Monika Bardier

The multi-day Board Meeting agenda included several key administrative items, such as the SWCD Board of Director Appointments for Archuleta, Montezuma, and San Miguel Counties, and the Annual Election of Board Officers. Financial matters included the review and acceptance of the Treasurer's and Investment Year-End 2025 Reports, and the designation of the Meeting Posting Location. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Grant Program, including a summary of the 2025 Grant Program Report, which involved staff recommending payment for a 2025 Telluride Institute grant despite documentation issues, and the detailed review and consideration of 2026 Grant Applications across categories like Water Supply & Watershed Restoration, Public Forums & Studies, Education, and Emergency Requests. Other discussions involved a General Counsel Legal Report covering contract renewals, records digitization, and updates on water rights cases. The Executive Session addressed the General Manager Hiring Process and matters concerning Colorado River Interstate and Intrastate issues. The second day included updates on Legislative Affairs, Staff Reports on fund balance assignments and the FAMLI Leave Policy, Contractor and Partner Updates, and Hydrologic Updates for Divisions 4 and 7.

The meeting commenced with a roll call establishing a quorum. The agenda was approved unanimously. There were no comments from the public during the public questions and comment session. The primary discussion centered on a legislative update provided by a consultant. Key bills reviewed included HB24-1029 regarding foreign ownership of agriculture and natural resources, which was deemed unlikely to pass and did not require board action. HB24-1073 concerning the Independent Ethics Commission's Jurisdiction was determined not applicable to the SWCD. The board discussed SB24-005, which proposes prohibiting certain water conservation landscaping practices, noting concerns about the loss of local control despite acknowledging the positive message it sends. Specific questions arose regarding the definition of "functional turf."

This strategic plan for the Southwestern Water Conservation District aims to protect, conserve, and develop water resources in the San Juan and Dolores River Basins while safeguarding Colorado's water entitlements. Key priorities include: ensuring continuous water data collection and analysis for climate adaptation; leading advocacy for southwest Colorado's interests in Colorado River and interstate water issues; balancing diverse water needs through stakeholder collaboration; supporting investments in water infrastructure improvements and conservation projects; strengthening operational efficiency and professionalism within the organization; and cultivating public credibility through targeted outreach.

Key discussions included the Fiscal Year 2024 SWCD Budget Hearing and Adoption, detailing changes based on final assessed valuations, interest income estimates, increases in Water Information Program partner contributions, and adjustments to the USGS Contract allocation. The Board recommended allocating $250,000 to the 2024 SWCD grant program and increased the General Engineering category to $175,000 due to higher-than-estimated 2023 water court case expenditures. The Board also reviewed and unanimously approved a proposed settlement concerning Cas No. 21CW3076 with Elk Ridge Mining and Reclamation, confirming the water rights involved would be for industrial purposes and augmentation, not agriculture.

The board meeting agenda spanned two days and covered numerous topics. Discussions included State and Federal Legislative Updates, and an update from the Colorado Water Conservation Board. The General Counsel provided a legal report covering a substitute water supply plan request and a proposed settlement in a Water Division 7 case. Staff reports included updates on Colorado River Basin Activities, the SWCD Water Conservation and Infrastructure Partnership, posting of the Accounting and Grants Coordinator position, updates on CWCB Technical Assistance Grants, a summary from the 41st Annual Water Seminar, review of the SWCD Leave Policy, and updates on CD Investments. The agenda also included special presentations on the Facilitated Farm Transfer Model and Utah's Demand Management Pilot Program. An executive session was scheduled to discuss a proposed settlement in Case No. 24CW3008 and matters related to the Colorado River Compact and Post-2026 Guidelines.