Adapting a Natural-Flow Regime Paradigm on the Lower Dolores River: A call for a nonconsumptive needs quantification study and stakeholder cooperation to create a more dynamic flow regime Rica Fulton, University of Wyoming

Abstract The Dolores River rises in the peaks of the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado. A tributary to the Colorado River, the Dolores has been reduced to minimal flows in the face of population growth, infrastructure, climate change, and outdated allocation schemes. Despite its remote geography, the Dolores is called upon by vast acres of irrigation, growing municipalities, and Native American water right settlements; leading to overwhelmingly minimal flows the majority of the year, draining the rich ecosystem of the water it needs to survive. It is crucial to discuss the complexities regarding the recent management and allocation of the Dolores River, current operations, and projected flows in the face of climate change. In an attempt to mitigate for diminishing flows, the idea of a Natural Flow Regime will be explained as an important paradigm for preserving the dynamic nature of the river. It will be recommended that within the existing Dolores River Dialogue stakeholder coalition a non-consumptive needs study be undertaken. An outcome of this analysis will provide water managers with a better understanding of the quantitative and dynamic needs of non-consumptive entities downstream of McPhee Dam in order to protect the Dolores’ treasured natural systems.

Biography

Rica Fulton is from Southwest Colorado and has always loved exploring local desert rivers and Headwater Mountains. The Colorado Plateau inspired her to pursue a career in environmental studies therefore earning a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy and GIS from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. After working for two years at a Geospatial firm in Portland, Oregon, a perpetual passion for the Colorado River brought her back to the Colorado Plateau. Rica is currently obtaining her Master of Arts in Geography, Water Resources, and Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming studying Upper Colorado River ecological flow regimes and instream flows. Rica is an active participant of the University of Wyoming SCREE expedition, a 90-day rafting trip commemorating the impact of John Wesley Powell on the communities along the Colorado River. Rica also runs the non-profit, The Upper Green River Network, a Colorado Riverkeeper Affiliate program.