For Immediate Release: February 13, 2003

Contact: Dawn Taylor  (303) 866-5887                                                                                                                                                    

COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD APPROVES INSTREAM FLOW PROTECTION FOR COLORADO STREAMS

Working with BLM, CWCB protects critical streams

DENVER – The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) recently approved appropriations on 22 new instream flow recommendations covering critical streams in Colorado.  The recommendations were a result of a year-long effort between the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  Greg Walcher, Executive Director of the DNR, praised the CWCB’s actions, and the BLM’s cooperation.

“This marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation with the federal government on Colorado water,” said Walcher.  “I commend the BLM for working within Colorado law to achieve real environmental protection, and we urge other federal agencies to follow this good example.”

Walcher went on to say that legal battles with agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service over water have lasted years and cost millions of dollars without any tangible benefits to the environment.  The BLM is the only federal agency that has taken advantage of Colorado’s offer to work cooperatively to protect instream flows.

“For the past year, we have worked with DNR to develop a program that effectively implements a balance between humans and the environment.  All those involved should be commended for their tireless efforts,” said Ron Wenker, BLM Colorado State Director.  “Although I am new to Colorado, I am a firm believer of cooperatively managing our public lands and natural resources.  Our joint collaboration with DNR is a prime example of how much we can accomplish when we work together.  I plan to continue this trend by frequently consulting with our local, state and federal partners, as well as other groups representing diverse interests and emerging issues throughout the state.”

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