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Water news and events for southwestern Colorado
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WATER INFORMATION PROGRAM 
July 2017 Newsletter
www.waterinfo.org
LOCAL NEWS

Dolores River Release and Its Effects

 
Photo: Lindsay Pierce, The Denver Post
 
The Lower Dolores Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Plan created a team that helped to manage the 2017 releases. They were able to adapt and fine tune the releases and coordinate extensive monitoring efforts via weekly meetings involving The Nature Conservancy, American Whitewater, Dolores River Boating Advocates, DWCD and Reclamation. They were able to keep the Reservoir full for an extended period which supported a full irrigation supply and the prospect of good carry-over storage going into 2018.

“This has been a banner year for the health and enjoyment of the Dolores River and the working relationships among those who worked hard to plan and help manage the biggest release since 2008,” says Mike Preston, General Manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District. “In the end, there were 86 boatable days including peak flows of 4000cfs and 11 days of flows above 2000cfs.  The Lower Dolores Monitoring and Recommendation Team was well prepared with ecological and boating objectives for a release of this magnitude. By working together, we were able to hit every target set by the Monitoring and Recommendation Team.  This was no simple matter give the early warming and onset of releases, and a declining inflow forecast as the release unfolded,” says Preston.

The high-water amounts in McPhee Reservoir allowed for significant releases which ran from the end of March to May 21 and another release in June. This release put an additional 200,000 acre feet of water into the river, restoring the lifeblood to the community. The way the water was released from the dam allowed for management in a way that maximized the benefits for both people and nature.

A release of this magnitude had not happened for nearly a decade and allowed the river to run full, and “return to life.” This release was also unique from any in the past because it truly benefited all stakeholders and the entire community.

There is going to be a meeting at the Dolores Community Center on August 16, 6:00PM to re-cap the 2017 release with boaters.  Later this fall the Monitoring and Recommendation Team will meet to review the ecological and boater monitoring data.  The full Dolores River Dialogue will be convened this winter to share what was learned and take input from the full range of stakeholders.


 
 
Photo: Lindsay Pierce, The Denver Post
 
For Video on the effects of the release go to: www.nature.org/photos-and-video/video/dolores-river-release

Stay tuned for more information on the Ecological and Recreation Monitoring on the Dolores in the next newsletter
 

Southwestern Water Conservation District to Review Grant Applications Once a Year

Submit 2018 Applications Starting November 1, 2017 
 
The Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD) periodically offers financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to qualified entities that are carrying out the statutory purposes of the District. At their June 15 meeting, the SWCD board acted to consider grants on an annual basis (once a year) starting in calendar year 2018. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications starting on November 1, 2017, but no later than December 15, 2017, for any funding requests to be disbursed during the 2018 calendar year. Please submit applications as early as possible within the given time frame; this will allow ample time to work with District staff to ensure that your application meets all requirements and adopted criteria in advance of the December 15 deadline. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. The board will then review and consider, all accepted applications in early 2018. More information will be provided in September or October of this year regarding any adjustments to grant criteria that the board may make at their August or October meetings.

Please contact the SWCD office, 970-247-1302, or visit the website (swwcd.org) with any questions.  Updated application forms and information regarding grant criteria for 2018 will be available on the SWCD website no later than October 13, 2017.

  2017 Southwest Basin Tour

 
The Colorado Foundation for Water Education hosted the Southwest Basin Tour that took place on June 13 – 14, based out of Telluride. The opportunity to learn and see what other Basin’s are doing was such a rich learning and fun experience. This tour also brought a contingent of the Water Resource Review Committee to see what innovations and water management was happening in the Southwestern area.

The tour illustrated strategies from the Southwest Basin Implementation Plan and their broader application to statewide issues in Colorado’s Water Plan. We learned about the nexus between water and the local agricultural, mining/energy, recreation, environmental protection, and ski industries.  A variety of presenters conveyed  the importance of partnerships and collaborations in water resource management, water supply planning, and river protection.

This was a very informative and fun tour which helped elected officials, community leaders and interested citizens gain a well rounded, objective look at regional water management considerations.

A few highlights of the wide range of areas we toured and topics that were presented included a discussion of the Southwest Basin overview and Basin Implementation Plan priorities; we visited the Indian Ridge Farm in Noorwood and learned about the local food economy, historical and current agriculture and water focus and innovative ag water practices. We saw the proposed site for the Montrose County reservoir at Maverick Draw; drove through the canyon to view the incredible Hanging Flume overlook which follows the wild and scenic San Miguel to the confluence of the San Miguel and Dolores River. Standing at the confluence we learned more about the Dolores River release and the native fish restoration and management. There was so much more that was presented on this tour it would fill too many pages.

I would like to point out one of the highlights, the Telluride Valley Floor and River Restoration Project (VFPP), that was created and presented by Hilary Cooper. Telluride purchased the Valley Floor in 2008 with the intention of preserving the open space in perpetuity, the organizers immediately got to work figuring out how to restore any human tinkering that had degraded the wilderness. The goal to getting the river back to its more geologic, historic proportions.  The project took 10 years, from 2007 to 2017 to complete.  

For more info on the VFRR you can go to: https://valleyfloor.org/

Colorado Foundation for Water Education offers this tour annually at different locations throughout Colorado, and I would highly recommend it!

 
   

Southwest Colorado Leaders Visit D.C. to Push for Superfund Funding


From Trout Unlimited:
 
San Juan and La Plata County officials say the Animas River cleanup depends on EPA priority and funding
 
In the wake of the Trump administration’s proposed deep cuts to EPA funding, Southwest Colorado leaders flew to the nation’s capital this week to meet with top EPA officials and lawmakers to deliver a strong message: The health of the Animas River, and therefore our community’s economic health and vitality, depends on full funding of the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund process and other mine cleanup programs.

The group of Colorado officials included former Durango mayor and current City Councilor Dean Brookie, La Plata County Commissioner Brad Blake, San Juan County Commissioner Scott Fetchenhier and Trout Unlimited’s San Juan Mountains Coordinator, Ty Churchwell. 

In recent public statements, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said that the EPA’s primary focus under his watch will be Superfund cleanups.  However, local communities such as Durango and Silverton are concerned that the draft 2018FY federal budget recommends cutting funds to the Superfund program by 25 percent.

In 2016, EPA declared portions of the upper Animas watershed in San Juan County (CO) a Superfund site to address the Aug. 5, 2015 Gold King mine spill and ongoing pollution caused by historic area hardrock mines, which for decades have leached toxic heavy metals into the Animas watershed, heavily degrading water quality in the upper parts of the watershed. The Superfund designation identified 48 mines in the Silverton area that could be cleaned up under the Superfund listing.

Southwest Colorado communities are also concerned, the group said, about the proposed complete defunding of the EPA’s Non-Point Source (NPS) 319 grant program, which is one of the most important funding sources for non-Superfund mine cleanups. NPS 319 funds are utilized by watershed groups, non-profits—such as Trout Unlimited and the Animas River Stakeholders Group—and state and federal agencies such as the BLM and Colorado’s Department of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) to leverage monies collaboratively.  


 

Save the Date: Water 101 & 202 Seminar - October 5 & 6, 2017


The Water Information Program will once again be sponsoring the popular Annual Water 101 Workshop, as well as the added Water 202 Session. Topics include water law, an explanation of water-related agencies and organizations, as well as discussion about timely and important water topics and issues. The 202 Session will provide more in-depth information on water law to include compacts and the water court process.

The Seminar will feature a line-up of qualified speakers, including the keynote—Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hobbs (retired), as well as representatives from federal, state, and local agencies.

The workshop and session will take place October 5 - 6, 2017 at the Pagosa Community Center from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on the 5th and 8:30 am to noon on the 6th. Information about registration will be coming soon!

Mark your calendar for this very informative workshop!
AROUND THE STATE

Colorado Water Conservation Board Names Becky Mitchell New Director

 
Becky Mitchell was promoted to the new Director of The Colorado Water Conservation Board.

Her recent role with the CWCB was Water Supply Planning – Section Chief where she led high-level water policy development including Colorado’s first Water Plan as directed by Governor Hickenlooper. She was also responsible for directing and implementing the Statewide Water Supply Initiative, as well as activities for the Inter-Basin Compact Committee and nine Basin Roundtables.

For a recent story on Becky Mitchell go to: www.vaildaily.com/news/colorado-water-conservation-board-names-becky-mitchell-new-director/

Brenda Burman of Arizona to be Commissioner of Reclamation, Department of the Interior

President Trump announced that he will nominate a widely respected veteran of Western water issues to commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation.

Brenda Burman is currently the director of water strategy at the Salt River Project, the largest provider of water and power in the Phoenix metropolitan area. If confirmed, Ms. Burman, a former park ranger at the Grand Canyon, would be the first female bureau commissioner.

Ms. Burman has worked for nearly 20 years on western water matters including Tribal water settlements, Colorado River, and other river basin issues.  Under the George W. Bush Administration, Ms. Burman served as Deputy Commissioner, the number two position at Reclamation, before becoming Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science.  Ms. Burman holds a J.D. from the University of Arizona and a B.A. from Kenyon College.

WIP LIBRARY CORNER

SlingShot - (2014)


Half of the people in hospitals around the world today are suffering from preventable water-borne illnesses. SlingShot introduces us to quirky Segway inventor Dean Kamen, whose most recent quest is to improve water quality for millions with his relatively simple invention. As often happens with technological innovation, in looking for a solution for one problem, Kamen happened upon the solution to another. His healthcare engineering firm developed a home dialysis machine, which he realized could also be used as a small scale water distiller. Why not empower the individual with a personal water utility? This point-of-use generation of clean water could protect millions of people from contracting water-borne illnesses, if only he could overcome the hurdles that come with distributing a new technology. While giving a peek into the inventor’s life, the documentary follows Kamen’s quest to distribute this potentially life-saving device. Watch the film trailer here.


The WIP lending library has more than 200 water-related books and movies available for checkout. Stop by to find a book or DVD of interest to you. Want to write a review? We'll share it in the newsletter!
 
Upcoming Events
 
July 22
Natural & Human History of the La Plata Mountains
Durango Nature Center
Durango, CO

July 25
West Slope Water Diplomacy-What Does the Future Hold?
Grand Valley Fire Protection District

July 30th 
San Juan Odyssey: an MSI anniversary tour in celebration of the mountains we love 
Mountain Discovery Center (114 E 12th Street) in Silverton, CO

Aug. 14 - 16
Silverton Innovation Expo
Supporting the Evolution of Mining and Reclamation in the West
Silverton School
Silverton, CO

August 22 - 24
The Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference
Steamboat Grand
Steamboat, CO

September 8 
San Miguel Stream Management Plan Public Meeting
Moose Lodge - 6:30pm
Nucla, CO

September 15
River District Annual Water Seminar
Grand Junction, CO

October 11
Southwest Basin Roundtable Meeting
Durango Public Library
Durango, CO

Oct. 5 - 6
Water 101 & 202 Seminar

Pagosa Springs Community Center
Pagosa Springs, CO

Oct. 10-12
Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference
Westin Riverfront Resort, Avon, CO


Any events you would like to add? Send them to elaine@waterinfo.org.
More Information

Get weekly water legislation updates
(ask brucew@swwcd.org to get regular emails)

SW Colorado snow, flow and reservoir data all in one spot

CWCB newsletter

Headwaters PULSE newsletter

Grants

NEW: Water Plan Grant Program!

Colorado Water Conservation Board

Bureau of Reclamation Small Scale Water Efficiency Projects

Colorado Watershed Assembly Grants Bank 

NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program

 Riparian Restoration Connection

SW Water Conservation District

Jobs

Lake Durango Water Authority
Administrative Assistant


Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District:
Comptroller

San Juan Water Conservancy District is looking for board members:
http://www.sjwcd.org
 

Western Resources Advocates:
Government Affairs Director

Strategic Engagement Manager, Healthy Rivers Program

Legal Intern – Boulder, CO

Colorado Foundation for Agriculture
Executive Director
To apply for this position, applicants must submit requested materials electronically to leeann@growingyourfuture.com by August 14, 2017


Check out the
Colorado Waterwise Job Bank

Thank you to all of WIP's partner entities for their support for water education!

Water Information Program
841 E Second Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
www.waterinfo.org

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