Barr Lake

[M T]

Reality is sometimes very distasteful, especially in this situation for those of us who love wildlife and the places that this wildlife lives. However, in the grand scheme of things decisions are made in favor for the many rather than the few. As a wildlife rehabilitator, researcher and defender of wildlife I have dealt with many land use issues over the years. The battle over these issues have left me angry, frustrated and weary. Water is becoming more and more valuable in our region and the value of that commodity is going to weigh heavily in favor of how it benefits the "owners" of said water.

This plan was approved in 2021 by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. Humans and their lifestyle is what this water is being managed for. Agriculture, oil and gas, industry and municipal use is what most of the impoundments in the region are in existence for. Those are the heavy hitters that drive our economy and our lives. Wildlife does benefit from this water, but takes a backseat when infrastructure needs repair, upgrades and expansion. The challenge for most of us in regards to these issues is that we usually don't find out until the 11th hour.

Wildlife that isn't consumed by humans is loved, but is it truly valued? How do we get everyone to value wildlife is the $64 question. 

Here is a link to the approved plan which explains the full scope of the project: 

https://dnrweblink.state.co.us/CWCB/0/edoc/215078/FarmersReservoirIrrigationCompany-BarrLakeMaximumNormalOperatingWaterLevelRaise_Application.pdf

Respectfully,

Michael Tincher

Loveland, CO

[Susan Rosine]

The application cited that the water level increase would be beneficial for camping, hiking, and birdwatching. In reality, the walking (not hiking) really will not change, except less/no shade due to lack of trees. Barr Lake does not allow camping. Of course, unless you like just waterbirds, it will decrease song birds, shorebirds, and possibly raptors.

Yes, humans value crops, oil/gas, water, fracking. And money. And many of us value it over wildlife. Sadly, the more wildlife is eliminated, the worse things are in the long run for humans. 

Susan Rosine

Brighton 

[Mark Obmascik]

Wow. If I read correctly the report that Michael linked, this work at Barr Lake is being funded by you and me (state taxpayers) for $278,000. 

And who gets the water?  Says the report:

"Barr Lake provides water to industrial water users such as Anadarko Petroleum Corp and Nobel Energy for their fracking operations. Additional storage at Barr Lake will increase the amount of water potentially available to meet the current and future demands associated with those industrial entities."

State tax dollars to help oil giants ala Anadarko and Nobel boost fracking and bulldoze one of the state's most studied bird habitats.

Your tax dollars at work.

Good birding.

Mark Obmascik

Denver, CO

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[Jeremy Nichols]

Thanks so much for passing this along, Michael.  Coincidentally, there is a hybrid Water Conservancy Board meeting today and an opportunity for public comment, https://cwcb.colorado.gov/events/hybrid-board-meeting-september-20-21-2023. I agree it may be too late, but it would be helpful for the Board to hear from people so this can potentially be avoided in the future and also for putting FRICO in the spotlight, their application has some dubious assertions and makes no mention of wildlife or wildlife habitat.  If folks can't comment at this meeting, you can comment at future meetings and keep this on their radar.

I think contacting the Governor could also be very useful, he has been very outspoken on wildlife issues and it could be helpful to rattle his cage, I would definitely encourage folks to call the front office and leave a message of concern and consternation, https://dashboard.colorado.gov/connect-with-us.

The economic benefits of state parks and wildlife watching are tremendous in Colorado, they can't continue to be overlooked like this.

Jeremy Nichols

(303) 437-7663

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