Laserfiche WebLink
0 <br />U <br />W <br />It may seem somewhat of a subtlety t T1911111RIMPORWreation in this arid state revolves around <br />water— frozen, flowing or otherwise. Whether it be man -made entertainment like kayak parks and ski <br />pistes, tests of skill between the angler and his catch, or quiet observation of the incredible journey <br />of thousands of migrating birds, our water resources allow us an impressive quality of life that cannot <br />always be tabulated on a spreadsheet. <br />River corridors are also natural centers of biodiversity whether on the plains or in the mountains, <br />attracting people and wildlife alike. It makes up what the Colorado Riparian Association refers to as "the <br />green line." Historically, it is where we have built our cities, factories and farms. <br />In our busy modern lives, it can be easy to forget the intricacies and unique rhythms of this natural <br />world. But thanks to the foresight of President Theodore Roosevelt, his forester Gifford Pinchot, and <br />others who first organized to advocate for the sustainable use of forests, soils and water, Coloradans <br />now have a wonderful playground of public lands to enjoy. <br />Water dedicated to recreation is not a new concept in Colorado. The state has long recognized water <br />rights for snowmaking; fish and wildlife culture, as well as releases from storage for boating and fishing <br />flows. Since 1907, the U.S. Supreme Court has also upheld numerous implied federal reserved rights <br />for a variety of national parks, monuments, and other federal reservations. <br />But as the state's water resources become spread ever more thinly between people and the environ- <br />ment, scrutiny of how this water is shared has become ever more intense — witness the recent debate <br />over recreational in- channel diversions. <br />This issue of Headwaters has both a serious and playful side. I hope it serves to remind readers <br />of all the wonderful resources Colorado has to offer, as well as the utmost seriousness with which we <br />debate their future. <br />Editor and Executive Director <br />