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Water Development Office

Green River Basin Advisory Group
Meeting Record
Big Piney, Wyoming
9/14/99

Introduction
The meeting began with Joe Lord introducing himself as the new facilitator. Joe handed out new name tents, and explained how to use them. The new name tents contained the rules for conduct and the mission statement for the group. Next the Basin Advisory Group (BAG) members and audience members introduced themselves.

Expectations for the Meeting
Joe went through the agenda. Planning team issues were moved forward to item number two. Problems and Issues identification was changed to item number three. The remainder of the agenda was not changed.

Planning Team Issues
Biographical Surveys:

Jon Wade began the discussion with an update on the Biographical Surveys. The Surveys were requested by the BAG to help members identify other members' backgrounds and interests. Surveys were passed out to each member, which were to be filled out and returned to the staff. However, very few surveys were returned. The planning team decided to set this project aside unless specific requests were made in the future.

Programs for Local Presentations:

A request was made by the Bear BAG for a video to bring to local groups that might explain the purpose of the planning effort. Jon Wade and Barry Lawrence will make a video of a future River Basin Planning presentation. This presentation will cover general information on the planning effort, and will be made available to any group member who wishes to use it. Handouts focusing on statewide and specific River Basin Planning efforts will also be produced and made available.

Website Development:

The State Water Plan will be put on the water plan website when it is completed. The Water Resources Data Systems (WRDS) is providing this service as technical arm to the water planning process. In order for them to present the material clearly, WRDS needed information about the computers owned by members of the BAG. Their questions for the group and resulting replies follow:

How many people have Internet access? Most.
What is the average monitor size? Approximately 14 or 15 inches.
How old is your computer? Most are newer than two years old.
What is the speed of connection? Most have 14K or above, however, 5K was suggested as the slowest connection.
What is the resolution of the monitor? 640 x 480 average.

One to two weeks prior to the meeting, mailings will be sent out to all BAG members. Every mailing will contain agendas, meeting records, and new informational handouts. For members who did not attend the previous meeting, handouts from that meeting will also be included. Handouts passed out at each meeting will be listed on the meeting record itself.

Problems and Issues Identification
Many issues were addressed during this portion of the meeting. Those issues discussed are listed below:

• One member felt that it is important for this plan to identify and supplement shortages with surpluses. He also wanted to maintain the right to supplement shortages, legally and financially, and to address competition between uses.
• The importance of a reliable and cheap water supply for the Oil and Gas Industry was addressed. One member felt that the water would need to be in a guaranteed supply, and reflect boom and bust cycles.
• Many members feel that it is important to relate water planning to the financial infrastructure. Diversions from and de-earmarking of water development funds were discussed.
• One member felt that there is a need for a basin group to provide policy, direction, and water allocation information. This individual also had process questions.
• One member felt that it is important to quantify what is being used, what is available for use, and whether we are guaranteed water will be there in the future.
• One member felt that it is important to protect against federalization of Wyoming's water. This member also felt that it is important to protect the strength and integrity of the compact.

Break

Following the break Joe Lord discussed the format for the rest of the meeting. Jon Wade spoke to the group concerning the goals of the BAG and what their responsibilities are.

Consultant Update
Pat Tyrrell of States West Water Resources Corp. presented the consultants timeline, and discussed the consultant's progress. States West has ordered 160 color infrared aerial photos for the portion of the basin that contain irrigated lands. Pat passed around an example of these photos for the group to look at.

Informational Presentations
Jeff Fassett spoke to the group about the law of the river and about the importance of the effort that the group is undertaking with issues identification.

Salinity Control

John Shields discussed the impacts of salinity on the environment, agriculture, and municipal uses. To minimize the damage caused by the salinity to this nation's waters the Federal Government passed the Salinity Control Act. The idea was that it is easier to take pollutants out of the water than it is to fix the problems later. Salt comes from many sources, some are natural and some are man induced. The Salinity Control Program strives to reduce man made sources to lower the total amount of salt that goes into the river. There were three stations picked to monitor the salt levels, Hoover Dam, Parker Dam, and Imperial Dam. Participation in this program is voluntary. Methods of improvement include environmental quality incentive programs and on farm improvements. Go to the Salinity Control Presentation

De-earmarking Discussion

Following the Salinity Control presentation by John Shields, Rose Skinner, Mayor of Pinedale, spoke to the group concerning the proposed de-earmarking of the water development funds. She suggested that the group contact their legislators at legisweb@missc.state.wy.us and express their opposition to the de-earmarking. The group further recommended that Joe Lord, Facilitator, draft a letter echoing those sentiments and signed on behalf of the Green River BAG members in attendance.

Upcoming Meetings
October 12, 1999 in Lyman at the Lyman Town Hall Courtroom, 5 PM.