1. Cary Denison Gunnison Basin Project Coordinator & Brian Hodge Yampa & White Basin Project Coordinator Trout Unlimited in The Colorado Basin

2. TU’s Western Water Project WWP started in CO and MT. Now have counterparts in ID, UT, WA and WY. Mission is to protect and restore stream flows for healthy coldwater fisheries. Work with water users to find common sense solutions to water management and restoration problems In CO, staff includes attorneys, fisheries biologist, water resource engineer, communications manager, and water resource specialist Rob Firth- Project Coordinator Colorado Headwaters WPP staff provides financial, technical and legal assistance for restoration project such as dam removals, bank restoration projects, diversion modifications

3. Western Fisheries At Risk 22% of fish species native to the West are threatened, endangered or extinct. This includes 32% of Colorado River fishes. Every species of trout native to the West has been listed or proposed for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. In CO, remaining populations of native cutthroat trout are isolated in high elevation tributary streams. One of the biggest problems western fish face is low stream flow. South Boulder Creek

4. WWP in the Colorado Basin: Developing common sense solutions for current and future water demands Trout Unlimited recognizes that the health of our rivers and streams is dependant on management decisions and operations that support healthy instream flows. We also recognize: Historical operations may change Operational changes don’t come easy These changes takes time And incentive This is where TU can help

5. HOW TU HELPS Protect-Reconnect-Restore-Sustain Improving antiquated diversions Removing instream barriers Assisting with on farm efficiency Structural Supporting CWCB instream flows Consumptive use analysis Instream leasing, agreements to not divert, split season irrigation, etc. Technical Working with TU chapter volunteers Working with conservancy districts, state and local agencies, & others Helping irrigators conserve Collaborative

6. Yampa Basin Example

7. The Problem During late summer of an average irrigation year, ditch reduces flow by ~ 2.6-6.1 cfs (≈ 34 - 64% of flow during average water year). If late summer flows are down and/or diversions are up, ditch may sweep the river.

8. Solution 1: Relocate Point of Diversion

9. Solution 2: Convert From Ditch To Pipe

10. Gunnison Basin Project Example Restore flows by reducing diversions Increase active storage

11. Gunnison Basin Project Example Goals: Protect these valuable resources

12. Trout Unlimited-Helping fish and irrigators in the Colorado River Basin