The circuit rider program will be launched as a two-year pilot project to demonstrate the viability of a new approach to address the water-related needs, interests, and priorities of tribes in the…

The circuit rider program will be launched as a two-year pilot project to demonstrate the viability of a new approach to address the water-related needs, interests, and priorities of tribes in the colorado river basin as they relate to post-2026 discussions.there are several opportunities for tribes to be involved in shaping water policy and management in the colorado river basin, including participation and engagement in the national environmental policy act (nepa) process to develop the post-2026 operational guidelines and strategies for lake powell and lake mead. Unfortunately, several tribes in the colorado river basin lack a dedicated water resource staff, program, and or department and therefore are unable to regularly participate in these important discussions. Even those tribes that do have an existing water resources management organizational structure could benefit from technical assistance by professional water resource experts. The circuit rider program will assist tribes by providing technical expertise to support tribal engagement and a dedicated water resource professional to assist a tribe, and or supplement the tribes existing capacity.