GMUG Instream Flow Pathfinder Project

Public Meeting #2

May 29, 2002

6:30-9:00pm

Mesa County Fairgrounds. Grand Junction, CO

FLIP CHARTS NOTES

Due to small turnout, the meeting did not break-out into small discussion groups for the second half of the meeting, instead having a large group brainstorm session. The following are some of the concerns noted.

Watershed Characterization

• Consider historical vegetation management and what have been the long-term vegetation trends

Important Ecological Issues

There were no additional ecological issues that the group felt needed to be addressed.

Important Human Uses

• Group should consider use of streamflow by cattle (e.g, grazing permits) and wildlife, especially during drought years, irrigation ditches may become primary sources of water
• Municipal/industrial use
• Consider that the reservoirs have created unique human and ecological values that did not exist before. Reservoir management is key to the health of these systems.

Are there any potential streamflow management strategies that we missed?

• Regarding vegetation management: there are a variety of vegetation management strategies out there, including insects, fire, timber management. The PlatteValley EIS may be a good example of different vegetation management strategies available to produce water.
• It is important that the Forest carefully consider reservoir management [Pete Kasper]

Any MAJOR CONCERNS regarding the management tools proposed?

• Bypass flows are fighting words.
• Need to look at WHEN management tools can be most effective (e.g., seasonally, in drought vs. high flow years) [Dan Merriman]

Meeting adjourned 9:00 pm