A meeting was held in the DEREA conference room in Beryl on March 31, 2011 at 9:00 AM. Present from the State of Utah were: Kent Jones, State Engineer, James Greer, Nathan Moses, and Kurt Vest. Representing the valley water users were Mike Brown, LaDel Laub, Bob Holt, Kerry Holt, Steve Jones, Lee Bracken, and Mike Singleton.
There was a lengthy discussion and dialog about the creation of a groundwater management plan for the Escalante Valley. The State Engineer stated he would be supportive of an acceptable local voluntary arrangement to address the declining water table, but in the absence of any agreement the only tool he has is to manage by water right priority date.
The concept of adaptive managment to periodically review the success of efforts made and reasses the impacts of actions taken was generally supported by all present. There was a lot of discussion about a possible goal to cut depletion by 5% within 20 years and another 5% within 40 years. Consideration is being given for the creation of a voluntary pooling agreement that would be managed by a water district. As an entity the district may afford some tools and abilities to the water users that are not currently available. The discussion also included consideration of the culinary users in the valley and how to assimilate them into any kind of management plan.
Recognition was given for the efforts of Senator Dennis Stowell who has worked diligently to help the farmers with this complex problem.
The meeting was productive, and in a spirit of partnership and cooperation. There will be many subsequent meetings as progress is made in an attempt to help solve this problem.
This web site and blog will post information, meeting notices, and updates periodically to help keep everyone informed.
