BOARD01800

• Board Meeting Date: 7/23/2001
• Description: Resolution Concerning the Proposed Rio Grande Outstanding Natural Area
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

STATE OF COLOR!\DO

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Department of Natural Resources
1313 Sherman Street, Room 718
Denver, Colorado B0203
Phone, (3031 866-3311
TOD, [phone]
Fax: [phone]

DEPARIMENT OF
NATURAL
RESOURCES

July 5, 2001

Bill Owens
Governor

The Honorable Scott McInnis
US House of Representatives
320 Cannon HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515

Greg E. Walcher
Executive Director

Dear Congressman Mchmis:

The State of Colorado supports legislation to establish a Rio Grande Outstanding
Natural Area. As you may know, this proactive approach has a great deal oflocal
support.

The purpose of this legislation is to recognize the importance of the riparian
conidor of the Rio Grande below Alamosa. We believe it is important to establish a river
management system that allows for both federal and private interests to work together to
protect the area, without the need for hotly controversial federal water rights.

Outstanding natural area legislation would provide for improved management of
the area, with voluntary participation from willing private landowners. This collaborative
approach would allow for federal incentives and funding while maintaining local values
and input for this unique natural landscape.

We look forward to working with you and your staff on this and other issues
along the Rio Grande corridor. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact me or Kent Holsinger of my staff. Thank you.

eg E. Walcher,
Executive Director

e cc: Colorado Congressional Delegation

Board of land Commissioners - Division of Minerals & Geology/Geological Survey
Oil & Gas Conservation Commission . Colorado State Parks. State Forest Service
Water Conservation Board. Division of Water Resources - Division of Wildlife