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. March 18, 1999 . . Colorado Water Conservation Board Atten: Dan Merriman 721 Centennial Bldg. 1313 Sherman St. Denver CO 80203 Dear Mr. Merriman, I represent the 280 home owners of Mountainside in Frisco, CO. Our homes are located next to and around bodies of water fed by Miner's Creek. We are very concerned that the Town of Breckenridge is trying to get water rights to divert part of Miner's Creek. Miner's Creek is a beautiful, year round flowing stream that runs down through Frisco and into Lake Dillon. Brook trout spawn in the stream in the fall and it feeds two bodies of water, Rainbow Lake and Bill's Ranch Lake, as well as beaver ponds and wetlands. Rainbow Lake is a short hike from Frisco, yet having the undisturbed natural beauty that Colorado is famous for. It's a highlight for visitors and locals alike. The creek also runs along a large portion of the Peaks Trail, probably the most popular bikinglhiking trail between Breckenridge and Frisco. The trail is popular in part because of the beauty of Miner's Creek. The Breckenridge proposal would do a number of negative things. If even a portion of the water is diverted, it could mean that Miner's Creek would dry up completely in the low-water months of August and September. Also, it could mean that Rainbow Lake, Bill's Ranch Lake, and surrounding wetlands and beaver ponds would dry up as well. No one can ever remember that happening in our lifetimes. By changing the flow rate of the creek, the mineral content and/or chemical makeup of the water is also altered, which could affect spawning trout. Not to mention, if the creek is dry, there will be no spawning trout. All native vegetation and wildlife in the wetland areas would be altered if the level of this small creek lowers or disappears completely. Ancient water rights are said to have priority over all else. But in a state where conservation, tourism, and preservation of natural beauty is a RECEIVED MAR 2 2 1999 Colorado Water Conservation Board