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INTRODUCTION An anniversary is the observance of a milestone, most often measured in years. The 50th anniversary of the Colorado River Water Users Association is that and more - much more. That's because the first 50 years of this organization abound in accomplishments that transcend the passage of time; they, in fact, parallel the development of the western United States. The Colorado River Water Users Association's first half- century is rich in story and lore, friendships and lawsuits, drainage ditches and massive dams. Such activities shaped the group's evolution into a thriving, influential, independent, insightful voice in one of the West's most critical arenas - stewardship of the Colorado River. Entities comprising the association are the seven Colorado River basin states - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming - plus the Ten Tribes Partnership. The pages of this book, with their captivating photographs and well-penned prose, recount the accomplishments and dogged determination of the pragmatic farmers, ranchers, politicos and water users who forged the organization out of their deep-rooted desire to nurture the Colorado's priceless offering. More a state-by-state synopsis than a comprehensive historical document, this publication is couched between a studied retrospective of the first five decades and a thought-provoking look at the next 50 years. The main chapters were provided by the association's 1995 public affairs committee and, therefore, reflect the views of the individual entities. Other appropriate credits are bestowed on individuals and firms whose contributions were partially responsible for funding this publication. They are listed on the inside back cover. The association expresses its sincere gratitude to them. The real contributors, however, are the hundreds, nay, thousands of unheralded individuals who helped forge a legacy of foresight for all of us to follow. That's who this book is all about. To those hearty souls whom we followed, we convey our heartfelt thanks and hopefully perpetuate their accomplishments with the publication of this book. To those who will inherit the fruits of our labors, we confidently pass along a priceless resource - the Colorado River Water Users Association. PHOTO LEFT: SUN GLIMMERING ON THE WATER ACCENTS MAJESTIC MIDLAKE MESAS AND BUTTES THAT GIVE THE COLORADO RIVER'S LAKE POWELL ITS DISTINCT AND SCENIC SIGNATURE. COVER PHOTO: WITH HUNDREDS OF MILES OF ZIGZAGGING SHORELINE, THE COLORADO RIVER AND ITS LAKES PROVIDE A RECREATIONAL WONDERLAND FOR MILLIONS WHO VISIT EACH YEAR. 1