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Bill Ritter, Jr. - Governor Harris D. Sherman - DNR Executive Director Jennifer Gimbel - CWCB Director . n er asin om ac rocess ~~ r From Harris Sherman Executive Director of DNR and Director of Compact Ne~otiations ~~~ '`~ If we let Colorado's water supply continue to evolve the way it is now, ~ what will our state look like in ~ 50 years? Is that what we want it to ~~ look like? If not what can and should ~ we do about it? Those are the questions I put to the members of the Interstate Basin Compact Commission-some of the best water mi nds i n Colorado-at our March meeting. They are fundamental and very difficult questions. Yet, it is of vital importance that we answer them. The responses were thoughtful, insightful, and generally concerned about our future. Farmers and ranchers from the West Slope and the eastern plains, Front Ran~e water providers, and environmentalists all expressed unease about the long-term vision of the state if we let water supply development continue on the path it is on. Dry-up of agriculture, the impact of millions of new residents in Colorado, and the need to do a better job balancing all uses among all users were common sentiments. When the Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC) members looked at the status quo, they saw a vision that is not the Colorado they want to see. There is strong desire across the state to take steps now to manage and control our water future. The question is what can we do, and that issue is far less settled. That is why the IBCC will spend the next several months exploring alternatives to this status quo vision and developing strategies for achieving a better vision for Colorado. Our meeting in May will look at a common vision for Colorado's water supply future and a proposed plan for examining various water supply strategies to achieve that common vision. Based on our progress, we w~~~ cont~nue tne a~~ at the August IBCC meet~ng and beyond. The March IBCC meeting was historic. I cannot recall a time when this kind of visioning discussion has taken place. The fact that water leaders from all regions representing all uses can come together and have this dialogue is a statement of just how far we have come these last few years. Prior to the 2002 drought and the Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI), I do not think this dialogue would have been possible. It is my sincere hope, however, that this dialogue does not end with the IBCC. Others around the state should ask themselves these same questions. The input of all interested stakeholders is critical. The Basin Roundtables in particular should explore these issues, but in turn they should extend it to include community leaders, civic organizations, and chambers of commerce throughout the state. The March IBCC meeting was just the first step. We have a long way to go and no one is sure what specific solutions will come out of this important discussion. Yet, our state will be better off for having this conversation, and hopefully it will produce sound long-range planning and action that both ensures a secure water future for our state while protecting and even enhancing those qualities that make Colorado such a special place. Stay tuned, and thanks for all that you do for Colorado.