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0890 'c_ . EMBARGOED UNTIL 8 A.M. MOT, / 10/11/85 CONTACT: J. KASSIOAY, 202/225-4676 BROWN ANNOUNCES paUORE RIVER COMPROMISE LOVELAND, CO -- U.S. Rep. Bank Brown, R-CO, announced today he introduced legislation last night to designate 75 miles of the Cache La Poudre River as Colorado's first wild and scenic river. Brown, who represents eastern Colorado in Congress, made the announcement at a Friday morning press conference at the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. -This legislation is the result of long negotiations between the northern Colorado water community and local and national environmental groups,. Brown said. -It represents the best spirit of compromise in terms of the long-term interests of all of northern Colorado. The individuals involved should be proud of their contribution to our future.- Starting at the river's source at Poudre Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Brown's bill would preserve the river through the town of Poudre Park. Thirty-one miles of the river would be designated as -wild- and 44 miles as -recreational.- The legislation makes clear that nothing in the act would affect existing water rights on the river or preclude a future water storage project downstream of designated portions of the river. The bill also includes authorization for land acquisition from willing sellers along the designated portions of the river. Private property rights are protected by the bill and acquiSitions of public rights-of-way and scenic easements will occur only where necessary and only when owners wish to sell. -If passed, this bill would be a historic first for Colorado,- BrOwn said. -It preserves a unique, scenic river canyon while keeping open future water storage options so vital to the region.- (MORE)