System Conservation in Wyoming Steve Wolff Wyoming State Engineer’s Office
16 December, 2015Colorado River Water Users Association 20152
Program Summary - Wyoming 2015 Eight projects submitted Five projects were approved All five were implemented as proposed All were agricultural, late-season fallowing 2016 Ten projects submitted Selection is ongoing All are agricultural 16 December, 2015Colorado River Water Users Association 20153
A Few Key Principles Program is “voluntary, temporary & compensated” Payments based on water “conserved” (i.e. historic consumptive use) On the ground verification of each project was required (monthly) Pilot program 16 December, 2015Colorado River Water Users Association 20154
Issues for Discussion Protecting conserved water downstream (shepherding) Water right versus water available (certainty of conserving water) Full supply and limited supply sources Use of storage water Accounting for water savings in Lake Powell Venue? 16 December, 2015Colorado River Water Users Association 20155
Closing Thoughts Outreach! Partners Trout Unlimited PILOT Program …………. 16 December, 2015Colorado River Water Users Association 20156
Questions? 16 December, 2015Colorado River Water Users Association 20157