Support Shoshone Permanency
If you’ve driven I-70 through western Colorado, you’ve likely driven by the Shoshone dam and powerhouse in the depths of Glenwood Canyon. Unless you have stopped to boat the Colorado there - and I hope you have! - you would likely miss the over hundred year old structures tucked in the canyon walls. But that small hydropower operation holds the largest and oldest water rights that keep the Colorado River flowing throughout most of the year from Kremmling to the Glenwood Springs. Because of this, American Whitewater has been a proud supporter of the Shoshone Water Right Preservation Coalition. Preserving the streamflow created by the Shoshone water rights creates massive benefits upstream and downstream for Colorado’s recreation, environment, communities, and water users across the state, especially in light of a hotter and drier future.
The Colorado River Water Conservation District (River District) has been working to purchase these water rights to protect them in perpetuity and utilize them as an instream flow. These flows, up to 1408 cfs, create boatable flows throughout much of the year through Glenwood Canyon. Additionally, for the river reaches upstream of the Colorado’s confluence with Eagle River, the Shoshone water rights call pulls water down from reservoirs in the headwaters of the Colorado and makes flows in Gore Canyon and Pumphouse, ideal.
The acquisition of these water rights for instream purposes is going in front of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in mid September. American Whitewater has party status for this hearing and will provide testimony about the importance of this water right to recreational uses on the river. The (CWCB) is accepting public comment right now. This is a great opportunity to send a unique message about your experience boating on the Upper Colorado River, anywhere from Gore Glenwood Canyon.
Follow this step-by-step guide to submit your comment today:
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Submit by August 31: Your public comment can help secure permanent protection of the Shoshone Water Rights. Every voice matters — make yours count today.
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Email: Colorado Water Conservation Board: viola.bralish@state.co.us
Example:
Subject: Public Comment – Please Accept Shoshone Water Rights into ISF Program
Body:
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Opening: I support the inclusion of the Shoshone Water Rights through the State’s Instream Flow Program and urge the CWCB to accept the proposed acquisition.
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Who you are: Name, location, and your experience on the Upper Colorado River
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Call to action: Please accept these flows into the State’s Instream Flow Program and secure this vital protection for the Colorado River, and communities that rely on it.
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Signature: [Name, title/organization if applicable]
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Send!
The public comment is open for a limited time. We recommend submitting comments by August 31 to ensure timely consideration.