Instream Flow DedicationsAlternative Investment Platforms

for Watershed Management

2012 Sierra Water Work Group SummitJuly 18, 2012Chris Alford

calford@americanrivers.org

Instream Flow Quantity & Timing

• Water quality• Ecosystem function• Riverine processes• Habitat• Recreation • Tourism

Agriculture Municipal & Domestic

Stock Watering

Industrial

Instream Flows ???

Power GenerationOther

Water Rights Allocations:Beneficial Uses

Instream Flow Dedication Methods

• Timing• Management

• Conservation• Forbearance/Transfer

• Conservation: – Municipal: Conserve to Enhance Tuscon (AZ), WRA

Rushing Rivers Program (CO)– Agricultural: Deschutes River Conservancy (OR)

Source: Western Resource AdvocatesSource: C2E

• Instream leasing/forbearance programs: – Rural Residential: Mattole Flow Program (CA)– Agricultural: Scott River Water Trust (CA), Columbia

Basin Transactions Program (WA)

Source: Bonneville Environmental Foundation

Source: Sanctuary Forest

• Changes in Timing/Management: – Rural Residential: Mattole Flow Program (CA)– Agricultural: American Rivers Instream Flow Program

(CA), TU Coastal Streamflow Stewardship Project (CA)– Indian Valley Meadow Restoration (CA)

CA Fully Appropriated Streams

Chris Alfordcalford@americanrivers.org