Dolores River Boating Advocates (DRBA) would like to respond to recent editorials and letters about the Dolores River.
DRBA and other locals believe it is time to change how Dolores River water is viewed and used. Contrary to how some irrigators portray us, we are not anti-agriculture. We agree that water is life and believe there are additional “beneficial uses” for water.
DRBA would also like to correct some inaccuracies presented in the letters and editorials.
First, to suggest that McPhee Reservoir is the reason the Dolores no longer dries up is incorrect. Historically, the river dried up in late summer because water was removed for irrigation. The letters and editorials also omit the fact that there was a recreation economy on the Dolores that included 22 commercial outfitters. The reservoir has eliminated this part of the economy and altered the natural environment for over 120 miles.
Also ignored is the 12-mile cold water fishery promised by the dam’s creation, which is no longer thriving and the fact that native fish species are threatened. The state of Colorado recently labeled the Dolores below McPhee as “impaired.”
By definition in Colorado water law, conservation and recreation are defined as “beneficial uses.” Using more Dolores River water for recreation is a legitimate and legal possibility.
It takes 1,000 acre feet of water to create one day of rafting on the Lower Dolores. When McPhee is full, 220,000 acre feet are allocated for irrigation. Taking 10,000 to 20,000 acre feet out of irrigation to create an annual 10- to 20-day rafting season and support fish will not destroy agriculture and will provide economic and environmental benefits throughout the region.
DRBA encourages the use of water to ensure that all humans and the natural environment have enough water for their health and livelihood. The way the Dolores is being used today is not working. This needs to change.
DRBA, with the Dolores Water Conservancy District, will host a meeting at 6 p.m. on July 26 at the Dolores Community Center to discuss the 2016 spill. Please join us.
Sam Carter
Josh Munson
Dolores
