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upstream from the confluence with Gore Creek. Minturn provides municipal water service to <br />over 1,300 residents from water sources on Cross Creek and the Eagle River. Minturn has, over <br />the past two years, developed, obtained funding for, and implemented the first phase of a river <br />restoration project on a one-mile segment of the Eagle River running through the Town, to <br />reverse the adverse impacts of past mining practices on water quality and on the configuration of <br />the river channel, and the corresponding deterioration of fishery and riparian habitat. This <br />restoration project has restored the natural environment and aquatic habitat in the Eagle River <br />and allowed the resumption of recreational use in this area. The Town of Minturn is preparing a <br />proposal for subxnission to the State of Colorado for the funding of Phase 2 of the restoration <br />project. Phase 2 wiil include the segment of the Eagle River from the Town bridge to Gore <br />Creek. The recreational activities associated with the Eagle River, such as fishing, rafting, and <br />cycling, along with primary and secondary services associated with these activities, are the <br />lifeblood of Minturn's economy. As such, the Town is concerned about any negative precedent <br />that might be set with respect to recreation water rights in the instant action. <br />C. Grand Countv is a west slope county heavily dependent upon Colorado's <br />recreation-based economy and the use of water for recreation purposes. In a recent study by <br />Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, recreational amenities were the number one <br />reason people bought property in Grand County. Rafting and kayaking in Byers Canyon, Gore <br />Canyon and below Green Mountain Reservair are an important recreational component of Grand <br />County's economy. As such, the County is concemed about any negative precedent that might <br />be set with respect to recreation water rights in the instant action. <br />3