WSP11844

• File Number: 8240.200.36
• Description: Black Canyon National Monument
• State: CO
• Basin: Gunnison
• Water Division: 4
• Date: 1/1/1992
• Author: USDOI/BOR
• Title: Proposed Contract to Deliver Water from the Wayne N. Aspinall Unit to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

National Park Service

managing our resources for the future

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument
and Curecanti National Recreation Area:
resources, recreation and water

Background

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National
Monument was established in 1933 for the
preservation of the spectacular gorges and
additional features of scenic, scientific, and
educational interests. It is managed as a part of the
National Park System under the 1916 act
establishing the National Park Service (NPS) as a
Bureau 'Nithin the Department of Interior, Congress
directed the National Park Service to manage its
areas to

H conserve the scenery and the /laml al ClllJ
historic objects and the wildlife therein
and to provide for the enjoyment of the
same in such manner and by such means as
will leave them unimpaired for the
enjoyment offuture generationsH

(16 USC Sec. 1). Black Canyon has many
characteristics, including valuable natural and
recreational resources, that depend upon the
Gunnison River for survival,

Curecanti National Recreation Area has
been managed by the National Park Service since
1965 under an agreement with the Bureau of
Reclamation, It includes three reservoirs--Blue
Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal. Legislation to

formally establish the area as a unit of the
National Park System has been introduced.

The Colorado Water Court has granted a yet
to be quantified reserved water right to the United
States for the Monument. The proposed contract
cannot create a water right nor satisfy the court
decree for quantification of the reserved water
right. The court granted reserved water right can
only be settled by going before the water court in
accordance with State and Federal law . However,
the need to assess Gunnison River flow necessary
for the Monument is equally valid for both the
conlr.lct negotiation and water right quantification.
The National Park Service anticipates addressing
similar issues during these efforts and will continue
to pursue the quantification of the water right as
required by the Water Court.

Preservation of these valuable components
ofthe NationalMonument has been recognized
with the determination that the Monument has
a right to flow levels that will help maintain its
water related resources. It has also been
recognized that Black Canyon of the Gunnison
National Monument is a national resource and
a beneficial part of the larger geographic area'
of Colorado's Western Slope. The Park Service's
intent is that this contract negotiation will help
us protect both natural and recreational
resources by providing. for long term
commitments for flows within the Monument.

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