Public input sought on Gross Reservoir expansion

By Laura Snider Camera Staff Writer Denver Water plans to make up almost half of its projected water shortfall in 2030 with water conservation methods, which is laudable, according to Drew Peternell, director of Trout Unlimited's Colorado Water Project.

"I think Denver deserves credit for good conservation," he said. "But more can be done."

Peternell said Denver Water should look at other ways to meet its growing demand -- including more water-reuse projects and agriculture water-sharing arrangements -- before sucking more water out of tributaries to the Colorado Rivers, including the Fraser.

"The Fraser River is the river in Colorado that is the most heavily depleted," Peternell said. "It's just really beat up."

http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_13885451

Citizens urged to weigh in on Denver proposal to divert more water from Fraser River

By Tonya BinaSky-Hi Daily News Grand County, CO Colorado

“Multiple water diversions have pushed the Fraser River to the brink of collapse,” said Kirk Klancke, president of the Colorado Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

TU, the Colorado Environmental Coalition and a broad group of conservation organizations warn that a proposal to divert more water from the Fraser, a tributary to the Colorado River, poses a serious risk to the ecological health of the river system.

http://www.skyhidailynews.com/article/20091129/NEWS/911299983/1079&ParentProfile=1067

Denver Water looks for more mountain water

By Bob Berwynsummit daily news

“Front Range residents must recognize the connection between our water use and the health of our rivers and streams, fisheries and wildlife habitat,” said Colorado Trout Unlimited director Dave Nickum. “We can't continue to take and take from these rivers without accounting for our impacts. The glass is not even half full. It's almost drained dry.”

http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20091128/NEWS/911279987/1078&ParentProfile=1055

Study shows possible coalbed methane effects

Craig Daily Press - By Collin Smith

An ongoing study into the possible effects of coalbed methane production in the Sand Wash Basin now shows the area has deep faults potentially connecting coal seams and near-surface water reservoirs.

This would mean activity in those coal seams could affect water resources used by local residents. Read more

McInnis, Maes promise an oil and gas rig in every pot if elected governor

The Colorado Independent - by By David O. Williams

The two remaining GOP gubernatorial candidates won’t even wait to see how new, environmentally tougher oil and gas drilling regulations work during an actual gas boom, according to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, instead promising to yank the regs as quickly as possible if elected.

Why bother to Read more ?

Oil and gas industry slams Salazar for yanking drilling leases near Utah parks

the Colorado Independent - by By David O. Williams 11/20/09 3:31 PM

Salazar, who outright pulled eight of the leases near critical national parks like Arches and Canyonlands and deferred 52 others for more study, said they were sold at the direction of Bush administration officials trying to push them through on their way out the White House doors. Read more

Debate continues over off-road vehicle use

Summit Daily News - by Bob Berwyn

Growth of motorized recreation spurs funding questions

A coalition of conservation and outdoor user groups wants to earmark specific portions of the $3.2 million pot for restoration and law enforcement, but some regional public land administrators, along with representatives of motorized groups, advocated the status quo....  Speaking on behalf of Colorado Trout Unlimited, Dave Peterson said enforcement and restoration efforts haven't come close to keeping pace with the growth in off-road use in recent years. Read more

State board approves water trust with PitCo

by Brent Gardner-Smith

Aspen Daily News Staff Writer

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) on Monday approved a proposal from Pitkin County to hold 4.3 cubic feet per second of water in a trust in order to leave the water flowing down Maroon Creek and the Roaring Fork River. The trust agreement allows the county to ultimately retain its water rights, without weakening those rights, and empowers the CWCB to manage the water under its minimum streamflow program to the benefit of the rivers’ aquatic environments.

Pitkin County’s proposal, which has been in front of the CWCB since January, had the support of the Colorado Water Trust, Trout Unlimited, and the Colorado Environmental Coalition.

http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/137663

Pitkin County to donate water to boost Roaring Fork flows

Trust agreement a first in Colorado

Janet UrquhartThe Aspen Times

DENVER — Pitkin County will become the first holder of water rights in Colorado to donate water to a river in order to augment in-stream flows.

The nine voting members of the Colorado Water Conservation Board approved a trust agreement with the county Monday in Denver after a four-and-a-half-hour hearing.

“Everybody had smiles on their faces — except the opponents,” said John Ely, county attorney, in a telephone interview at the close of the proceedings.

The CWCB staff, Pitkin County and representatives of Trout Unlimited and the Colorado Water Trust spoke in favor of the trust arrangement, as did the city of Aspen's water counsel, Ely said.

http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20091116/NEWS/911169978/1077&ParentProfile=1058

First Annual Collegiate Peaks Anglers Benefit Art Show

Sat. Nov 21, 6:00pm - 9:00 pm at Virtuosity Gallery, 106 North F Street, Salida - 719-221-8964. Salida artists Joshua Been and Carl Ortman present an angler and water themed art show at Virtuosity Gallery to benefit Collegiate Peaks Anglers. Both painters continually support local conservation efforts and invite you to share a visual journey of our valley. Please join us for an evening of wine, hors d'oeuvres, tall tales and original oil paintings. With the holidays coming, pick up a one of a kind painting for your one of a kind person. Prices range from $150 to $3000 and 30% of the proceeds will benefit Collegiate Peaks Anglers. To see examples of Joshua Been’s work go to www.joshuabeen.com.