A rancher in Greeley irrigates his crops last August. The state has released an update of the Colorado Water Plan. (RJ Sangosti, Denver Post file)
Re: “Major upgrades in state water plan,” July 28 editorial.
The Denver Post is right to praise the second draft of the Colorado water plan for providing more details on specific actions to help Colorado prepare for its future water needs. Agricultural conservation and irrigation efficiencies will be important components of Colorado’s water future.
Trout Unlimited has worked with ranchers and farmers across Colorado on projects that upgrade aging irrigation structures. These voluntary, collaborative projects have the potential to improve water delivery for producers and stream flows and habitat for fisheries and wildlife.
While such investments can be expensive, they provide multiple benefits for diverse stakeholders and foster cooperation, not conflict. Colorado should continue to look for creative ways to fund these win-win projects.
Drew Peternell, Salida
The writer is director of Trout Unlimited’s Colorado Water Project.
This letter was published in the Aug. 1 edition.
