We have been engaged in working group meetings and conducting research on how water policy in the Colorado Basin is conducted. It is overwhelmingly apparent in every meeting we attend and within letters that are sent that recreation is never listed as a priority in making water policy decisions within the Colorado River Basin. While the other management priorities are crucially important, there is no good reason that recreation users and the massive economic benefit they create should be entirely excluded from the process.
For example in the recent Flaming Gorge Working Group Meeting (image below) priority is given to fish species and ensuring their continued lifespan. This has also been apparent in other Colorado Basin unit meetings. Not only do recreation users bring in billions of dollars each year but businesses rely on a sustained water level that is not being discussed in these meetings. Again, the environmental concerns are important, but they should be balanced against all the other concerns – which must include recreation.
On April 8, 2022, a letter from the Department of the Interior was sent to the Colorado River commissioners of the Colorado Basin states requesting feedback on the current Drought Response Plan. In this letter, the Department recognized they have had “ongoing consultation and engagement with the Basin’s Tribes, other federal agencies, the Republic of Mexico, water users and NGO’s” (non-government organizations).
BRC has sent a formal letter requesting that we be a coordinating NGO to represent recreation users and be the voice at the table that makes sure recreation is a valued interest. We believe formal representation for recreation is crucial so that future decisions will be made with our interests in mind. Below is the letter we have sent in making this request.
Please add your voice to ours by using the tool below to send a letter asking that recreation be formally recognized as an important component in ongoing and future discussions of water management within the Colorado River Basin.
Remember, recreational user rights are non-consumptive. There will have to be some rethinking of water distribution from the Colorado River until Lake Powell reaches a level of 3588 and establishes that level into permanency.
Once that level has been reached, water allocations can resume depending on the availability of current moisture. The water simply flows through to Lower Basin users, as it has always done, but Lake Powell is left intact for the full enjoyment of visitors from all around the world. Hydroelectric power generation and the economic benefit to the region will continue. That number is in excess of $450 M annually with an economic multiplier of 10 for the surrounding region. Without the preservation of Lake Powell’s infrastructure, there is no significant utilization, and very little revenue generated.
Fill Lake Powell
Fill the lake. Please consider filling the lake until it reaches a level of 3588’. Once this level has been established in permanency the allocation of water can be resumed.
This lake has been been part of our family experiences for over 50+ years. We understand the need for water allocation, but there are other avenues for that to the consumer. In the meantime, please fill the lake.
Peter, I 100% agree with you. My concern is they will shift the recreation to hiking, biking and 4-wheeling. I see them coming now. My concern with this is the land destruction they cause. I also think there should be way more value in the fact this is a National Park like no other. For that reason alone it should be preserved.
Recreational user rights are imperative to preserve the appreciation of our landscape for future generations. The beautiful canyons and land areas of Lake Powell are enjoyed by camping and boating. When children have the opportunity to see the majesty of this area, they will want to help preserve what is so special. Hopefully they will learn to see beyond development which takes the water from Lake Powell. We need a generation which values water and earth in order to save the beauty of nature for generations that follow them. The experiences and feelings that one can have while experiencing Lake Powell and the Colorado river are magnificent. This happens with recreational use. It is a treasure we need to fight for.
Please give recreational users a voice in the ongoing decisions regarding lake Powell
Remember, recreational user rights are non-consumptive. There will have to be some rethinking of water distribution from the Colorado River until Lake Powell reaches a level of 3588 and establishes that level into permanency.
Once that level has been reached, water allocations can resume depending on the availability of current moisture. The water simply flows through to Lower Basin users, as it has always done, but Lake Powell is left intact for the full enjoyment of visitors from all around the world. Hydroelectric power generation and the economic benefit to the region will continue. That number is in excess of $450 M annually with an economic multiplier of 10 for the surrounding region. Without the preservation of Lake Powell’s infrastructure, there is no significant utilization, and very little revenue generated.
Fill Lake Powell
The first fish I caught at lake Powell was a trout, yes, trout in Annies canyon may 1967. I got engaged in the bullfrog campground september 1976. My grandaughter and grandson learned to waterski at the mouth of the escalante june 2014. Recreation is just that – re creation- of memories many of my best ones were enjoyed while under the enchantment of the red and blue of glen canyon made possible by the foresight and hard work/expense of those who made it possible. Hundreds of millions of similar yet unique memories have been created because the miracle of lake Powell made it accessible. The time has come for an added layer of management to be applied so the initial investment can realize its full potential. Maintaining a reasonable minimum level is imperative so that my grand children can write you 60 years from now and thank everyone for their memories
I 100% support this movement. Some of my best memories with my Dad were made on Lake Powell. It breaks my heart to think that some of our favorite fishing holes now have no water.
I want to be able to share this amazing lake with my own kids someday.
I want my kids to enjoy the lake the way I have for the last 22 years. Please fill and maintain the lake at 3588′.