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COLORADO RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT STUDY: FINAL REPORT From the numher and diversity of issues identified, it is clear that even greater chal- lenges in the use and management of Colorado I River resources lie ahead, The suc- cessful resolution of these challenges depends qn effective management. There is a tendency to focus debate on whether or not the :extensive body of laws, treaties, and compacts, known as the Law of the River, is br~ken. But such a debate may deflect attention from more pressing issues of basin management. Throughout the sludy par- ticipants from all interest groups suggested changes in current management, but few suggested discarding it entirely, Colorado River ritanagement has evolved over time to address the river's issues. That framework provides continuity and gives confidence t~ stakeholders. It can be expected , I~at management will continue to allapt to resolve present and future J . . L1aSIn Issues. Bederal, regional, state, and local Y(lanagers are attempting to address t~ese challenges, but change is often ~ainful. The issues are complex, ipcluding not simply economic but significant components of lifestyle, I~nd use, property rights, and cultural heritage. Rural stakeholders shared 40ncerns that their community base is ~eing threatened and often feel pow- ~rless to oppose it. Native Americans 4nd other stakeholders expressed *nger that their voices continue to fall ?n deaf ears, The aesthetic values of rater, often expressed as free-flowing rvers, exists in irrigated fields and city parks as well. The protection of , Fultural resources within the basin is pf increasing concern, Conservation ~nd environmental protection are part pf management in every corner of the fasin, But the size of the basin and the complexity of the issues make solu- I. I' ItlOns e USlVe, , iperhaps the most common theme in lour conversations with many stake- :holders across the basin is the over- whelming number and diversity of issues facin'g basin management today. In spite of that, we discovered a high degree of optimisn) from stakeholders that creative solu- tions will be found. We were impressed wit~ the strong, diverse support for such cooperative efforts as the Upper Colorado Riter Fish Recovery Program, Colorado River Work Group, Colorado River Basin 5 linity Control Forum, Glen Canyon Adaptive Management Work Group, Colorado ,River Wildlife Council and the recent- ly initiated Lower Colorado River Multi-Specie~ Habitat Conservation Plan. While not immune to criticism, these and similar efforts ~re grappling with what were described by stakeholders as the essential components df effective management: greater inclu- ! Just above the border with Mexico, The All-American canal delivers water to southern California.