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<br />since that time. They simply hadn't bothered with adjudicating all <br />federal rights up to ~his time. They are doing it now in this state <br />and other states as well. I understand through rumors that many people <br />believe that Colorado is ~eing singled out for discrimination treat- <br />ment. This is not the case. People have been asked to contribute <br />money to fight this matter. The state is going to do everything <br />possible to protect the people of this state. The Indians, however, <br />~re also people of this state. The question of whether or not they <br />are entitled to water is not a state matter. However, if the federal <br />government is going to ~~e unreasonable demands for the Indians or <br />for any other purpose, for the national pa~~s or national monuments - <br />this is where the state has a legitimate interest. I believe that <br />the state is in a better position to contest the issues than are <br />various individual citizens. It will cost money, but everybody should <br />bear' the burden. \'Ie intend to get into these cases to pursue those <br />two matters primarily. First, to insure tha.t the federal government <br />administers its decrees in conformity with state law; and secondly, <br />to insure that the federal government is allowed only a reasonable <br />amount of water for the claims which it is making. Colorado is not <br />being singled out anymore than any place in the nation. A year ago <br />we prepared an opinion for Senator Ruland from southwestern Colorado <br />setting forth the federal Indian doctrine. It is not only an Indian <br />doctrine. but it is the same doctrine that applies to the national <br />forests. national parks. national monuments, or any other federal <br />lands. The Indian question is only par.t and parcel of a much broader <br />federal claim to \-later rights. ~qe will not get a speedy determination. <br />I will guess that this matter will still be around ten years from <br />now, which will be beyond my service on this board. <br /> <br />~tr. Stapleton: Is this an announcement? <br /> <br />~tr. Sparks: That is a guarantee. <br /> <br />~tr. Vandemoer: Mr. Chairman, I move for approval of your - I don't <br />know what you call this. <br /> <br />l.tr. Stapleton: All right. the resolu.tion that has been prepared by <br />}tr. Span~s is moved that it be adopted. Do we hear a second? <br /> <br />ptr. Burr: I don't even have it. <br /> <br />~tr. Stapleton: This isn't a part of the open meeting. Yes, you may. <br />Yes. I thought maybe you picked up the stuff at the door when you <br />came in. All right. "\'lhereas, the federal government has now filed <br /> <br />-53- <br /> <br />"""- <br /> <br />I <br /> <br />I <br />