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<br />., <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />e <br /> <br />July 22, 1997 <br /> <br />Mr. Dan Merriman, Chief <br />Water Rights Investigative Section <br />Colorado Water Conservation Board <br />1313 Sherman Street, Room 721 <br />Denver, ill 80203 <br /> <br />RECEIVED <br />JUt 23 1997 <br /> <br />Colorado Water <br />ConselVation Board <br /> <br />SUbject: Request for In-8tream Flow Filing on Dallas Creek <br /> <br />Dear Mr. Merriman: <br /> <br />This letter is a request from twelve families who reside along (or own water <br />rights on) Dallas Creek, a tributary of the Uncompahgre River in Ouray County. <br />We are writing to petition the Colorado Water Conservation Board to establish <br />In-Stream Flow protection on Dallas Creek during the six ronths of the Non- <br />Irrigation Season. <br /> <br />Dallas Creek is a trout stream with a year-round flow which originates in <br />the Sneffels range of the San Juan Mountains. As it descends to lower <br />elevations, the creek sustains the fertile valleys in and around the town of <br />Ridgway, Colorado. Eventually it joins the Uncompahgre River at the site of the <br />Ridgway State Recreation Area, a newly es;tablished state park and reservoir. <br />Throughout its journey, the creek not only supplies water to the traditional <br />ranching operations around Ridgway, but it is the natural habitat for an abundance <br />of wildlife. During the winter months, large herds of elk and mule deer reside <br />in the valleys along Dallas Creek searching for shelter and food. Bald eagles, <br />blue herons, and other birds are dependent upon the creek for winter fishing <br />forays. In the earliest months of each :\Tear, Canadian geese and ducks seek out <br />the Dallas Creek wetlands for nesting pw:poses. other wildlife noted with <br />regularity along the creek include mountain lion, bobcat, bear, coyote, as well <br />as beaver, badger, porcupine, rabbit and skunk. <br /> <br />We believe this natural environment to be in imminent danger. During the <br />decade of the Nineties, a population expl.osion in our county has been heralded by <br />developers who are attempting, with inc~sing frequency, to divert and/or consume <br />Dallas Creek. We fear for the future of this creek and, in fact, for the health <br />and well-being of the entire interdepend<ent stream system in our area of Colorado. <br />As a result, we the undersigned group of neighbors have worked actively to <br />preserve this delicate balance, but now we need additional help. <br /> <br />Since 1993, the twelve families below have been involved in contesting a <br />Water Court case which would allow the diversion of 10 c.f.s. of water out of <br />Dallas Creek for the use ofa speculative high-density development on a nearby <br />mesa. The case would permit pumping the creek water approximately 1,000 feet in <br />elevation each winter, with no return flow to the valley. Should the full <br />10 c.f.s. be perfected, this water right alone could deplete the stream in its <br />entirety during many non-irrigation months. According to records on file with <br />