Shoshone Water Rights Accepted as Instream Flow

In a big win for the Colorado River, the purchase of water rights to protect and leave in the river flows that support river health and recreation was unanimously approved by the Colorado Water Conservation Board. On November 19th, the Board signed off on “the interest in the acquisition” of both the junior and senior water rights associated with the Shoshone Hydropower Plant as an instream flow. American Whitewater was a party in the contested hearing in front of the Board in support of the acquisition of the instream flow right. We jointly submitted a prehearing statement with the Colorado River Outfitters Association describing in detail the benefits to river recreation on the mainstem of the Colorado from Kremmling to Glenwood Springs. We also provided testimony at a September hearing to the Board.

These are some of the most senior water rights on the river and keep boatable flows in the river through one of the longest boating seasons in the state. The Colorado River District and Public Service Company of Colorado, along with the support of the Colorado Water Conservation Board staff, were asking the state to accept the donation of these water rights as an instream flow and to ensure that the Colorado River District would have a say in how they are operated.

The work to finalize permanency for these water rights is far from complete, but with this milestone, we are now sure that when the process is complete, the river will be protected in perpetuity. American Whitewater is proud to have played a small part in this effort and will continue to advocate for the full funding of purchasing these water rights. When the acquisition of these water rights makes it through the Colorado water court, this will be by far the largest environmental water right in the state's history. People from all across the state came together to support this massive step forward towards the protection of the state’s namesake river.

So next time you get a chance to enjoy the beauty and excitement of the whitewater in Glenwood Canyon, remember that the water once committed to that small powerhouse by the parking lot is now promised to the river for the future.