1313 Sherman Street, Room 718
Denver, CO 80203

July 19, 2019
Demand Management 2019 Work Plan – Update #3
The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Project Management Team will release
periodic updates on progress and accomplishments relating to the 2019 Work Plan for
Intrastate Demand Management Feasibility Investigations. In this Update, we will discuss
changes to the Workgroup process, the Orientation Webinar, and upcoming opportunities for
engagement.
Workgroups to Proceed without Disclosure Agreement: After careful consideration of the
comments and input received to date, CWCB and DNR leadership have decided that the
Workgroup process will move forward without the proposed Ground Rules and Disclosure
Agreement.
From Director Mitchell:
“The CWCB staff and Board have been moving forward in a process to investigate the
feasibility of a demand management program in alignment with the Upper Basin
Drought Contingency Plan. The Board and its staff have been in an ongoing
conversation with stakeholders across Colorado about how to conduct this
investigation transparently in the spirit of the Colorado Water Plan, while also
providing space for a deliberative process where participants feel comfortable to
freely consider complex, legally sensitive ideas and information.
While the CWCB was contemplating asking participants to adhere to disclosure
agreements out of an abundance of caution, after hearing feedback from our
constituents across Colorado, the CWCB will adjust course and move forward without
requesting that workgroup participants sign any disclosure agreements. Additionally,
the workgroup meetings will be open to members of the public, with an opportunity
for comment. Each of the groups will work with CWCB staff to develop expectations
around participation and communication in this effort. Through this investigation, I
have high hopes that the groups will identify the relevant issues associated with the
details of a potential demand management program and provide thoughtful feedback
for staff and the CWCB Board to consider as we work through a public process with
stakeholders to determine if and how demand management should be implemented in
Colorado.
The CWCB Board and State of Colorado will benefit from the workgroup participants’
expertise in Colorado River issues and water management. I have great appreciation
for all of the individuals who have generously agreed to participate in the process.
I recognize the need to maintain transparency and public participation throughout the
activities of the CWCB. I appreciate those who reached out to the staff and Board with
comments about our initial proposal. I sincerely hope this decision to adjust our
direction provides clarity and simplifies the process for those involved in the
P 303.866.3441 F 303.866.4474 www.cwcb.state.co.us
Jared Polis, Governor

  Dan Gibbs, DNR Executive Director

  Rebecca Mitchell, CWCB Director

 workgroups. I look forward to continuing a meaningful public process and productive
dialogue about the future of water management in Colorado.”
Online Resources: The CWCB hosted an Orientation Webinar for workgroup membership to
provide an overview of the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) process, and how demand
management feasibility aligns with other efforts under the Upper Basin DCP. The Webinar also
discussed the kickoff of the Workgroup process, and provided information to Workgroup
membership about process and procedures. The Webinar was co-hosted in partnership with
Colorado Water Congress (thanks, CWC!) The Webinar was open to the public, and the
recording can be viewed here.
On July 18, CWCB staff presented on the 2019 Work Plan to the CWCB and the IBCC at the
July Joint Meeting. A recording of the presentation can be found here.
First Regional Workshop Scheduled: The first regional workshop has been scheduled for
Thursday, August 22nd. This workshop will be held in conjunction with the summer conference
of Colorado Water Congress, at the Steamboat Grand Hotel in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
More information about CWC’s Summer Conference can be found here.
Upcoming Events: Colorado River Drought Contingency Planning and demand management
feasibility investigation will be on the agenda at the following events:
Colorado Water Congress’ Summer Conference, August 20-22, 2019 in Steamboat
Springs.
As always, keep an eye on basin roundtable agendas. Drought Contingency Planning
and demand management feasibility are frequent topics. Roundtable schedules and
agendas are available here.
For questions, comments, or more information, visit the CWCB website or email
demandmanagement@state.co.us.

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