CCWCD

Report Analyzes Water Acquisition Market in Front Range Cities

Christopher Schall — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:24:25 +0000

Report Analyzes Water Acquisition Market in Front Range Cities

Water costs cities anywhere from $5,200 to $16,200 per acrefoot according to a report prepared by University of Colorado’s Douglas Kenney, PhD.

Kenney, director of the Western Water policy Program at CU’s Natural Resources Law Center, examined three methods of water purchase used in the Front Range market:

Water developed through future water projects: $16,200/AF
Water developed through purchase of agricultural rights: $14,000/AF
Water developed through conservation efforts: $5,200/AF

Kenney’s report unveils issues in determining the cost of future water development. For water transfers, “receipts” detailing the purchase price and change of use costs are rare, a strategy Kenny believes creates market leverage for buyers and sellers in future transactions. Additionally, Kenny reveals maintenance costs of conservation programs and water project are difficult to articulate, but remain a critical factor in cost/benefit decision making.

Kenny’s report is split into two phases, with the final report released in June, 2011.

For further information about the report and it’s objectives, please visit: the WWPP website. Click here to download a copy of the report.

2012 Well User’s Meeting

Christopher Schall — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:03:11 +0000

above: Stulp, Nettles, Huson.

2012 Well User’s Meeting

Snowpack, high water tables, and strategic planing were among topics presented at CCWCD’s 2012 well user’s meeting.

Over 100 constituents of the Ground Water Management Subdistrict (GMS) and the Well Augmentation Subdistrict (WAS) attended, providing feedback and insight to augmentation efforts. Within the agenda, keynote speakers included John Stulp (Special Water Policy Advisor to the Governor), Dave Nettles (Colorado Division of Water Resources), and Ken Huson (City of Longmont).

High water table issues throughout the district spurred constituents to ask – “why?” Nettles was the first to address the issue: “High water tables are being observed in some areas (within the Districts), and to address this, legislation is being presented to update the 2006 South Platte Decision Support Tool, fund research projects, and provide the state engineer with tools to address concerns.”

Ken Huson from the City of Longmont highlighted the partnership between CCWCD and the city, expanding on it’s positive effect, and highlighted the Windy Gap Project. “We’re meeting our goals with the partnership – enhance water supplies and meet our customer demands”.

Stulp delivered the governors mission to make water issues a focus, and encouraged constituents to be alert to legislation, particularly the recent Public Trust Initiatives. (Open info about the initiatives in new window). Stulp also commented on the future water needs of Colorado citing storage, conservation, and, as a last resort, Ag Transfer, as methods to meet demand. Stulp strongly encouraged participation in the South Platte Round Tables (open site in new window) and suggested contacting table members with ideas and concerns.

The end of the meeting was delivered by CCWCD staff. Budget issues, water assets and management, and programs efforts like water quality and education were presented.

Randy Ray, Executive Director of CCWCD highlighted recent accomplishments in both WAS and GMS. During the presentation, WAS scenarios developed by the CCWCD board of directors were presented. Randy informed WAS members to expect more information about scenarios through meetings and mailings.

The well user meeting is set on a yearly basis to deliver news to the constituent base. Announcements for the next meeting will be posted to the CCWCD web site.

USGS Develops New Drought Mapping Tools

Christopher Schall — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:43:51 +0000

USGS Develops New Drought Mapping Tools

Source: USGS

By Dennis O’Brien

Farmers and water managers may soon have an online tool to help them assess drought and irrigation impacts on water use and crop development, thanks to the work of two U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists.

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists Martha Anderson and Bill Kustas have developed an evapotranspiration (ET) and drought modeling system at the ARS Hydrology and Remote Sensing Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. The modeling system also will help forecasters monitor ET and drought conditions across the United States and overseas.

ARS is USDA’s principal intramural scientific research agency, and the research supports the USDA priorities of responding to climate change and promoting international food security.

The model, known as ALEXI (Atmosphere-Land Exchange Inverse), uses thermal infrared imagery from satellites and calculates soil and plant temperatures that can be used to create maps of ET rates of plants growing in cultivated areas, forests and natural habitats around the world.

ET consists of the water evaporated from soil and plant surfaces, and the water vapor that escapes, or transpires, through plant leaf pores (stomata) as the plants absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Generally, evaporation cools surfaces, so a cooler land surface is an indicator of higher ET rates and wetter soils.

Water stress elevates soil and leaf temperatures, which can be detected by satellites. Anderson and Kustas can use satellite temperature data to create ET maps. The maps are capable of detecting rivers, lakes, wetlands, riparian buffers, irrigated cropland and areas under water stress.

The work is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NOAA plans to use the system to generate ET estimates over the continental United States. The system is expected to become particularly relevant as climate change presents challenges for growers and water managers in areas such as the Texas Panhandle, the Florida Everglades and the southwestern United States.

Getting routine ET estimates for individual fields is laborious, but the researchers are streamlining the process. With help from new satellite imagery, they hope to be able to move toward routine mapping at the “field scale” level.

ALEXI has been estimating evapotranspiration (ET) rates since 2000, but the researchers continue to refine the system and plan to make the maps available online soon on the U.S. Drought Portal at www.drought.gov.

Anderson and Kustas, with colleagues, are currently mapping parts of Africa, including the Horn of Africa, where drought has caused famine in Somalia. Local ET data would be particularly helpful in places such as Africa, where networks of weather stations don’t exist.

Read more about this research in the February 2012 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

Constitutional Amendments May Change Historic Water Laws

Christopher Schall — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:16:11 +0000

Constitutional Amendments May Change Historic Water Laws

Activist Richard Hamilton and accompanying lawyer Phillip Doe seek to overturn nearly 150 years of water law.

Doe and Hamilton seek amendments to the Colorado constitution to abandon the prior appropriation doctrine, and replace it with a public trust system. Such actions, if approved by voters, will shift ownership of unappropriated water to the public, and strip water rights from farms, municipalities, and state organizations.

In Doe’s overhaul, water use will be limited to recreational and non-consumptive water activities. The proposed amendment does not permit activities that fully consume water – including various agricultural, city, and commercial water applications. Any water actives sought besides recreation will require court approval.

The changes to water law are currently not a ballot issue, but Hammilton and Doe are seeking signatures to bring the issue to vote.

For more information, and methods to act, please contact the Colorado Water Congress,

The Colorado Doctrine – Brief Overview of Current Water Law

The Colorado Doctrine is a set of laws regarding water use and land ownership, adopted by the
people of Colorado starting in the 1860s. It defines four essential principles of Colorado water law:

1) All surface and groundwater in Colorado is a public resource for beneficial use by public agencies and
private persons;

2) A water right is a right to use a portion of the public’s water resources;

3) Water rights owners may build facilities on the lands of others to divert, extract, or move water from a
stream or aquifer to its place of use; and,

4) Water rights owners may use streams and aquifers for the transportation and storage of water.

Key Notes about the Public Trust Initiative:

Initiative #3 – The Adoption of the Public Trust Doctrine
Modifies Article XVI, Section 5 of the Colorado Constitution.

Key Provisions: THE PUBLIC CONFERS THE RIGHT TO THE USE OF ITS WATER, AND THE DIVERSION OF THE WATER TO AN APPROPRIATOR FOR A BENEFICIAL USE AS A GRANT FROM THE PEOPLE OF COLORADO TO THE APPROPRIATOR FOR THE COMMON GOOD. THIS COLORADO PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE PROTECTS THE PUBLIC’S INTERESTS IN THE WATER OF NATURAL STREAMS AND TO INSTRUCT THE STATE OF COLORADO TO DEFEND THE PUBLIC’S WATER OWNERSHIP RIGHTS OF USE AND PUBLIC ENJOYMENT. THIS COLORADO PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE PROVIDES THAT THE PUBLIC’S ESTATE IN WATER IN COLORADO HAS A LEGAL AUTHORITY SUPERIOR TO RULES AND TERMS OF CONTRACTS OR PROPERTY LAW. A USUFRUCT RIGHT IS SERVIENT TO THE PUBLIC’S DOMINANT WATER ESTATE. A USUFRUCT WATER USER IS IMPRESSED UNDER THE CONDITION THAT NO USE OF WATER HAS DOMINANCE OR PRIORITY OVER NATURAL STREAM OR PUBLIC HEALTH WELL-BEING.
THE RIGHT OF THE PUBLIC TO THE USE OF THE WATER IN A NATURAL STREAM AND TO THE LANDS OF THE BANKS OF THE STREAMS WITHIN COLORADO SHALL EXTEND TO THE NATURALLY-WETTED HIGH WATER MARK OF THE STREAM AND IS IMPRESSED WITH NAVIGATION SERVITUDE FOR COMMERCE AND PUBLIC USE AS RECOGNIZED IN THIS COLORADO PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE.
Status:
Submitted – 5/4/2010
Title Board Hearing – 12/21/2011

Initiative #45 – Limits on Water Diversion
Modifies Article XVI, Section 6 of the Colorado Constitution.

Key Provisions: THE RIGHT TO DIVERT ANY WATERS WITHIN THE STATE OF COLORADO TO BENEFICIAL USES SHALL NEVER BE DENIED, BUT MAY BE LIMITED, OR CURTAILED, SO AS TO PROTECT NATURAL ELEMENTS OF THE PUBLIC’S DOMINANT WATER ESTATE BY HOLDING UNLAWFUL ANY USUFRUCT USE OF WATER CAUSING IRREPARABLE HARM TO THE PUBLIC’S ESTATE. REQUIRES THE WATER USE APPROPRIATOR TO RETURN WATER UNIMPAIRED TO THE PUBLIC, AFTER USE, SO AS TO PROTECT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE PUBLIC’S USE AND ENJOYMENT OF WATERS. THE PUBLIC CONFERS THE PRIVILEGE FOR THE USE AND DIVESION OF ITS WATER TO ANY APPROPRIATOR FOR THE COMMON GOOD. ENFORCEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF USES OF WATER SHALL BE PROTECTIVE OF THE PUBLIC’S RIGHTS AND INTERESTS, ARE MANDATED TO THE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE, AND JUDICIAL BRANCHES OF COLORADO STATE GOVERNMENT TO ACT, AS STEWARDS, TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC’S INTERESTS IN ITS WATER ESTATE.
Status:
Submitted – 11/17/2011
Review and Comment Hearing – 12/1/2011
Title Board – 12/21/2011

MINUTES OF THE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT August 16, 2011

Christopher Schall — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:12:49 +0000

The regular monthly meeting of the Groundwater Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District was held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at Central’s office located at 3209 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M., and the following Directors were present: Gary Herman, President; Frank Eckhardt, Vice President; Vern Kammerzell, Treasurer; Tom Brown, Everett Kissler, John Tuttle, Don Rosenbrock, Ralph Anders, Jim Reasoner, Randy Knutson, Doug Dill, Don Rosenbrock and Bill Schmidt.

Others present were: Randy Ray, Executive Director; Ruthanne Schaffer, Senior Water Accountant; Lynn Kramer, Contracts Manager; Danyelle McCannon, Chief Financial Officer, and Kim Lawrence of Lawrence, Jones, Custer and Grasmick. Special guests were Kelly Custer of Lawrence, Jones, Custer and Grasmick, Ed Armbruster of Leonard Rice Engineers, and contract holder Paul Sater.

ACCEPT INTO THE RECORD THE CONSENT CALENDAR, AND MINUTES OF JUNE AND JULY AS PRESENTED.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Jim Reasoner
MOTION CARRIED

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

Paul Sater addressed the board about a temporary commercial/industrial use for some of his allocated water.

ACTION ITEMS

Lynn Kramer presented 1 Class D Irrigation Allotment contract for board approval.

APPROVE THE TRANSFER FROM MARK MCCARTHY, CONTRACT #949 TO TOSHIHIRO KIZAKI, CONTRACT #1048.
Motion: Doug Dill
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

Discussion was held concerning contract wells in the GMS decree.

CORRECT THE LOCATION OF THE HOOD WELL IN TABLE 1 OF THE GMS DECREE CASE 02CW335 AND THE WELL OWNER WILL BE CHARGED LEGAL AND ENGINEERING COSTS, WITH $750 UP FRONT.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Bill Schmidt
MOTION CARRIED

MAKE THE CORRECTIONS REGARDING THE MURRAY AND HOLTON WELLS IN TABLE 1 OF THE GMS DECREE CASE 02CW335.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

The board discussed Paul Sater’s request concerning temporary commercial industrial use on his contract.

CENTRAL WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AUGMENTATION WATER PURSUANT TO PAUL SATER’S CLASS D CONTRACT #485 IN THE AMOUNT OF THE ANNUAL ALLOCATION IF THE WELL IS PERMITTED FOR TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL USE. COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL USE WILL BE 100% CONSUMPTIVE AND SEPERATELY METERED.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Jim Reasoner
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE TWO HERMAN AWEP POND AGREEMENTS.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Vern Kammerzell
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE PROPOSED DRAFT CHANGE IN THE RURAL BY-LAW AND THAT THE MAXIMUM OUT OF POCKET TO CCWCD WOULD BE $7,500.00.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE PLATTEVILLE DITCH CONSOLIDATION AGREEMENT.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE GMS QUOTA TRADING ZONE CHANGES TO BEGIN ON APRIL 1, 2012 AS FOLLOWS: ZONES A-1 AND A-2 COMBINED INTO ZONE A, ZONES B-1 AND B-2 COMBINED INTO ZONE B, ZONES F-1 AND F-2 COMBINED INTO ZONE F.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE POLICY REGARDING WATER PURCHASE CONTRACTS WITH THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 AS A PURCHASE LIMIT.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Randy Knutson
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE WELDON VALLEY RECHARGE CREDIT LEASE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Vern Kammerzell
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE SENDING THE LETTER RANDY RAY DRAFTED TO LG EVERIST REGARDING LEASING WATER FROM THE RINN VALLEY PROJECT, THE LOHMAN PROJECT AND THE FRENCH PROJECT.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Tom Brown
MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS

Randy Knutson updated the board on the upcoming Colorado Water Congress meeting to be held August 23-25.

Kim Lawrence gave an update on the GLH/Hall Irwin Suit.

The company picnic was discussed and a reminder was given.

Kelly Custer and Ed Armbruster joined the meeting and there was discussion of the C-REP case.

I MOVE TO ADJOURN THE OPENING MEETING AND GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR CONFERENCE WITH THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING LEGAL ADVICE UNDER SECTION 24-6-402(4)(B).
Motion: Ralph Anders
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED AT 5:17 P.M.

The opening meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M.

AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO MAKE DECISIONS ON SETTLEMENT AND LITIGATION ON THE FARMERS INDEPENDENT DITCH COMPANY CASE 09CW173, WESTERN MUTUAL DITCH CASE 87CW304, LUPTON BOTTOMS DITCH CASE 09CW174, AND C-REP 05CW331 CASES.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Randy Knutson
MOTION CARRIED

ADJOURN FOR DINNER AND THEN RECONVENE.

Jergen’s Farm was discussed, and the board decided to send this back to the committee to discuss further before any action is taken.

There was discussion on the Union Ditch Agreement.

MOVE TO APPROVE THE UNION DITCH ADDENDUM WITHOUT THE ATTORNEY AND ENGINEERING FEES.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED WITH TOM BROWN ABSTAINING

The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:02 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Danyelle McCannon
Chief Financial Officer

MINUTES OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT August 16, 2011

Christopher Schall — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:12:22 +0000

The regular monthly meeting of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District was held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at Central’s office located at 3209 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M., and the following Directors were present: Gary Herman, President; Frank Eckhardt, Vice President; Vern Kammerzell, Treasurer; Tom Brown, Everett Kissler, John Tuttle, Don Rosenbrock, Ralph Anders, Jim Reasoner, Randy Knutson, Doug Dill, Don Rosenbrock and Bill Schmidt.

ACCEPT INTO THE RECORD THE CONSENT CALENDAR, AND MINUTES OF JUNE AND JULY AS PRESENTED.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Jim Reasoner
MOTION CARRIED

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

There was none to discuss.

ACTION ITEMS

Kim Lawrence presented the monthly resume. No action was taken.

APPROVE THE TWO HERMAN AWEP POND AGREEMENTS.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Vern Kammerzell
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE PLATTEVILLE DITCH CONSOLIDATION AGREEMENT.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE POLICY REGARDING WATER PURCHASE CONTRACTS WITH THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 AS A PURCHASE LIMIT.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Randy Knutson
MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS

Gary Herman gave an update on the release of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Chatfield Reallocation project.

Randy Knutson updated the board on the upcoming Colorado Water Congress meeting to be held August 23-25.

The company picnic was discussed and a reminder was given.

Kelly Custer and Ed Armbruster joined the meeting and there was discussion of the C-REP case.

The opening meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M.

ADJOURN FOR DINNER AND THEN RECONVENE.

AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ASSIST RANDY RAY IN THE DECISION MAKING ON THE THORNTON CASES.
Motion: Randy Knutson
Second: Doug Dill
MOTION CARRIED

Jergen’s Farm was discussed, and the board decided to send this back to the committee to discuss further before any action is taken.

There was discussion on the Union Ditch Agreement.

MOVE TO APPROVE THE UNION DITCH ADDENDUM WITHOUT THE ATTORNEY AND ENGINEERING FEES.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED WITH TOM BROWN ABSTAINING

The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:02 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Danyelle McCannon
Chief Financial Officer

MINUTES OF THE WELL AUGMENTATION SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT June 21, 2011

Christopher Schall — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:09:36 +0000

The regular monthly meeting of Well Augmentation Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Central’s office located at 3209 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M., and the following Directors were present: Gary Herman, President; Frank Eckhardt, Vice President; Vern Kammerzell, Treasurer; Tom Brown, Everett Kissler, John Tuttle, Don Rosenbrock, Ralph Anders, Jim Reasoner, Randy Knutson, Doug Dill, Don Rosenbrock and Bill Schmidt.

Others present were: Randy Ray, Interim Executive Director; Ruthanne Schaffer, Senior Water Accountant; Kathy Parker, Public Information/Education Officer; Lynn Kramer, Contracts Manager; Justin Bieri, Water Quality Program and Information Resources Manager, and Kim Lawrence of Lawrence, Jones, Custer and Grasmick. Special guests were Maria Secrest with Senator Cory Gardner’s office, Ed Armbruster with Leonard Rice Engineers and Matt Reddy with Ducks Unlimited.

ACCEPT INTO THE RECORD THE CONSENT CALENDAR, AND MINUTES OF MAY AND JUNE AS PRESENTED.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

Robert Geisick was here to represent Wiggins Farms. Chris Dinsdale, contract holder for Wiggins Farms, had asked to be removed from the WAS plan. He was concerned that his well depletions would not be covered. Staff and board informed Mr. Geisick that is incorrect. Current and past depletions are covered by Central until the contract is officially removed from the WAS decree.

ACTION ITEMS

Lynn gave a presentation on the new member login website. This will enable contract holders with a password and PIN to access information about their quota allotment, pumping figures, and allow them to report their meter readings online. There is also a page dedicated to conservation tools. At least 35 contract holders have already signed up for the website.

Discussion moved to the Ducks Unlimited/Haren recharge project. The project has several funding partners for this 50+ acre site. Central has an easement agreement with the landowner. DU estimates the cost of the project to be $435,020. Central is the water provider for the project. Central’s cash contribution requested by DU is $142,020. Matt Reddy with Ducks Unlimited spoke next. He explained that $65,000 of Colorado DOW funds would disappear if action were not taken at the meeting tonight. He stressed that the DU/Central funding agreement has to be signed tonight or the project will terminate.

ADJOURN FOR DINNER AND THEN RECONVENE.

DIRECT KIM LAWRENCE TO MAKE THE CONTINGENT CHANGES TO THE HAREN AGREEMENT AND THE DUCKS UNLIMITED AGREEMENT ON THE HAREN WETLAND PROJECT BY NOON ON JUNE 22 AND IF AGREED TO BY HAREN AND DUCKS UNLIMITED, THE BOARD AUTHORIZES THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENTS.
Motion: Randy Knutson
Second: Bill Schmidt
MOTION CARRIED

There was discussion on the Jackson Lake Reservoir and Irrigation Company recharge agreement. It has been approved by committee and staff consultants.

APPROVE THE JACKSON LAKE RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Bill Schmidt
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

Randy Ray had a copy of the revised Rural Land Company recharge agreement for board approval. It is the furthest from the river of all Central’s recharge projects. It is part of the C-Rep application.

APPROVE THE REVISED CONTRACT WITH THE RURAL LAND COMPANY.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

Next was discussion on two other recharge agreements that have been approved by the Water Projects and Project Development Committees.

APPROVE THE SLATE DITCH COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE GREELEY IRRIGATION COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Tom Brown
MOTION CARRIED

Central has an agreement with Union Ditch to deliver augmentation well water. There was a clerical error on the running and maintenance fees this year.

PAY UNION DITCH THE PAST DUE AMOUNT OF $5,757.73.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Doug Dill
MOTION CARRIED WITH TOM BROWN ABSTAINING

There is an opportunity for staff to acquire additional Colorado Big Thompson (CBT) water units for this year’s augmentation plans.

AUTHORIZE THE STAFF AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ENTER INTO ADDITIONAL CBT LEASE AND STORAGE CONTRACTS FOR THIS IRRIGATION YEAR.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED

Staff has designed a two-phase plan for land restoration work at the Orchard Recharge site.

APPROVE PHASE ONE OF THE ORCHARD PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE APPLICATION OF ROUNDUP HERBICIDE AND PLANTING OF SORGUM.
Motion: Frank Eckhardt
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

Ruthanne Schaffer gave information on the Sun Communities contract for purchase of Rural Ditch shares.

APPROVE THE REVISED CONTRACT AND MAKE THE EARNEST MONEY 1% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR THE SUN COMMUNITIES CONTRACT ON RURAL SHARES.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

Randy Ray spoke to the board regarding Employee Policy changes. Staff and their supervisors have been asked to monitor over-time; all staff must have supervisor approval before working any over-time, and any accrued over-time must be used in a reasonable time period.

There will also be a few minor changes to the current vacation time policy.

APPROVE THE REVISED OVERTIME POLICY.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Jim Reasoner
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE REVISED VACATION POLICY.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS

Randy Ray discussed the Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference set for August 23-25. Randy Knutson, Gary Herman, Randy Ray, Ruth Schaffer, and Kathy Parker will be going. Justin Bieri is tentative. Everett Kissler indicated he would also like to attend.

Central hosted a tour for Senator Cory Gardner last week. Randy Knutson, Gary Herman, Randy Ray, Chris Schall, Kathy Parker and the Senator’s Representative Maria Secrest were on the tour. Central Federal lobbyist Christine Arbogast assisted in setting up the tour and was also present. The tour stops were Siebring Reservoir, a recharge pond and well telemetry at Vern Kammerzell’s, and then to the maintenance shop and V. Frank Recharge by Gilcrest. Rod Asmussen talked about the meter program and telemetry. The tour was very successful.

OFFER RANDY RAY THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WITH THE SALARY PACKAGE THAT THE SELECTION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED, ALSO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE FOR OTHER STAFF’S SALARY PACKAGE.
Motion: Randy Knutson
Second: Don Rosenbrock
MOTION CARRIED

Randy Ray accepted the job position and salary offered.

The regular meeting was adjourned at 10:06 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Parker
Public Information/Education Coordinator

MINUTES OF THE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT June 21, 2011

Christopher Schall — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:07:36 +0000

The regular monthly meeting of the Groundwater Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Central’s office located at 3209 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M., and the following Directors were present: Gary Herman, President; Frank Eckhardt, Vice President; Vern Kammerzell, Treasurer; Tom Brown, Everett Kissler, John Tuttle, Don Rosenbrock, Ralph Anders, Jim Reasoner, Randy Knutson, Doug Dill, Don Rosenbrock and Bill Schmidt.

Others present were: Randy Ray, Interim Executive Director; Ruthanne Schaffer, Senior Water Accountant; Kathy Parker, Public Information/Education Officer; Lynn Kramer, Contracts Manager; Justin Bieri, Water Quality Program and Information Resources Manager, and Kim Lawrence of Lawrence, Jones, Custer and Grasmick. Special guests were Maria Secrest with Senator Cory Gardner’s office, GMS members Judi Alexander and Robert Geisick, Ed Armbruster with Leonard Rice Engineers and Matt Reddy with Ducks Unlimited.

ACCEPT INTO THE RECORD THE CONSENT CALENDAR, AND MINUTES OF MAY AND JUNE AS PRESENTED.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

There was none to discuss.

ACTION ITEMS

Lynn Kramer presented 2 GMS Class D Irrigation Allotment Contracts for board approval.

APPROVE THE TRANSFER FROM JOSEPH AND MACHIKO NAKAGAWA AND JAMES AND MICHELE VETTING, CONTRACT #760 TO MILFORD AND MARGARET COPELAND, CONTRACT #1046.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE TRANSFER FROM EMR FAMILY FARMS CONTRACT #358, HHR FAMILY FARMS CONTRACT #380, AND EMANUEL ROTHE FAMILY FARMS CONTRACT #682 TO WIGGINS FARMS, LLC, CONTRACT #1047
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE NAME CHANGE FOR BRADLEY DEBUS, CONTRACT #521.
Motion: Randy Knutson
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

Lynn gave a presentation on the new member login website. This will enable contract holders with a password to access information about their quota allotment, pumping figures, and allow them to report their meter readings online. There is also a page dedicated to conservation tools. At least 35 contract holders have already signed up for the website.

Kim Lawrence is seeking approval to file a Change of Diversion on the Box Elder Decree to the new point of diversion on the Burlington Headgate.

PROCEED WITH FILING A CHANGE OF DIVERSION ON THE BOX ELDER DECREE TO THE NEW POINT OF DIVERSION ON THE BURLINGTON HEAD GATE.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED WITH RANDY KNUTSON VOTING NAY

Justin Bieri gave the board background on the Water Quality grant that Colorado State University (CSU) is submitting. There will be a best practice management clearing house as an end result. Central’s contribution will be in-kind, in areas such as posting information on our website, in our newsletter, and perhaps hosting some meetings.

PROCEED WITH A LETTER OF COMMITMENT AND PARTNERING WITH CSU, CORN GROWERS, LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION AND THE COLORADO DEPT OF AG, ON THE 319 WATER QUALITY GRANT.
Motion: Ralph Anders
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

ADJOURN FOR DINNER AND THEN RECONVENE.

There was discussion on the Jackson Lake Reservoir and Irrigation Company recharge agreement. It has been approved by committee and staff consultants.

APPROVE THE JACKSON LAKE RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Bill Schmidt
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE REVISED CONTRACT WITH THE RURAL LAND COMPANY.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

Next was discussion on two other recharge agreements that have been approved by the Water Projects and Project Development Committees.

APPROVE THE SLATE DITCH COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE GREELEY IRRIGATION COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Tom Brown
MOTION CARRIED

Central has an agreement with Union Ditch to deliver augmentation well water. There was a clerical error on the running and maintenance fees explained by Randy.

PAY UNION DITCH THE PAST DUE AMOUNT OF $5,757.73.
Motion: John Tuttle
Second: Doug Dill
MOTION CARRIED WITH TOM BROWN ABSTAINING

OFFER TO SELLING COLORADO WATER (JOE O’BRIEN) A CONTRACT AT 4% SALES COMMISSION FOR A PRICE OF $15,000/SHARE TO SELL CENTRAL’S 50 SHARES OF FULTON DITCH WITH AN 180 DAY TERM.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

There is an opportunity for staff to acquire additional Colorado Big Thompson (CBT) water units for this year’s augmentation plans.

AUTHORIZE THE STAFF AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO ENTER INTO ADDITIONAL CBT LEASE AND STORAGE CONTRACTS FOR THIS IRRIGATION YEAR.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED

Staff has designed a two-phase plan for land restoration work at the Orchard Recharge site.

APPROVE PHASE ONE OF THE ORCHARD PLAN OF ACTION FOR THE APPLICATION OF ROUNDUP HERBICIDE AND PLANTING OF SORGUM.
Motion: Frank Eckhardt
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE REVISED OVERTIME POLICY.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Jim Reasoner
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE REVISED VACATION POLICY.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS

Randy Ray accepted the job position and salary offered.

The regular meeting was adjourned at 10:06 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Parker
Public Information/Education Coordinator

MINUTES OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT June 21, 2011

Christopher Schall — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:06:13 +0000

The regular monthly meeting of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District was held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at Central’s office located at 3209 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M., and the following Directors were present: Gary Herman, President; Frank Eckhardt, Vice President; Vern Kammerzell, Treasurer; Tom Brown, Everett Kissler, John Tuttle, Don Rosenbrock, Ralph Anders, Jim Reasoner, Randy Knutson, Doug Dill, Don Rosenbrock and Bill Schmidt.

ACCEPT INTO THE RECORD THE CONSENT CALENDAR, AND MINUTES OF MAY AND JUNE AS PRESENTED.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

PUBLIC DISCUSSION

There was none to discuss.

ACTION ITEMS

Kim Lawrence presented the monthly resume. The City of Greeley has filed an augmentation plan for Linn Grove Cemetery. Kim recommends an opposition to this case so that Central can see all the terms and projections.

OPPOSE CASE 11CW60.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

The Cities of Thornton, Aurora and Metro Wastewater Sanitation District have an application to change water rights and trade effluent.

OPPOSE CASE 11CW74.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED

There is an application from North Sterling Irrigation District to add a well to an augmentation plan.

OPPOSE CASE 11CW75
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

Randy Ray and Kim Lawrence gave background on the motion regarding settlement discussions with the C-Rep case.

ACCEPT THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATION ON SETTLEMENT STRATEGIES AND GIVE THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AUTHORITY TO MAKE DECISIONS ON C-REP CASE 05CW331.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

Kim summarized the recent Supreme Court ruling on Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company (FRICO). It was determined there was expanded use. The use of the 1885 right is limited to above Barr Lake, and the Metro pumps will not be allowed as a point of diversion. The ruling has some positive impacts for Central.

Kim also requested direction on the Denver water court filing 01CW286, and had a report on Case 00CW52.

I MOVE TO ADJOURN THE OPEN MEETING AND GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ADVICE FROM COUNSEL, ACCORDING TO COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, SECTION 24-6-402(4)(B) AT 5:00 P.M.
Motion: Randy Knutson
Second: Doug Dill
MOTION CARRIED

CONTINUE OPPOSITION TO CASES 01CW286 AND 00CW52, AND THAT RANDY RAY AND THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BE AUTHORIZED TO DIRECT LJCG LLC AND LEONARD RICE ENGINEERS IN PROSECUTING THE CASES.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED

Kim had a request for direction on the La Poudre application. The court has approved the La Poudre diligence; however the liner standard in the decree is more restrictive than the current standard. The recent wall test indicated the wall passed the new standard requirements but not the old. Therefore Kim suggested filing an application to correct the problem.

AUTHORIZE KIM LAWRENCE TO FILE AN APPLICATION IN WATER COURT TO CHANGE THE LINER STANDARDS ON LA POUDRE AND ALL OTHER NON-APPROVED PITS.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO MAKE DECISIONS ON ANY OPPOSITION CASES DURING THE MONTH OF JULY IF NEEDED.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Don Rosenbrock
MOTION CARRIED

Kathy Parker presented a request for the board concerning a financial partnership with West Greeley Conservation District (WGCD) for a water focused educational curriculum. Local teacher Bernie Kendall will develop the curriculum, with guidance from WGCD and CCWCD. The curriculum will then be promoted to area teachers by the districts, with a long-range plan of statewide distribution. Central’s contribution will be $5,000, paid as salary to Pam Wright to work on the curriculum. The two districts share Pam’s position.

PROCEED WITH PARTNERING WITH WEST GREELEY CONSERVATION DISTRICT ON A WATER CURRICULUM GRANT.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

ADJOURN FOR DINNER AND THEN RECONVENE.

There was discussion on the Jackson Lake Reservoir and Irrigation Company recharge agreement. Committee and staff consultants have approved it.

APPROVE THE JACKSON LAKE RESERVOIR AND IRRIGATION COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Bill Schmidt
Second: Everett Kissler
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE REVISED CONTRACT WITH THE RURAL LAND COMPANY.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: Frank Eckhardt
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE SLATE DITCH COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Jim Reasoner
Second: Ralph Anders
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE GREELEY IRRIGATION COMPANY RECHARGE AGREEMENT.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Tom Brown
MOTION CARRIED

Staff presented modified language to the Harrison Resource Corporation listing agreement for Central’s Chatfield Reservoir rights based on recommendation from committee.

DIRECT KIM LAWRENCE TO MAKE THE DISCUSSED AMENDMENTS TO THE HARRISON CONTRACT AND SEND IT BACK TO HARRISON FOR SIGNING.
Motion: Doug Dill
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED WITH FRANK ECKHARDT VOTING NAY

There will also be a few minor changes to the current vacation time policy.

APPROVE THE REVISED OVERTIME POLICY.
Motion: Vern Kammerzell
Second: Jim Reasoner
MOTION CARRIED

APPROVE THE REVISED VACATION POLICY.
Motion: Everett Kissler
Second: John Tuttle
MOTION CARRIED

REPORTS

Randy discussed the USR 1778 Expansion Hearing to be held July 6th. The hearing was continued from May with direction that Ed Orr was to meet with CCWCD, the Poudre Learning Center and the Division Of Wildlife to try and reach compromises. All the parties will meet at Central’s office on June 22.

I MOVE TO ADJOURN THE OPEN MEETING AND GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR PERSONNEL ISSUES, ACCORDING TO COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, SECTION 24-6-402(2)(F) AT 9:25 P.M.
Motion: Frank Eckhardt
Second: Jim Reasoner
MOTION CARRIED
OFFER RANDY RAY THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WITH THE SALARY PACKAGE THAT THE SELECTION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED, ALSO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE FOR OTHER STAFF’S SALARY PACKAGE.
Motion: Randy Knutson
Second: Don Rosenbrock
MOTION CARRIED

Randy Ray accepted the job position and salary offered.

The regular meeting was adjourned at 10:06 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Parker
Public Information/Education Coordinator

Chatfield Reservoir Reallocation Study

Christopher Schall — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:18:05 +0000

Whitepaper #4: Agricultural Perspectives of the Chatfield Reservoir Reallocation Project

From the Castle Pines North Metro District Website:

“This is the fourth white paper in a series to help provide information on the Reallocation Study currently underway at Chatfield Reservoir. The purpose of the study is to determine if Front Range water providers can use an existing water storage facility to help provide for a more reliable water supply along the Front Range of Colorado. The perspectives of agricultural interests participating in the proposed project are identified in this paper. Two agricultural interests located in Weld, Adams, and Morgan Counties – Western Mutual Ditch Company, and Central Colorado Water Conservancy District – are participating in the Chatfield study, representing irrigators and other agri-businesses from Brighton to Greeley to Fort Morgan. The following narrative will offer a glimpse of agricultural perspectives by highlighting agricultural production statistics in Weld County.

Irrigation drives agricultural production in Colorado, and Weld County has a remarkable history. In 1870, Horace Greeley, Editor of the New York Tribune (“Go West, young man”) helped start the Union Colony at present-day Greeley. The first task of settlers was to construct an irrigation canal to water their crops, gardens, and fruit trees. Without adequate irrigation water, the farmers would not survive. Today’s agricultural producers are no different – adequate irrigation water is vital for a solid rural economy.

Weld County, located downstream of Denver, is ranked No. 8 in the country by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the annual value of farm and ranch products –$273 million for crops and $1.26 billion for livestock. Weld County leads the state in the production of sugar beets, and is also first in value of livestock, hay, eggs, poultry, cattle, and milk. It has 530,000 head of cattle, 70,000 milk cows (57% of Colorado’s milk comes from this area), along with two million eggs produced annually. Other irrigated crops include corn, cabbage, sweet corn, carrots, potatoes, sugar beets, alfalfa, pinto beans, and onions. Winter wheat, sunflowers, and malt barley are also grown. Breakfast, lunch and dinner come from Weld County – just check the label next time you visit your local grocery store.

A drive along U.S. Highway 85 in Weld County, north of Denver, is an education in modern-day agricultural production and irrigation techniques. Some fields are irrigated with water from the South Platte River. Other fields are irrigated with groundwater, pumped to the surface and applied in crop furrows or by center pivot sprinkler systems. Many irrigators in the area relied on groundwater for early season water supplies (before irrigation canals could provide river water). However, in recent years, vegetable, corn, and other crop acres have been reduced due to inadequate supplies of irrigation water. Chatfield is an important component to build a more reliable water supply because stored water can be released during critical stages of crop growth.

Reservoirs are like savings accounts – they store water during times when river flows are physically and legally available, and release water during times of need. For those who remember the drought of 2002, water shortages became a central focus and major concern for many people in Colorado. The ability to store additional water at Chatfield Reservoir will help agriculture during times of need, in addition to the other beneficial water uses in the region.

The Chatfield Reservoir Reallocation Project is unique. It has brought together a diverse set of stakeholders in the pursuit of a common goal. Increased water storage in Chatfield Reservoir will provide benefits to the agricultural industry in the state in a way that positively impacts a major sector of the economy involving thousands of acres of farmland. Please visit www.chatfieldstudy.org for more information on this important study and proposed project.

The Chatfield Water Providers collectively authored this white paper and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially approved it for distribution.”

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