. Water is a natural resource, we shouldn't get into this. Those who bought water rights years ~go shouldn't have their prices messed with just because the value has gone up. Pricing isn't the issue, its just one little part of the issue. As an irrigator, always need to remember that kilowatt hours means water to people outside of the basin. 90% of reaSon we're here is because of the states water laws. We don't want the federal government to take over the water laws. After aH these many years, we've established what is needed in different areas. The laws cover the situations, we don't want to see majDr changes. Very complex issue. Salinity ~nd agriculture; When someone looks at land and sees it is only worth sa many doHars per acre, they may say, let's buy it out. But we improve land because the prod- uct has a value, and one product is community. We can afford to buyout ranchers, but thats not necessarily the best route. REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING ON"fARIO, CA The concern for farmers is, with rising price of water, we can only afford to grow high value cash crops. Alfalfa is gone. Impacts of water prices on different types of crops. Costs relate to delivery costs because of infrastucture limitations. ImpJ.cts of resource protection on irrigation. Economic impacts of what's going on in Mexico, social and economic implications of water quality. Not just quantity but also quality of received water, largely salinity issue. Can't use reclaimed water for certain crops because of salinity problems. Could say the effect of urbanization on agriculture. An important issue is the social impacts from loss of agri- culture or implementation of programs to enhance water supply to certain areas and uses. Are we looking at agriculture's future role in basin? Could be more specific and relate specifically to conserva- tion, etc. REGIONAL.. STAKEHOLDER MEETING DENVER, co Financial impacts and arrangements that occur from changing water uses. Way beyond irrigation. It's financial impacts to stakeholders, it could be bondholder in NYC. We're talking about constraints or limits of how you may use your water and its effect on bonds, etc. REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING FARMINGTON, NM The United States has subsidized agriculture all over the country, all subsidies may not be bad. Part of the issue is in defining a subsidy Most water goes to irrigation where we grow low-value crops. Are we going to perpetuate this kind of economics? There needs to be a balance. Some people enjoy looking at fields, there are aesthetic values for agriculture as well. REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING ROCK SPRINGS, WY Should lower basin be competing with Mississippi Delta where lands are being retired and cotton is subsidized in Arizona. REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER MEETING ST. GEORGF-, UTAH In the paper, the Spectrum, people write about the eco- nomic aspects of irrigation in our area. Some view it is all just play farming, it doesn't help the economic status of the county. But to the users it is very important. Many would say stop farming, send it down the river. Same don't think agriculture is a feasible way to use water, but some of us think of it as our way of life. This is what we are afraid of. Like the endangered species act, it is hard to prove, like the tortoise that was brought in, not native. Other species that are native, will live regardless of the drought. I am concerned because the Bureau has changed their role in building of the west-building of dams to turning it over to an agency to make a study. I am con- cerned about what they are taking away from us, particu- larly through the Endangered Species Act. Different views of people who move into the area than those who have lived here. Some people want to take control and they do it through the Act. I think they might be more interested in POWER than in the species they are protecting. REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER Mt::ETING ROCK SPRINGS, WY Cost based vs. market based. If we are to consider market values of water, there must also be a financial commit- ment from new uses of water.