25 ‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 3/18/2008
• Description: ISF Section - 2009 Instream Flow Appropriations
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

STATE OF COLORADO
Colorado Water Conservation Board
Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Rooin 721
Den~rer, Colorado 80203
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www. cwcb. state. co.u s
Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor
TO: Colorado Water Conservation Board Members
Harris D. Sherman
DNR Executive Du'ector
FROM: Jeff Baessler
Stream and Lake Protection Section Jennifer z. Gi'nbel
cwcB Direet~,'
DATE: March 9 2008 Dan 1V1°`~nliffc
~ CWCB Deputy Director
SUBJECT: Agenda Item 25, March 18-19, 2008, Board Meeting
Stream and Lake Protection Section - 2009 Instream Flow Appropriations
Summa>ty
This memo outlines 35 new instream tlow recommendations that are being noticed and
processed by staff for possible inclusion into the Instream flow and Natural Lake Level Program
in 2009. It also reviews the current basin rotation approach to considering new
recommendations as well as the merits of a prioritization approach for considering
recommendations.
Staff recommends that the Board eliminate the basin rotation approach for considering new
appropriations and replace it with a prioritization approach that is based on the Environmental
Plan of Action as outlined in the Board's revised strategic plan.
Background
On Feblualy 13, 2008, Staff held its annual Instream Flow Workshop at the Colorado History
Museum in Denver. The meeting was well attended by staff, two CWCB Members and
representatives from the CDOW, BLM, Trout Unlimited, USFS, Upper Arkansas Water
Conservancy District, Denver Water, City of Louisville, City of Greeley, Boulder County, Eagle
County, Routt County and others.
The main objective of the workshop was to allow stakeholders an opportunity to present stream
and lake recommendations to staff and the Board for inclusion in the Instream Flow and Natural
Lake Level (ISF) program in 2009. Each entity was given an opportunity to provide specific
information regarding the natural environment to be protected and to discuss why protection was
important for these particular streams. During the workshop, the Board and the public had the
opportunity to raise questions and/or concerns regarding the recommendations. Under the
Board's ISF Rules, the earliest that the Board could declare its intent to appropriate water rights
on these streams is January 2009.
Water Supply Protection • R'atershed Protection & Flood Dlitigation • Stream & Lake Protection • ~i'ater Supply Planning & Finance
Water Conservation & Drought Planning • Intrastate Water Management & Development