9370 ‎(2)‎

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9370
• Author: Colorado Water Workshop.
• Title: 1996 Colorado Water Workshop.
• USFW Year: 1996.
• USFW - Doc Type: Western State College of Colorado.
• Copyright Material: NO

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not use agricultural land the same way as did the former owners. Some are interested in

improving the stream(s) on their property for receational purposes. This type of interest may
increase over time.

CONCLUSION,

MFWP's water leasing program was, perhaps, "fraught with problems" in the beginning and is
still not completely understood or accepted by some. But, with the passing of time and an
ensuing dialog, it is now supported by many of its former foes.

Water leasing for instream flows will not solve all of Montana's dewatering problems because
of the complexity of obtaining leases, the small quantities of water that are usually involved and
the potential effects on existing water users. However, it is one means to help balance the
competing uses of a finite water resource.

MFWP will continue to pursue leases in a careful but deliberate manner that will improve fish
habitat, fish populations and fishing opportunities.

Rivers and streams benefit our lives emotionally and economically. We seek out flowing waters
for many reasons: Fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, agricultural use and for drinking
water. Historically, out-of-stream water use has had the priority and has reduced the quality of
the instream uses in many rivers and streams. Contemporary attitudes in Montana are toward
rectifiying that situation through water leasing to once again allow a stream to use some of its
own water.

"A river is more than an amenity, it is a treasure. It offers a necessity of life that must be
rationed among those who have power over it. "

-- Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

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