This process would be somewhat expedited, unique and, for some, it raises concerns about transparency and whether the public comment periods that are typically a part of an EIS process will be shortened.
Category: Water
Our water desk, staffed by Heather Sackett, produces the most authoritative reporting available on Roaring Fork and upper Colorado river basin water policy and politics.
Posted inWater
Front Range and Western Slope debate who should control Shoshone water rights
The River District is pushing for co-management of the water rights with the CWCB, which would be a departure from the norm, as the CWCB has never shared management of an instream-flow water right this large or this important with another entity.
Posted inWater
State water board to decide if Shoshone water rights can be used for environment
The hearing reignites rivalries between the Western Slope and the Front Range, which takes about 500,000 acre-feet of water a year from Colorado River basin headwaters across the Continental Divide, a practice that can leave Western Slope streams depleted.
Posted inWater
Delta County ranchers want state action on conservation
The conservation conversation comes at a pivotal time for water users on the Colorado River, which remains wracked by drought and climate change.
Posted inWater
Low river flows trigger calls, closures, stressed fish
But this summer’s lack of precipitation and low soil moisture were the main drivers of dry streams.
Posted inWater
‘You need to have a fair bit of data’
At the request of LRE, scientists will pick a day this fall to take water quality samples and flow measurements at points along the entire length of the creek to better understand the sources of contamination.
Posted inWater
Private lake in Eagle County source of zebra mussels in Colorado River
Baker said that the lake’s owner is collaborating with CPW on a mitigation plan.
Posted inWater
River District offers proposal on Western Slope water deal
But Front Range water providers said that accepting the instream flow right would amount to an endorsement of the River District’s historical use estimate, which would mean taking a side in the Front Range versus Western Slope disagreement.
Posted inSocial justice
Indigenous youths finish historic journey down Klamath River with help of Aspen-based nonprofit after dams removed
Now that the dams are out, Thompson hopes reconnecting with the river, including through salmon fishing and recreation opportunities, can help address a rise in health concerns such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as mental health challenges faced by tribes in the region, including addiction and suicide.
Posted inWater
Judge sides with River District in Grand County dam case
The River District win comes at a pivotal time for Colorado water managers that underscores the simmering tension that remains between the West Slope and Front Range.