BOARD01800

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

.

.

.

,DRAFT RESOLUTION OF THE
RIO GRANDE COMPACT COMMISSION

REGARDING THE RIO GRANDE OUTSTANDING
NATURAL AREA LEGISLATION PROPOSED BY THE
RIO GRANDE W ATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT BOARD

JULY 23, 2001

WHEREAS, Colorado's rivers at and near the State border are uniquely vulnerable to

federal management decisions which could interfere with Colorado's opportunities to fully

- utilize i-ts Compact apportioned waters; and

,
WHEREAS, Colorado is subject to the Rio Grande Compact which requires the annual

delivery of a proportionate share of the flows of the Rio Grande and Conejos Rivers to the State

of New Mexico each year; and

WHEREAS, the Rio Grande Compact's operation insures that flows occur through the

reach of the river below Alarilosa; and

WHEREAS, Colorado has fully utilized its Compact apportioned waters for over 70

years; and

WHEREAS, federal legislation to protect wild and scenic rivers carries with it a federal

reserved water right and significant authority to regulate the use of private land along the river;

and

WHEREAS, other forms of federal land reservation or withdrawal, including national

recreational areas and national conservation areas, carry with them the threat of an implied